Best Places to Buy a Beach House in Virginia (2026)

Virginia’s coastline offers a perfect mix of investment potential, stunning beaches, and historic charm. From the family-friendly shores of Virginia Beach to the peaceful retreats of Chincoteague Island, the state’s waterfront communities provide excellent opportunities for homebuyers and investors.

With more affordable coastal real estate than parts of Florida and the Outer Banks in North Carolina, Virginia offers steady property appreciation, strong short-term rental markets, and a high quality of life. This guide highlights the Best Places to Buy a Beach House in Virginia, helping buyers compare markets based on appreciation, rental income, and lifestyle preferences. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home, rental property, or retirement retreat, this guide highlights the best places to buy a beach house in Virginia in 2025.

Understanding the Best Places to Buy a Beach House in Virginia begins with knowing what drives demand in the state’s coastal markets. Virginia’s coastal real estate market provides solid investment growth, rental demand, and scenic coastal living. Compared to other East Coast destinations, it offers lower property taxes, affordable home prices, and a strong year-round economy.

• Property Appreciation – Virginia’s coastal homes have seen 5-9% annual appreciation, depending on location.

• Rental Income – Vacation rentals in prime beach areas generate $40,000–$75,000+ per year due to high demand.

• Lower Property Taxes – Virginia’s property taxes are lower than in North Carolina and Maryland, reducing long-term ownership costs.

• Over 19 million visitors travel to Virginia Beach each year, ensuring strong short-term rental demand.

• Airbnb occupancy rates in top beach towns range from 50-65%, providing consistent rental income.

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• Flood & Hurricane Insurance – Some areas require flood insurance, with annual premiums ranging from $1,800 to $5,000.

• Coastal Building Standards – Newer homes are built with storm-resistant materials and elevated foundations for added protection.

Virginia’s best beach destinations offer coastal beauty, solid investment opportunities, and relaxed waterfront living. Let’s explore the top locations for buying a beach house in 2025.

Virginia Beach is the largest and most popular coastal city in Virginia, offering a lively tourist scene, top-tier rental potential, and excellent amenities. It’s a great option for short-term rental investors and families looking for a beachside lifestyle.

• Sandbridge Beach – A prime location for vacation rentals, with oceanfront homes starting at $750,000.

• Chesapeake Bay Beach – Offers quieter waterfront living with homes ranging from $500,000 to $900,000.

• North End – A high-demand area for luxury homes, starting at $800,000+.

• Cost of living is 6% higher than the national average, mainly due to housing prices.

• Median home price (2025): $650,000, with 6-9% annual appreciation.

• Short-term rental income ranges from $40K-$80K per year, making it a great Airbnb market.

Chincoteague Island is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife reserves, and peaceful small-town vibe. If you want a quiet coastal retreat or a home near nature, this is an excellent option. Investors comparing the Best Places to Buy a Beach House in Virginia often choose Chincoteague for its affordability and natural beauty.

• Downtown Chincoteague – Offers waterfront homes starting at $450,000.

• Assateague Channel – Features stunning water views and homes priced from $500,000 to $800,000.

• Maddox Boulevard – Conveniently located near shops and restaurants, with home prices starting at $400,000.

• 10% lower than the national average, making it one of Virginia’s most affordable beach towns.

• Median home price (2025): $480,000, with 5-7% annual appreciation.

• Best suited for long-term investments rather than short-term rentals due to seasonal tourism.

Cape Charles is one of Virginia’s hidden gems, offering historic charm, luxury beachfront properties, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s ideal for high-net-worth buyers and retirees looking for an elegant coastal lifestyle. It consistently ranks among the Best Places to Buy a Beach House in Virginia for luxury buyers.

• Bay Creek Resort – A premier golf course and beachfront community with homes starting at $600,000.

• Historic Downtown – Features beautifully restored homes priced from $450,000 to $1M+.

• Mason Avenue Waterfront – A prime area for luxury properties, starting at $750,000.

• 15% higher than the national average due to luxury real estate.

• Median home price (2025): $720,000, up 6% year-over-year.

• Strong resale value due to limited waterfront inventory.

