742 Shirley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517

Why this home stands out

Few addresses in this zip code combine pre-war scale with genuine urban walkability the way 742 Shirley Ave does. At 4,190 square feet, this 1938-built multi-family building carries the architectural bones of mid-century Norfolk — solid construction, generous proportions, and a street presence that newer builds simply can't replicate. Add a three-minute drive to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and you have a location that's genuinely hard to beat in this corridor.

GHENT and the Norfolk real estate market

Shirley Avenue sits in one of Norfolk's most livable urban pockets, just on the edge of the Ghent neighborhood — a district known for its tree-lined streets, independent restaurants, and a walkable energy that feels rare in Hampton Roads. The 23517 zip code blends historic residential blocks with everyday conveniences close enough to reach on foot. Norfolk itself is a city of real depth: waterfront parks, a thriving arts scene, and a port-city identity that gives it a character all its own. Whether you're comparing Norfolk homes for sale across the city or zeroing in on this specific corridor, the Ghent-adjacent stretch of 23517 consistently stands out for its density of amenities and the quality of its built environment. Streets here feel established and intentional — wide sidewalks, mature trees, and neighbors who have been here long enough to know each other's names.

What's nearby

Daily life at 742 Shirley is genuinely easy. Vang Go Bistro, Yummy Wok, and The Taphouse Grill are all within a tenth of a mile — walkable dinner options on a weeknight. The Fresh Market is just 0.2 miles away for grocery runs, and Town Center Cold Pressed in Ghent and Catnip Cat Cafe are both a short stroll for morning coffee. Fitness is well-covered too: Meyer Fitness Personal Training Studio, Flourish, and PureCore Pilates are all within two blocks. Yellow Fever Park and Jeff Robertson Park offer quick outdoor breaks, while the Weyanoke Bird & Wildflower Sanctuary sits just 0.4 miles away for a quieter escape.

For different buyers

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