Norfolk, VA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Norfolk, VA: What You Need to Know

Norfolk is over 300 years old, but it’s none the worse from wear. It’s home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval complex.

Local Job Opportunities

Naval Station Norfolk is the largest employer not just in Norfolk but in the Hampton Roads region. It’s a major base for the U.S. Atlantic Command and U.S. Atlantic Fleet. The base population includes more than 80,000 active duty personnel and 30,000 civilians. The city’s other top employers are Norfolk Southern Corp. (operator of Class I freight railroad), Virginia Modeling and Simulation Center (research center), and Sentara Healthcare. 

Things to Do in Norfolk

Nauticus, a museum showcasing Norfolk's harbor, is a popular family destination. The “Voyage to the Deep” exhibit allows visitors to pilot an underwater robot. Explore the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the biggest ships built by the U.S. Navy. Learn how the ship earned five battle stars during World War II. The MacArthur Memorial is a must-see for history buffs. The museum tells the life story of five-star U.S. Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who liberated the Philippines during World War II, and led the rebuilding of Japan after the war. MacArthur and his wife are buried in the museum’s rotunda. 

The Cost of Living

Norfolk is a midsize city (population: 242,742) with a cost of living rate and housing costs that are 0.4% and 11.9% higher than the national average, respectively. On the bright side, those percentages are better than the numbers for its neighbor Virginia Beach. Also, food cost in Norfolk is 29.2% lower than the national average. On top of that, Virginia doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. The state levies 2% to 5.75% in income tax, and 5.3% to 7% in sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Urbanites love living in the downtown area for the stunning waterfront views, world-class museums and entertainment venues, and numerous biking and walking trails. Dreaming of the suburbs? Chesapeake is a short drive from Norfolk, and it has superb schools, parks, and beaches. Poquoson is farther, but it’s well worth it for its top-notch schools and affordability.

Schools and Higher Education

There are six universities in Norfolk, including Old Dominion University (24,176 students) and Norfolk State University (5,204 students). In addition, there are 24 colleges within 50 miles of the city. The Norfolk City Public Schools District runs 52 public schools with a total enrolment of 30,776 students. Larchmont Elementary School and Tarrallton Elementary School are among the city’s top-ranked schools.