$412,479Average Value$223Average Price per Sq Ft44Homes 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
Larry Makowski,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Onancock, VA sell after 114 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 $360,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Discover a unique commercial and residential opportunity at 130 Market Street in Onancock, Virginia. Located along the main street leading into the charming waterfront town of Onancock, this versatile property offers the perfect combination of business space and an upstairs apartment, creating flexibility for an owner-user, entrepreneur, or investor. The first floor is currently configured as a
Bring your business vision to life at 130 Market Street in Onancock, Virginia, ideally positioned along the main street leading into the charming waterfront town of Onancock. This versatile 1,188-square-foot commercial property offers a functional layout with four separate rooms, a kitchen, and one full bathroom, providing plenty of flexibility for a variety of business uses. Whether you're
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
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
Bring your vision to 2.995 acres on Plantation Road in Onancock! Parcel B, with two gated entrances and a history as Lavender Skies Farm, offers open fields and tree-lined privacy for farming, hunting, or a custom home. The land's shape gives it character, while its cleared acreage is ready for use. Just minutes from Onancock's galleries, shops, dining, schools, and Onancock Creek for water
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,
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.
Build your dream waterfront retreat in the sought-after Schooner Bay community! This beautiful 0.47-acre waterfront lot on Black Mallard Way offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy Eastern Shore living at its finest. Situated along a protected canal with easy access to the Chesapeake Bay, this property is ideal for boating, fishing, kayaking, and taking in breathtaking waterfront sunsets.
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,
This custom built home 3 BR & 2.5B is now available for rent. Just outside the town limits of Onancock. Open floor plan concept with beautiful details. Custom kitchen with GE appliances, large island with butcher block & granite countertops to include a breakfast bar. There is room for a dining table with living room combo space., plus a gas fireplace. Hardwood floors downstairs and carpet in the
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
Welcome to waterfront living at 18484 Hermitage Road in Onancock, Virginia! This spacious 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Virginia's Eastern Shore. With generous living space and numerous recent upgrades, this property is ready for its nextowner to make it home. Recent improvements include a new kitchen floor, new vinyl flooring, new
Keith Robert KoernerCOLDWELL BANKER HARBOUR REALTY
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