Moving to Norfolk: a practical guide
Housing and what it costs
Ghent, where the Orthodox community lives, is an older neighborhood of houses, row homes and apartments, and more than half of households in its ZIP code rent, per the Census. Prices are modest by Northeast standards. Figures change fast — use the apartment search above for live listings.
Picking a street
B’nai Israel on Spotswood Avenue and Chabad of Tidewater on Colley Avenue are a few blocks apart, so most of Ghent keeps both within a walk. Look close to the two shuls rather than in the wider Tidewater suburbs, which are spread out.
Kosher and daily life
Kosher options are limited, and families plan meat and specialty shopping in advance. Ghent itself is walkable, with shops and restaurants on Colley Avenue, but the rest of the region runs by car. The Norfolk Area Community Mikvah serves the community — ask the shul for its location.
Schools
Yeshiva Aish Kodesh, a small boys’ high school, is on Colonial Avenue. For younger children and girls, ask the shuls about current options. Confirm admissions directly with each school.
Who it fits
Military, shipyard and hospital families posted to Hampton Roads, and anyone who wants a small, walkable Orthodox community at a modest price.