Norfolk is a city on the move, constantly reinventing itself to appeal to a variety of residents. From new development sites on the Chesapeake Bay to the exciting condominium and loft scene downtown, new developments are attracting singles, couples, retirees and families who are swayed by the city's many charms.

In Norfolk, mornings breeze in with the turn of the tide; there's a good chance that commute to work and back includes brilliant waterfront views; and at day's end there's nightlife to be savored--whether it's a Triple A baseball game at Harbor Park, an evening at the Opera or a barefoot boogie by the shores of the Bay. In Norfolk, life is not to be missed; it's to be celebrated...daily.

In Norfolk, mornings breeze in with the turn of the tide; there's a good chance that commute to work and back includes brilliant waterfront views; and at day's end there's nightlife to be savored--whether it's a Triple A baseball game at Harbor Park, an evening at the Opera or a barefoot boogie by the shores of the Bay. In Norfolk, life is not to be missed; it's to be celebrated...daily.

Attractions -- such as the battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin, a salute to the city's long-standing relationship with the Navy, and Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, an interactive science and technology center -- dot Norfolk's easily-walked downtown waterfront. Here, tugboats and visiting cruise ships share the waters with sailboats and merchant ships. Other treasures -- The Chrysler Museum, Norfolk Botanical Gardens and the Virginia Zoological Park -- are close by.

Naval Station Norfolk occupies about 3,400 acres of Hampton Roads real estate in a peninsula known as Sewells Point. It is the world's largest Naval Station; in fact, based on supported military population, it is the largest military station in the world. The Norfolk Naval Base (NNB) is located on 4,631 acres, directly northwest of the City of Norfolk, Virginia. The Naval Complex includes Norfolk Naval Base as well as other Naval Facilities of the Sewells Point Naval Complex.

The City of Norfolk Department of Neighborhood and Leisure Services has three beach parks which they operate. Lifeguards are provided from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Picnic shelters are available at most parks on a first come, first serve basis. Rest room facilities are also available at each park. Accessways along the 7.5 miles of beachfront are provided.

The Port Authority. Norfolk-Southern Railway. The Virginia Symphony. Old Dominion University. Eastern Virginia Medical School. Norfolk State University. These businesses and institutions, to name a few, contribute to Norfolk's role as the business, financial, cultural, educational and medical hub of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, providing nearly one-third of the jobs for the region. And of course, there's the Navy's mighty presence. The world's largest navy base is headquartered right here in Norfolk.

But perhaps Norfolk's greatest strength is its neighborhoods. There are more than 120, with a head-turning character all their own. They draw tourists who seek a glimpse of Norfolk's everyday life; attract new residents who long to put down roots in established neighborhoods; entice military retirees to stay or return; and hold families here for generations. From charming starter homes to grand residences, from downtown lofts and town homes to brand new developments along the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk offers a range of architectural styles and prices.

Norfolk has marked achievements in restoring and redeveloping many of its older neighborhoods. At the same time, we have reclaimed land once used for commerce to build new communities. The City's best measure of success, however, is the growing number of people who have "come home to Norfolk."

Housing Cost

Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $200,100

Mean prices in 2007: All housing units: $265,642; Detached houses: $264,249; Townhouses or other attached units: $282,355; In 2-unit structures: $328,029; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $199,295; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $294,348; Mobile homes: $23,253

Demographics

Population in July 2008: 234,220. Norfolk covers 53.7 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 10 feet above sea level. Area code: 757

Weather

Norfolk, VA climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.

The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 86.80 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 32.30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 16 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation at Norfolk is 45.74 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is July with an average rainfall of 5.17 Inches.

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com