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Virginia’s coastal real estate market is steadily growing, offering affordability compared to North Carolina and Maryland, while delivering solid rental income and property appreciation. These market trends help clarify the Best Places to Buy a Beach House in Virginia based on appreciation and rental yield.

• Statewide Median Home Price: $385,000

• Virginia Beach: 6-9% appreciation, driven by vacation rental demand.

• Chincoteague Island: 5-7% appreciation, ideal for nature lovers and second-home buyers.

• Cape Charles: 6-8% appreciation, catering to luxury buyers.

Virginia’s top beach towns offer high rental income potential, particularly in Virginia Beach.

• Virginia Beach – 7-10% annual rental yield, with vacation homes earning $45K-$80K per year.

• Chincoteague Island – 5-7% rental yield, best for long-term appreciation.

• Cape Charles – 5-6% rental yield, ideal for luxury buyers and retirees.

Compared to Florida and other coastal states, Virginia offers moderate property taxes, stable home prices, and a lower cost of living in many of its beach communities. However, expenses vary depending on location, property type, and proximity to the water.

• Lower Property Taxes than Many Coastal States: Virginia’s property tax rates are significantly lower than in North Carolina and Maryland, making homeownership more affordable.

• Flood & Hurricane Insurance: In coastal areas, flood insurance is often required, with annual premiums ranging from $1,800 to $5,500, depending on flood zone classification and property elevation.

• Higher Insurance Costs in High-Value Areas: Virginia Beach and Cape Charles tend to have higher insurance costs due to higher property values and storm exposure.

Ownership costs are a major factor when evaluating the Best Places to Buy a Beach House in Virginia.

Owning a beach home in Virginia requires ongoing maintenance due to saltwater exposure, humidity, and storm risks.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: Expect to pay $5,000–$12,000 per year for upkeep, including exterior maintenance, HVAC servicing, and storm preparations.

• Utility Costs: Monthly expenses for electricity, water, and internet typically range from $250 to $450, depending on property size and location.

• Beachfront vs. Inland Homes: Direct beachfront homes require more frequent maintenance due to salt corrosion and storm exposure, leading to higher ownership costs.

Virginia’s coastal towns have strong vacation rental markets, particularly in Virginia Beach and Chincoteague Island. Short-term rentals can generate $40,000–$80,000 per year, depending on location, amenities, and seasonality.

Quick Tip: Virginia Beach’s Sandbridge area is one of the top locations for high-yield Airbnb properties due to strong tourism demand.

Virginia’s coastal communities offer a mix of vibrant city life, quiet island retreats, and luxury waterfront estates. Whether you’re looking for an investment property, retirement home, or family getaway, Virginia’s beaches provide plenty of options.

• Mild Winters & Warm Summers – Virginia offers a four-season climate, with warm summers and mild coastal winters.

• Outdoor Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and some of the best hiking trails along the East Coast.

• Top-Ranked Golf Courses: The Bay Creek Golf Club in Cape Charles and Virginia Beach National Golf Club attract golf enthusiasts year-round

Should you buy or rent? It depends on your long-term goals.

• You want long-term appreciation of 5-10% annually.
• You plan to rent it out (Virginia Beach has high Airbnb demand).
• You want a permanent vacation home with full customization options.

• You only visit seasonally and want to avoid maintenance costs.
• You prefer flexibility without the long-term commitment.
• You’re waiting for home prices to drop before purchasing.

The best Virginia beach town for you depends on your investment goals and lifestyle preferences:

• For Airbnb & High Rental Yield: Virginia Beach offers the best rental potential with high annual returns.
• For a Quiet & Scenic Retreat: Chincoteague Island provides secluded beaches and nature-focused living.
• For Luxury & Historic Charm: Cape Charles is ideal for high-end beachfront homes and elegant living.

If you’re ready to invest in a beach house in Virginia, reAlpha Mortgage can help you:

• Analyze market trends to find the best location for your budget.
• Evaluate rental potential to maximize your return on investment.
• Connect with top local real estate experts to guide you through the buying process.
• Contact reAlpha Mortgage today for a free consultation!
• Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Virginia real estate updates.

Looking for other top beach destinations? Check out our guides on North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida!