Bay ColonyVirginia Beach · Linkhorn Bay · Princess Anne Country Club
The complete neighborhood guide & market update for one of Hampton Roads' most sought-after waterfront communities.
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Virginia Beach's best-kept secret
If you've been searching for a neighborhood that feels like a well-kept secret — sprawling oak-lined streets, waterfront access, top-rated schools, and a genuine sense of community — Bay Colony in Virginia Beach belongs at the top of your list. Nestled between Crystal Lake, Linkhorn Bay, First Landing State Park, and Cavalier Drive, this established neighborhood delivers a lifestyle that's hard to find anywhere else in Hampton Roads.
Bay Colony's roots stretch back to the 1930s, when Norfolk attorney Hugh Davis developed the first homesites along Bay Shore Drive. The Hodgson brothers built the majority of homes in the 1950s, and astronaut Alan Shepard — the first American in space — called Bay Colony home in the 1960s. Nearly a century of history later, Bay Colony remains one of Virginia Beach's most coveted addresses.
The Cavalier Park & Bay Colony Civic League — representing approximately 620 homes — hosts an annual Easter egg hunt, a beloved 4th of July parade, and advocates as a unified voice to preserve the neighborhood's distinct character. This isn't a neighborhood where people move in and check out — it's one where people stay for decades.
From a 1570 Spanish map to one of Virginia Beach's most coveted addresses
Bay Colony's history stretches back more than 450 years. Nestled between Crystal Lake, Linkhorn Bay, First Landing State Park, and Cavalier Drive, the neighborhood has evolved from colonial-era wilderness to one of the most tightly held residential enclaves in Hampton Roads — with only 620 homes and almost no remaining buildable lots.
A Spanish expedition maps the area
The first known documentation of the Bay Colony area appears on a map from a Spanish expedition in 1570, which shows an inlet near Crystal Lake. At the time, Crystal Lake was connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a broad inlet where 49th Street stands today. In 1607, colonists — possibly including Sir Ralph Lane — came ashore somewhere along Crystal Lake and encountered Chesapeake Indians who retreated into the sand hills. The inlet eventually silted in, and Rainey's Gut was created so boats would not become landlocked.
Farmland, fox hunts, and the Bay Colony Club
Prior to 1950, Bay Colony was largely undeveloped. The oldest known home was built in 1845 on Linkhorn Bay by a farmer named Richardson. In the 1930s, Norfolk attorney Hugh Davis purchased property along South Bay Shore Drive and developed the first residential sites — about nine homes, many on Linkhorn Bay. In 1937, Davis opened the Bay Colony Club, a weekend retreat for Norfolk residents, in the original Richardson farmhouse. Early residents included Preston Hix (CEO of Colonial Stores), the W. Selden Grandy family, and Dr. David Pender, whose father founded D. Pender Stores. Fox hunters in red coats rode through the neighborhood on weekends, and children rode bicycles down Bay Colony Drive to catch the rail bus on Atlantic Avenue.
Suburbia arrives and the Hodgson brothers build Bay Colony
In the 1940s, more homes rose along North Bay Shore Drive, including Shirley Hall (1942) — designed by celebrated Boston architect William G. Perry, now a Virginia Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1950s brought suburban development to the "pea patch," the large farmland tract between Abingdon Road and North Bay Shore Drive. The Hodgson brothers — Vivian and Andreae — formed the Hodgson Construction Company and built the majority of Bay Colony's homes: ranch-style houses on half-acre to full-acre lots with crown molding and chair rails, selling for $12,500 to $40,000. Development continued into the 1980s when the last large tract, the former Princess Anne Practice Field, was subdivided.
Astronaut Alan Shepard called Bay Colony home
In the 1960s, astronaut Alan Shepard — the first American in space — lived in Bay Colony. His children attended Linkhorn Park Elementary. A 300-year-old red oak tree still stands on a former stable property, and eleven of the original fourteen homes built in the 1930s remain standing today.
