Watch the sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay from your dock, drop a crab pot before breakfast, and spend the afternoon sailing Mobjack Bay. In Gloucester, the water is not just a backdrop. It is your front yard.
Market Overview
Gloucester County sits on the north shore of the York River, across from historic Yorktown. The county offers a remarkable diversity of waterfront, from the open Chesapeake Bay to quiet tidal creeks, all within an hour of Richmond and minutes from the Hampton Roads metro. Gloucester combines the waterfront lifestyle of Virginia's coastal plain with the agricultural heritage and community character of a traditional rural county.
Market Insight: Gloucester's waterfront market offers strong value compared to Northern Neck or Hampton Roads. Bay-front properties are the premium tier, while creek-front homes provide waterfront living at 40-60% of open-water prices. The market attracts retirees from Northern Virginia, remote workers from Richmond, and families seeking affordable waterfront with good schools.
A Day in Gloucester
Morning
Sunrise over the bay from your dock, crabbing before breakfast, or a morning kayak through the quiet tidal creeks.
Afternoon
Lunch at a Gloucester Point seafood restaurant, browsing the antique shops on Main Street, or an afternoon fishing charter on the bay.
Evening
Grilling fresh blue crabs on the deck, watching boats pass on the York River, or a quiet evening in the screened porch with the sounds of the water.
Weekend
The Daffodil Festival in spring, a boat trip to Yorktown Beach, exploring the Guinea marshes, or driving across the Coleman Bridge for dinner in Yorktown.
Why Live in Gloucester
Chesapeake Bay Waterfront
Gloucester County offers miles of shoreline along the York River, Mobjack Bay, and the Chesapeake Bay. Waterfront living here means protected creeks, private docks, and stunning sunrise views.
Daffodil Festival Heritage
The annual Gloucester Daffodil Festival is one of Virginia's oldest and most beloved spring celebrations, drawing visitors from across the state to the courthouse green.
Small-Town Warmth
Gloucester Courthouse retains the character of a traditional Virginia county seat: local restaurants, family-owned shops, and a community where everyone knows your name.
Accessible Location
Gloucester is just across the Coleman Bridge from Yorktown and 60 minutes from Richmond. Close enough for commuting, far enough for peaceful waterfront living.
Local Expertise Matters in Gloucester
Gloucester County's waterfront properties require understanding of shoreline erosion patterns, dock permitting through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, septic system requirements near tidal waters, and flood insurance considerations. Properties that appear similar on paper can have vastly different water access quality depending on creek depth and orientation.
Housing in Gloucester
Common property types: Waterfront Homes, Country Estates, Historic Homes, New Construction
Featured Property Types
Bay Waterfront
$500K - $1.2MHomes on the Chesapeake Bay or Mobjack Bay with deep-water access, private docks, and panoramic water views. Sunrise over the bay is your daily routine.
Creek Waterfront
$300K - $600KHomes on protected creeks with dock access, ideal for smaller boats and kayaks. More affordable than open-water frontage with the same waterfront lifestyle.
Country Homes
$175K - $400KSpacious homes on acreage in rural Gloucester, offering privacy, gardens, and the Chesapeake Bay lifestyle at accessible prices.
Schools in Gloucester
| School | Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Botetourt Elementary | Public | Good |
| Peasley Middle School | Public | Good |
| Gloucester High School | Public | Good |
Nearby Neighborhoods
Your Next Chapter in Gloucester
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