Great Neck is an established area in north-central Virginia Beach, surrounded by the Lynnhaven River, Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay, with First Landing State Park to the north. Buyers come for mature trees, water access and convenient schools and shopping. Expect a wide price range, and check flood zones, water depth and school assignments street by street.
Key facts
- Great Neck sits between the Lynnhaven River to the west and Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay to the east, with the Chesapeake Bay to the north.
- First Landing State Park (2500 Shore Drive) has 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beach and about 20 miles of trails.
- Boats reach the Chesapeake Bay through Lynnhaven Inlet, under the Lesner Bridge, which has 45 feet of vertical clearance above mean high water.
- Nearby public schools include Great Neck Middle School, Frank W. Cox High School and First Colonial High School. Assignments depend on the address.
- First Colonial High School hosts VBCPS's Legal Studies Academy, which accepts students citywide by application.
What is everyday life like in Great Neck?
Great Neck is one of the most established parts of Virginia Beach. Streets wind under big oaks and pines, and many neighborhoods back up to coves and creeks. It feels residential and calm, yet you're close to almost everything:
- Shore Drive and First Landing State Park to the north for bay beaches, trails and paddling.
- Hilltop shopping and restaurants to the southeast around Laskin and First Colonial roads.
- I-264 to the south for commutes to central Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
- The Oceanfront a short drive east.
The area includes everything from mid-century ranches and two-story colonials to rebuilt and custom waterfront homes, plus some townhome and condo communities.
What waterfront options are there?
Water is the biggest driver of value in Great Neck. The options generally fall into a few groups:
| Type | What it means | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Deep-water lots | Enough depth at the dock for larger boats | Depth at mean low water, route to the inlet |
| Creek and cove lots | Calm water, often shallower | Low-tide depth, dredging history |
| Open bay lots (Broad Bay, Linkhorn Bay) | Big views, wider water | Wind exposure, bulkhead condition |
| Community water access | Shared pier, ramp or beach | HOA or civic league rules and fees |
| Water view, no access | Views without the upkeep | Flood zone and insurance |
Before you fall for a dock, ask for a recent depth reading at mean low water, check the bulkhead or shoreline condition, and confirm what permits exist for the pier and lift. In Virginia, work along the shoreline can involve local, state and federal permits. My post on Lynnhaven for boaters covers bridges and routes to open water in more detail.
Which schools serve Great Neck?
School assignments in Great Neck depend on the street, so don't rely on the neighborhood name or the listing. Schools in or near the area include:
- Great Neck Middle School
- Frank W. Cox High School
- First Colonial High School, home of the Legal Studies Academy
Enter any address in the VBCPS School Locator to see the assigned elementary, middle and high schools, then review each one on the Virginia Department of Education's School Quality Profiles. If you're interested in First Colonial specifically, see my guide to homes zoned for First Colonial High School.
What do homes in Great Neck cost?
Great Neck has one of the widest price ranges in the city because it mixes modest older homes with high-end waterfront. Rather than quote numbers that change monthly, here's what moves prices:
- Water access and depth. Deep-water homes with good routes to the inlet command the most.
- Lot size and setting. Wooded lots and cul-de-sacs are popular.
- Updates. Many original homes have been renovated or rebuilt, and that shows up in price.
- Flood zone. Insurance requirements affect monthly cost.
- School zone. Some buyers target specific assignments.
See current listings with a live search of Great Neck homes for sale. For a deeper look at waterfront value, read waterfront vs inland properties in Virginia Beach.
What should buyers check before making an offer?
- Flood zone and elevation certificate. Many low-lying lots are in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
- Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act areas. Virginia's disclosure form tells buyers to check whether a property contains a resource protection area, which can limit building near the water.
- Bulkhead and pier condition, and permits for any structures.
- Tree health. Big trees are part of the charm, but have an arborist look at any near the house.
- Septic or sewer. Most of the area is on public sewer, but confirm for each home.
- Age of systems. Many homes are decades old, so check the roof, HVAC, plumbing and electrical.
