$397,017Average Value$221Average Price per Sq Ft38Homes For Sale
Boaters and artists live in the waterfront town of Onancock
Framed by a namesake Chesapeake Bay creek, Onancock was chartered in 1680 as a major Eastern Shore port town. Today, living here is no longer defined by trade, but the community’s deep water still attracts avid boaters, while golden sunsets dipping below the cordgrass-covered shoreline serve as inspiration for local painters. “Everybody who lives here is active or artsy,” says Tammy Hill, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Harbour Realty and an Onancock resident. Locals can store boats at the community marina and stroll through downtown Onancock, known for its art galleries and lively community events. The town also preserves its history, with several century-old buildings, like the former Onancock High School, restored into vibrant community centers. Though waterfront restaurants and the Tangier-Onancock Ferry bring in a small summer crowd, Onancock is predominantly made up of full-time residents. “I like to think our town is a secret because we don’t get too many vacationers or newbies moving in,” Hill says. “Families here have known each other for decades, sometimes even centuries.”
A large beautiful mural lines a downtown building in Onancock.
Residents of Onacock enjoy boating.
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Maintaining historic homes is important here
Colonial Revivals, Queen Annes and bungalows built between the late 1800s and early 1900s are among Onancock’s historic homes. Though some of these century-old houses need renovations, residents strive to maintain original fixtures, like wrap-around porches and clapboard facades. “When someone buys an older house, everybody in town gossips about how the new owners are restoring it because nobody wants the area’s charm to be destroyed,” Hill says. Other housing styles include mid-20th-century cottages and 21st-century New Traditionals. Some homes back up to water with private boat docks. Inland homes can cost between $80,000 and $500,000, while waterfront properties usually range from about $600,000 to around $1.5 million. Severe rainstorms can cause Onancock Creek to overflow, so flood insurance may be required for properties closest to the water, and any new-build homes in flood zones must be raised 2 feet.
Historical homes such as this colonial style house are found throughout Onancock.
An Onancock homeowner enjoys tending to her landscaping on a summer day.
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Onancock Wharf and Marina has boat storage and a neighboring restaurant
Sailboats, dinghies and powerboats are tied to wooden docks at the Onancock Wharf and Marina, which also has a boat ramp and gas pumping services. People from other Chesapeake Bay communities often boat into the marina to eat at Mallard’s, a neighboring seafood restaurant located in a former maritime trading center from 1842. “If the marina is full, it’s because there’s live music at Mallard’s,” Hill says. “Sometimes the head chef will even come out and play his guitar.” Boaters may see crab pots poking out of the calm water and great blue heron rookeries perched atop oak trees when they leave the marina and travel along Onancock Creek into Chesapeake Bay. The town has a few inland green spaces, including a dog park and the Central Accomack Little League Ball Fields. Several oceanfront tourist beaches, like Chincoteague Island, are about 30 miles east.
Mallards At the Wharf in Onancock offers dining along their waterfront pier.
Waterfront homes line the shores in Onancock.
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Tourists can take a ferry to Tangier Island
The Tangier-Onancock Ferry operates out of the town marina, offering daily rides to and from the island between May and September. A by-request service is also available year-round to the remote island. Though Hill says Onancock isn’t super touristy, the ferry does attract a few vacationers. “We have a few small hotels, but the only time people really stay in Onancock is when they miss their ferry to Tangier Island, which happens more frequently than it should.”
The Tangier Ferry operates daily to take visitors to and from Tangier Island.
Enjoy an evening on the water of Virginia's eastern shore in Onancock.
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An Accomack County public school is now a community and recreation center
Onancock is zoned for Accomack County Public Schools. Kids can attend Accawmacke Elementary, graded a C-plus by Niche, and Nandua Middle, earning a B-minus. They may continue to B-rated Nandua High, which opened in 1984 when the former Onancock High merged with another Eastern Shore school. Today, the original high school's Georgian-style building is Historic Onancock School, a community and recreation center with art studios, a playground and a disc golf course. Eastern Shore Community College, 7 miles south, offers career certifications and associate degrees in fields like business administration, education and nursing.
The Onancock Historic School was built in 1922 and now hosts many artists and shop owners inside it's halls.
The Historic Onancock School provides recreational programs like disc golf, arts programs, events and hosts retail shops inside.
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Downtown Onancock is a lively and artistic town center
Murals decorate the sides of downtown Onancock’s brick and clapboard storefronts, filled with boutiques, entertainment hubs and a diverse selection of restaurants. “We have an Irish pub, an Italian restaurant and so many coffee shops. I’ve never had a bad meal in this town,” Hill says. Roseland Theatre has shown international films and domestic blockbusters since the 1950s. The Greek Revival-style Historic Cokesbury Cultural Center is a 19th-century church that now hosts choir performances and piano recitals. Art galleries stay open late, host acoustic concerts and serve wine during the Second Friday Art Stroll, held once a month. There’s a farmers market every Saturday, and the town of Olney, about 2 miles east, has the nearest big-box grocery stores.
