Belle Haven offers rural and suburban living 13 miles from Onancock
Along the picturesque Eastern Shore is Belle Haven, 13 miles from Onancock and situated on the Accomack and Northampton County line. The town is a cross between suburban and rural, and is favored for its natural scenery and housing styles. “It’s quiet and very scenic with lots of nature, and there's a lot of access to water both on the Chesapeake Bay side and the Atlantic Ocean,” says Dana Dillion, a realtor at Coldwell Banker Harbour Realty. Dillion has worked in the industry for 5 years. “There are a lot of great boating and fishing opportunities, and great seafood. Belle Haven is just a very quaint area.” Belle Haven has a large coastal and farming section, where residents can fish and boat on private docks, and a more suburban area near US Route 13. The route stretches along the entire Eastern Shore, allowing residents access to shopping, dining and local beaches.
Parks and recreation along the Eastern Shore
Many residents of Belle Haven are drawn to the area because of its access to the Chesapeake Bay and local beaches. Waterfront homes have private docks for boating and fishing. Many visit Wilkins Beach, 19 miles south, for its tranquility, seclusion and swimming access. For more amenities such as restrooms and showers, visitors can head 10 miles south to Cape Charles Beach, 24 miles from Belle Haven. Swimming is permitted, and there are marinas and boat launches. Anglers also have their own fishing pier. Nearby is the Cape Charles Historic District, which has restaurants and sites from the 1800s. The Barrier Islands are a collection of 14 islands off the Eastern Shore. They are mostly nature preserves and can be accessed using kayaks and boats. Some islands have seasonal and environmental restrictions, which can be found on The Nature Conservancy's website.
Single-family homes in subdivisions
Homes in Belle Haven are organized into subdivisions along winding roadways or on swaths of farmland. “There are several popular subdivisions in Belle Haven: Creek Bluff, Hillsborough, and Rues Warf,” says Tammy Mason, an associate broker with Weichert Realtors Mason-Davis. Mason has worked in the industry for 40 years. “These were formed years ago, before any formal packets were given and regulations were set in place, but they are popular little subdivisions because they are close to everything.”
Most homes are on large lots, and those near the water have private docks. “This area has primary residences and secondary homes,” notes Mason. Belle Haven is primarily single-family homes in various styles, but most prominently, farmhouse, mid-century modern and ranch-styles. Houses range from $150,000 to $425,000. Homes near the water are susceptible to flooding, especially during severe weather. August through September is hurricane season, and eastern shore residents are to use US Route 13 heading towards Salisbury, Maryland, if an evacuation is ordered.
Shopping and dining along US Route 13 and Onancock
A mile from Belle Haven is Shore Deli, a sandwich shop along US Route 13. Nearby is El Crucero, a convenience store with fresh fruit and vegetables. Down the road is El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, 1 mile away, which serves Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails in a rustic diner with colorful decorations and paintings. Across the street is a Family Dollar for necessities. Groceries are 2 miles away along US Route 13 at the Food Lion, in the Shore Plaza strip mall. Residents head to Onancock, which has the Onancock Market for more shopping and dining. The market is open every Saturday from May to November in downtown Onancock. In the Winter, it is held in the Queen Street Parking Lot, 13 miles from Belle Haven, and continues to run every Saturday from December through April. “I eat nothing but local stuff,” says Dillion, a resident of the Eastern Shore.
Children attend schools in Accomack County
Accomack County Public Schools, which gets a B-minus from Niche, serves the area. Students may attend the Pungoteague Elementary School, which receives a C-plus, and the Nandua Middle School, which gets a B-minus. Students continue to Nandua High School, where they get a B. At Nandua High School, students may participate in clubs and activities, including band, debate, yearbook, etc.
Commuters use US Route 13
Commuters head north for 20 minutes using US Route 13 to reach Onancock. Virginia Beach and Norfolk are 63 miles south along the same route, over an hour away. The nearest hospital is the Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, 12 miles north along US Route 13. The Norfolk International Airport is 57 miles south along the same route. Houses of worship in the area are along Main Street and Boston Road, such as Caddockville Church, St. Joseph African Methodist Episcopal Church and Belle Haven United Methodist Church.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
