Norfolk VA Homes For Sale

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Norfolk Area Guide

Norfolk is an independent city in Virginia. As of 2000, Norfolk’s population was approximately 234,000, making it Virginia’s second largest incorporated city. Norfolk is one of nine cities and seven counties that constitute the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, officially known as the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC MSA. The city is bordered to the west by the Elizabeth River and to the north by the Chesapeake Bay. It also shares land borders with the independent cities of Chesapeake to its south and Virginia Beach to its east. One of the oldest of the Seven Cities of Hampton Roads, Norfolk is considered to be the historic, urban, financial, and cultural center of the region.
The city has a long history as a strategic military and transportation point. Norfolk Naval Base is the world’s largest such base. The city also has the corporate headquarters of Norfolk Southern Railway, one of North America’s principal Class I railroads. As the city is bordered by multiple bodies of water, Norfolk has many miles of riverfront and bay front property.
History

Founded in 1682, Norfolk grew up on the water, and its miles of lake, river and bay front are central to many of its neighborhoods and more than 241,000 people who call these communities home. The city’s popular logo is an elegant young mermaid, who can be spotted in outdoor sites from Downtown to Ocean View, symbolizes 300 years of maritime and naval heritage and its modern reputation as a city on the move.
In 1619, the Governor for the Virginia Colony, Sir George Yeardley established four incorporations for the developed portion of the colony. These formed the basis for colonial representative government in the newly minted House of Burgesses.
In 1634 King Charles I reorganized the colony into a system of shires. After persuading 105 people to settle in the colony, Thoroughgood was granted a large land holding along the Lynnhaven River in 1636. When the South Hampton Roads portion of the shire was partitioned off, Thoroughgood suggested the name of his birthplace for the newly formed New Norfolk County. One year later, it split into two counties, Upper Norfolk County and Lower Norfolk County (present day Norfolk), chiefly on Thoroughgood’s recommendation.
Norfolk was incorporated in 1705 and in 1736 George II granted Norfolk a royal charter as a borough. By 1775, Norfolk developed into what contemporary observers argued was the most prosperous city in Virginia. It was an important port for exporting goods to the British Isles and beyond. In part because of its merchants’ numerous trading ties with other parts of the British Empire, Norfolk served as a strong base of Loyalist support during the early part of the American Revolution. After fleeing the colonial capitol of Williamsburg, Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia, tried to reestablish control of the colony from Norfolk. Dunmore secured small victories at Norfolk but was forced into exile by the American rebels, commanded by Colonel Woodford. His departure brought an end to more than 168 years of British colonial rule in Virginia.

During the 1820’s, agrarian communities across the American South suffered a prolonged recession, which caused many families to migrate to other areas. Many moved west into the Piedmont, or into Kentucky and Tennessee. Such migration also followed the exhaustion of soil due to tobacco cultivation in the Tidewater.
1907 brought both the Virginian Railway and the Jamestown Exposition to Sewell’s Point. The large Naval Review at the Exposition demonstrated the peninsula's favorable location and laid the groundwork for the world's largest naval base. Commemorating the 300th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the exposition featured many prominent officials, including President Theodore Roosevelt, members of Congress, and diplomats from 21 countries.
In the first half of the twentieth century, Norfolk expanded its borders through annexation. In 1906, the City annexed the incorporated town of Berkley, which stretched the city limits across the Elizabeth River. In 1923, the city expanded to include Sewell's Point, Willoughby Spit, the town of Campostella, and the Ocean View area. After a smaller annexation in 1959, and a 1988 land swap with Virginia Beach, the city assumed its current boundaries.
Parks and Recreation
Norfolk offers the community many parks and open recreational areas. The Norfolk community is dedicated to providing a clean and safe environment for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Barruad Park
Barraud Park is located off Tidewater Drive on Vista Drive. The park’s amenities include picnic shelters, a lighted softball field, playgrounds and parking. This site is also home of Norfolk’s Recreational Boxing Program.

Lafayette Park
Lafayette Park, one of Norfolk’s oldest parks, is located at 35th and Granby Streets. It has two outdoor basketball courts, four tennis courts, picnic shelters, a boat ramp, a ball field, a large playground area, and scenic pathways. Lafayette Park is adjacent to the Virginia Zoological Park and the Ernie Morgan Environmental Action Center.

