Highland Park is a charming Norfolk neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, vintage Craftsman and Colonial Revival homes, and a friendly, tight-knit community vibe. Neighbors enjoy the welcoming front porches, walkable blocks, and easy access to lush neighborhood parks that give Highland Park its distinct, inviting character.
Norfolk offers a tranquil setting with a slower pace and abundant green spaces, including Lafayette Park and Tarralton Community Park, which are conveniently distributed throughout the area. The neighborhood features a diverse housing mix, from single detached homes to lofts and larger residences, providing options for various preferences. Residents benefit from easy car access, with proximity to major highways like I-564 and ample parking availability. Public transportation includes multiple bus lines and rapid transit access, supporting various commuting needs. Local amenities include numerous grocery stores, private and public primary schools nearby, and a selection of restaurants and coffee shops, enhancing daily convenience.
Norfolk is a fairly good city to buy a home in for those who prefer a slower-paced ambience. There are over 100 green spaces close by for residents to enjoy, such as Hermitage Museum Playground and Larchmont Elementary and Recreation Center, and they are very well-distributed, which makes it easy to access them from the majority of locations within the city. This city is quiet overall, as the streets are usually quite calm - although that is not the case closer to one of the 2 airports (Norfolk Intl,Norfolk Ns (Chambers Fld)), one of the railway lines, US Highway 460 Alt or I-464.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Situated along La Valette Avenue, Lafayette Park is the city's oldest and most beloved green space, offering 36 acres of shaded walkways, picnic shelters, scenic views of the Lafayette River, and a lively dog park that serves as a social hub for Highland Park residents.
Located on Tidewater Drive, James Monroe Elementary is a cornerstone of the neighborhood, known for its vibrant community atmosphere, dedicated staff, and strong neighborhood involvement in local education and events.
Nestled on Granby Street near the edge of Highland Park, Evelyn’s offers a comforting array of Southern and soul food classics, frequently drawing loyal locals for breakfast and lunch, and serving as a gathering spot for the community.
Situated just off Granby Street, this modern Harris Teeter grocery store is a convenient staple for Highland Park residents, providing fresh produce, a full-service deli, and neighborhood essentials within a five-minute drive.
Winding along Mayflower Road and past neighborhood homes, the Lafayette River Trail offers scenic waterside paths perfect for biking, jogging, or strolling, with beautiful river views and easy access to the neighborhood’s parks and green spaces.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This family-friendly evening is a convenient Norfolk outing for Highland Park residents, combining zoo trails, dinosaur-themed activities, food, and an outdoor screening of Jurassic Park after dark. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy a memorable fall night just a short drive from the neighborhood.
View event details →Families from Highland Park can spend the day downtown at one of Norfolk’s largest children’s events, with more than 100 hands-on activities, storytelling, music, cultural experiences, demonstrations, and costumed characters. It is especially well suited to children age 10 and younger and offers an easy day-trip within Norfolk.
View event details →This neighborhood-friendly fall feast is particularly relevant to Highland Park residents because ticket proceeds support the Highland Park Civic League. The $35 admission includes oysters, whole-hog barbecue, sides, a drink from the bloody bar, live music, and bingo at Hank’s Filling Station in nearby Ghent.
View event details →Highland Park residents can easily make this free Ghent festival a relaxed weekend activity, browsing work by regional artists while enjoying food and frozen treats. The outdoor setting welcomes families, strollers, and dogs, making it a low-cost way to enjoy Norfolk’s fall weather close to home.
View event details →Fleet Fest offers Highland Park families a distinctive Norfolk experience with public access to ship tours, military displays, STEM exhibits, demonstrations, vendors, food, and kid-friendly activities. It is a worthwhile regional outing for residents interested in the city’s naval heritage and looking for an active Saturday event.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Highland Park
Local characteristics and demographics for Highland Park
