Nice place for a house on the beach? (Chesapeake, Richmond: real estate, insurance)

[titaniummd]

I haven't figured out the budget for a house on the beach. We need 5 bedrooms and I personally prefer a one level. What area do you suggest that has good schools? Preferably close to a golf course (if not already affiliated with one). I would move there in 2010 or 2011.

[jhrichmond]

Originally Posted by titaniummd

I haven't figured out the budget for a house on the beach. We need 5 bedrooms and I personally prefer a one level. What area do you suggest that has good schools? Preferably close to a golf course (if not already affiliated with one). I would move there in 2010 or 2011.

Cox High School is supposed to be one of the best in the area. Do you want to be on the Atlantic or the Chesapeake Bay? Rudee Inlet has some gorgeous homes, but the jet noise is unbelievable. Sandbridge and Chick's Beach are prone to flooding (as are many of the beaches). Research the flooding history in your area before you buy.
Wimbledon on the Bay, Bay Colony, and Linkhorn Bay are all nice neighborhoods on the bay, but they're not on the beach.
You really need to find a good Realtor. I can recommend the one we used if you send me a PM. He showed us houses almost every weekend for close to a year.
Who knows what the market will be like in 2010 or 2011. Right now, waterfront homes (with 5 bedrooms) run about 1,000,000-16,000,000 (not necessarily on the beach, but on the water).
Roseandwomble.com has a great website for looking.
I don't sell real estate in Va Beach and am not affiliated with them, but I looked at homes there before we bought.

[Erma]

Sandbridge is a nice place to have a house on the beach. Personally I wouldn't deal with R&W.

[shellytc]

Originally Posted by titaniummd

I haven't figured out the budget for a house on the beach. We need 5 bedrooms and I personally prefer a one level. What area do you suggest that has good schools? Preferably close to a golf course (if not already affiliated with one). I would move there in 2010 or 2011.

Hi Titanium, as JH states, taking some time to look and learn the area is very helpful. I grew up here and have seen it grow and change : ) I will try to help you by understanding our area first....

We have the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Some folks like the chesapeake bay. It is calmer, a lot of locals, and some good schools (if that is important to you). There will be some older ranches in Bay Colony, Cape Henry Shores, and a few other areas ,but they are not "waterfront". They are water "walk to". there are a lot of condo's in the area, which do have some nice amenities. You just need to be aware that this is not THE ocean, so it tends to get really warm and attract Jelly Fish and seaweed. the locals love this area to get away from tourists... but if I had my choice... well I would choose the atlantic.

We have the Atlantic Shore. It is long : ) At the North End is the Priciest and very sought after area. You will find all kinds of homes. Newer/older, many stories, one stories, cottages and contemporaries... but be prepared to "pay". Most are not directly on the beach, but are on the beach side of the main drag.

As you come south, you will come to the "strip". Very Touristy. There are homes here called the Old Beach area. There are homes here, but they are NOT beach side (the hotels are). Come alittle further south and you will Shadowlawn. A favorite of mine Shadow lawn has a nice neighborhood feel, but it is an eclectic feel. Homes from 300k to well over several million all mixed together. Again, you will not be right on the water (hotels), but you walk, ride your bike down to the beach.

Then you cross over the Rudee Inlet Bridge and come to my favorite of all time..... Croatan Beach. It is a tucked away little beach neighborhood, where money has to be no object, LOL!! actually homes run from around 700k and up. Only one row is actually on the water, but all are walkable and it is a beach community. the is also where JHRICHMOND felt that the JET noise is too awful. Actually it isn't too bad right there.... But there are jets from the Naval Jet Base.

Keep going South, and you will finally come to Sandbridge. It is a beach commuity that is bordered by the Atlantic and then behind is the bay, to one side is a Base and the other side is a Natural Preserve. It is out in the country a little (not a bad drive, maybe 10 minutes) so it is a conclave to itself. You wont find many ranches. Most of the homes are up on stilts. You never know when a hurricane might come through...... Prices for homes here run 500k to up over a couple of million.... depending on location and home style.

I Hope I have given you some good information to start your research. I am happy to be a resource for you, just let me know. And if you have any questions, just ask : )

thanks,

shelly

[jhrichmond]

We were told that flood insurance couldn't be issued in Sandbridge.

[titaniummd]

Thanks for the advice.

We have a 1 level 3400 sq foot house on the golf course with a BR upstairs and I got accustomed to living on one level. My father has a wheelchair so I am going to look very hard. I would prefer 2 master bedrooms with one downstairs if one levels are not available.

[shellytc]

titanium, it is doable.. again it will depend on where you want to look and also your budget needs. North End will have more options like that than Sandbridge. Also, many of these homes built recently have elevators.... to get you up to the main level.....

shelly