Hampton Roads Real Estate Blog

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

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205 posts · page 4 of 9
Blackbeard Pirate Festival Returns to Hampton This June — Here's Why You Won't Want to Miss It
Community Spotlight

Blackbeard Pirate Festival Returns to Hampton This June — Here's Why You Won't Want to Miss It

The Blackbeard Pirate Festival takes over Hampton's historic waterfront June 12–14, 2026, turning the shoreline into a full-blown 18th-century seaport complete with ship battles, cannon fire, and costumed pirates as far as the eye can see. It's one of the most distinctive free-spirited events on the Hampton Roads calendar, and it draws visitors from all over the country. If you live here — or you're thinking about it — this is exactly the kind of weekend that reminds you why Hampton Roads is so special.

June 3, 2026
SubSea Craft Picks Virginia Beach for U.S. Expansion: What Defense Industry Growth Means for Housing
Community Spotlight

SubSea Craft Picks Virginia Beach for U.S. Expansion: What Defense Industry Growth Means for Housing

SubSea Craft, a cutting-edge defense and maritime technology company, has chosen Virginia Beach for its U.S. expansion — and that's not a random decision. Here's what this move means for local housing demand, homeowners sitting on equity, and investors watching the Hampton Roads market.

June 3, 2026
$200 Million in New Development Coming to Virginia Beach Town Center: Hotel, Apartments, and More
Community Spotlight

$200 Million in New Development Coming to Virginia Beach Town Center: Hotel, Apartments, and More

A $200 million investment wave is reshaping Virginia Beach Town Center with a seven-story hotel, a seven-story apartment complex, a craft beer arcade, and a comedy club. Here's what that means for property values, rental inventory, and the broader growth trajectory of Hampton Roads.

June 2, 2026
$43 Million in Unused Tax Credits Could Transform Norfolk Housing — Here's What You Need to Know
News

$43 Million in Unused Tax Credits Could Transform Norfolk Housing — Here's What You Need to Know

Hampton Roads Ventures, the development subsidiary of Norfolk's housing authority, is sitting on $43 million in unassigned tax credits. Here's what that means for the region's housing landscape — and why local buyers, homeowners, and investors should be paying attention.

June 1, 2026
Are Housing Costs Holding Hampton Roads Back? What the Data Says
Market Update

Are Housing Costs Holding Hampton Roads Back? What the Data Says

ODU researchers and local Reddit threads are asking the same question: are rising housing costs limiting Hampton Roads' economic potential? After 20+ years watching this market, here's my honest read on the data — and what it means for buyers, homeowners, and the region's future.

June 1, 2026
Virginia's Largest-Ever Transportation Project: How the $3.9 Billion Corridor Will Reshape Hampton Roads
Community Spotlight

Virginia's Largest-Ever Transportation Project: How the $3.9 Billion Corridor Will Reshape Hampton Roads

Virginia's $3.9 billion transportation mega-project — the largest in state history — is actively under construction along a nearly 10-mile corridor in Hampton Roads. Here's what the project covers, where it stands today, and what infrastructure investment of this scale historically means for home values and neighborhood growth in the areas it touches.

May 29, 2026
Why Hampton Roads Is One of the Best Markets in the Country for VA Loan Buyers
Buying Tips

Why Hampton Roads Is One of the Best Markets in the Country for VA Loan Buyers

Military buyers using VA loans have a real advantage in Hampton Roads — moderate home prices near major installations like Norfolk Naval Station and NAS Oceana mean your benefit stretches further here than at almost any comparable duty station. Here's what that actually looks like in practice, and why it matters before your next PCS.

May 29, 2026
Chesapeake Redevelopment & Housing Authority: What's Happening with Affordable Housing in Our Region
Community Spotlight

Chesapeake Redevelopment & Housing Authority: What's Happening with Affordable Housing in Our Region

The Chesapeake Redevelopment & Housing Authority manages public and conventional housing communities across the region while expanding scholarship and resident support programs. Here's what's happening — and why it matters to homeowners, renters, and investors across Hampton Roads.

May 28, 2026
What's Happening in Hampton Roads in June — Events, Festivals & Things To Do
Community Spotlight

What's Happening in Hampton Roads in June — Events, Festivals & Things To Do

June 2026 is absolutely packed in Hampton Roads — from tall ships and pirate battles to world-class jazz, Juneteenth celebrations, and a stacked outdoor concert calendar at the Virginia Beach amphitheater. Whether you're into music, food, culture, or just getting outside with the family, there's something happening in every corner of the region this month.

May 28, 2026
Detached vs. Attached Homes in Hampton Roads: Two Totally Different Markets in 2026
Market Update

Detached vs. Attached Homes in Hampton Roads: Two Totally Different Markets in 2026

Single-family detached homes are moving fast across Hampton Roads in 2026, while condos and townhomes are sitting longer and shifting toward buyers. If you're buying or selling an attached home right now, you're operating under completely different rules than your neighbor down the street with a detached house — and your strategy needs to reflect that.

