Why this home stands out
At 4,190 square feet, this 1938-built multi-family property offers a footprint that's genuinely hard to find in central Norfolk. The architecture carries the character of its era — think substantial construction, thick walls, and the kind of proportions that newer builds simply don't replicate. Add a three-minute drive to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and a half-mile walk to The Fresh Market, and the location does a lot of the heavy lifting on its own.
GHENT and the Norfolk real estate market
Shirley Avenue sits in one of Norfolk's most walkable and historically layered pockets, just east of the Ghent neighborhood boundary. The streets here are lined with mature trees and early-twentieth-century architecture, giving the block a grounded, unhurried feel that's increasingly rare in a city this active. Norfolk itself is a place of genuine variety — waterfront parks, a thriving arts scene, independent restaurants, and one of the largest naval installations in the world all coexist within city limits. The 23517 zip code is particularly well-positioned: close enough to downtown Norfolk and the medical district to feel connected, but residential enough to feel like a real neighborhood. Families comparing homes for sale in 23517 often note how much daily life you can handle on foot from this part of town. Whether you're drawn to Norfolk for its military ties, its culture, or simply its value relative to neighboring cities, Shirley Avenue puts you near the center of it all.
What's nearby
Daily errands are almost effortless here. The Fresh Market is 0.2 miles away, and Dollar General is just 0.3 miles out for quick runs. When you're ready to eat, Vang Go Bistro, Yummy Wok, and The Taphouse Grill are all within a tenth of a mile. Coffee options include the laid-back Catnip Cat Cafe and Town Center Cold Pressed – Ghent, both within 0.2 miles. For fitness, Meyer Fitness Personal Training Studio, Flourish, and PureCore Pilates are all within two blocks. Yellow Fever Park and Jeff Robertson Park are close for outdoor time, and the Weyanoke Bird & Wildflower Sanctuary is just 0.4 miles away.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is a three-minute drive from 742 Shirley Ave, and USCG Base Portsmouth is five minutes out — making this one of the tightest base-to-front-door commutes you'll find in the area. A VA loan can make a multi-family property like this especially practical, and the walkable neighborhood means a second vehicle is often optional. Families comparing Norfolk homes for sale with short base commutes should put this address near the top of the list.
For buyers drawn to character
Buildings from 1938 don't show up at 4,190 square feet very often, and when they do, they tend to have the kind of presence that newer construction simply can't manufacture. The proportions, the materials, the way the structure sits on the lot — it all reflects a period when multi-family buildings were designed to last generations. If you're drawn to homes for sale in Norfolk with real architectural history, 742 Shirley Ave is worth a serious look.
More buyer questions
How far is 742 Shirley Ave from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is approximately three minutes by car from 742 Shirley Ave, making it one of the shortest base commutes available in this part of Norfolk. USCG Base Portsmouth is about five minutes away.
What is the square footage of 742 Shirley Ave?
The property totals 4,190 square feet, which is a substantial footprint for a 1938-built multi-family structure in central Norfolk.
Is 742 Shirley Ave in a flood zone?
Flood zone information for this address is covered in the FloodRisk tile on this page — check that section for the most current FEMA designation.
Where can families find homes for sale zoned for Kings Daughters Hosp. Ep. and homes for sale zoned for W.H. Taylor Elementary School in this area?
Both school zones cover portions of the 23517 zip code — use the school zone search pages linked on this site to see exactly which streets and addresses fall within each boundary.
What grocery stores and restaurants are walkable from 742 Shirley Ave?
The Fresh Market is 0.2 miles away, and Vang Go Bistro, Yummy Wok, and The Taphouse Grill are all within a tenth of a mile — making this one of the more walkable addresses among homes for sale in Norfolk at this price tier.
Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty know this part of Norfolk well. Reach out to talk through what 742 Shirley Ave could look like for your situation — no pressure, just straight answers.