620 homes and one of Virginia Beach's most tightly held luxury submarkets
Bay Colony today is fully built out with approximately 620 homes — an eclectic mix of 1930s colonials, 1950s ranch houses, and contemporary rebuilds on large wooded lots. Few vacant buildable lots remain, and new construction is largely the result of teardowns. The Cavalier Park & Bay Colony Civic League remains active, and the annual 4th of July Parade has run for decades. Homes sell in the $900K to $5M+ range. As longtime resident Susan Pender puts it: "Growing up, we never had to go anywhere because everything was right there."
Where is Bay Colony and how do you get around?
Bay Colony is nestled between Crystal Lake, Linkhorn Bay, First Landing State Park, and Cavalier Drive — just blocks from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront but quietly tucked away from the crowds. The neighborhood is accessed primarily via Bay Colony Drive, and limited through traffic keeps the streets peaceful.
You'll want a car for most daily errands, but everything you need is close. The Hilltop area on First Colonial Road is within 5 minutes. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is about 15 minutes away. Interstate 64 puts Downtown Norfolk and Norfolk International Airport within 25–30 minutes.
Bay Colony on the map — neighborhood & nearby
See exactly where Bay Colony sits in Virginia Beach — Linkhorn Bay, nearby shopping, dining, schools, and base access all in one view.
Bay Colony sits between Crystal Lake and Linkhorn Bay — near First Landing State Park — private, quiet, and connected.
Bay Colony real estate: what to expect
The Bay Colony market is defined by limited inventory and strong, consistent demand. With only a handful of homes changing hands each year, buyers need to be prepared to move decisively when the right property becomes available. Browse current Bay Colony listings here.
Price ranges by type
| Property Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-waterfront homes | $900K – $1.4M | Large lots, 1920s–present, diverse architecture |
| Waterfront estates | $1.7M – $5M+ | Linkhorn Bay & Broad Bay frontage, deep-water dockage |
| Rental range | $2,800 – $5,000+/mo | Extremely rare; snapped up within days |
| Avg. lot size | 1 acre+ | No condos or townhomes — single-family only |
| Home styles | 1920s – new build | Colonial Revivals, ranches, Cape Cods, Dutch colonials |
What most buyers get wrong about Bay Colony
I've been selling real estate in Hampton Roads for 13+ years. Here's what I see buyers misunderstand about this neighborhood — over and over.
They compare price per square foot to Hilltop or Bay Colony — wrong benchmark.
Bay Colony's value is in the large wooded lots, waterfront proximity, and genuine scarcity. That doesn't show up in the square footage number. A $1.1M home here on a wooded lot with mature trees is a fundamentally different asset than a $1.1M home anywhere else in Virginia Beach.
They shop too cautiously and lose the house.
With only 20–25 homes selling per year in Bay Colony, there's no inventory to "come back to." When the right property appears — and you're qualified, prepared, and serious — the window is often 48–72 hours. I've watched buyers say "let's think about it over the weekend" and lose homes they'd spent months looking for.
They assume "waterfront" is all they want — until they tour a non-waterfront lot here.
Many buyers come in focused only on direct water access. Then they walk a wooded, non-waterfront acre lot with mature trees, privacy, and no flood insurance obligation — and reconsider. Bay Colony's interior lots represent some of the best residential land value in Virginia Beach. The water's still three blocks away and the boat ramp is shared by the community.
Have questions about Bay Colony specifically?
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Schools serving Bay Colony
The school pipeline is consistently cited as one of the top reasons families choose Bay Colony — from a well-regarded elementary through one of Virginia Beach's most respected high schools.
Living in Bay Colony: amenities & community
Living in Bay Colony means the water is never more than a few blocks away. The neighborhood borders Linkhorn Bay and Crystal Lake, has its own community boat ramp, and connects to some of the best outdoor recreation in Virginia Beach.
Community life
The Bay Colony Civic League is one of the most active neighborhood organizations in Virginia Beach. The annual 4th of July parade — complete with fire engines hosing down children in the summer heat — has become a neighborhood legend. The Bay Colony Garden Club maintains vibrant camellias and azaleas throughout the neighborhood streets, giving the community a curated, cared-for character visible in every season.
