The Most Expensive Beaches in Virginia to Buy a Second Home

Located in the South Atlantic region of the United States, Virginia is best known as the birthplace of the nation. Bordering the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the state is steeped in history. Eight U.S. presidents were born in Virginia, including George Washington, the nation’s first president.

Aside from a rich history, Virginia boasts thousands of miles of gorgeous shoreline and wide sandy beaches. When you combine the waterfront of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the many tidewater rivers, the coast stretches for 7,213 miles.

Many consider the weather in Virginia to be ideal for outdoor recreation. A humid, subtropical region, the state doesn’t tend to experience the extreme hot and cold temperatures you can find elsewhere in the U.S.

All of this combines to make Virginia an ideal vacation destination, so the average cost of vacation homes along the shoreline can get pricey. Let’s take a look at the five most expensive beaches in Virginia to buy a second home.

1: North Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is divided into two sections, north and south. The northern portion of Virginia Beach is quieter and less busy than the region to the south. Mostly a residential area, the beaches are more sparse than the bustling south end. Subsequently, northern Virginia Beach offers vacationers a more tranquil experience, away from the crowds.

For nature lovers, the First Landing State Park is situated on Cape Henry in North Virginia Beach. Named for the site of the first landing by English Colonialists, the park offers 1.5 miles of sandy beach on its 2,888 acres. Further, many bird species flock to the area, such as chickadees and warblers. Standing on the shores, you are sometimes able to spot humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.

Houses get pricey in North Virginia Beach. Therefore, those looking for more affordable options for a second home may want to check ahead a little further south. In the north, the average median price of homes is $1.36 million but can range higher.

House for Sale: This seven-bedroom oceanfront home has over 8,000 square feet of living space. The house has panoramic views of the ocean, a grand foyer, a gourmet chef’s kitchen, and two primary suites. Price: $12 million.

2: Croaton Beach

Nestled within Virginia Beach is the secluded and beautiful Croaton Beach. Croaton Beach stretches for three-quarters of a mile on the southern end of Virginia Beach. A favorite of local surfers, there are two designated surfing areas along the coastline.

A beach with diverse wildlife, sea turtles sometimes nest on Croaton Beach where lucky residents can watch the hatchlings make their way to the ocean. Officials will set up nest sitters to monitor the nest. They also put out public requests for residents to keep exterior nighttime lights off during the hatching period so as not to disrupt the baby turtles making their way to the ocean. 

Croaton Beach is beloved by locals, but not as well known by out-of-towners. Located in a quiet neighborhood, beach parking is limited. This is part of what keeps the beach on the quieter side. Tucked away from the massive Virginia Beach crowds, this gorgeous oceanside neighborhood is an ideal spot for a second home.

Although there are less costly options in Virginia Beach, Croaton Beach homes get expensive and can range in the millions. The average median price of homes is $1.2 million.

House for Sale: This colossal property has 180-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean. At 9,000 square feet, the estate offers seven bedrooms, a four-car garage, a game room, a media room, a workout room, and a gourmet kitchen. Photos of the house feature ample sunlight, high ceilings, and attractive travertine floors. Price: $4.99 million.

3: Sandbridge Beach 

Sandbridge is an exclusive neighborhood in Virginia Beach, where home prices can range from $205,000 to $2.1 million with an average price of $995,000. A quiet community, Sandbridge is off the beaten path from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Virginia Beach. Also, a haven for wildlife, wild ponies are sometimes galloping along the beach. Other animals you will encounter include turtles, crabs, seagulls, and pelicans.

For nature lovers, the nearby Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the False Cape State Park offer hiking, fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching. The refuge provides habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other threatened species. During winter migration, you may spot tundra swans and snow geese. 

House for Sale: This six-bedroom, 3,118-square-foot home is just steps away from the beach. Newly renovated in 2007, the home features a solar-heated saline inground pool and a gourmet kitchen with a large oversized granite island. Price: $1.225 million.

4: Chic’s Beach 

Located in Virginia Beach, Chic’s Beach is an exclusive waterfront neighborhood with no public parking and limited beach access to non-residents. A diverse area, homes here consist of townhouses, condominiums, beach cottages, duplexes, apartments, and single-family homes. 

Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, the neighborhood surrounds the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel. Chic’s Beach is a quiet community with no hotels, busy boardwalks, or tourist attractions. Unlike the rolling waves of the Atlantic, the bay is quieter. Also, the beachfront faces north, which means you can get a view of the setting sun as you walk along the beach. Along with the gentler waves, residents can often spot dolphins swimming along the bay. 

The average price for homes in Chic’s Beach is $587,500, making it one of the most expensive beaches in Virginia to own a house.

House for Sale: This three-bedroom, 2,240-square-foot home features a gourmet kitchen with a large kitchen island, a remodeled third-floor bathroom, and balconies to enjoy the stunning bay views. Spacious, airy, and bright, the highlight of this property is the beachfront location and incredible views of the sandy dunes and rolling waves. Price: 1.075 million.

5: Cape Charles

Cape Charles is a relaxing little beach town situated on the south of Virginia’s eastern shore along the Chesapeake Bay. Surrounded by water on three sides, the peninsula is bordered by the bay, King’s Creek, and Old Plantation Creek.

One of the sights seen from the beaches of Cape Charles is the Cape Charles Lighthouse, Virginia’s tallest lighthouse. Further, the town’s historic district offers family-owned restaurants, boutique-style hotels, and unique retail shops. Away from the wild waves of the Atlantic, the shore of Cape Charles provides the perfect spot for stand-up paddleboards and kayaking. You can even paddle your way to a wine tasting on the Chatham Vineyards tour.

Another favorite activity on Cape Charles is bird watching. Birds spotted along the shores are common loons, Savannah sparrows, ospreys, horned grebes, and American oystercatchers. The least expensive on our list, a vacation home in Cape Charles will run you an average of $525,000.

House for Sale: This four-bedroom, 7,069-square-foot home boasts a grand porch overlooking the bay. Other features include a wine center and a gourmet kitchen with warming drawers. On the third floor is a roof deck with stunning views. Price: $2.49 million.

Summary of Most Expensive Beaches in Virginia to Buy a Second Home

Here’s a recap of the priciest beaches in Virginia to purchase a property or second home.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Kyle Little