May 27, 2026
The Hampton Jazz Festival Returns in June 2026 — and It's Worth Every Minute
Community Spotlight

The Hampton Jazz Festival Returns in June 2026 — and It's Worth Every Minute

The 56th Annual Hampton Jazz & Music Festival is coming to Hampton, VA on June 26–28, 2026, bringing three days of world-class jazz, R&B, and soul to the iconic Hampton Coliseum. This is one of the most beloved music traditions on the East Coast, and if you haven't experienced it yet, this is your year.

May 27, 2026
Norfolk's Days Inn Is Becoming 160 Affordable Housing Units — Here's What That Means for the Neighborhood
News

Norfolk's Days Inn Is Becoming 160 Affordable Housing Units — Here's What That Means for the Neighborhood

GoodHomes Communities is converting a Norfolk Days Inn into 160 workforce housing units — one of the latest motel-to-housing conversions reshaping Hampton Roads. Here's what nearby homeowners, renters, and investors need to know about how these projects work and what they typically mean for surrounding property values.

May 26, 2026
VBCDC Turns 40: How Virginia Beach's Largest Nonprofit Housing Provider Has Shaped Our Neighborhoods
Community Spotlight

VBCDC Turns 40: How Virginia Beach's Largest Nonprofit Housing Provider Has Shaped Our Neighborhoods

The Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation is celebrating 40 years of affordable housing work across Hampton Roads. Here's what their mission has meant for local neighborhoods — and why it matters more than ever in today's housing market.

May 26, 2026
Virginia's Free Flood Risk Lookup Tool: How to Check Any Hampton Roads Property in Minutes
flood-and-risk

Virginia's Free Flood Risk Lookup Tool: How to Check Any Hampton Roads Property in Minutes

Most Hampton Roads homeowners and buyers don't know Virginia offers a free flood risk lookup tool that combines FEMA, GIS, and wildlife data in one place. Here's how to use the Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) to check any property's flood zone status before you buy, sell, or renew your insurance.

May 25, 2026
Suffolk Has 6,800+ Homes in the Pipeline — Is the City Growing Too Fast?
Community Spotlight

Suffolk Has 6,800+ Homes in the Pipeline — Is the City Growing Too Fast?

Nearly 7,000 approved-but-unbuilt homes represent a 16% increase to Suffolk's housing stock — and that number is raising real questions about traffic, schools, and infrastructure. Here's what it actually means for buyers, current homeowners, and anyone watching this market closely.

May 25, 2026
The VA Loan Mistakes Hampton Roads Military Buyers Make Every PCS Season (and How to Avoid Them)
Buying Tips

The VA Loan Mistakes Hampton Roads Military Buyers Make Every PCS Season (and How to Avoid Them)

PCS season is here, and thousands of military families are house-hunting across Hampton Roads right now. One wrong move with a VA loan can cost you thousands — here are the mistakes I see every single spring, and exactly how to avoid them.

May 22, 2026
Norfolk Named 2026 All-America City Finalist — Here's Why It Matters for Hampton Roads
Community Spotlight

Norfolk Named 2026 All-America City Finalist — Here's Why It Matters for Hampton Roads

Norfolk has been named a 2026 All-America City Award finalist by the National Civic League — recognition that reflects real momentum in the city's civic programs and community investment. Here's what earned Norfolk the nod, and what this kind of national attention means for residents, homeowners, and buyers across Hampton Roads.

May 22, 2026
Building or Renovating in a Virginia Beach Flood Zone? Here's What the City Requires
flood-and-risk

Building or Renovating in a Virginia Beach Flood Zone? Here's What the City Requires

Virginia Beach has strict floodplain rules that can significantly affect the cost and timeline of any construction or renovation project in a flood-prone area. Before you break ground — or even pull a permit — here's exactly what the city requires. Understanding these rules upfront can save you thousands and prevent costly surprises.

May 21, 2026
Virginia Beach Is Running Out of Land — Here's Why the City Is Building Up, Not Out
News

Virginia Beach Is Running Out of Land — Here's Why the City Is Building Up, Not Out

Virginia Beach has nearly exhausted its developable land, and the city is responding by pivoting to vertical development — particularly around Town Center. Here's what that means for buyers, homeowners, and investors across Hampton Roads.

May 21, 2026
How Military Spending Drives the Hampton Roads Economy — And Why It Matters for Your Home's Value
Market Update

How Military Spending Drives the Hampton Roads Economy — And Why It Matters for Your Home's Value

Hampton Roads has one of the largest concentrations of military and defense activity in the world — and that economic foundation has a direct, measurable effect on local home values. Here's what homeowners, buyers, and investors need to understand about the connection between DoD spending and the housing market.

May 20, 2026
Norfolk's MacArthur Center Redevelopment: What We Know So Far and Why It's a Big Deal
Community Spotlight

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.

May 20, 2026
The Ripple Effect: How Virginia Beach's Flood Protection Milestones Are Already Changing Neighborhoods
flood-and-risk

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.

May 19, 2026
Data Centers Are Coming to Hampton Roads — Here's How Local Leaders Are Preparing
News

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.

May 19, 2026
Two Hampton Roads Cold Cases Solved After 30+ Years: The Story Behind the Colonial Parkway Murders
local-interest

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.

May 18, 2026
PCS to Norfolk in 2026? What Relocation Guides Won't Tell You About Living Here
Buying Tips

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.

May 18, 2026