City vs. City: Who’s Leading the Hampton Roads Real Estate Race in 2025?

by Davina Hughes

If you live here, you already know—Hampton Roads isn’t one city. It’s seven different markets, all doing their own thing, but connected enough that when one shifts, the others feel it. That’s why when people ask me, “How’s the Hampton Roads market?” I smile and say, “Which one?”

And right now, some cities are sprinting ahead, some are holding steady, and some are pacing themselves. Let’s break down who’s leading the race. (And if you want the full regional overview, check out my August 2025 market update: Record Prices & Breathing Room.)

Virginia Beach – The Veteran Competitor

June 2025 had Virginia Beach clocking in at $395,000 median sale price, which is actually 3.7% lower than last year. But don’t mistake that for weakness—homes are still selling in about 24 days, which is faster than most markets nationwide. Inventory is up just enough to give buyers choices without tipping the balance.

Norfolk – The Steady Climber

Norfolk’s median sale price hit $330,000 in June, up 4.8% year over year. Homes are moving in 26 days, holding steady from last summer. This city is winning in the “consistent demand” category, especially for first-time buyers and military families who need to stay close to the bases.

Chesapeake – The Quiet Contender

We don’t have all the clean, public numbers for June in Chesapeake without pulling MLS, but from what we see in the trends, prices are steady and days on market are competitive. This is a strong move-up market—families selling in smaller cities often land here for bigger yards and newer builds.

Newport News – The Comeback Player

June 2025: $305,000 median sale price (+1.7% YoY) and 26 days on market. While the price gains are smaller here, pending and closed sales numbers tell me buyer interest is rebounding. And with more listings than last summer, buyers are actually able to shop without getting into 10-offer showdowns.

Hampton – The Surprise Sprinter

Hampton jumped 9.2% in median sale price year over year, hitting $294,900 in June. That’s the largest YoY price gain of the Seven Cities. Even with a 5-day increase in average time on market (now 27 days), sellers are still walking away with top-dollar.

Portsmouth – The Value Leader

With a median sale price of $269,950 (flat YoY) and homes selling in about 24 days, Portsmouth is holding its ground. For buyers, this is where you can still find relatively affordable entry points without leaving the Hampton Roads core.

Suffolk – The Long-Distance Runner

Suffolk’s median price dipped 4.6% to $381,000, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still a high-value market with plenty of new construction. The 38-day average DOM here is longer than the rest, but that’s often tied to higher price points and larger lot sizes.

Who’s Leading Right Now?

If we’re talking pure price growth—Hampton takes the gold.
If we’re looking at speed of sales—Virginia Beach and Portsmouth are neck and neck.
And if we’re measuring long-term stability—Norfolk is your steady performer.

But here’s the real takeaway: in August 2025, every city has opportunity if you know where to look. Whether you’re trying to buy into a neighborhood before prices climb again or sell while demand is high, the key is reading your specific city’s playbook.

Bottom Line: Hampton Roads isn’t one race—it’s seven, and each city is running its own pace. Let’s figure out which one fits your goals, your timeline, and your budget.