West Ghent Neighborhood
Is Norfolk, VA (West Ghent) 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
$756,460
Average Rent
$2,240
Vacancy Rate
5.2%
West Ghent Overview
West Ghent is an urban neighborhood in Norfolk, Virginia, known for its historic homes and cultural sophistication.
The median home price is $756,460, higher than 79.2% of Virginia neighborhoods, while average rents are $2,240, lower than 59.0% of Virginia neighborhoods.
Vacancy rates are 5.2%, below the national average, indicating steady demand.
This neighborhood features a high concentration of historic residences, with 56.3% built in 1939 or earlier.
UrbanHistoric HomesHigh Executive OccupationLow Child Poverty
Quick Facts
| Vacancy Rate | 5.2% |
|---|---|
| Historic Homes Share | 56.3% |
Housing market and real estate character
West Ghent's housing stock is a mix of small to medium apartment complexes and single-family homes, with a majority renter occupancy and a significant share of historic properties.
| Historic Homes (Built 1939 or earlier) | 56.3% |
|---|---|
| Housing Type | Small to medium apartments and single-family homes |
| Renter Occupied | Majority |
What buyers will notice right away
Over half the homes were built before 1940, offering unique architectural charm.
Vacancy rates below average suggest steady interest in the neighborhood.
Mix of apartment complexes and single-family homes suits various preferences.
Families & Lifestyle
West Ghent attracts urban sophisticates and active retirees, with a community characterized by refined tastes and cultural engagement.
Low child poverty rate indicates economic stability for families.
High share of urban sophisticates reflects a culturally rich and engaged community.
Significant portion of residents hold advanced degrees, supporting a knowledge-driven lifestyle.
Cultural Engagement — Residents frequently enjoy the arts, theater, and boutique shopping.
Active Retirees — The neighborhood is also a good fit for retirees seeking an active urban lifestyle.
| Children in Poverty | 0.0% |
|---|---|
| Urban Sophisticates Share | Higher than 97.1% of U.S. neighborhoods |
| Advanced Degree Holders | 36.9% |
Demographics & Education
| Advanced Degree Holders | 36.9% |
|---|---|
| Executive, Management, Professional Occupations | 69.8% |
| Income Rank | Top 15% in U.S. |
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| English Speakers | 94.2% |
| Italian Speakers | 5.8% |
| Greek Speakers | 0.8% |
| Irish Ancestry | 18.2% |
| English Ancestry | 17.1% |
| German Ancestry | 9.0% |
| Italian Ancestry | 8.3% |
| Asian Ancestry | 4.8% |
| Eastern European Ancestry | 1.7% |
| Slovak Ancestry | 1.1% |
Commute & Transportation
West Ghent residents enjoy some of the shortest commutes in the U.S. and a variety of transportation options including biking and walking.
Short commutes and diverse transportation options contribute to quality of life and reduce transportation costs.
Time Savings — Nearly half of residents spend less than 15 minutes commuting, freeing up more personal time.
Active Transportation — High bicycle and walking rates support healthy lifestyles and reduce reliance on cars.
Car Ownership — Most residents drive alone, reflecting the neighborhood's accessibility and convenience.
| Commute Under 15 Minutes | 48.1% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 75.0% |
| Walk to Work Rate | 5.2% |
| Bicycle Commute Rate | 2.9% |
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 West Ghent?
The median home price is $756,460, which is more expensive than 79.2% of Virginia neighborhoods.
What types of homes are common in West Ghent?
The neighborhood features a mix of small to medium apartment complexes and single-family homes, many of which are historic.
How educated are West Ghent residents?
About 36.9% of adults have earned an advanced degree, higher than 95.7% of U.S. neighborhoods.
What are typical commute options in West Ghent?
Most residents drive alone (75%), with notable shares walking (5.2%) or biking (2.9%) to work.