Larrymore Lawns - Norfolk, VA

Museums, historical landmarks and performing arts centers throughout the region showcase the rich history and culture of Hampton Roads. The Moses Myers House in downtown Norfolk illustrates the area’s affluent lifestyles during the late Federal period. Nauticus invites visitors to explore Norfolk’s waterways through a variety of hands-on science and technology exhibits. The Union Kempsville Museum in Virginia Beach tells a more recent story, detailing the struggles of African-Americans during the 1930s and the area’s first African-American high school, established in 1934.

Development began in the Larrymore Lawns area around this time as well, but the community remained mostly farmland until the late 1950s when it was annexed by the city of Norfolk. Construction boomed in Larrymore Lawns for three decades before tapering off in the 1990s. Today, the community features a mix of old and new homes, as well as a variety of apartments and townhouses.

Larrymore Lawns residents have access to a variety of food, drinks, and entertainment within walking distance of their homes. El Deportista in Wedgewood Plaza serves authentic Latin American fare with handmade flour tortillas and complimentary chips. This local favorite covers a wide range of dishes including traditional Mexican, Guatemalan, Honduran, and El Salvadorian fare. Try something new with the Honduran pastellitos or the El Salvadorian pupusas.

China Garden delivers to the Larrymore Lawns community. The menu includes typical Chinese take-out selections, including seafood dishes and yat, along with traditional Thai favorites and house specials such as wings, fried crab sticks, and fried whiting. Little Creek Road has an assortment of other restaurants and fast food chains in the nearby vicinity.

In a nearby neighborhood, the Bel Aire Pancake House is a favorite spot for breakfast and brunch. Try a traditional breakfast with two eggs, bacon, and home fries, or enjoy fried catfish with coleslaw and potato salad.

A variety of taverns, neighborhood bars and entertainment venues sit along Little Creek Road as well. The Banque has a country-western atmosphere with a full bar, dance floor and billiards, while Winners Sports Bar features live music, karaoke and bar games like beer pong. Many locals head to AMF Norfolk Lanes for some bowling fun, especially on Friday and Saturday when the facility stays open until 1 a.m. With 60 modern lanes, an arcade with pool tables, a grill and a full bar, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Typical Larrymore Lawns households have two cars in the garage, but it isn’t impossible to get around the area without one. HRT bus routes 15 and 21 serve the neighborhood with buses running every 30 minutes. Uber and several cab services provide rides throughout Hampton Roads as well. Residents with cars enjoy easy access to several major roadways, including East Little Creek Road, Shore Drive, Chesapeake Boulevard and North Military Highway. It takes less than 10 minutes to get to Interstate 64.

Norfolk’s waterside and beachfront areas contain most of the city’s bike-friendly roadways, but heavy traffic volumes around the Larrymore Lawns community create unnecessary risks for cyclists and pedestrians. Residents enjoy walking the neighborhood streets and can access several nearby restaurants and shops by foot.

On a warm afternoon, many Larrymore Lawns families head to the Oakmont North Playgrounds to enjoy the outdoors. The closest neighborhood park to the Larrymore Lawns community, this city-maintained facility features play equipment, basketball courts, a walking trail, and free admission. It only takes residents about 10 minutes to reach Norfolk Botanical Garden where they can explore 52 themed gardens with an assortment of native birds, butterflies, and plant life. Pet owners have easy access to two off-leash dog parks, Lafayette Residence Community Dog Park and Ocean View Beach Park, both less than 15 minutes away.

Larrymore Lawns attracts many upper-middle income professionals, primarily due to its convenient location and its affordability. The cost of living in Larrymore Lawns is slightly higher than the Norfolk average, but still less than many Hampton Roads communities. Renters pay an average of $820 per month for a one bedroom apartment but spend about the same as other Norfolk residents on the rest of their living expenses.

Gas prices fall about 3 percent below the average price across the United States. Single bus fares cost $1.25, or you can purchase a daily pass for $4. Entertainment costs tend to be higher in Norfolk and Virginia Beach than other Hampton Roads cities. Heavy tourism and a high military concentration drive up the prices of movie tickets, snack foods and similar luxuries. Larrymore Lawns residents also tend to pay about $4 for a beer at the local pub.

Wedgewood Plaza makes it easy for Larrymore Lawns residents to take care of their everyday shopping without fighting heavy traffic. In addition to a grocery store, the shopping center houses various discount chains, including Citi Trends and a Big Lots.

The shopping centers and strip malls along Little Creek Road have more options. Across from Wedgewood Plaza, there’s a Walgreens and Rite Aid pharmacy, as well as a Save-A-Lot grocer, a Cato and a hardware store. Little Creek Square has a small selection of specialty shops, including GameStop, a local florist and a Walmart Neighborhood Market. Visit the Thrift Store City in the mall for everything from used furnature to clothes to video games.

Military Circle Mall, about five miles south of Larrymore Lawns, is the closest destination for high-end stores and specialty shops. Ross, GameStop, and Foot Locker are just a few of the stores in the mall. Visit African Vibes for unique, ethnically-inspired gift ideas, including artwork, handmade jewelry, books, and clothing, or stop by Perfume Corner for the latest designer fragrances.