Northside Park
Northside Park is located at the northern end of the city, about two miles south of the Chesapeake Bay. Here you will find a year-round indoor pool with sun patio, two lighted softball diamonds, a playground, picnic shelters, walking paths, outdoor basketball court, seven tennis courts, a wading pool, and ongoing aquatic programs and classes. Northside is also the site of the Imagination Island playground, the largest community-built playground in the state.

Ocean View Beach Park
The unique 6.5-acre park/beach is considered the jewel of Ocean View. The park has a large band shell for presentations and dancing, a beach with lifeguards in the summer, a boardwalk, beach handicap access ramp and lots of open green space.

Tarrallton Park
Located behind the Tarrallton Community Center, the park offers three family-size picnic shelters, a colorful play-equipped area and tot lot, restrooms, lighted tennis courts, lighted basketball court, and three soccer fields. Visitors will also find a Little League softball field complex. Tarrallton Park encompasses 70 acres and is a great place for just walking an enjoying the outdoors.

For more information on parks visit the Parks website by clicking here http://www.norfolk.gov/rpos
Events
Norfolk is home to many exciting events suitable for everyone in the family. Check out the events listed below or visit the listed link for further events taking place year-round.
Virginia Caribfest http://virginiacaribfest.com
The Norfolk Caribbean Festival is a great way to spend time with your family and experience amazing food!

Wine Social http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/home
The 8th Annual Wine Social at Norfolk Botanical Garden is an International Azalea Festival Event. There are wine and beer tasting selections, eclectic fare of local restaurants and caterers and a beautiful indoor and outdoor setting. There will also be a variety of live bands.

For a complete list of events in Norfolk click here http://www.norfolkcvb.com/calendar/events/index.php
Attractions
Norfolk offers a wide variety of attractions that are sure to please all your family and friends! Come see the USS Wisconsin, the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Virginia Zoo and much more. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the great memories you’ll be making here in Norfolk!
Battleship Wisconsin http://www.hrnm.navy.mil
Located next to Nauticus, USS Wisconsin is the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore its deck through a self-guided or audiotape tour that will take you back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during World War II. Knowledgeable volunteers are stationed throughout the tour areas and can answer any question you might have.

Chrysler Museum of Art http://www.chrysler.org
Stroll through 5000 years of art history at the Chrysler Museum, home to Walter Chrysler Jr.’s world-class collection of more than 30,000 pieces of art. In addition to its envied collection, Chrysler Museum is filled with exciting free programs and activities, and Cuisine and Company Restaurant. The 300-seat theatre is host to many musical performances, children’s programs and lectures.

Nauticus http://www.nauticus.org
This 120,000-square-foot, maritime-themed science center features hands-on exhibits, theaters with live actors, touch tanks, digital hi-definition films, Battleship Wisconsin exhibits, national caliber traveling exhibits and more. Nauticus’ uniqueness is evident throughout its 120,000-square foot building. Feel the unique texture of a nurse shark's skin, touch a tornado, design a battleship, or participate in a simulated naval battle aboard an Aegis-class destroyer.

Virginia Zoo http://www.virginiazoo.org
Come stroll along the Virginia Zoo’s towering boardwalk on a walking safari through Africa, where you’ll see animals big and small living in their naturalistic habitat. See the majestic giraffes, magnificent elephants and kingly lions. Keep a look out for rhinos and tigers, too! The Virginia Zoo is a delightfully pleasant, affordable, and educational treat for visitors young and old.

Hunter House Victorian Museum http://www.hunterhousemuseum.org
In Norfolk in 1894, the Boston architect W.P. Wentworth designed and built a home in the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture for the prominent merchant and banker James Wilson Hunter. Rich in architectural detail, the house displays the family's collection of Victorian furnishings and decorative pieces.

For a complete list of attractions in the area click here http://www.norfolkcvb.com/what-to-see/attractions.php

For more information on Norfolk VA visit the official website by clicking here http://www.norfolk.gov/

For the Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau website click here http://www.norfolkcvb.com/index.php

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