Hampton Roads Real Estate Blog

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

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131 posts · page 3 of 6
World War II Came to the Virginia Beach Shoreline — And Vacationers Watched It Happen
Local History

World War II Came to the Virginia Beach Shoreline — And Vacationers Watched It Happen

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.

May 9, 2026
The Day Two Iron Ships Changed Naval Warfare Forever — 5 Miles from Downtown Norfolk
Local History

The Day Two Iron Ships Changed Naval Warfare Forever — 5 Miles from Downtown Norfolk

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.

May 9, 2026
The 34-Foot Sea Monster on Our Beach: The Story Behind the King Neptune Statue in Virginia Beach
Local History

The 34-Foot Sea Monster on Our Beach: The Story Behind the King Neptune Statue in Virginia Beach

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.

May 9, 2026
Norfolk Harborfest 2026: Your Complete Guide to America's Largest Free Maritime Festival
local-interest

Norfolk Harborfest 2026: Your Complete Guide to America's Largest Free Maritime Festival

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.

May 9, 2026
Affordability Is the 'Monster' in Hampton Roads Real Estate — Here's What the Numbers Show
Market Update

Affordability Is the 'Monster' in Hampton Roads Real Estate — Here's What the Numbers Show

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.

May 9, 2026
Newport News Housing Market Outlook 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Market Update

Newport News Housing Market Outlook 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

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.

May 7, 2026
Chesapeake Housing Market Outlook 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Market Update

Chesapeake Housing Market Outlook 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

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.

May 7, 2026
St. Paul's Redevelopment in Norfolk Is Moving Forward — What It Means for the Surrounding Real Estate Market
Community Spotlight

St. Paul's Redevelopment in Norfolk Is Moving Forward — What It Means for the Surrounding Real Estate Market

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.

May 7, 2026
Sail250 Is Bringing 60+ Ships From 20 Countries to Norfolk — Here's Everything You Need to Know
local-interest

Sail250 Is Bringing 60+ Ships From 20 Countries to Norfolk — Here's Everything You Need to Know

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.

May 5, 2026
Virginia Beach ITA Master Plan: How the Sportsplex Area Could Transform Over the Next Decade
Community Spotlight

Virginia Beach ITA Master Plan: How the Sportsplex Area Could Transform Over the Next Decade

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.

May 5, 2026
Your Guide to Celebrating America's 250th Birthday Right Here in Hampton Roads
local-interest

Your Guide to Celebrating America's 250th Birthday Right Here in Hampton Roads

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.

May 5, 2026
Hampton Housing Market Outlook 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Market Update

Hampton Housing Market Outlook 2026: What Buyers and Sellers 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.

May 5, 2026
Suffolk Housing Market Outlook 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Market Update

Suffolk Housing Market Outlook 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

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.

May 4, 2026
Norfolk Housing Market Outlook 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Market Update

Norfolk Housing Market Outlook 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

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.

May 4, 2026
15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage in Hampton Roads: A Real Side-by-Side Comparison
financing

15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage in Hampton Roads: A Real Side-by-Side Comparison

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.

May 4, 2026
Should You Sell Your Hampton Roads Home This Spring or Wait Until Fall 2026?
Selling Tips

Should You Sell Your Hampton Roads Home This Spring or Wait Until Fall 2026?

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.

May 4, 2026
Waterfront Home Insurance Costs in Hampton Roads: What Buyers Need to Know Before They Close
waterfront-living

Waterfront Home Insurance Costs in Hampton Roads: What Buyers Need to Know Before They Close

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.

May 3, 2026
Hampton Home Values Dipped Slightly — Should Homeowners Be Worried?
Market Update

Hampton Home Values Dipped Slightly — Should Homeowners Be Worried?

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.

May 3, 2026
A $1.8 Billion Military Housing Deal Is Coming to Hampton Roads — Here's What It Means for You
News

A $1.8 Billion Military Housing Deal Is Coming to Hampton Roads — Here's What It Means for You

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.

May 3, 2026
Norfolk's Floodwall Price Tag Just Hit $6 Billion — Here's What Hampton Roads Homeowners Need to Know
News

Norfolk's Floodwall Price Tag Just Hit $6 Billion — Here's What Hampton Roads Homeowners 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.

May 3, 2026
Hampton Roads Home Buyer Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
Buying Tips

Hampton Roads Home Buyer Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

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.

May 3, 2026
Bayou Bon Vivant Is Coming to Norfolk This May — And It's Worth Your Weekend
Community Spotlight

Bayou Bon Vivant Is Coming to Norfolk This May — And It's Worth Your Weekend

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.

May 1, 2026
What Does It Cost to Buy Waterfront Property in Hampton Roads?
waterfront-living

What Does It Cost to Buy Waterfront Property in Hampton Roads?

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.

April 30, 2026
Patriotic Festival 2026 – Country Weekend Is Coming to Norfolk This Memorial Day
Community Spotlight

Patriotic Festival 2026 – Country Weekend Is Coming to Norfolk This Memorial Day

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.

April 29, 2026
Norfolk's St. Paul's Public Housing Redevelopment: What It Means for Surrounding Neighborhoods
Community Spotlight

Norfolk's St. Paul's Public Housing Redevelopment: What It Means for Surrounding Neighborhoods

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.

April 29, 2026