10 Popular Virginia Coastal Towns to Live in 2023

With its location along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, Virginia has a plethora of stunning beaches and coastal towns. With magnificent waves and sandy coves, boating and fishing, these idyllic Virginia beach towns are some of the best you’ll find. Whether you’re looking to move to Virginia or want to relocate to a quaint coastal city, there are plenty of options to check out in the state.

But if you’re not sure where to start on your hunt for the best Virginia beach town, we’re here to help. From Norfolk to Virginia Beach, Redfin has put together a list of 10 amazing Virginia coastal towns. Let’s explore some of the state’s top beaches, listed in alphabetical order, and you might just be tempted to move there.

#1: Cape Charles

Median home price: $437,000
Cape Charles, VA homes for sale
Cape Charles, VA apartments for rent

Kicking off our list is Cape Charles, home to beaches like Cape Charles Beachfront. There are only about 1,200 people who live in this coastal Virginia town, making it a quaint getaway. Living in Cape Charles, you can explore the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve, check out the Cape Charles Historic District, and dine along the waterfront.

#2: Chincoteague

Median home price: $500,000
Chincoteague, VA homes for sale
Chincoteague, VA apartments for rent

Another one of Virginia’s great beach towns to consider buying a home in is Chincoteague, where there are 3,300 residents. There are plenty of beaches to visit like Assateague Beach, Bow Beach, and Chincoteague Beach. If you’re exploring the town make sure to stroll along the Island Nature Trail, tour the Captain Timothy House, and check out the local restaurants and cafes.

#3: Colonial Beach

Median home price: $340,000
Colonial Beach, VA homes for sale
Colonial Beach, VA apartments for rent

About 3,900 residents live in Colonial Beach, located along the Potomac River. There are lots of beaches to explore on a sunny Virginia day like Colonial Beach and South Colonial Beach. If you find yourself moving to Colonial Beach, grab a meal or drink at one of the waterfront restaurants or breweries.

#4: Hampton

Median home price: $256,000
Hampton, VA homes for sale
Hampton, VA apartments for rent

Home to beautiful beaches like Buckroe Beach, Factory Point, Grandview Beach, Sea Point Beach, Lookout Beach, and Outlook Beach, there are countless places to spend a beach day in the city of Hampton. Just south of Newport News, there are about 137,700 residents in Hampton. Other than a beach day, you can visit Fort Monroe where you’ll find the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, explore the Virginia Air and Space Center, and check out downtown Hampton.

#5: Newport News

Median home price: $259,500
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,190
Newport News, VA homes for sale
Newport News, VA apartments for rent

The picturesque beach town of Newport News has about 184,600 residents, making it another great place to add to your list. You’ll find stunning beaches such as Huntington Beach and Riverside Beach. In Newport News, you can tour some of the museums like Mariners’ Museum and Park or Virginia Living Museum, explore the Newport News Park, and check out the shops, parks, and restaurants downtown.

#6: Norfolk

Median home price: $282,500
Norfolk, VA homes for sale
Norfolk, VA apartments for rent

With just about 235,100 people living in Norfolk, it’s a great beach town to consider moving to. Some beaches you can visit include East Beach, Ocean View Beach, Sarah Constant Beach Park, Whitehurst Beach Park, and Willoughby Beach. Whether you check out one of the museums like Nauticus or the MacArthur Museum, see a show at Chrysler Hall, or explore the Virginia Zoo, there’s many activities to do and see in this beach town.

#7: Onancock

Median home price: $276,000
Onancock, VA homes for sale
Onancock, VA apartments for rent

With a population of close to 1,200, Onancock is a quaint and charming coastal town to live in. This town has lots of cozy spots to check out the water views. If you’re going to call Onacock home, plan time to explore the downtown area where you’ll find local restaurants, shops, and parks.

#8: Tangier Island

Median home price: $188,000
Tangier Island, VA homes for sale
Tangier Island, VA apartments for rent

Accessible only by boat or airplane, Tangier Island is located in the middle of Chesapeake Bay. This island has beautiful beaches such as Tangier Island Beach, perfect for a picnic or enjoying the scenery. Once moving to Tangier Island, you’ll want to visit the Tangier History Museum or have some fresh seafood.

#9: Virginia Beach

Median home price: $370,000
Virginia Beach, VA homes for sale
Virginia Beach, VA apartments for rent

Just about 457,700 people live in Virginia Beach where you’ll find beaches like Chesapeake Beach, Croatan Beach, First Landing Beach, North End Beaches, Sandbridge Beach, and Virginia Beach. Other attractions in Virginia Beach include exploring the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park, stopping by the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, and checking out the downtown Virginia Beach area.

#10: Wachapreague

Median home price: $220,000
Wachapreague, VA homes for sale
Wachapreague, VA apartments for rent

The waterfront city of Wachapreague has a population of only about 250, but there are lots of beaches to enjoy a picnic at, like Wachapreague Seaside Park. You’ll also have plenty of activities to do during your free time, like exploring the charming downtown area.

Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in Virginia. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.