Why this home stands out
Built in 1941, this Simonsdale cottage carries the kind of solid mid-century bones that newer construction rarely replicates — think thick walls, a tight footprint that's genuinely easy to maintain, and a lot that gives you real outdoor space without overwhelming upkeep. At 850 square feet, every room earns its keep. For anyone prioritizing proximity to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth or Norfolk Naval Shipyard over square footage, the location alone sets this address apart.
SIMONSDALE and the Portsmouth real estate market
Simonsdale sits in the southwestern pocket of Portsmouth, Virginia — a working waterfront city with deep Navy roots and a surprisingly walkable grid of older neighborhoods. The streets here are lined with post-war cottages and modest bungalows, giving the area a grounded, unpretentious character that longtime residents genuinely appreciate. Neighbors tend to know each other, yards are kept, and the pace feels a step removed from the bustle of Downtown Portsmouth without being far from it at all. Portsmouth itself spans from the historic Olde Towne district along the Elizabeth River to quieter residential corridors like this one, offering a range of parks, independent restaurants, and community anchors. City services are handled through the City of Portsmouth, and the neighborhood's central location means you're rarely more than ten minutes from wherever you need to be — whether that's a base gate, a grocery run, or the waterfront.
What's nearby
Daily errands are genuinely close from 48 W Colin Drive. Food Lion and MP International Grocery are both within half a mile, with Dollar General just a bit farther at 0.7 miles. When you'd rather skip cooking, Papa Johns Pizza and Heaven's Kitchen are practically around the corner at 0.2 miles, and Bubba-N-Frank's Portsmouth is a short walk at 0.4 miles. Wawa and URBAN ICE are under a mile away for your morning routine. Fitness options are well-covered too — Crunch Fitness, MARABLE'S FITNESS, and TIGER Academy of Martial Arts all sit within 0.8 miles. Portsmouth City Park, the Links at City Park golf course, and Portsmouth Volleyball Center round out the outdoor options, all within 0.8 miles.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is eight minutes away, and Norfolk Naval Shipyard is nine — two of Hampton Roads' most active installations, both reachable before your coffee gets cold. For active-duty households weighing a VA loan, this address keeps commute stress low and puts you inside one of Portsmouth's most established residential corridors. Simonsdale's compact, well-connected streets suit the practical mindset that military life tends to build.
For first-time buyers
If you're stepping into homeownership for the first time, 48 W Colin Drive offers a low-maintenance footprint that won't overwhelm a first-time budget or a first-time weekend. Two bedrooms, one bath, and 850 square feet means lower utility costs and straightforward upkeep. The surrounding Simonsdale neighborhood is stable and walkable, and with groceries, restaurants, and a park all under a mile away, you're set up for a comfortable, connected daily life from day one.
More buyer questions
How far is 48 W Colin Drive from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is approximately eight minutes by car from 48 W Colin Drive, making it one of the closest residential options to that installation in the city.
How far is 48 W Colin Drive from Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is about nine minutes away by car, giving households connected to either installation a genuinely short daily commute from this address.
What is the Simonsdale neighborhood like in Portsmouth?
Simonsdale is a quiet, established residential neighborhood in southwestern Portsmouth characterized by mid-century cottages, modest lot sizes, and a close-knit community feel — with everyday amenities well within reach.
Is 48 W Colin Drive in a flood zone?
Flood zone status for this address is detailed in the FloodRisk tile on this page, which pulls current FEMA map data for the specific parcel.
Does 48 W Colin Drive have a garage?
Structural details including garage and parking information for this 1941-built property are best confirmed through the current listing disclosures or a direct walkthrough of the home.
Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty know Portsmouth's neighborhoods inside and out — reach out to get your questions answered and schedule a walkthrough of 48 W Colin Drive.