What is there to do in and around Great Neck?
Most of Great Neck's appeal is outdoors, with plenty of ways to get on or near the water:
- First Landing State Park. Hike or bike the Cape Henry Trail, walk the Bald Cypress Trail, or spend the day on the bay beach. Virginia State Parks lists about 20 miles of trails in the park.
- Paddling. The Lynnhaven River's coves and Broad Bay are calm enough for kayaks and paddleboards on most days.
- Boating and fishing. Lynnhaven Inlet opens to the Chesapeake Bay, and from there to the Atlantic.
- Shore Drive dining. Restaurants and waterfront spots line Shore Drive near the inlet.
- Hilltop. Groceries, shopping and restaurants are a short drive away.
Should I buy on the water or in a water-access neighborhood?
This is one of the biggest decisions Great Neck buyers make. Owning a waterfront lot gives you a private dock, views and the strongest resale appeal, but it comes with real costs: bulkhead or shoreline maintenance, pier upkeep, permits for changes, and higher flood and homeowners insurance in many cases.
A home in a neighborhood with a community pier, ramp or beach can give you much of the lifestyle for less money and upkeep. You may not be able to keep a large boat at your back door, but you can paddle, swim and launch a small boat a few minutes from home.
Here's how I help buyers decide:
- List how you'll actually use the water each month: boating, paddling, fishing or just views.
- Price the full monthly cost of a waterfront home, including insurance and a maintenance reserve.
- Compare that with a water-access home plus slip rental or a trailer.
- Think about resale. Who will buy the home from you, and what will they want?
How does Great Neck compare with nearby areas?
| Area | How it compares |
|---|---|
| Lynnhaven | Similar water access on the Lynnhaven River, with more retail along Lynnhaven Parkway |
| Chic's Beach | Closer to the Chesapeake Bay beach, more condos and beach cottages |
| Hilltop | More shopping and dining, closer to Oceana and the Oceanfront |
Read the Great Neck neighborhood guide for nearby schools and listings.
Ready to explore Great Neck?
Start with a live search of homes in Great Neck, then contact me or call or text (757) 919-8874. Tell me whether you want deep water, a quiet cove or just a short walk to the park. I'll pull water depths, flood zones and school assignments for every home on your list.
Barry Jenkins, Legacy Home Team at LPT Realty
Sources
- Virginia State Parks: First Landing State Park
- FIGG Bridge Group: Lesner Bridge
- VBCPS: School Locator
- VBCPS: Academies and Advanced Programs
- Virginia Department of Education: School Quality Profiles
- Code of Virginia § 55.1-703: Required disclosures
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Frequently asked questions
What waterfront options are there in Great Neck?
Great Neck is surrounded by water: the Lynnhaven River and its coves to the west and Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay to the east, with the Chesapeake Bay just north. You'll find homes on creeks, coves and open bays, plus neighborhoods with community water access. Depth and route to open water vary a lot by lot.
Which schools serve Great Neck?
Great Neck Middle School and Frank W. Cox and First Colonial high schools are in or near the area, but zones depend on the street. Always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address with the VBCPS School Locator.
What is the price range in Great Neck?
It's wide: from condos and townhomes to established single-family homes to deep-water estates. Water access, lot size and updates drive most of the difference. A live search of the area shows current asking prices, and I can pull recent sales for any street.
What's the difference between bay access and inlet access?
Homes on Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay reach the Chesapeake Bay through Long Creek and Lynnhaven Inlet, while many Lynnhaven River homes reach the inlet more directly. Water depth, fixed bridges and low-tide conditions all affect which boats you can keep, so verify the route before buying.
Do Great Neck homes need flood insurance?
Some do. Many waterfront and low-lying lots are in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, where lenders require flood insurance, while higher ground nearby may not be. Check the flood zone and get an insurance quote for each home.
Is Great Neck close to the beach?
Yes. First Landing State Park's Chesapeake Bay beach is just north on Shore Drive, and the Oceanfront is a short drive east. Some homes have private docks, and some communities have launches.