Cape Story by the Sea Virginia Beach Neighborhood Guide: Chesapeake Bayfront Living Next to First Landing
Cape Story by the Sea is one of the most beloved coastal neighborhoods on the Shore Drive corridor of Virginia Beach. Cradled between the Chesapeake Bay and Long Creek, with the Cape Henry Trail running through its streets and First Landing State Park right next door, Cape Story by the Sea offers an active bayfront lifestyle of beach days, kayaking, biking, and a genuinely engaged community. With live oak lined streets, a mix of coastal cottages, updated homes, and new construction, and a location that puts the bay beach and 2,888 acres of state park within walking distance, Cape Story by the Sea is one of the most distinctive bayfront communities in the city. For buyers who want a coastal lifestyle close to the bay, the trail, and the park, Cape Story by the Sea belongs on the list.
If you are searching the Shore Drive area of Virginia Beach for a coastal home near the Chesapeake Bay, First Landing State Park, and the Cape Henry Trail, Cape Story by the Sea belongs on your list. This guide covers where Cape Story by the Sea sits, its character and history, what makes it different, current pricing from recent sales, schools, and what buyers should know before writing an offer.
Where Cape Story by the Sea Sits in Virginia Beach
Cape Story by the Sea is a bayfront neighborhood on the Shore Drive corridor in the northern part of Virginia Beach, in zip code 23451. The neighborhood sits just past the intersection of Shore Drive and North Great Neck Road, heading toward First Landing State Park, with the park essentially next door. The community is cradled between the Chesapeake Bay to the north and Long Creek to the south and west.
This is a genuine bayfront location. Residents have access to the calm Chesapeake Bay beaches, to Long Creek for kayaking and paddle boarding, and to the Cape Henry Trail, which runs through the neighborhood and connects directly into First Landing State Park. The Lynnhaven Municipal Boat Ramp is nearby for boaters, and the broader Shore Drive corridor offers waterfront dining, marinas, and the Lesner Bridge over the Lynnhaven Inlet.
The location is convenient as well as scenic. Cape Story by the Sea sits near Chic's Beach and Lynnhaven Shores, with quick access to the Shore Drive corridor, the Hilltop shopping area, and the routes toward the naval bases and the rest of Hampton Roads.
The Character and History of Cape Story by the Sea
Cape Story by the Sea is defined as much by its community life as by its location. The neighborhood is known for an unusually active civic association and a calendar of long running community traditions.
Among those traditions, Cape Story by the Sea is said to host one of the oldest Fourth of July parades in Virginia Beach, a neighborhood event that has run for many years. The community also holds an annual Cape Story Oyster Roast, a Spring Fling, a Santa in the Park gathering during the holidays, and a holiday light decorating contest. These long standing traditions, organized by the Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association, give the neighborhood a genuine sense of identity and continuity that newer developments cannot replicate.
The neighborhood itself developed over the second half of the twentieth century as a coastal community along the bay. Its streets, including Beech, Oak, Maple, Sandalwood, Bayberry, Wake Forest, and Kendall, run between Shore Drive and the bay, shaded by mature live oaks. Over the decades, the original mid century cottages have been joined by updated homes, townhomes, and new custom construction, creating the varied streetscape seen today. The bay beach itself is maintained through periodic renourishment, reflecting the city's investment in this stretch of the Chesapeake Bay shoreline.
What Makes Cape Story by the Sea Different
Several things set Cape Story by the Sea apart in Virginia Beach:
A genuine Chesapeake Bayfront location. Cape Story by the Sea sits directly on the Chesapeake Bay, giving residents access to the calm bay beaches, a different and often more relaxed experience than the oceanfront resort strip.
The Cape Henry Trail runs through it. The Cape Henry Trail connects the streets of Cape Story by the Sea directly into First Landing State Park, making walking, running, and biking into the park part of everyday life. Few neighborhoods have this kind of direct trail access to a major state park.
Next to First Landing State Park. The 2,888 acre First Landing State Park, with its more than 19 miles of trails, Chesapeake Bay beach, and natural areas, sits right next to the neighborhood, offering an extraordinary natural amenity.
Long Creek access. In addition to the bay, the neighborhood has access to Long Creek, popular for kayaking, paddle boarding, and exploring the back waters of the Lynnhaven system.
