Norfolk Virginia Map

About Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is a locality in Norfolk (city), Virginia, United States. With a population of 233,596, Norfolk is a major urban centre in Virginia. The population density is 1703.4 people per km². Norfolk is located at 36.8468°N, 76.2852°W. It observes the Eastern Time (America/New_York) timezone. ZIP code: 23509.

Norfolk’s geography is defined by the meeting of fresh and saltwater, a low-lying expanse of the Tidewater region where the Elizabeth River flows into the Chesapeake Bay. It lies 1.1 miles northeast of Portsmouth, VA (from Portsmouth, VA: bearing 43°T), and is situated 2.0 miles north-northwest of Chesapeake. This watery embrace shapes the very character of Norfolk, a city built on the edge of the sea, its land a gentle gradient towards the vast expanse of the bay. The air here carries a distinct salinity, a constant reminder of the maritime influence, and the light at dusk often paints the broad waters with hues of rose and bruised plum, a quiet spectacle that unfolds daily over the harbor. The urban landscape is punctuated by canals and inlets, threading through neighborhoods like the veins of the earth, a constant negotiation between land and the ever-present tide. The history of Norfolk is deeply entwined with the ebb and flow of naval power and colonial ambition. Established in 1682, it quickly became a vital port, its deep harbor an irresistible draw for trade and, eventually, for the ships of empires. The city’s early years were marked by growth and prosperity, fueled by the lucrative tobacco trade and its strategic position. Throughout the centuries, Norfolk has weathered conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, each leaving its indelible mark on the land and its people, a testament to resilience etched into the very foundations of the city. Norfolk’s economy thrives on its deep connection to the sea, with the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet command serving as a dominant force, shaping the city’s workforce and its outward-looking perspective. Beyond its military significance, the port of Norfolk remains a bustling hub for international shipping and commerce, a vital artery for goods moving in and out of the region. The presence of Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University enriches the city with academic vigor and a youthful energy, contributing to a diverse industrial base that also includes a growing technology sector. The infrastructure of Norfolk is designed to facilitate this constant movement, with extensive roadways and rail lines connecting it to the wider world, all designed to serve the ceaseless rhythm of trade and transit. The cultural heartbeat of Norfolk is a complex rhythm, a blend of maritime traditions and modern aspirations. While professional sports teams are more associated with neighboring Hampton, the city’s identity is deeply connected to the college sports programs of Old Dominion and Norfolk State, whose games often draw enthusiastic crowds. Annual events like the Mid-Atlantic Boat Show and the Bayou Boogaloo celebrate the city’s aquatic heritage and vibrant community spirit. Famous landmarks such as the Battleship Wisconsin and the Chrysler Museum of Art offer glimpses into history and artistic achievement, while the nearby Chesapeake Bay provides opportunities for recreation and quiet contemplation. Though not a singular figure, the collective spirit of the sailors, merchants, and scholars who have called Norfolk home for generations forms its most enduring legacy.

About This Norfolk Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Norfolk, Virginia — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 36.846815, -76.285218. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Norfolk and Norfolk (city).

Detailed location data for Norfolk includes the ZIP code (23510), telephone area code (757), county seat of Norfolk (city), and school district assignment (Norfolk City Public Schools). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Norfolk is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.