Shops and galleries line along North Street in downtown Onancock.
Onancock is known for it's many art galleries and shops in it's historic district.
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Locals take walks during sunsets and can easily drive to U.S. Route 13
Though not every road in Onancock has sidewalks, the community is walkable. “People go to streets near the water and walk their dogs as the sun sets,” Hill says. “That’s kind of a nightly summer tradition for families here.” Onancock is also convenient for drivers, with U.S. Route 13 immediately east. A 60-mile drive north on the highway reaches Salisbury, where locals will find the nearest regional airport. STAR Transit offers bus service to communities like Chincoteague and Cape Charles. Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock has 52 beds and an emergency department. Perdue Farms Harvest Facility, about 6 miles east, is another major Accomack County employer.
Friends walk their pets on a summer morning in Onancock.
Retail big box options are available just outside Onancock on Rt. 13.
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Written By
Meghan Baker
Photography Contributed By
David MacNeill
Video By
Kyo Nguyen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tammy Mason,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Onancock, VA sell after 93 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Onancock, VA over the last 12 months is $363,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This wonderful home boasts expansive views of Matchotank Creek all the way out to the Chesapeake Bay. Purchased in 1978 the current owners have meticulously restored the home to what you see today. Interior features include; beautiful hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, wood work, surround sound, primary private suite, and views of the creek from practically every window. Exterior features
Discover the perfect spot for your dream home on this spacious 3.25-acre lot in the tranquil Green Landing community. With paved road access and no HOA fees, this lot offers a peaceful country setting, complete with stunning sunsets and abundant natural beauty. Located just outside the historic town of Onancock, you'll enjoy the perfect balance of privacy and convenience. In just minutes, reach
Enjoy peace, privacy, and scenic water views from this beautiful brick home on 3.09 acres, located just outside the charming waterfront town of Onancock. This single level home offers 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and 1,324 sq ft of well-designed space. Inside, you'll find a large great room with a brick fireplace, a cozy family sitting room overlooking the creek and a spacious kitchen that flows into
Discover 2.995 acres of opportunity along Plantation Road in Onancock! Parcel B, once part of the Lavender Skies Farm, is a rare find with two gated entrances and a landscape that blends open fields with a border of mature trees. Whether your vision is farming, hunting, or building a private retreat, this land offers freedom and flexibility. Its irregular shape adds character, while the cleared
Opportunity awaits in the heart of the historic town of Onancock on Virginia's Eastern Shore. This versatile property is currently income-producing and offers excellent potential for investors or future homeowners. The first floor features a 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment, while the second floor includes a 2-bedroom, 1-bath living space. Whether you're looking to expand your rental portfolio or
Beautifully renovated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home on 0.93 acres just outside the town ordinance, offering peaceful living with close-to-town convenience. Brand new walnut hardwood floors flow through the main living spaces. The primary suite features its own full bath, while a second full bath in the hallway serves the other two bedrooms. A half bath is conveniently located by the garage and laundry
Build your dream home in the desirable Poplar Cove subdivision on Virginia's Eastern Shore. This .689 acre corner lot offers a great mix of partially cleared and wooded space, providing flexibility for building while maintaining privacy and natural surroundings. Located in a well established waterfront community, the property includes access to a deep water community dock, perfect for boating and
Here is your opportunity to own two parcels in the sought-after Bayside neighborhood of East Point. Enjoy access to a private beach, or take advantage of the option to join the East Point marina—perfect for boating, fishing, and soaking up the coastal lifestyle. Whether you're looking to build a vacation getaway or your forever home, this location offers the best of Eastern Shore living with
Wooded lot on soon to be developed cul de sac in the Northside District of Onancock. Just around the corner from a public boat ramp. And just a short drive to downtown Onancock where there is plenty of shopping, dining, and other great amenities. Septic on site.
Prime redevelopment and income-producing opportunity in the heart of historic Onancock. Exceptional flexibility, 3 individual electric meters, town approval for a duplex configuration. Whether you are an investor seeking strong rental income, or a developer looking for a streamlined project, this property is positioned for immediate execution. Property Highlights: legal detached studio apartment
WOW! Don't miss this one! This stunning, one owner, custom designed and built home has so much to offer it can't all be covered here! You really have to see it to believe it! Starting with the beautiful 6.2 acre bayside waterfront lot to the thought and care the owner/builder put into this home shows throughout! Virtually everything that went into this home was upgraded well above builder grade
If you would like to be able to enjoy beautiful sunsets and live on the Bayside then this could be the place to build your home. These lots are cleared and ready to go. Just pick out your plans, line up a builder of your choice an get started. These two lots sold together are priced well under the assessment. This area is close to town, where you can find the local hospital, shopping, dining
Beautiful Historic home in town of Onancock. This 4 bedroom, 3 full bath home is fully furnished just waiting for you to bring your personal effects. Just a few streets away from downtown dining, shops, art galleries, theaters and public boat ramp. Close proximity to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and other medical facilities. Centrally located to Cape Charles and Chincoteague. About 25 miles
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