Norfolk's MacArthur Center Redevelopment: What We Know So Far and Why It's a Big Deal
Norfolk's MacArthur Center is closing by June 30, 2026, and the City has major redevelopment plans for the site. Here's what we know about the project, what it means for downtown Norfolk's future, and why Hampton Roads homeowners and investors should be paying close attention.
The Ripple Effect: How Virginia Beach's Flood Protection Milestones Are Already Changing Neighborhoods
Virginia Beach's flood mitigation program is delivering real, measurable results — and homeowners near completed projects like South Plaza Trail and Presidential Boulevard are already seeing the benefits. Here's what the city's own Ripple Effect update means for your property value, flood insurance, and quality of life.
Data Centers Are Coming to Hampton Roads — Here's How Local Leaders Are Preparing
Large-scale data centers are eyeing Hampton Roads, and local governments are moving quickly to establish zoning guardrails before proposals arrive. Here's what homeowners, investors, and residents need to know about the potential impact on neighborhoods, utilities, and property values across the region.
Two Hampton Roads Cold Cases Solved After 30+ Years: The Story Behind the Colonial Parkway Murders
After more than 30 years, two cold case murders connected to the infamous Colonial Parkway Murders have finally been resolved. Virginia State Police, Hampton Police, and the FBI named Alan Wilmer Sr. as responsible for the deaths of David Knobling, Robin Edwards, and Teresa Howell — bringing long-awaited answers to families and a region that never stopped asking questions.
PCS to Norfolk in 2026? What Relocation Guides Won't Tell You About Living Here
Most relocation guides make Hampton Roads sound straightforward. It isn't — and if you're PCSing to Norfolk in 2026, the gaps in that generic advice can cost you real time and money. Here's what two decades of helping military families navigate this area actually looks like.
New Construction in Hampton Roads Now Averages $527K — Here's What's Driving the Affordability Squeeze
New construction in Hampton Roads hit an average of $527,543 in 2025 — up nearly 11% while sales volume dropped 28%. Here's what's behind the numbers and what it means if you're weighing a new build against resale.
What Does a 2/1 Buydown Actually Cost You? A Real Example from Virginia Beach New Construction
Builder buydown offers are everywhere in Virginia Beach right now, but most buyers don't know what they're actually agreeing to. Using a real flyer from a Virginia Beach new construction community, Barry Jenkins breaks down the true cost of a 2/1 buydown — month by month, year by year — so you can decide if it's actually a deal.
Hampton's Homebuyer Assistance Program: Free Money for Buying Downtown — Here's How to Qualify
Hampton's Homebuyer Assistance Program offers up to $20,000 in down payment and closing cost help for eligible buyers purchasing in two downtown neighborhoods. Most Hampton Roads buyers have never heard of it. Here's exactly how it works and how to apply.
Suffolk Just Approved a $2 Billion Improvement Plan — Here's What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers
Suffolk City Council unanimously approved a $2 billion Community Improvement Plan covering 2026–2035. If you own a home in Suffolk or you're considering buying there, here's where the money is going and why it matters for property values.
170 Vacant Public Housing Units in Norfolk — Why This Matters for the Whole City
More than 170 units sit empty at a Norfolk public housing complex due to mold and maintenance issues — and if left unresolved, that vacancy rate could put federal funding at serious risk. Here's what that means for Norfolk's redevelopment pipeline and why Hampton Roads residents beyond city limits should pay attention.
Virginia Beach Home Prices Up 15.6% Year-Over-Year — What's Driving the Surge?
The median list price in Virginia Beach just hit $479,900 — a 15.6% jump from last year — while national prices are actually falling. Here's what's behind the surge and what it means if you're buying, selling, or just watching your equity grow.
Virginia Beach Amphitheater Turns 30: A Look Back at Three Decades of Concerts at the Oceanfront
The Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach is celebrating 30 years as one of Hampton Roads' most beloved entertainment destinations. From its earliest seasons to the upcoming 2026 concert lineup, the venue has been woven into the fabric of this community in ways that go far beyond live music. Here's a look back — and a look ahead.
