Market reports, buying & selling guides, and community insights — from the Legacy Home Search team.

In the summer of 1942, beachgoers on the Virginia Beach shoreline watched tankers burn just offshore while German U-boats prowled the Atlantic almost completely unchallenged. It's one of the most visceral chapters of World War II — and almost nobody who lives here knows it happened.

On March 8, 1862, a Confederate ironclad steamed into Hampton Roads and sank two Union warships in a single afternoon — the worst naval disaster of the Civil War. The next morning, history changed again. The Battle of Hampton Roads Monitor Merrimack history is woven into the very water Hampton Roads residents live beside today.

Most locals have walked past him a hundred times without knowing the whole story. The King Neptune statue at 31st Street was cast in China in 120 days, shipped across the ocean, and planted at the edge of the Atlantic — and he's been watching over the boardwalk ever since. Here's the history behind Virginia Beach's most iconic landmark.

Norfolk Harborfest 2026 runs June 19–21 at Town Point Park on the Downtown Norfolk waterfront — and this year marks the festival's 50th anniversary. Here's everything families and newcomers need to know about tall ships, fireworks, live music, and three days of free waterfront celebration.

New construction in Hampton Roads now averages $527,543 — up 10.9% — while sales volume dropped 28%. Here's what those numbers actually mean if you're trying to buy a home you can afford in this market.

The Newport News housing market remains competitive heading into 2026, with steady price appreciation, tight inventory, and strong local employment anchors keeping demand elevated. Whether you're buying or selling in Newport News, the conditions this year reward preparation. Here's what the data shows and what it means for you.

Chesapeake remains one of the most competitive submarkets in Hampton Roads heading into 2026. Median prices are holding firm, inventory is still tight, and local employment anchors continue to support demand. Here's what the data actually means for you.

Norfolk City Council has voted to push forward with the St. Paul's area redevelopment despite budget concerns — and it's one of the most significant urban transformations Hampton Roads has seen in decades. Here's what it could mean for property values, investment opportunities, and the future of downtown Norfolk.

In June 2026, Norfolk and Hampton Roads will host Sail250 Virginia — an international fleet of 60+ ships from 20 countries commemorating America's 250th birthday. It's the biggest maritime event this region has ever seen, and if you live here, you'll want to know what's coming.

The Virginia Beach ITA Master Plan lays out a major vision for the area surrounding the Sportsplex — mixed-use development, new infrastructure, and long-term growth that could reshape surrounding neighborhoods. If you own or are considering buying property near the ITA corridor, here's what you need to know now.

Hampton Roads is at the center of America's 250th anniversary celebration this summer — and the lineup is incredible. From tall ships and air shows to historical reenactments and the largest fireworks display in Williamsburg's history, here's everything locals need to know.

Hampton's housing market is holding steady heading into 2026, with moderate price growth, tight inventory, and strong military-driven demand keeping conditions competitive. Here's what the numbers actually look like — and what they mean if you're buying or selling in Hampton this year.

Suffolk has quietly become one of the most watched real estate markets in Hampton Roads. Here's where prices, inventory, and buyer demand are headed in 2026 — and what it means if you're about to make a move.

Norfolk's housing market is shaped by forces most cities don't have — naval installations, a port economy, and steady government employment. Here's what the data says heading into 2026 and what it means if you're buying or selling in the city.

Should you go with a 15-year or 30-year mortgage on your Hampton Roads home? Barry Jenkins runs the real numbers on a $400K purchase — monthly payments, total interest, and equity over time — so you can decide with confidence.

Timing your home sale in Hampton Roads isn't just about seasons — it's about understanding inventory trends, military PCS demand, and what each window actually puts in your pocket. Here's the honest math on spring versus fall 2026.

Insurance is the number one surprise cost for Hampton Roads waterfront buyers — and post-FEMA Risk Rating 2.0, some local homeowners have seen flood premiums double or triple. Here's what you're actually looking at before you buy on the water in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or Hampton.

Hampton's average home value slipped 0.3% over the past year while neighboring cities in Hampton Roads saw gains. Here's what that actually means if you own a home in Hampton — and why buyers might want to pay close attention right now.

Hunt Military Communities is finalizing a deal to privatize junior sailor housing across five Hampton Roads installations, representing $1.8 billion in development. The plan would put 8,000 beds under private management and trigger major construction activity across the region. Here's what homeowners, buyers, and investors near local bases need to know.

The cost of Norfolk's coastal storm risk management project has ballooned from $1.4 billion to over $6 billion, with completion now pushed to 2037. For homeowners and buyers across Hampton Roads, this massive shift raises real questions about flood risk, property values, and long-term livability in the region.

Buying a home in Hampton Roads in 2026 means navigating military-friendly loan programs, fast-moving inventory, and neighborhoods with real differences in flood risk and commute times. This guide covers everything local buyers need — from pre-approval to closing day — in plain language.

The Bayou Bon Vivant Cajun Music & Food Festival returns to Town Point Park in Downtown Norfolk May 15–17, 2026, bringing three days of live Cajun and zydeco music, authentic Louisiana food, and genuine good-time energy to the waterfront. If you've never been, this is the year to go — and if you're a regular, you already know why it belongs on your calendar.

Hampton Roads has more waterfront variety than almost any metro in the country — ocean, bay, river, canal, and lake. Here's what you'll actually pay depending on water type, location, and the features that drive price up or down.

The Patriotic Festival 2026 – Country Weekend is bringing three nights of live country music to Norfolk Scope Arena over Memorial Day weekend, May 22–24, 2026. This is one of the biggest annual events in all of Hampton Roads, drawing crowds from Virginia Beach to the Peninsula and everywhere in between. If you love country music and community, this one belongs on your calendar.

Norfolk is in the middle of the largest public housing transformation in the city's history. If you own, invest, or are thinking about buying near downtown Norfolk, here's what you actually need to know about the St. Paul's redevelopment — the timeline, the disruption, and the long-term opportunity.