Westmoreland, Norfolk, MA

Westmoreland Neighborhood Overview

Overview

Westmoreland is a historic, architecturally rich neighborhood located just west of the heart of downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Bordered by Hampton Boulevard to the east and the Lafayette River to the west, it offers a serene, residential feel while maintaining proximity to major employment and cultural centers like the Norfolk Naval Station, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, and Old Dominion University. The neighborhood is renowned for its stunning collection of early 20th-century homes, from grand Colonial Revivals to charming Craftsman bungalows, set along wide, tree-canopied streets.

The neighborhood's history is deeply intertwined with Norfolk's growth. Primarily developed between 1910 and 1940, Westmoreland was designed as a prestigious streetcar suburb for the city's burgeoning professional class. Its layout, featuring distinctive diagonal avenues like Larchmont Crescent, was influenced by the City Beautiful movement, emphasizing beauty and order. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Westmoreland Historic District, a designation that helps preserve its unique character and architectural integrity for future generations.

Housing & Real Estate

Westmoreland's housing stock is its defining feature, consisting predominantly of detached single-family homes from the early 1900s. Architectural styles are diverse and well-preserved, including Dutch Colonials, Tudor Revivals, Georgian Revivals, and American Foursquares, many with original details like hardwood floors, stained glass, and intricate millwork. Lot sizes are generous, and the mature landscaping provides a park-like atmosphere throughout the neighborhood.

The real estate market in Westmoreland is consistently strong, driven by high demand for its historic charm and central location. Home prices are in the upper tier for Norfolk, typically ranging from the mid-$500,000s to well over $1 million for the largest and most meticulously restored properties. The neighborhood is overwhelmingly owner-occupied, with a very low rental percentage, which fosters a strong sense of long-term community investment and stability.

Schools & Education

Westmoreland is served by Norfolk Public Schools, with many families opting for the neighborhood's highly-regarded zoned options. Larchmont Elementary School, located within the neighborhood's boundaries, is a key community anchor and is consistently ranked among the top public elementary schools in the city. Students typically feed into Blair Middle School and then Maury High School, a historic and academically strong comprehensive high school with prestigious magnet programs.

The neighborhood's proximity to Old Dominion University (ODU) is a significant asset, providing access to lifelong learning opportunities, cultural events, and athletic facilities. Several private and parochial school options are also located a short drive away in the Ghent and Colonial Place areas, offering additional educational choices for resident families.

Parks & Recreation

Westmoreland is exceptionally well-served by green spaces. The crown jewel is the 40-acre Lafayette Park, which stretches along the neighborhood's western border on the Lafayette River. The park features walking trails, picnic shelters, tennis courts, a playground, and a public boat ramp, making it a hub for kayaking, sailing, and sunset views. Within the neighborhood itself, small pocket parks and the grassy, tree-filled medians of its diagonal avenues provide additional scenic respite.

Recreationally, residents are active in the Westmoreland Civic League, which organizes social events and maintains the community's character. The neighborhood's flat, quiet streets are ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. The nearby Elizabeth River Trail offers a longer, paved route for cyclists and runners connecting to other parts of the city, while the Norfolk Botanical Garden and the Virginia Zoo are just a few minutes away by car.

Local Dining & Shopping

While predominantly residential, Westmoreland benefits from its adjacency to vibrant commercial corridors. The nearby Colley Avenue in Ghent is a short walk or bike ride away, offering a dense concentration of acclaimed restaurants, cozy cafes, and unique boutiques. Residents enjoy easy access to local favorites like Doumar’s Cones and Barbecue, a historic drive-in, and the artisan shops at the Ghent Market.

For everyday needs, a Harris Teeter grocery store is conveniently located on Colonial Avenue at the neighborhood's edge. The Westmoreland Shopping Center on Hampton Boulevard provides additional practical services. For more extensive retail, the MacArthur Center mall and the shops of downtown Norfolk are only a few minutes' drive, blending local charm with urban convenience seamlessly.

Who Lives Here

Westmoreland attracts a diverse mix of professionals, academics, military officers, and long-established Norfolk families. The community tends to be well-educated and civically engaged, with many residents actively participating in the Westmoreland Civic League and taking great pride in the preservation of their homes and shared public spaces. There is a strong sense of neighborliness, often evidenced by casual sidewalk conversations and organized block parties.

The neighborhood is particularly appealing to those who value architectural history, mature landscapes, and a quiet, established atmosphere without sacrificing urban accessibility. It draws residents seeking a permanent, family-friendly home in a walkable setting, where the pace is relaxed but the connection to Norfolk's broader cultural, educational, and professional opportunities remains immediate and strong.

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