Complete Guide to Living and Buying Real Estate in Gloucester, VA — 2026
Larry McKinney | Gloucester County Real Estate Agent | 757-503-2544 | thegloucesterrealtor.com
What Is Gloucester, VA?
Gloucester County, Virginia is a peaceful, historic community located on Virginia's Middle Peninsula, bordered by the York River to the south and the Chesapeake Bay watershed to the east. It sits approximately 14 miles from Yorktown, 27 miles from Williamsburg, and roughly 50 miles from Norfolk — close enough to major employment centers, far enough to feel like a world away.
Gloucester is known for its waterfront lifestyle, rural character, colonial history, and strong sense of community. It's one of Eastern Virginia's most desirable markets for buyers seeking waterfront retreats, acreage properties, and an alternative to the higher-priced Hampton Roads metro.
Gloucester, VA Real Estate Market — 2026 Data
Median home sale price: approximately $457,000 as of early 2026. Median list price: approximately $469,000. Median price per square foot: approximately $221–$229. Average days on market: 42 days. Waterfront land average list price: $668,609 at approximately $52,100 per acre.
The Gloucester County market in 2026 is balanced — buyers have choices, but well-priced and move-in-ready homes still move quickly. Waterfront properties command a significant premium, particularly those with deep-water dock access to the York River or Chesapeake Bay.
Data sourced from Movoto, Redfin, and LandSearch — updated May 2026. For a personalized market analysis, contact Larry McKinney at 757-503-2544.
Gloucester, VA Neighborhoods — Where to Live
Gloucester Courthouse — The historic center of Gloucester County, featuring the county courthouse, local shops, and restaurants along East Main Street. Homes here are a mix of historic colonials and updated ranchers, typically ranging from $300,000 to $550,000.
Gloucester Point — Located at the southern tip of the county near the Coleman Bridge crossing over the York River. Waterfront living with access to marinas. Popular with military families and commuters. Prices range from $350,000 to $650,000 and above.
Hayes — Conveniently located near Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and just across the Coleman Bridge from Yorktown. Popular for military families and first-time buyers. Homes typically range from $300,000 to $500,000.
Holly Beach — A waterfront community on the Piankatank River offering deeded beach access, boating, swimming, and fishing. Prices generally $300,000 to $500,000.
Ware Neck — A rural area in the western part of the county known for large parcels, wooded lots, and privacy. Popular with buyers seeking acreage. Land parcels from $50,000 to $200,000 and above; improved properties $400,000 and above.
Waterfront Real Estate in Gloucester, VA
Gloucester County is one of Virginia's premier waterfront real estate markets. The county is bordered and intersected by four major waterways:
York River — The most prominent waterway, forming Gloucester's southern border. Deep-water access to the Chesapeake Bay. Homes along the York River are among the county's most sought-after and expensive.
Ware River — A tributary of the Mobjack Bay, offering scenic water views and boating access with a more private feel.
Severn River — Feeds into the Mobjack Bay. Properties here include some of Gloucester's most historic estates.
Piankatank River — Forms part of the county's northern boundary with Middlesex County. Popular for recreational boating, fishing, and crabbing.
Waterfront properties in Gloucester require specific due diligence including flood zone classification, flood insurance costs, riparian rights, dock permitting through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and structural evaluation of piers and bulkheads. Larry McKinney's construction background makes him an invaluable guide through this process.
Lifestyle in Gloucester County, VA
Beaverdam Park is a local favorite — 5.3 miles of trails with canoeing, fishing, and horseback riding. The York River and Chesapeake Bay provide world-class boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and crabbing. The Annual Daffodil Festival at Gloucester Courthouse draws visitors from across Virginia each spring. East Main Street in Gloucester Courthouse features local restaurants and specialty shops.
Who Moves to Gloucester, VA?
Military families relocating to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown or nearby Hampton Roads installations. Retirees and second-home buyers seeking waterfront retreats and a slower pace of life. Remote workers who want acreage and privacy at a fraction of Northern Virginia costs. First-time buyers priced out of Williamsburg or Hampton Roads.
Why Work With Larry McKinney in Gloucester, VA
Larry McKinney is an independent real estate agent with Hogge Real Estate Inc., serving Gloucester County, Mathews County, Middlesex County, and Eastern Virginia since 2019. His construction background sets him apart — when Larry walks through a home with you, he evaluates the foundation, roofline, HVAC, windows, and waterfront structures like bulkheads and pier conditions.
Larry McKinney | Hogge Real Estate Inc. 6800 Main St., Gloucester, VA 23061 Phone: 757-503-2544 Website: thegloucesterrealtor.com
Serving Gloucester, Gloucester Point, Hayes, Holly Beach, Ware Neck, Mathews, Middlesex, and surrounding Eastern Virginia communities.
Also Serving Virginia's Middle Peninsula and Eastern Virginia:
Gloucester Point VA Real Estate Guide
Mathews County VA Real Estate Guide
Middlesex County VA Real Estate Guide
Williamsburg VA Real Estate Guide
King & Queen County VA Real Estate Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Gloucester, VA in 2026? The median sale price in Gloucester County is approximately $457,000 as of early 2026, with listings averaging $469,000. Waterfront homes list significantly higher, from $450,000 to $900,000 and above.
How long do homes stay on the market in Gloucester, VA? In 2026, homes in Gloucester County are averaging 42 days on market. Well-priced waterfront properties and move-in ready homes can sell faster.
Is Gloucester, VA a good investment? Gloucester County has seen consistent appreciation, with home prices up approximately 7% year-over-year as of late 2025. Waterfront land averages $52,100 per acre.
Does Larry McKinney help with land purchases in Gloucester? Yes. Larry has extensive experience with vacant land, rural parcels, and acreage sales throughout Gloucester and Mathews counties — including evaluation of perc testing, well and septic requirements, zoning, and buildable potential.
Last updated: May 2026 | Larry McKinney, Hogge Real Estate Inc. | 757-503-2544