Why this home stands out
What sets #3A apart is the combination of genuine square footage and a downtown address that most one-bedroom condos can't match. At 1,026 square feet, you're getting real living space — room for a proper home office, a full dining setup, or simply the breathing room that compact urban units rarely offer. Add a 2005 build year, meaning modern construction standards, and you have a downtown footprint that actually feels like home.
DOWNTOWN AREA and the Norfolk real estate market
Freemason is one of Norfolk's most storied and walkable districts, sitting just steps from the Elizabeth River waterfront and the city's downtown core. The streets here are lined with historic architecture, independent restaurants, and small green spaces that give the neighborhood a distinctly human scale. If you've been searching for a house to buy in Norfolk with genuine urban character, Freemason consistently rises to the top of that conversation. The broader downtown Norfolk area has seen steady investment in arts, dining, and public spaces, and Freemason sits right at the center of that energy. You're within easy reach of the Waterside District, MacArthur Center, and the performing arts venues along Granby Street. Norfolk itself is a city of real neighborhoods — each with its own personality — and Freemason is the one that feels most like a classic city neighborhood transplanted straight from a larger coastal metro.
What's nearby
Daily life from #3A is genuinely walkable. Grab a morning coffee at kantodo or Simple Coffee, both just a block away, or pick up provisions at Macarthur General Store and Mercato Di Grazia within a short stroll. Amale Tre Focacceria & Italian Deli adds a European-deli option at 0.2 miles. For a quick meal, Barrel 17 is right around the corner, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Sbarro are equally close. Fitness options are plentiful — DB3 Boxing Gym is 0.1 miles out, Furry Friends Yoga is 0.2 miles, and Gym Downtown rounds out the options at 0.3 miles. Arts Festival Green, Misa City Park, and the Reading Garden all sit within 0.2 miles for fresh air without a drive.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
USCG Base Portsmouth and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth are both roughly a 2-minute drive from 515 E Freemason St — an unusually short commute that leaves more time for everything else. For service members exploring VA loan options, a downtown Norfolk condo at this distance from two installations is a rare find. BAH for the Portsmouth area typically aligns well with downtown Norfolk pricing.
For first-time buyers
If you're exploring houses for sale in Norfolk Virginia and feeling priced out of larger units, #3A offers a compelling entry point. You get over 1,000 square feet in a walkable downtown neighborhood, a 2005 build with modern systems, and a location that holds long-term appeal. It's a smart first step into Norfolk homeownership without sacrificing space or location.
More buyer questions
How far is 515 E Freemason St #3A from USCG Base Portsmouth?
USCG Base Portsmouth is approximately a 2-minute drive from this address, making it one of the closer downtown Norfolk condos to that installation. The route is straightforward via the Downtown Tunnel.
How far is 515 E Freemason St #3A from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is also about a 2-minute drive, essentially the same short tunnel commute as USCG Base Portsmouth.
What is the flood zone status for 515 E Freemason St #3A?
Flood zone information for this address is displayed in the FloodRisk tile on this page — check there for the current FEMA designation and any relevant flood insurance requirements.
Is there an HOA at 515 E Freemason St #3A?
Yes, this is a condo unit and is subject to a homeowners association. Specific fee amounts and HOA documents are available upon request through your agent.
What can you walk to from 515 E Freemason St in downtown Norfolk?
The address is within a 0.1–0.3 mile walk of multiple coffee shops, restaurants, grocery and deli options, three fitness facilities, and three small parks — plus the broader downtown Norfolk waterfront and arts district are just a short stroll away.
Want to see #3A in person or have questions about the Freemason neighborhood? Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty are ready to help — reach out today.