An exceptionally active community. With its long running Fourth of July parade, Oyster Roast, Spring Fling, and other traditions, Cape Story by the Sea has one of the most active civic associations and community calendars in the city.
Live oak lined streets and varied homes. The mature live oak canopy and the mix of coastal cottages, updated homes, townhomes, and new construction give the neighborhood a relaxed, established coastal character with a range of options.
Cape Story by the Sea Home Prices and Property Types
Cape Story by the Sea offers a genuine range of property types and price points, from compact coastal cottages and townhomes to larger custom and new construction homes. Based on recent sales over roughly the past two years, the market has spanned a wide range, with a median sale price in the upper $700,000s.
Cottages, townhomes, and smaller homes (roughly $400K to $700K)
The more accessible segment of Cape Story by the Sea. Original mid century cottages, attached homes and townhomes, and smaller single family homes. Recent sales in this range have included compact cottages and townhomes, offering some of the more attainable entry points into a bayfront neighborhood. This range varies widely with size, condition, and whether the home is attached or detached.
Established and updated single family homes (roughly $700K to $1M)
The core of the Cape Story by the Sea market. Established and renovated single family homes, many updated over the years, on the neighborhood's live oak lined streets. Recent sales in this range have included a variety of three and four bedroom homes between roughly 1,700 and 2,500 square feet.
Larger and new construction homes ($1M to $1.65M and above)
The upper tier of Cape Story by the Sea. Larger custom homes and new construction, including recently built homes above 3,000 square feet. Recent sales have included new construction homes in the $1.1 million to $1.65 million range, and current listings have included new builds above $1.5 million. New construction continues to reshape the upper end of the neighborhood.
Because Cape Story by the Sea spans cottages, townhomes, established homes, and new construction, pricing varies dramatically by property type, size, condition, and proximity to the bay. Inventory in the neighborhood is often limited, with only a handful of homes on the market at a time, so well presented homes can move quickly. Always review recent comparable sales for the specific property type and position when evaluating a listing.
Schools Serving Cape Story by the Sea
Cape Story by the Sea falls within the Virginia Beach City Public Schools attendance zone in the Shore Drive area. The neighborhood is generally served by the area schools, though the specific elementary, middle, and high school assignments can vary by address.
Always verify the specific elementary, middle, and high school assignments using the Virginia Beach City Public Schools street level lookup before writing an offer. This is an important due diligence item for any buyer with school age children.
Lifestyle and Amenities
Cape Story by the Sea combines a Chesapeake Bayfront lifestyle with direct access to one of Virginia's most popular state parks.
Chesapeake Bay beaches. The calm bay beaches are within walking distance, offering swimming, beachcombing, and relaxed shoreline days.
First Landing State Park. The 2,888 acre park, with more than 19 miles of trails, a Chesapeake Bay beach, and extensive natural areas, sits right next to the neighborhood.
The Cape Henry Trail. The trail runs through the neighborhood and into the park, supporting walking, running, and biking right from the streets of Cape Story by the Sea.
Long Creek and the Lynnhaven system. Long Creek offers kayaking, paddle boarding, and access to the back waters of the Lynnhaven, with the Lynnhaven Municipal Boat Ramp nearby for boaters.
Shore Drive dining and marinas. The Shore Drive corridor offers waterfront dining, marinas, and the scenic Lesner Bridge over the Lynnhaven Inlet, all close to the neighborhood.
Community traditions. The Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association organizes long running events including a Fourth of July parade, an annual Oyster Roast, a Spring Fling, and holiday gatherings.
Commute Notes for Cape Story by the Sea
Cape Story by the Sea sits on the Shore Drive corridor with strong access in good traffic.
First Landing State Park: adjacent, a short walk or bike ride
Chic's Beach and Shore Drive dining: approximately 5 minutes
JEB Little Creek-Fort Story: approximately 10 to 15 minutes, no tunnel
Hilltop shopping district: approximately 10 to 12 minutes
Virginia Beach Oceanfront: approximately 15 minutes
Naval Station Norfolk: approximately 25 to 30 minutes west, no tunnel
Who Buys in Cape Story by the Sea
Common buyer profiles for Cape Story by the Sea include buyers who want a Chesapeake Bayfront lifestyle near the beach and First Landing State Park, outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the Cape Henry Trail, the bay, and Long Creek, first time and move up buyers attracted to the range of cottages, townhomes, and single family homes, buyers who want new construction in an established bayfront neighborhood, military households who want a coastal neighborhood with quick access to the Shore Drive bases, and buyers who value an active community with long running neighborhood traditions.
