This Virginia Beach Town Has Some of the Most Affordable Waterfront Real Estate in the Country

The town is rooted in American history and offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Tucked between Williamsburg, Virginia — one of the best cities in the U.S. — and Virginia Beach, Virginia sits a city that dates back to the first days of our nation: Newport News. British Captain Christopher Newport, who helped establish the first English colony Jamestown, made several trips here. Legend has it that because he brought supplies, his voyages were always "good news" to those already here, hence the town's name — Newport News.

Its unique location — at the tip of the Virginia Peninsula where the James River flows into the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean — has defined its rich maritime heritage. (You will find the largest shipyard in the country here.) It has also contributed to its popularity with vacationers, seeking endless water adventures, a variety of beautiful beaches, historic sights, and plenty of ways to experience the great outdoors in the Commonwealth — which, let's be honest, has no shortage of beautiful small towns.

And to travelers looking to invest in a second home, the town also offers some of the most affordable beachfront real estate in the country, according to a new report by Realtor.com. So just how much will a residence here set you back? The median home price for a home within a mile of a beach is just $200,000.

"This area is rich in history, culture, industry, and coastal living. The James River also produces the famous James Rivers oysters," Leslie Moore, manager of the Howard Hanna/Luxury Portfolio International Peninsula office, told Travel + Leisure. "Small beaches are embedded in and in close proximity to neighborhoods on the James River and the Chesapeake Bay."

One of the most popular beach parks along the James River is Huntington Park, a beautiful 60-acre area with a large playground, a sandy beach, a boat ramp, a museum dedicated to America's military history, a tennis center, and a Rose Garden with over 70 varieties of the fragrant bloom.

And if you prefer staying active in the shade, then head to Newport News Park, a spectacularly lush 7,711-acre park home to an abundance of wildlife, with a 5.3-mile bike trail, an 18-hole golf course, over 30 miles of hiking trails, picnic facilities, a campground, and — anglers, take notice! — a reservoir, bursting with fish.

But what Newport News truly excels at is taking travelers back in time. History buffs will love the town's many historic monuments, museums, and landmarks. And if that's not enough, Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown are both about a 30-minute drive.

In 1918, the federal government built its first war housing project in Newport News for the families of the workers at the shipyard building warships during World War I. This neighborhood of about 500 or so English-style cottages, known as Hilton Village, was preserved and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Nowadays, it's an excellent place for a relaxing walk with many family-owned businesses, boutiques, several restaurants, and a theater.

Because of Newport News's long history, real estate in the town's neighborhoods is pretty diverse. "These communities are not your typical style when you think of a beach home. They feature a variety of styles, including historic brick homes and bungalows with higher elevations in some areas," Moore explained.

The one thing to remember when figuring out your long-term budget is that the town has one of the area's highest real estate tax rates: $1.2 per $100 of assessed value. There has been a recent assessment increase of over nine percent. Also, make sure to check if the property you're eyeing is in a flood zone and what your insurance costs would be.

However, with water views galore and proximity to top-notch Atlantic Ocean beaches, many parks, and historic sights, Newport News remains a perfect spot to unwind and call (second) home.

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