Norfolk, Virginia
Is Norfolk, VA (Ghent Square) a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Norfolk, Virginia - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe950
Medium951
Low1572
Other4474
158 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape35
Child involved72
Assault55
Other25
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency appears to be occurring near 1st St involving a sick person. | 1st St, Norfolk, VA | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were sent to a reported disturbance near the (number withheld) block of East Ocean View Avenue, where a group of about 10 to 12 people were reportedly outside, yelling and being loud. | E Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503 | Disturbance |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews responded to a possible medical emergency near Early Street in Norfolk for an adult man reported to have trouble breathing and vomiting black fluid. A medic unit and an engine transported the patient to a general hospital and coordinated IV access in the truck. | Early St, Norfolk, VA 23513 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medic 21K dispatched to an incident near Dean Drive involving a female who took oxycodone and is feeling lightheaded. She wants to confirm she did not overdose. | Dean Dr, Norfolk, VA 23518 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, unit 46 conducts a possible traffic stop in Norfolk on a white Ford SUV with a reported Virginia license plate. Dispatch confirms the vehicle registration details and associated records. | Carlton St, Norfolk, VA 23518 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical units are dispatched to a possible non-life‑threatening breathing problem near Early Street involving a 35-year-old man who is reportedly having trouble breathing and vomiting black fluid. A separate call sends responders to Duke Avenue for a 47-year-old woman concerned she may have taken too much prescribed oxycodone and is feeling lightheaded. | Early St, Norfolk, VA 23513 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched to a possible non-life-threatening medication overdose involving an adult woman at a residence near Dumont Avenue. A separate unit responded to a reported breathing problem at a home on Early Street. | Dumont Ave, Norfolk, VA 23505 | Substance Use |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, police and EMS are dispatched to a location near Dumont Ave in Norfolk for a possible narcotic overdose involving a 47-year-old woman who reportedly took oxycodone and Narcan and is experiencing pain, including chest and knee pain. | Dumont Ave, Norfolk, VA 23505 | Substance Use |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, an officer returning to service took a disturbance call reported near the 1200 block of West Ocean View Avenue in Norfolk. No further details about the people involved or the situation are provided in the radio traffic. | W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503 | Disturbance |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible violent domestic assault at a residence near Ashland Drive in Norfolk. The caller states she is being assaulted by her sister-in-law and the sister-in-law’s husband. Units are responding while more information is being gathered. | Ashland Ave, Norfolk, VA 23509 | Domestic Dispute |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$791,248
Average Rent
$3,530
Vacancy Rate
7.5%
Ghent Square Overview
Ghent Square is an urban neighborhood in Norfolk, Virginia, known for its established housing stock primarily built between 1970 and 1999.
The median home price is $791,248, placing it above 81% of Virginia neighborhoods in cost, with average rents at $3,530, also higher than most in the state.
Vacancy rates are moderate at 7.5%, near the national median.
The neighborhood has a unique cultural character shaped by a high proportion of military personnel and executives.
UrbanEstablished HomesHigh Executive WorkforceModerate Vacancy
Quick Facts
| Military Employment | 12.4% |
|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
Housing market and real estate character
Ghent Square's housing is a mix of small to medium apartments and single-family homes, mostly built in a single era.
| Housing Age (1970-1999) | 90.4% |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Rate | 7.5% |
| Owner vs Renter Mix | Mixed ownership and rental |
| Housing Types | Small to medium apartments and single-family homes |
What buyers will notice right away
Most homes were built between 1970 and 1999, giving the neighborhood a consistent architectural character.
Vacancy rates are moderate, indicating a balanced supply of homes and apartments.
Families & Lifestyle
Ghent Square attracts urban sophisticates, active retirees, and highly educated executives, reflecting its cultural and occupational makeup.
The neighborhood's high executive and professional workforce shapes a cultured and affluent community.
A significant military presence adds to the neighborhood's unique character.
Diverse ancestry and languages contribute to a rich cultural environment.
Cultural Engagement — Residents often participate in symphony, gallery openings, and live theatre.
Active Retirees & Executives — The area suits those seeking an urbane, big-city lifestyle with access to cultural amenities.
| Urban Sophisticates | Higher than 97.8% of U.S. neighborhoods |
|---|
Demographics & Education
| College Educated Adults | 83.5% |
|---|---|
| Executive, Manager & Professional Workforce | 81.8% |
| Income Level | Top 15% in U.S. |
| Child Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| English Speaking Households | 88.9% |
| Other Languages | Spanish, Chinese |
| Top Ancestries | English (16.4%), German (10.3%), Eastern European (8.9%), Irish (6.9%), Russian (6.6%) |
Commute & Transportation
Most residents have a relatively short commute and primarily drive alone to work.
Ghent Square offers a commute profile that supports a balanced urban lifestyle with manageable travel times.
Short Commutes — Over half of residents spend between 15 and 30 minutes commuting, which is shorter than average.
Car-Dependent but Efficient — Most residents drive alone, reflecting the neighborhood's reliance on private vehicles for work travel.
| Typical Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 81.8% |
| Carpool Rate | 8.5% |
Homes for sale near 23551
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Ghent Square?
The median home price is $791,248.
What types of housing are common in Ghent Square?
Housing includes small to medium apartments and single-family homes, mostly built between 1970 and 1999.
How long is the typical commute for residents?
Most residents commute between 15 and 30 minutes one-way.
What languages are commonly spoken in Ghent Square?
English is spoken by 88.9% of households, with Spanish and Chinese also common.