Considering a move to Norfolk and curious about the Lake Taylor neighborhood? This under-the-radar gem offers a unique mix of suburban comfort and urban convenience, making it a solid choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to actually live here—not just visit—this guide shares the authentic, day-to-day details you should know.
A Community Vibe That Feels Like Home
One of the standout features of Lake Taylor is its friendly, close-knit atmosphere. This isn’t one of those neighborhoods where everyone stays behind closed doors. Neighbors wave as they walk their dogs along Kempsville Road or chat over backyard fences on streets like Ursula Drive and Rock Creek Drive. Residents notice when a new family moves in and aren’t shy about offering a welcome plate of cookies or tips on the best local spots.
Community events are small but meaningful, anchored by local churches and civic groups. In summer, you’ll spot kids biking around and people working on their front lawns—activity that makes the neighborhood feel alive.
Types of Housing: Something for Everyone
Lake Taylor features a blend of housing options, from classic brick ranchers of the 1960s and '70s to updated single-family homes and affordable townhouses along Lake Taylor Drive and around the Lake Taylor High School area. Many homes have sizable yards and mature trees, perfect for those who love hosting gatherings or want space for pets to roam.
Renters will find several well-maintained apartment complexes, like The Crossings at Oakbrook and Harbor Inn Apartments, both offering options for singles, couples, and small families. The affordability here is a major draw; homes tend to offer more space for the price compared to trendier areas closer to downtown Norfolk or those near the beach.
Walkability and Daily Convenience
While Lake Taylor leans suburban, it’s surprisingly convenient for daily errands. Sidewalks run along major streets like Kempsville Road and Princess Anne Road, and there are plenty of walkable routes to neighborhood essentials. Many residents find grocery shopping easy with Food Lion and other stores at Military Circle Mall Plaza just a few minutes away by car or bus.
For fitness enthusiasts, it’s common to see joggers making loops around Lake Taylor and through the neighborhood’s lesser-known green trails. While a car makes things easier for bigger shopping trips, you’re never far from what you need.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Lake Taylor is particularly popular with families, thanks in part to its schools and youth amenities. Lake Taylor High School and Lake Taylor Middle School, both on Kempsville Road, are centrally located and active in the community—not just for education, but for sports and cultural events as well. Families praise the strong sense of school pride and the way teachers know their students beyond just academics.
For younger kids, several nearby childcare centers and preschools, such as The Goddard School on Princess Anne Road, offer options for working parents. Add the number of playgrounds within a short drive—both in Lake Taylor and the adjacent River Forest Shores area—and it’s easy to see why families settle here for the long run.
Parks and Green Spaces
Lake Taylor isn’t just a name; the peaceful water feature at its center is beloved for bird-watching and quiet moments. While there’s no formal lakeside park, small public access paths run along the lake’s northern edge near Lake Taylor Middle School, perfect for relaxed strolls under the trees.
Flying Point Park, just off Norfolk Avenue, and the larger Berkley Park to the south offer additional green space for sports, picnics, and playground fun. These parks may not be sprawling, but they’re well-maintained, offering safe places for families and exercise buffs.
Safety: A Reassuringly Quiet Neighborhood
Safety is always a concern when relocating, and Lake Taylor stands out for its calm streets and watchful neighbors. Violent crime is rare here, and neighborhood watch programs are taken seriously—residents look out for each other and are quick to report anything unusual.
The proximity of Sentara Leigh Hospital, just minutes away on Kempsville Road, adds an extra layer of peace of mind, especially for families with young children or seniors.
Location: Commuter’s Paradise and Close to Everything
Perhaps Lake Taylor’s biggest asset is its location. Sitting at the intersection of I-64 and I-264, the neighborhood offers incredibly easy access to both downtown Norfolk and major employers like Sentara Healthcare, Norfolk State University, and the Norfolk Naval Base. Many residents choose Lake Taylor specifically for these quick commutes—getting downtown for dinner on Granby Street or to the waterside for festivals is rarely a hassle.
Norfolk International Airport is less than ten minutes by car, making this neighborhood perfect for business travelers or frequent flyers. At the same time, Virginia Beach is only a twenty-minute drive, so you’re never far from weekend seaside fun.
What Residents Love Most
What keeps people in Lake Taylor? Ask around, and you’ll hear the same things repeated:
- Space to spread out—yards and wide streets but still close to everything
- Friendly, respectful neighbors who look out for one another
- Schools that invest in their students and host regular family events
- A true sense of safety and calm, even after dark
- Quick access to highways, shopping, downtown, beaches, and major healthcare
It’s not the flashiest neighborhood in Norfolk, but that’s exactly its charm. Lake Taylor offers a feeling of home that’s becoming hard to find—stable, welcoming, and comfortable. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a long-time renter, this community makes it easy to put down roots.
If you’re looking for an honest-to-goodness neighborhood with the right mix of peace and convenience, Lake Taylor just might be for you.