River Oaks - Norfolk, VA Area Guide

The quaint bungalows and Cape Cod style homes that line the streets of River Oaks help tell the story of the area’s past. Just as in the neighboring Foxhall community, residents first began to populate River Oaks in the 1930s when Princess Anne Road connected the outlying farmland to the city of Norfolk. Both suburbs were created to provide working families with a rural setting and an easy commute. Development in River Oaks took off in the 1950s but tapered in the 1970s. New houses were built and now stand where many of the original houses were located in efforts to keep up with the demands of modern families.

When River Oaks residents travel south on Military Highway, they are greeted by over 50 different restaurant choices within 3 miles. Casual chains such as Panera Bread and Ruby Tuesday, fast-food joints and an assortment of local and regional favorites line the highway. At Nawab Indian Cuisine, you can sample the tastes of India at the daily lunch buffet or stop by for dinner and enjoy traditional dishes such as chicken patia, served in a sweet mango ginger sauce.

A handful of eateries are located along Princess Anne Road near the intersection with Azalea Garden Road, including a Pizza Hut, two burger joints and a couple of locally owned hot dog grill spots. Locals recommend the dynamite chicken at T’San Japanese Restaurant or the barbecue, slaw and cheese sub at Greater Grinder Submarines. A traditional Filipino diner and a Chinese restaurant also share the location.

After hours, downtown Norfolk and the Virginia Beach oceanfront both have lively club scenes with sports bars, pubs and music venues on almost every block. The River Oaks area is much quieter when the sun goes down, but still has its share of local taverns and watering holes. Many of the restaurants along Military Highway feature full bars and late-night menus, including Hooters and Applebee’s.

Two Hampton Roads Transit bus lines serve the River Oaks community, with several bus stops along Princess Anne Road and Military Highway. Buses typically run every hour and services end around midnight through the week, so many residents rely on cars as primary transportation. River Oaks sits between Princess Anne Road and Military Highway with easy access to Interstate 264. Most of the neighborhood streets offer sidewalks for leisurely walks around the block, but the roads around River Oaks may pose dangers for cyclists and pedestrians. Several cab companies and Uber also provide transportation in the area.

Norfolk maintains several parks throughout the city, including the River Oaks neighborhood park. Featuring a lighted basketball court, swings, a slide and a walking trail, the park lies within walking distance for most residents. Princess Anne, Ashby Street and North Foxhall Parks offer convenient locations to River Oaks residents and have similar amenities. Several off-leash dog parks around the city provide open play spaces for dogs and their owners, including Ballentine Bark Park and Brambleton Dog Park, both within a 10-minute drive from River Oaks. Visitors enjoy the parks for free, although some shelters and facilities require a fee for reserved use.

River Oaks residents can get to Virginia Zoological Park and Norfolk Botanical Garden in less than 15 minutes. Both attractions have membership programs and host an assortment of events throughout the year. Many locals head to the coastal areas of Virginia Beach for more natural outdoor experiences. First Landing State Park offers a boat ramp, picnic areas and hiking trails as well as camping and recreation areas for those visiting for more than just the day. A number of wildlife preserves are also scattered throughout the area.

Predominantly comprising detached single-family houses with just a few options for apartment-living, the River Oaks community caters to middle-income working families that want a convenient location and affordable prices. Home values in River Oaks are slightly higher than the citywide average, and rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment run about $739.75 per month. The public transit system provides affordable transportation, with daily passes available for just $4, and gas prices throughout the area typically sit about 2.5 percent below the national average cost. Seeing a movie or enjoying a beer usually costs Norfolk residents a bit more than the national average. You can expect to pay about $4 when you order a domestic beer at a local bar.

River Oaks residents love the area’s proximity to their favorite retailers. Providing everything from groceries and household necessities to the latest fashions and electronics, nearby shops satisfy most of the wants and needs of the local residents. Food Lion, Farm Fresh and Walmart all sit right around the corner, while an Asian food mart and two wholesale clubs also serve the community. The nearest farmers’ market is about 5 miles west of River Oaks. The Five Points Community Farm Market opens Thursday through Sunday, selling locally-grown fruits and vegetables. The market offers a community-supported agriculture program, cooking socials and other events throughout the year, and features a breakfast and brunch cafe that is open on weekends.

Just two miles from River Oaks, the JANAF Shopping Yard contains one million square feet of retail space and sits adjacent to the Gallery at Military Circle, which houses over 50 additional stores. Shop at department stores such as Target, JC Penney and Macy’s before browsing for trendy apparel at the boutique shops, including Underground by Journeys. One of many specialty shops in the area, Homebrew USA carries all of the ingredients and equipment beer and wine enthusiasts need to make their own concoctions. It attracts new brewers along with experienced beer- and wine-makers.