Ghent is one of Norfolk’s most established and recognizable neighborhoods, known for historic homes, walkability, and a strong mix of residential and local business activity. It is a major “authority neighborhood” within Norfolk and an anchor for professionals and long-term residents.\n\nGeographic Context and Location\n\nGhent sits just west of Downtown Norfolk and is connected by key corridors such as Colley Avenue and Hampton Boulevard. Its central location provides access to medical, educational, and cultural institutions while maintaining a defined neighborhood identity.\n\nNeighborhood Character and Identity\n\nGhent blends historic preservation with active urban neighborhood life. It attracts professionals, healthcare workers, academics, and long-term homeowners. The neighborhood tends to reward businesses that are locally rooted and credibility-driven, and it supports a stronger neighborhood business presence than many purely residential areas.\n\nHousing Patterns and Homeownership\n\nHousing includes historic single-family homes, duplexes, and small multi-unit buildings. Renovations and modernization are common, often within preservation expectations. This creates steady demand for specialized trades, property services, and professionals familiar with older housing stock.\n\nLocal Services and Business Presence\n\nGhent supports active local corridors with dining, retail, and professional offices. Common service categories include professional services, healthcare and wellness, home services and specialized trades, and property-related services tied to long-term ownership. Providers succeed through trust, consistency, and local reputation.\n\nHow Coastal Virginia Authority Supports Ghent\n\nCVA treats Ghent as a distinct neighborhood authority entity under Norfolk and connects it structurally to the most relevant categories. The aim is a clean authority flow—Ghent should reinforce Norfolk, and categories should reinforce Ghent—without directory behavior.\n\nLooking Ahead: Ghent Role in Norfolk\n\nGhent is expected to remain one of Norfolk’s most stable and desirable neighborhoods due to walkability, location, and continued reinvestment. Demand for trusted local providers should remain steady as the neighborhood continues to evolve through gradual, high-quality reinvestment.