The buyer pool is broad because Cape Story by the Sea spans so many property types and price points. The shared appeal is the bayfront location, the park and trail access, and the active community character. Because inventory is often limited, well presented homes tend to attract strong interest when they come to market.
What Buyers Should Know Before Writing an Offer in Cape Story by the Sea
Understand the property type and what you are buying
Cape Story by the Sea includes detached single family homes, attached homes, and townhomes, ranging from original 1950s and 1960s cottages to brand new construction. Be clear on exactly what type of home you are buying, its age, and its condition, since these vary widely across the neighborhood.
Flood zones and insurance
As a Chesapeake Bayfront neighborhood near Long Creek, parts of Cape Story by the Sea sit in FEMA flood zones. Review the flood zone designation and elevation certificate for the specific home and pull a flood insurance quote during due diligence. Flood insurance can be a meaningful annual cost in a bayfront location.
Inspect older cottages carefully
Many original Cape Story by the Sea homes date to the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Inspect the roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, windows, and foundation thoroughly, especially on older cottages that have not been fully updated, and factor any needed updates into your offer.
Verify new construction quality and permits
For new construction and recent rebuilds, verify the builder, the quality of the work, the warranty, and that all work was properly permitted. New construction is an active part of this market, and quality can vary by builder.
Verify the school assignment at the address level
Always verify the specific elementary, middle, and high school assignments using the Virginia Beach City Public Schools street level lookup before writing an offer.
Cape Story by the Sea FAQ
Where is Cape Story by the Sea in Virginia Beach?
Cape Story by the Sea is a Chesapeake Bayfront neighborhood on the Shore Drive corridor in northern Virginia Beach, zip code 23451. It sits just past the intersection of Shore Drive and North Great Neck Road, right next to First Landing State Park, cradled between the Chesapeake Bay and Long Creek.
What is Cape Story by the Sea known for?
Cape Story by the Sea is known for its Chesapeake Bayfront location, its direct access to First Landing State Park and the Cape Henry Trail, its live oak lined streets, and its exceptionally active community, which hosts long running traditions including a Fourth of July parade and an annual Oyster Roast.
How much do homes cost in Cape Story by the Sea?
Based on recent sales, Cape Story by the Sea homes have ranged from roughly $400,000 for compact cottages and townhomes up to about $1.65 million for new construction, with a median sale price in the upper $700,000s. Pricing depends heavily on property type, size, condition, and whether the home is original, updated, or newly built.
Does Cape Story by the Sea have beach access?
Yes. Cape Story by the Sea sits on the Chesapeake Bay, with calm bay beaches within walking distance. The neighborhood also has access to Long Creek for kayaking and paddle boarding, and is next to the Chesapeake Bay beach at First Landing State Park.
What is the Cape Henry Trail?
The Cape Henry Trail is a multi use trail that runs through Cape Story by the Sea and connects into First Landing State Park. It allows residents to walk, run, and bike directly from the neighborhood into the park, a distinctive amenity of the community.
What kind of homes are in Cape Story by the Sea?
Cape Story by the Sea includes a mix of original mid century coastal cottages, updated single family homes, attached homes and townhomes, and new custom construction, on live oak lined streets between Shore Drive and the bay.
What schools serve Cape Story by the Sea?
Cape Story by the Sea is served by Virginia Beach City Public Schools in the Shore Drive area. Because assignments can vary by address, always verify the specific elementary, middle, and high school assignments using the Virginia Beach City Public Schools street level lookup.
Is Cape Story by the Sea good for outdoor activities?
Yes. Cape Story by the Sea offers Chesapeake Bay beaches, Long Creek for paddling, the Cape Henry Trail for walking and biking, and direct access to First Landing State Park with its more than 19 miles of trails, making it one of the most outdoor oriented neighborhoods in Virginia Beach.
About the Author
John King is a Navy veteran and licensed real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway RW Towne Realty, serving Hampton Roads including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. Known for his straightforward approach and market expertise.
📞 757-270-3994 📧 [email protected] 🌐 www.757King.com
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