Before looking at Norfolk condos for sale, it’s interesting to see how this historic city developed. Norfolk developed in the late 17th century after a fort was constructed here, growing over the next century into the most prosperous city in Virginia. Because of trading ties to the British Empire, it was strongly Loyalist during the early part of the American Revolution. When the governor was driven into exile, in retaliation ships of the Royal Navy shelled the city and 800 buildings were destroyed. Struggling to recover, the city had a further setback when a devastating fire destroyed 300 buildings. Land, long used to cultivate tobacco, became exhausted and many farmers moved away to more fertile properties. An outbreak of yellow fever in 1865 further reduced the population. At the start of the Civil War, the city voted for secession, but the mayor surrendered to overwhelming Union forces, who occupied it until hostilities ended. The arrival of railroads began to restore Norfolk’s economy. By 1917, as the US prepared to enter World War I, the Naval Air Station of Hampton Roads had been constructed. Following World War II, new highways were constructed in the region and a series of bridges and tunnels linked to neighboring cities. By the 70s, the advent of newer suburban shopping malls and adjacent freeways meant the end for the downtown commercial corridor, located just a few blocks inland from the waterfront.

After you settle into your new Norfolk condo, you’ll want to discover some of the exciting sights available around your new home.

Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, using the museum, the battleship Wisconsin, the sailing center and the schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry and the military. The Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the US Navy, earning five battle stars during WWII. She served in Desert Storm, marking the last time that a US battleship actively participated in a foreign war.

The Chrysler Museum of Art has 50 galleries, with more than 10,000 works of art from the Chrysler collection, a growing collection of more than 30,000 objects, an interactive space for families, and the only glass studio of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Virginia Zoological Park is a 65-acre zoo adjacent to Lafayette Park. The more than 700 animals on display represent more than 150 different species.

The city maintains three beaches on its north shore in the Ocean View area. Five additional parks contain picnic facilities and playgrounds for children. The city also has some community pools open to city residents.

The Norfolk Botanical Garden includes more than 60 themed gardens that can be viewed by tram, boat or by foot. Themed gardens include a butterfly garden, a perennial garden, the Virginia native plant garden and a rose garden.

The city is also known for “Mermaids on Parade,” a public art program launched 20 years ago to place mermaid statues all over the city. Visitors can take a walking tour of downtown and locate 17 mermaids while others can be found further afield.