Back Bay Farmhouse May Become Apartments: What Virginia Beach's Kempsville Road Development Means for the Area
Plans are in early stages to convert the popular Back Bay Farmhouse brewery site on Kempsville Road into a new apartment complex. Here's what that could mean for nearby homeowners, traffic, and the Kempsville corridor's long-term character.
Rain Gardens, Oyster Reefs, and Flood Control: Hampton's Dutch-Inspired Strategy That Other HR Cities Should Watch
Hampton, Virginia is taking a nature-based approach to flood control — rain gardens, oyster reefs, and creek restoration — instead of billion-dollar walls and pumps. Here's why Hampton Roads homeowners everywhere should be paying close attention to what's working.
The Real Numbers on Virginia Beach Airbnb Investing: Most Properties Are Losing Money
Across 20+ analyzed short-term rental properties in Virginia Beach, the median monthly cashflow is -$1,235. Before you buy an Airbnb investment here, you need to understand why most are losing money — and what the profitable ones do differently.
Renting at $1,500 vs. Buying in Hampton Roads: When Does the Math Actually Work?
If your rent is $1,500 a month all-in, buying in Hampton Roads might feel like a natural next step — and sometimes the numbers really do line up. But there are costs renters rarely see coming. Here's the honest breakdown.
How to Challenge Your Flood Zone Designation in Virginia Beach — The FEMA LOMC Process Explained
If your Virginia Beach home is mapped in a flood zone but sits on higher ground, you may be paying for flood insurance you don't actually need. The FEMA Letter of Map Change process lets homeowners challenge that designation — and a successful case can save thousands per year. Here's how it works.
500+ New Businesses and Hundreds of Jobs: What Chesapeake's Growth Means for Real Estate
Chesapeake's 2025 State of the City revealed 565 new businesses, nearly $1 billion in capital investment, and thousands of jobs on the way. Here's what that economic momentum means for housing demand, home values, and investment opportunities across Hampton Roads.
What Does It Cost to Sell a Home in Norfolk?
Selling a home in Norfolk involves more than agent commissions — grantor taxes, repairs, prorated taxes, and mortgage payoff all factor into your final number. Here's a full breakdown of every cost you should expect, plus a real net-proceeds example so you know what you're actually walking away with.
Virginia Beach Is Asking Churches and Nonprofits to Help Solve the Housing Shortage — Here's How
Virginia Beach has a gap of more than 4,000 affordable housing units — and the city is now turning to faith-based organizations and nonprofits to help close it. Here's what the initiative involves, why land is the key variable, and what it could mean for your neighborhood.
The Military Homebuyer's City-by-City Guide to Hampton Roads in 2026
Hampton Roads isn't one market — it's seven cities with different price points, commute patterns, and neighborhoods. This city-by-city breakdown helps military buyers choose the right home base for their duty station in 2026. From Norfolk's walkable urban core to Suffolk's newer construction, here's what you need to know before you buy.
Does Your Virginia Beach Home Insurance Actually Cover Hurricanes? What You Need to Know
Many Virginia Beach homeowners assume their policy fully covers hurricane damage — but wind and flood are treated very differently. Here's what your policy likely covers, what it doesn't, and the gaps that could cost you after a major storm.
Blackbeard's Head Hung on a Pole: The Pirate History Hidden in Hampton Roads
November 22, 1718. A naval officer sailed into Hampton harbor with a severed head hanging from his bow. The spot where Blackbeard's head was displayed on a pole still has a name on local maps today — and most Hampton Roads residents have no idea.
Chesapeake's Community Development Projects: Habitat for Humanity and HUD-Funded Home Repairs You Should Know About
Chesapeake homeowners may qualify for free or subsidized home repairs and homeownership assistance through HUD-funded programs and Habitat for Humanity South Hampton Roads. Many families don't know these resources exist — here's who qualifies and how to access them. If you own a home in Chesapeake, this could save you thousands.
Naval Station Norfolk History: How the World's Largest Naval Base Was Built in 6 Months on a World's Fair Site
In 1917, the U.S. Navy needed a major East Coast base — fast. What they found was an abandoned World's Fair site on Sewell's Point in Norfolk, and what they built there in under six months became the largest naval installation on Earth. Here's the story every Hampton Roads resident should know.