What $400K Buys You in Each Hampton Roads City Right Now 🏡💸
Hello Hampton Roads,
Ever catch yourself wondering, “So… what does $400,000 actually get me across Hampton Roads these days?”
It’s a fair question — and the answer is surprisingly fun. With prices rising in some cities and inventory loosening in others, that same $400K budget can translate into a sleek new-build in one city, a charming historic gem in another, or a waterfront-adjacent lifestyle you didn’t think was possible. In this post, we’ll take a tour through each Hampton Roads city to see how far your money stretches, where the hidden value lives, and which areas are delivering the strongest lifestyle-to-price ratio.
✅ Key Takeaways
- $400K looks dramatically different across Hampton Roads — from historic charmers to new‑construction communities to beach‑adjacent townhomes.
- Affordability varies city by city, with Portsmouth and Suffolk stretching your budget the furthest and Virginia Beach commanding the highest premium.
- Lifestyle plays a huge role — walkability, schools, commute times, and proximity to bases or beaches all influence what $400K buys.
- Buyer demand is strongest in the $400K range, especially among first‑time buyers, military families, downsizers, and remote workers.
- Each city offers a unique value story, making it essential to match your budget with the lifestyle and long‑term appreciation you want.
🌊 Why $400K Looks Different Across Hampton Roads
Hampton Roads isn’t a monolith — it’s a patchwork of cities with wildly different housing stock, demand patterns, and lifestyle vibes. That’s why a $400K budget can feel like a sprawling new-build in one city, a charming historic home in another, or a townhome near the beach somewhere else entirely. Several forces shape this price‑point divide:
🏛️ Different Housing Eras
Norfolk and Portsmouth lean historic, while Suffolk and parts of Chesapeake skew newer.
🎖️ Military Relocation Cycles
PCS patterns create demand spikes in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk.
🌆 Lifestyle Premiums
Proximity to beaches, bases, nightlife, and job centers adds value in cities like Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
🌳 Land Availability
Suffolk and parts of Chesapeake still have room to build, stretching your budget further.
🏗️ City‑Specific Development Trends
Revitalization zones, school districts, and commercial growth corridors all influence affordability.
In short, $400K isn’t just a number — it’s a different lifestyle, different home type, and different long‑term value story depending on where you plant your flag in Hampton Roads.
💰 Why Focus on the $400K Price Point?
The $400K price point sits at a sweet spot in Hampton Roads — high enough to unlock meaningful upgrades, but still accessible for a wide range of buyers. It’s where value, lifestyle, and long‑term appreciation intersect. Several forces make this budget especially important in today’s market:
- It’s the new “move‑up” baseline as prices rise region‑wide.
- It captures the widest buyer pool — first‑time buyers, military families, downsizers, and remote workers.
- It unlocks meaningful lifestyle upgrades like better neighborhoods, more space, and updated finishes.
- It balances affordability with appreciation, especially in high‑demand cities.
- It’s where new construction becomes attainable in cities like Suffolk and Chesapeake.
This price point isn’t just a budget — it’s a strategic threshold where buyers can maximize both lifestyle and long‑term value.
👥 Who the $400K Price Point Is Perfect For
The $400K range attracts a wide mix of buyers, each looking for something slightly different — space, convenience, character, or a fresh start. Here’s who tends to thrive in this budget across Hampton Roads:
- First‑time buyers ready to level up — move‑in‑ready homes, modern updates, and stronger school zones.
- Military families balancing commute and comfort — flexibility to choose between proximity, space, or lifestyle.
- Remote workers craving space and sanity — extra bedrooms, quieter neighborhoods, and modern layouts.
- Downsizers seeking quality over quantity — walkability, culture, and low‑maintenance living.
- Investors looking for long‑term appreciation — strong rental demand and steady resale value.
This mix of buyers is exactly why the $400K range stays competitive — and why understanding each city’s strengths matters so much.
✅ What $400K Buys You in Each Hampton Roads City (Ranked by Affordability)
Below is a city‑by‑city breakdown of how far a $400K budget stretches across Hampton Roads — from the most affordable markets to the priciest. Each section highlights lifestyle, home types, and value so you can compare your options with clarity. (Statistics source: Domus Analytics)
#7 — Portsmouth: The Most Affordable City for $400K
Portsmouth gives buyers the biggest lifestyle upgrade per dollar in the region. With $400K, you’re often looking at renovated historic homes, newer builds in revitalizing corridors, or larger lots with mature trees and real breathing room. Walkable pockets near Olde Towne and quick tunnel access add convenience without the sticker shock.
