Norfolk's Historic Ghent: A Lesson in Style

For years, Norfolk's Ghent district was notorious for crime, debauchery, and its run-down facade.  Over the last ten or fifteen years, however, the city has revamped the district and given it a new lease on life.  Since the inception of the Norva, Empire, and countless other upscale classy restaurants near downtown on Granby Street, Ghent has, shall we dare say, cleaned up its act.  Today, the neighborhood is a haven for hipsters, college students, and artists.  But what makes Ghent stand out among the other portions of Norfolk, or even Hampton Roads for that matter?

While Ghent is rich in history, and the neighborhood was erected in the 1890's, it essentially went unnoticed until a decade or two ago, when residents realized its full potential.  Today, homes that once stood as four bedrooms have been cut into apartments or duplexes, making way for an infiltration of younger people to come and live.  Most of the homes are historic, with beautiful brick facades and Victorian styling.  Look inside and you might see a band at practice or a painter creating their newest masterpiece.  This is the beauty of Ghent: it lends to please the eye, while hiding even more exciting potential deep inside.