Best Restaurants Near Bay Colony, Virginia Beach
Bay Colony itself has no commercial strip — that's by design. But within a 5-minute drive you have access to some of the best dining in all of Virginia Beach. From nationally recognized seafood to weekend-morning bagel runs, these are the spots Bay Colony families actually go to. If you're researching restaurants near Great Neck VA or best places to eat near Bay Colony Virginia Beach, this is your starting point.
Live market intelligence — Bay Colony
Live mortgage rates, payment calculator, and current listings — updated automatically.
Estimates only · Tax at 1.1% VA rate · Insurance at 0.5%
Bay Colony real estate market — May 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: Redfin / REIN MLS · Updated monthly
Recent Sales
| Address | Specs | Sold Price | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 Sandee Cres | 4 bed · 3 bath · 2,900 sf | $835,000 | Apr 2, 2026 |
| 1256 Bay Colony Dr | 5 bed · 3.5 bath · 3,840 sf | $1,200,000 | Feb 12, 2026 |
| 1409 Mill Dam Rd | 4 bed · 2.5 bath · 2,108 sf | $730,000 | Feb 24, 2026 |
| 1825 N Bay Colony Dr | 5 bed · 5.5 bath · 5,494 sf | $1,440,000 | Jan 28, 2026 |
| 2122 Sanctuary Ct | 2 bed · 2 bath · 1,117 sf | $210,000 | Jan 23, 2026 |
Currently Available
| Address | Specs | List Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1504 Bay Colony Dr | 3 bed · 2 bath · 1,800 sf | $2,130,000 | Waterfront |
| 1429 Franklin Dr | 5 bed · 4.5 bath · 3,726 sf | $1,575,000 | New construction |
| 1625 Cutty Sark Rd | 5 bed · 5.5 bath · 5,629 sf | $1,270,000 | Open Sun 12–2pm |
| 1813 Fleet Ter | 4 bed · 4 bath · 2,773 sf | $1,015,000 | Open Sun 12–2pm |
| 1102 Noble Walk Ct | 3 bed · 2.5 bath · 2,008 sf | $415,000 | Active |
Source: Redfin / REIN MLS · Data as of May 2026 · View all current listings →
Bay Colony remains one of the most tightly held luxury micro-markets in Virginia Beach — very limited inventory, a median sale price above $900K, and a community character that attracts long-term owners who rarely sell. Hampton Roads REIN March 2026 data shows settled sales up 7.06% and pending sales up 11.95% year-over-year, with the regional median sale price at $360K up 3.75%. Bay Colony operates well above the regional median given its premium waterfront positioning, mature lots, and school corridor. If you are watching Bay Colony specifically, set up an alert — when the right home comes available, it moves quickly.
The Bay Colony market moves fast. With only a handful of homes changing hands each year and sub-20-day average market times, buyers who aren't prepared miss out. Pre-approval before you start actively searching isn't a suggestion here — it's a requirement. Call me before you're ready so we can position you to move when the right home appears.
Bay Colony sellers are in an exceptionally strong position. The 93% homeownership rate, A-rated school pipeline, Cape Henry Collegiate next door, and extreme scarcity of inventory mean well-presented homes command strong prices. With $/sqft up over 20% year-over-year, pricing strategy and presentation matter more than ever. Call me for a no-obligation valuation.
What clients say about John King
"We PCSed from San Diego to Virginia Beach on a VA loan and John had us in contract before our report date. He knew exactly which neighborhoods fit our E-6 BAH and walked us through everything remotely. Closed without ever setting foot in Virginia before move-in day."
"Listed on a Thursday, had multiple offers by Sunday, closed above asking price. John's digital marketing strategy — the video, the Facebook ads, the professional photos — brought buyers I never would have reached through a traditional listing. Unreal results."
"First time buyer and I was terrified. John walked me through every step, explained the VA loan process in plain English, and never once made me feel rushed. He found us our home in Kempsville and we closed with zero out of pocket. I tell every military friend to call him first."