🔎 MLS Search
Explore homes priced up to $400K in Portsmouth: Portsmouth home search
📊 Mini Market Snapshot Detached Homes (Nov 2025)
- Median sale price: $282,500.00
- Days on market: 23
- % of list price received: 99.9%
- Months supply of inventory: 3.7
📚 Additional Resources
- Full City Guide: https://www.hamptonroadsrealestateramblings.com/p/portsmouth-city-guide.html
- City of Portsmouth (official site): https://www.portsmouthva.gov
#6 — Hampton: Space, Suburbs, and Waterfront Perks
In Hampton, $400K stretches into comfortable suburban living with 3–4 bedroom homes, updated kitchens, and fenced yards that actually feel like yards. Many neighborhoods offer easy access to the water — think evening walks near Buckroe Beach or quick drives to Fort Monroe.
🔎 MLS Search
Explore homes priced up to $400K in Hampton: Hampton home search
📊 Mini Market Snapshot Detached Homes (Nov 2025)
- Median sale price: $314,900
- Days on market: 26
- % of list price received: 99.5%
- Months supply of inventory: 3.8
📚 Additional Resources
- City of Hampton (official site): https://www.hampton.gov
#5 — Newport News: Newer Builds & Strong Value Corridors
Newport News delivers some of the best “newer construction for the money” in Hampton Roads. With $400K, buyers can often secure modern layouts, open‑concept living, and HOA‑maintained communities with amenities. It’s ideal for commuters who want value without sacrificing access to Tech Center, parks, and major employers.
🔎 MLS Search
Explore homes priced up to $400K in Newport News: Newport News home search
📊 Mini Market Snapshot Detached Homes (Nov 2025)
- Median sale price: $325,000
- Days on market: 23
- % of list price received: 99.9%
- Months supply of inventory: 2.7
📚 Additional Resources
- City of Newport News (official site): https://www.nnva.gov
#4 — Norfolk: Character, Charm & Urban Convenience
Norfolk offers the most architectural personality for $400K — craftsman bungalows, renovated century homes, or stylish condos near Ghent, Downtown, or the waterfront. You’re paying for walkability, culture, and proximity — coffee shops, breweries, arts venues, and the energy of a true urban core.
🔎 MLS Search
Explore homes priced up to $400K in Norfolk: Norfolk home search
📊 Mini Market Snapshot Detached Homes (Nov 2025)
- Median sale price: $331,125
- Days on market: 17
- % of list price received: 100.4%
- Months supply of inventory: 2.4
📚 Additional Resources
- Full City Guide: https://www.hamptonroadsrealestateramblings.com/p/norfolk-city-guide.html
- City of Norfolk (official site): https://www.norfolk.gov
#3 — Chesapeake: Suburban Comfort With Room to Grow
In Chesapeake, $400K typically buys you well‑kept single‑family homes, solid school zones, and quiet, family‑friendly neighborhoods. You may not snag the newest build at this price, but you will get space — larger yards, garages, and that classic suburban feel.
🔎 MLS Search
Explore homes priced up to $400K in Chesapeake: Chesapeake home search
📊 Mini Market Snapshot Detached Homes (Nov 2025)
- Median sale price: $429,900
- Days on market: 22
- % of list price received: 100%
- Months supply of inventory: 3.0
📚 Additional Resources
- Full City Guide: https://www.hamptonroadsrealestateramblings.com/p/chesapeake-city-guide.html
- City of Chesapeake (official site): https://www.cityofchesapeake.net
#2 — Suffolk: New Construction Heaven
Suffolk is where $400K often buys you the newest home on the list — spacious floor plans, modern finishes, and communities with trails, lakes, and amenities. Lifestyle here leans peaceful and nature‑forward, with a growing restaurant scene and easy access to both the Peninsula and Southside.
🔎 MLS Search
Explore homes priced up to $400K in Suffolk: Suffolk home search
📊 Mini Market Snapshot Detached Homes (Nov 2025)
- Median sale price: $434,640
- Days on market: 35
- % of list price received: 99%
- Months supply of inventory: 4.1
📚 Additional Resources
- Full City Guide: https://www.hamptonroadsrealestateramblings.com/p/suffolk-city-guide.html
- City of Suffolk (official site): https://www.suffolkva.us
#1 — Virginia Beach: The Priciest City for $400K
In Virginia Beach, $400K puts you in the entry‑level single‑family range or a nicely updated townhome/condo near the coast. You’re paying for schools, beaches, military proximity, and lifestyle demand — and it shows. While the square footage may be smaller, the tradeoff is access to parks, nightlife, restaurants, and the region’s strongest long‑term appreciation.
