Norfolk

Highland Park, Norfolk Neighborhood

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.

Highlights of Highland Park

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🌳 Lafayette Park

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.

🏫 James Monroe Elementary School

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.

🍽️ Evelyn’s Restaurant

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.

🛒 Harris Teeter at Wards Corner

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.

🚴 Lafayette River Trail

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.

A Norfolk Neighborhood

This May in Highland Park

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

May 2–October 31, 2026 (Saturdays)

Norfolk Farmers Market

Norfolk Farmers Market (downtown Norfolk) • 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

A weekly opportunity from Saturday, May 2, for Highland Park residents to support local agriculture, enjoy fresh produce and artisan goods within close reach—perfect for Saturday morning outings.

May 2–November 21, 2026 (Saturdays)

East Beach/EOV Farmers Market

Bay Oaks Park, 2413 E Ocean View Ave., Norfolk • 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

This coastal market brings locally produced honey, baked goods, crafts, and coffee—just a short drive for Highland Park families seeking leisurely weekend markets with oceanfront ambiance.

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May 14, 2026

Steep Canyon Rangers – Virginia Arts Festival

Perry Pavilion, Norfolk • 7:30 PM

An engaging bluegrass and Americana concert featuring Grammy‑winning Steep Canyon Rangers—great for music lovers in Highland Park wanting a refined live performance downtown.

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May 15–17, 2026

Bayou Bon Vivant Cajun Music, Food & Arts Festival

Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk Waterfront • Friday: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM (with a free lunch preview Noon–2 PM), Saturday: Noon–10:00 PM, Sunday: Noon–6:00 PM

A festive three‑day celebration of Louisiana culture with live music, spicy cuisine, and artisan crafts—ideal for Highland Park residents eager for vibrant regional culture close to home.

May 13, 2026

“Every Brilliant Thing” – Mental Health Awareness Play

Booker T. Washington High School Theatre, 1111 Park Ave. • Doors 5:30 PM; student performance 6:00 PM; play begins 6:30 PM

A poignant, one‑character play exploring resilience and small joys, featuring local youth and mental health resources—meaningful and accessible to families in Highland Park during Mental Health Awareness Month.

May 16, 2026

Bridgerton Market at COVA Brewing

COVA Brewing Company, 9529 Shore Dr., Norfolk • 3:00 PM–8:00 PM

A charming open‑air market with themed vendors, live music, and croquet—an elegant yet casual outing for Highland Park locals looking to spend afternoon time with friends or family.

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From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Highland Park

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Highland Park

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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