Norfolk is at a dynamic point in its history. At a time when there is renewed interest nationally in urban living, the city is realizing tremendous success in restoring and redeveloping its neighborhoods. At day’s end, more and more people are coming home to Norfolk, whether to the condominiums at Pier Point, the waterfront communities in Ocean View or the traditional foursquare homes in Park Place.

The triumph of these targeted efforts now gives the City an opportunity to encourage and support investment in its neighborhoods -- and to promote the diversity of Norfolk’s housing: historic, modern, traditional, waterfront, urban, senior, family, first-time buyer, rental and student.

Some 37,000 households move into the Hampton Roads area annually. Norfolk now captures 18 percent of that market, but research shows the city could appeal to a much larger percentage.

The Strategic Housing Initiative – or “Come Home To Norfolk, Now”

Recognizing the need for a coordinated city-wide housing plan, the City commissioned American Communities Partnership and Zimmerman/Volk Associates to conduct a comprehensive study of Norfolk’s housing, the regional housing market and Norfolk’s position in the market.

The study included recommendations to improve the housing stock and increase the competitiveness of Norfolk’s neighborhoods within the region. From that effort the City embarked on a Strategic Housing Initiative – also known as “Come Home To Norfolk, Now” -- to address the findings.

In broad strokes, “Come Home To Norfolk, Now” is designed to encourage and maximize investment in Norfolk’s neighborhoods and to spread the word about the breadth and quality of the city’s housing. Specifically, the initiative is about strengthening neighborhoods, broadening the housing market through new housing and rehabilitation, creating new programs and providing financial incentives for improving and owning your own home.

As a result of “Come Home To Norfolk, Now,” innovative new programs are now in place, such as the Norfolk Residential Pattern Book and the Neighborhood Design and Resource Center, outlets to assist residents along with real estate, architectural, financial and construction professionals in learning more about Norfolk’s neighborhood and design issues; the promotion of new development sites which residents will soon be able to call home, from the Chesapeake Bay to Downtown; and the Norfolk Neighborhood Planning Initiative, a way for stakeholders to play an active role in planning the future of their neighborhoods.

“Come Home To Norfolk, Now” is citywide, focusing on all neighborhoods. It will promote historic preservation, renovation and new development, in addition to new construction in established neighborhoods that complements and reflects the architectural character.

“Come Home To Norfolk, Now,” is a top priority for City Council, and its leaders are committed to it, creating dynamic partnerships with community groups, financial institutions, builders, realtors and other partners. A hallmark of this initiative will be new and expanded social and economic capital throughout the community. And the rewards can be enormous. By strengthening and promoting Norfolk’s neighborhoods the City can attract substantial new investment and residents, encourage more residents to stay and reward individual property owners in their efforts to improve their homes.

Taking the best ideas from the public and private sector and molding them into a comprehensive housing plan, “Come Home To Norfolk, Now” is all about meeting the current and future housing needs of those who live right here in the region.