🔎 MLS Search
Explore homes priced up to $400K in Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach home search
📊 Mini Market Snapshot Detached Homes (Nov 2025)
- Median sale price: $475,450
- Days on market: 14
- % of list price received: 99.7%
- Months supply of inventory: 2.2
📚 Additional Resources
- Full City Guide: https://www.hamptonroadsrealestateramblings.com/p/virginia-beach-city-guide.html
- City of Virginia Beach (official site): https://www.vbgov.com
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buying at $400K in Hampton Roads
Q1: Is $400K enough to get a single‑family home in Virginia Beach?
Yes — but expect entry‑level options. You’ll often find updated townhomes or smaller single‑family homes in established neighborhoods.
Q2: Where does $400K stretch the furthest?
Portsmouth and Suffolk offer the most space, upgrades, and lifestyle perks for the price.
Q3: How competitive is this price range?
Very. It’s the sweet spot for first‑time buyers, military families, and downsizers.
Q4: What features can I expect at $400K?
Typically 3–4 bedrooms, 2–3 baths, updated kitchens, and modern layouts.
Q5: Is $400K a smart long‑term investment?
Yes — especially in cities with strong demand like Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
🏁 Summary & Final Thoughts
The $400K price point unlocks seven very different versions of homeownership across Hampton Roads — from historic charmers in Norfolk and Portsmouth to new‑construction communities in Suffolk, suburban comfort in Chesapeake, and coastal convenience in Virginia Beach. Each city offers its own blend of value, lifestyle, and long‑term potential, shaped by housing stock, demand patterns, military influence, and local development trends.
Ultimately, buying at $400K in Hampton Roads isn’t just about comparing prices — it’s about choosing the life you want to live. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet cul‑de‑sac, a walkable arts district, a brand‑new build, or a beach‑adjacent home, there’s a city in this region that fits your vision. Understanding how each market delivers space, character, convenience, or appreciation potential helps you match your budget to the lifestyle and long‑term value that matter most.
| City | Affordability | What $400K Typically Buys | Lifestyle Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | #7 (Most Affordable) |
Renovated historic homes, newer builds, larger lots |
Walkable pockets, artsy, revitalizing |
First‑time buyers, value seekers |
| Hampton | #6 | 3–4 bedroom suburban homes,fenced yards |
Coastal access, suburban calm |
Perfect for those who work on the Peninsula, commuters |
| Newport News | #5 | Newer builds, open layouts, HOA communities |
Central convenience, parks, Tech Center |
Buyers wanting new construction on the Peninsula side of the water |
| Chesapeake | #4 | Well‑kept single‑family homes, larger yards |
Suburban, family‑friendly, strong schools |
House‑hunters wanting space + schools |
| Norfolk | #3 | Historic charmers, bungalows, stylish condos |
Urban, walkable, cultural | Downsizers, creatives, urban lovers |
| Suffolk | #2 | New construction, modern finishes, community amenities |
Peaceful, nature‑forward, growing |
Remote workers, new‑build lovers, wanting space |
| Virginia Beach | #1 (Most Expensive) |
Single‑family homes, updated townhomes beach condos |
Coastal, high‑demand, strong appreciation |
Beach‑lifestyle buyers, families with kids wanting community/schools |
No matter which city speaks to you, the $400K price point gives you powerful options — and I’m here to help you match your budget to the lifestyle, neighborhood, and long‑term value that fit you best.
Ready to Find Your Best $400K Fit in Hampton Roads?
You’ve seen how differently $400K performs across each city — now it’s time to turn that insight into a clear, personalized plan. During a free 1:1 strategy session, we’ll map out where your budget stretches the furthest, which neighborhoods match your lifestyle, and how to position yourself to win in this competitive price range.
Smart buyers don’t guess — they plan with precision. Let’s build your advantage.
Book Your 1:1 $400K Strategy SessionThanks for Reading,
Liz Schuyler is a top Virginia Beach REALTOR® with RE/MAX Allegiance, licensed since 2001 and trusted across Hampton Roads. With 350+ homes sold, she helps clients Sell, Move, and Invest with confidence and strategy.
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