Poquoson is a peninsula along the Chesapeake Bay that offers small-town attractions and suburban neighborhoods. The east end of town holds most of the area's houses and businesses, while the western end is mostly the Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge, a 3,500-acre salt marsh. “The city's name fittingly translates to ‘great marsh,’” says Kathleen McKone, brokerage owner of Yorktown Keller Williams Allegiance, who’s lived in the area for over a decade. Poquoson was once part of York County until it became an independent town in 1952.
In Poquoson, major employers include health care, waste management and technical service industries. Langley Air Force Base, located less than 5 miles south, provides military jobs. “The city is also one of the biggest producers of soft-shell crabs,” adds McKone.
Dock your boat along Bennett Creek with access to the Chesapeake Bay in Poquonon.
The Chesapeake Bay is a way of life in communities like Poquoson.
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Homes in cul-de-sacs and along the waterfront
Homebuyers can find cottages and Cape Cods from the mid-1900s, ranch-style houses and colonials from the late-1900s and contemporary homes that are still being built today. Many houses are tucked along suburban streets and cul-de-sacs, while a selection of waterfront homes sit along rural backroads on raised foundations or stilts. Homes here tend to stay on the market for about a month and sell for a median price of around $515,000, which is above state and national medians. Townhouses that go for a median price of around $300,000.
New builds and older homes are featured in Poquoson.
Cape Cod style homes are the dominant housing style in Poquoson.
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Major flood risks
Poquoson sits 7 feet below sea level, meaning flooding during storm surges and hurricanes is often severe. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel destroyed nearly half of the city and caused millions of dollars in damage. After the storm, Poquoson passed an ordinance requiring the first floor of new structures to be at least 3 feet above the area’s base flood elevation. The city also partners with the National Flood Insurance Program to bring discounted premiums to residents in flood-prone areas.
Marinas, municipal pools and community parks
While Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public, the city has more outdoor recreation near and far. South Lawson Park is in the center of town with a 1.5-mile trail, soccer fields, a basketball court and a playground. The Poquoson Municipal Pool is open seasonally. The York Haven Marina, Poquoson Yacht Club and Messick Point Public Boat Ramp let locals get out on the water. Hampton, 10 miles south, has beaches on the bay and Virginia Beach is 30 miles south.
Poquoson's South Lawson Park has soccer fields, basketball, a playground and picnic shelter.
York Haven Marina in Poquoson.
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Shopping and dining hubs along Wyth Creek Road
Most of the city’s shopping and dining is along Wythe Creek Road. Shopping centers offer grocery stores and specialty stores, as well as popular local restaurants like Poquoson Diner. Driving east down Little Florida Road, 185 was named one of the best restaurants in the country by Yelp in 2023. Further west down Messick Road, Bill Forrest Seafood is a family-owned market by the coast. “There are lots of local businesses here compared to chains,” says McKone.
Award-winning 185 restaurant serves delicious dishes in Poquoson.
Poquoson's 185 has friendly staff and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.
Held over three days in October, the Poquoson Seafood Festival is the city’s most popular annual event. The festival, which has been running for over 40 years, features local food vendors, an arts and crafts show with nearly 200 artisans, live music and workboat races on Poquoson’s Back River. The town also celebrates the holidays with an Easter egg hunt in Municipal Park, as well as a Christmas tree lighting and Christmas parade. Just a few miles south, Larry King Law's Langley Speedway is a NASCAR-sanctioned racetrack with stock car and go-cart racing throughout the year.
Highly rated Poquoson City Public Schools
Students are served by Poquoson City Public Schools, which earns a B-plus from Niche and is ranked in the top five best districts in Hampton Roads. Around 2,000 students attend two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school.
Poquoson High School holds a B+ rating with Niche.
Poquoson Elementary School serves grades 3-5 and has an A- rating on Niche,
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Close to I-64, international airport
Victory Boulevard is the main road in and out of this car-dependent city. Interstate 64, located 5 miles west, runs north to Richmond and south to the rest of Hampton Roads. Sentara CarePlex Hospital is 5 miles south and the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is 7 miles west.
As a daughter of a career Air Force Chaplain, Debi is familiar with moving. Having lived all over the world, she prides herself in being sensitive to the challenges involved with relocating, and is committed to helping families accomplish smooth moves, whether across town or across the country.
Debi moved here with her family in 2000. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland in Germany and the University of Colorado. She started her real estate career in 2001. Over the past several years Debi has made great relationships with agents, lenders, contractors, and other business affiliates, which is very important in real estate. She made Virginia home when she married her husband Jon in 2003. He is a native of Newport News, which she currently calls home.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
