$410,121Average Value$234Average Price per Sq Ft46Homes 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
Hill Real Estate Group, Llc,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Onancock, VA sell after 96 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Onancock, VA over the last 12 months is $370,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Secluded Bayfront Oasis with Dock, Big Corner Lot, deep water access, and Room for All Your Toys Discover your secret spot on the water—a tastefully designed retreat where the bay breeze is a constant companion. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is the kind you won't want to leave once you've seen it. Prime location: Directly across from a public boat ramp for effortless days on the water. Private
Come and visit 1 Jefferson Street in Onancock, Va. 10% reduction in price for July 2026. PRICED TO SELL!!! This home consists of a bedroom and full bathroom downstairs along with a open kitchen/living area. Upstairs includes two more bedrooms and another full bathroom. Large and desirable yard space. With storage building that has a attached pen...great for the family dog or chickens. Modest deck
There is nothing better than enjoying a beautiful sunset, and this property on Onancock Creek offers that experience right at your fingertips. This site features a home dating back to the 1900s, waiting for someone with the imagination and creativity to realize their dream of owning property here on the shore. The home is being sold "as is" and requires renovation, but it offers significant
There comes a time in your life when you start to think that it might be a time for change. This is that time to move to the historic Town of Onancock. Enjoy the best of what this town has to offer with fine and casual dining, an evening at the theater, strolling through town to visit the galleries and shops. There is something always happening in the area. You can be a part of it right now. This
Own a Chesapeake Bay Lifestyle for 499k Wake up to peaceful, unobstructed bay views and start your morning with coffee on the porch as boats drift by and the Shore comes to life. In Schooner Bay, waterfront living feels effortless. With two private docks including one equipped with a boat lift you can be on the water within moments, whether the day calls for fishing, crabbing, kayaking, or a
What could be better than touring a home on Onancock Creek, being able to say it's all mine. Imagine waking up to beautiful sunrise to start your day. Your evenings could be filled with leisurely boat rides out of creek towards the Bay to capture glowing sunsets. Having your own private dock will make this very attainable. Great water depth, boat lift, prep area for your daily catch and your own
Enjoy the ease of one-level living in this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home designed for simplicity and low maintenance. A new HVAC system installed in 2025 adds comfort and peace of mind, making this an easy choice for those looking to downsize, invest, or embrace a more relaxed lifestyle. Located in the heart of Onancock, you'll love the walkable coastal charm boutique shopping, local dining,
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 and
Elevated waterfront property with stunning views of Deep Creek, which leads out to the bay. This 840 sq ft home features 1 bedroom and 1 full bath above a 2-car garage, with an elevator lift for easy access. Enjoy breathtaking water vistas from the living areas and outdoor spaces. The restored dock and bulkhead, complete with a boat lift installed in 2021, provide easy access for boating and
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
Some homes are simply houses – this one has always been a home. Lovingly maintained by its original owner, this contemporary residence reflects true pride of ownership in every detail. Set on six private acres, the property offers a rare balance of openness and seclusion, bordered by cypress pines and set well back from the road. Located just minutes from the Chesapeake Bay, boat launches, farm
Experience gracious waterfront living in the coveted Mount Prospect neighborhood! This stunning ranch home was meticulously and completely renovated from top to bottom in 2022! Blending a timeless classic taste, with a modern feel! This beautiful property offers over 250 feet of private shoreline, where you can enjoy fishing from your own dock and take in the spectacular water views! Wonderful
Discover the perfect place to build your waterfront dream home in the desirable Schooner Bay community! This expansive 0.77-acre waterfront lot offers plenty of space to create your ideal coastal retreat while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Nestled along a protected canal with access to the Chesapeake Bay, this property is a haven for boating enthusiasts,
This Victorian duplex unit A is located just outside the town limits of Onancock. This custom built home is well maintained and in great shape. Plenty of yard space for this unit and a partially fenced-in-yard off the back side. Great parking for this unit as well. The bedrooms are carpeted with great closet space. This location allows you to be close to town, where you find lots restaurants,
My dream kitchen at Bull Branch Dr., 2407 sq' waterfront home. There are two AGA ranges, a butler's room, and a huge pantry. While being built in 1976, one is hard-pressed to believe that the wide plank pine flooring, old wood-covered cabinets, fireplaces, cedar shake roof, and the Eastern Shore Big House Little House architectural style reflect homes built in the 1900s. The master ensuite, with
Nestled just a few miles from the historic town of Onancock, this thoughtfully updated home offers a rare blend of modern upgrades, timeless character, and peaceful natural surroundings. Set on a full 1.4 acres of land, the property provides both privacy and scenic appeal, backing directly to land owned by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources; ensuring a tranquil backdrop and added
Keith Robert KoernerCOLDWELL BANKER HARBOUR REALTY
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