"John knows Bay Colony better than anyone. He gave us a market analysis that was more detailed than anything we'd seen online, negotiated a price reduction after inspection, and was available every time we called. This is what a top-tier agent looks like."
"Needed to sell fast due to retirement relocation. John had a buyer in 8 days at full asking price. His knowledge of the Ocean Lakes market and his network of ready buyers made what felt impossible completely seamless. Five stars doesn't cover it."
"Navy to Navy — John just gets it. He understood the PCS timeline, the BAH calculations, the urgency, and the stress. He wasn't just a realtor, he was a guide. We found a house in Chic's Beach that we love and the whole process was smoother than anything I expected."
Frequently asked questions
Bay Colony is primarily in zip code 23454, located in the Great Neck area of northeastern Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Non-waterfront homes in Bay Colony typically range from $900K to $1.4M. Waterfront estates on Linkhorn Bay or Broad Bay range from approximately $1.7M to over $5M. The median sale price has been trending above $935K. Homes move quickly — averaging around 22 days on market.
Bay Colony students attend Linkhorn Park Elementary (PK–5), Virginia Beach Middle (6–8), and Frank W. Cox High School (9–12). Cape Henry Collegiate, a highly regarded private PK–12 school, borders the neighborhood directly.
Yes. Bay Colony is bordered by Linkhorn Bay and Broad Bay. Homes along the perimeter offer direct waterfront access, many with deep-water dockage. The community also has its own boat ramp. Waterfront estate properties range from approximately $1.7M to over $5M.
No. Bay Colony is composed entirely of single-family homes, most on large lots of an acre or more. There are no condos or townhomes in the subdivision. Home styles range from 1930s colonials to contemporary new builds.
The closest and most-loved spots include Quemar Wood-Fired Cocina (Latin American, wood-fired Parrilla on Laskin Road), Eurasia Cafe & Wine Bar (farm-to-table New American, Wine Spectator award winner), and Cobalt Grille. The Hilltop corridor adds Baker's Crust, Mizuno, and Azar's Mediterranean.
For the right buyer, yes — definitively. Bay Colony offers something genuinely rare in Virginia Beach: large wooded lots, Linkhorn Bay waterfront access, and a fully built-out neighborhood that will never be replicated. Homes here rarely drop in value because the land is finite. There is no other neighborhood in Virginia Beach that offers this combination of privacy, water access, and community character.
Because the people who live there don't want to leave. Bay Colony has a 93%+ owner-occupancy rate and many multigenerational families who have held properties for decades. In a typical year, only 20–25 homes sell out of approximately 620 homes — roughly 3–4% annual turnover, well below the Virginia Beach average. Many transfers happen off-market through family or referrals before reaching the MLS.
Established professionals relocating to Hampton Roads, move-up buyers from elsewhere in Virginia Beach who've built equity and want a permanent long-term asset, retirees seeking land and water access without giving up neighborhood quality, and senior military officers (O-5 through O-8) making a permanent purchase after prior Hampton Roads assignments. What they share: a long time horizon and an understanding that Bay Colony is a finite asset.
Other Virginia Beach neighborhoods worth knowing
Bay Colony sits at the top of the Great Neck corridor — if you're weighing nearby options, these are the neighborhoods most buyers consider alongside it.
More resources from John King
Bay Colony Deep Dives Worth Reading
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Hampton Roads Neighborhood Guide for Military Families — By Base
NSN, NAS Oceana, JEB Little Creek, Langley-Eustis — the neighborhoods that work for each installation, broken down by commute, schools, and BAH.
Your Hampton Roads Military Move Plan Starts Here
Buying or selling on military orders? John builds a free move plan around your base, report date, and budget within 24 hours.
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Ready to make your move in Bay Colony?
John King is a U.S. Navy veteran and top-rated Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty — 13+ years experience, 400+ closings, and deep roots in the Virginia Beach market. Whether you're buying, selling, or want to know what your Bay Colony home is worth today, reach out directly.
Or call directly: (757) 270-3994