Why this home stands out
Nearly 44 acres of contiguous land inside Virginia Beach city limits is an uncommon find. The Blackwater corridor sits at the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp region, where large parcels still exist but are steadily disappearing. This tract offers the kind of open-sky privacy and development flexibility that smaller suburban lots simply cannot replicate — room for a custom home, outbuildings, pasture, timber, or all of the above.
BLACKWATER and the Virginia Beach real estate market
Blackwater is Virginia Beach's rural southern edge — a world apart from the resort strip and suburban subdivisions that most people picture when they search homes for sale virginia beach va. Out here, the landscape opens up into wide fields, mature tree lines, and long stretches of quiet road. The community sits in the southernmost zip code of the city, bordering Chesapeake and Sussex County, and it draws people who want acreage, agricultural use, or simply the breathing room that larger lots provide. Virginia Beach is one of the largest cities by land area in the entire United States, and Blackwater is a big reason why — much of that acreage is undeveloped land in this very corridor. The city's rural agricultural district designation means this area has intentionally been kept low-density, which protects the open character neighbors value most. It's a quieter pace of life, but you're still within the city limits of Virginia Beach with access to city services and infrastructure.
What's nearby
The Blackwater area is genuinely rural, so daily errands require a drive — but the surrounding region has solid coverage. The town of Holland in Suffolk is reachable in under 15 minutes for basic supplies, and the Chesapeake city core adds grocery, pharmacy, and dining options within roughly 20–25 minutes. For larger retail and medical, the Chesapeake Square corridor and the Kempsville area of Virginia Beach are both accessible within half an hour. Outdoor recreation is a natural draw here: the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive west, offering hiking and wildlife observation across a massive protected landscape.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
If you're stationed at USCG Finance Center Chesapeake or Dam Neck Annex and you've been thinking about land ownership, 3224 Ives Road puts nearly 44 acres within a 19–23 minute commute of both installations. A VA loan can be used to purchase land when paired with construction financing — making this a viable path to building exactly the home you want rather than settling for an existing floor plan.
For buyers drawn to character
If you've been searching for houses for sale in virginia beach va and keep finding the same quarter-acre lots and HOA communities, this parcel is a different conversation entirely. Nearly 44 acres means you design the life around the land — not the other way around. Hobby farm, private retreat, multigenerational compound, or simply wide-open space: the canvas here is as large as your plans.
More buyer questions
How far is 3224 Ives Road from USCG Finance Center Chesapeake?
The drive from 3224 Ives Road to USCG Finance Center Chesapeake is approximately 19 minutes under normal conditions, heading north through the rural corridor toward Chesapeake.
How far is 3224 Ives Road from Dam Neck Annex?
Dam Neck Annex is roughly 23 minutes from this address, traveling northeast toward the Virginia Beach oceanfront corridor.
What can land in the Blackwater area of Virginia Beach be used for?
Much of the Blackwater corridor falls within Virginia Beach's rural agricultural district, which typically permits agricultural use, forestry, and low-density residential development — though buyers should verify current zoning and permitted uses with the City of Virginia Beach planning department before purchase.
Is 3224 Ives Road in a flood zone?
Flood zone status for this parcel should be reviewed through the City of Virginia Beach's GIS flood mapping tools or FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — the property's size and varied terrain mean different portions of the acreage may carry different designations.
Does the Blackwater area have an HOA?
The Blackwater rural corridor is generally not governed by a homeowners association, though any future subdivision or development of the parcel could be subject to conditions — always confirm with the city and a real estate attorney.
Curious about building, farming, or simply owning a rare stretch of Virginia Beach land? Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty know this corridor well — reach out and let's talk through what's possible at 3224 Ives Road.
