Are you curious about living in Hayes VA? It’s an unincorporated community in Gloucester County, Virginia (not an incorporated city, town, or village), and it’s part of the Gloucester Point area. The community is small and mostly residential, but ultimately, Hayes is known as a commercial hub in Gloucester County, with shopping centers like York River Crossing and Hayes Plaza.
According to Wikipedia, Hayes was named after Lt. Hugh Hayes of the American Revolution. The community experienced extensive growth upon the opening of the George P. Coleman Bridge in the 1950s, as it linked Hayes to Gloucester and York County.
If you think moving to Hayes is in your future, continue learning more with our extensive guide.
Where Is Hayes VA?
Hayes is located in Gloucester County, Virginia, off the coast of the York River, along US Route 17. It’s 2.2 miles from Gloucester Point and 10.7 miles from Gloucester. You will find tidal marshes and brackish wetlands when living in Hayes.
Hayes Populations & Demographics
According to Census data, the population of Hayes, VA, is 2,226, with a population density of 1,857.7 per square mile. While it’s not a large city in Virginia, it has a lot to offer. People living in Hayes are mostly young families or retirees, as the median age is 40.9, and 29% of residents are 19 or younger. 31% are between 30 and 49, and 26% are above the age of 60.
The age distribution in Hayes spans multiple life stages. The community is not affluent, with a median household income of $60,991, and, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the living wage for a family of three (2 adults, 1 child, and 1 adult working) in Gloucester County is $37.34.
Additional demographics:
- Sex ratio: 53 females to 47 males
- Number of households: 978
- Average household size: 2.3 people
- Owner-occupied homes: 63%
- Average median value of owned homes: $199,600
- Educational attainment
- 84.4% have high school diplomas
- 17% have bachelor’s degrees
- Veteran population: 10.2%
There are more women than men in Hays, and more than half of the residents own their homes. Educational attainment and homeownership rates provide insight into the characteristics of the local population.
Cost of Living in Hayes VA
Hayes is a small community within Gloucester County, meaning specific living cost data for this area is limited. We will pull data from the Virginia Beach–Norfolk–Newport News metropolitan area as a reference, but figures and prices may differ slightly when living in Hayes.
The Economic Research Institute data states the Cost of Living Index in Virginia Beach is 113, which is 13% above the US average. The Economic Policy Institute suggests that a family of four needs an income of $102,302 to live comfortably in Gloucester County, VA.
Typical living expenses in the Virginia Beach area:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $18.00
- Loaf of white bread: $2.82
- Pound of white rice: $2.45
- Dozen eggs: $3.86
- Pound of local cheese: $5.25
- Pound of chicken fillets: $3.09
- Average Hayes VA utilities per month: $
Source: Numbeo
Hayes VA Real Estate Market Overview
Gloucester County is an affordable place to buy a home. According to Refin’s recent market data, the median sale price is $357,750; homes for sale in Hayes VA (and the 23072 region) typically sell within 61 days. The number of homes sold has increased by 23.5% year-over-year.
If buying a house isn’t in your immediate plan, renting is an option. According to Zillow, the average rent in Hayes, Virginia, is $1,500 per month, with a $280 month-over-month change.
Hayes Neighborhoods
Hayes is considered more of a neighborhood within Gloucester County, as it’s an unincorporated community that’s quite small. Living in Hayes VA is tight-knit, and here are the most popular areas to reside in.
Main Street
The corridor near Route 17 is home to commercial activity, with shopping centers, grocery stores, and restaurants. There are also newer apartments and townhomes for sale and rent in this area. Yorkview Apartments is positioned in the town’s center and is a great place to raise a family.
Waterfront Homes
Southwest Hayes offers waterfront homes and proximity to the town’s natural wonders. The waterfront neighborhoods are considered the most affluent, with many homes starting around $500,000.
Weather For Hayes VA
Hayes has a Koppen climate type of humid subtropical climate. Due to its coastal location, summers tend to be cooler and winters milder. January and December are the coldest months, with temperatures dropping to as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures officially rise around May, with the average daily high being around 74 degrees.
People living in Hayes VA experience an average annual rainfall of 34.25 inches, and the average annual snowfall is 4.13 inches. The best time to visit Hayes is late May or early September, when the weather in the area is warm, you can enjoy outdoor recreational activities, and before the cold temperatures kick in.
Things to Do in Hayes VA
While Hayes, VA, is a more rural place, there are still a handful of fun things to do. There are mostly recreational activities, water-based activities, and visits to historical sites.
If you’re planning a short visit before making the move, spending a few days exploring the area can give you a better feel for the lifestyle, commute, and nearby amenities. Many newcomers choose to stay in waterfront cottages or quiet residential neighborhoods to experience the slower pace of life firsthand. Hotala makes it easy to compare vacation rentals, cabins, and short-term stays in and around Hayes, helping you find accommodations that match your budget while staying close to local attractions and outdoor activities.
Gloucester Point Beach Park – Fishing + Boating Opportunities
Between the fishing pier, sandy beach, and easy access to the swimming area, Gloucester Point Beach is a family-friendly nearby attraction. It’s located only 2.6 miles from the community and is a resident favorite.
1255 Greate Rd, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, (804) 693-2355
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown – Top Historic Sites in Area
Explore the region’s history at the nearby American Revolution museum in Yorktown. There are exhibits with cannons, 4d movies, and sometimes living reenactments.
200 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690, (757) 253-4838
Machicomoco State Park – Expansive + Pet-friendly
Part of the Virginia State Parks system, Machicomoco overlooks the gorgeous York River and celebrates the Native Tribes of Virginia through educational materials and exhibits.
3601 Timberneck Farm Rd, Hayes, VA 23072, (804) 642-2419
Additional Resources
Living in Hayes VA offers easy access to countless recreational spaces.
There are many historic sites to explore and parks to utilize. The Hayes Gloucester area provides local amenities without compromising on the quiet, more rural feel. Gloucester County Parks and Recreation maintains all county parks and open spaces, including the unincorporated Hayes community.
Restaurants in Hayes VA
Aside from its abundance of fresh seafood, living in Hayes offers a wide range of dining options to fit any palate. You will be eating well while living in Hayes!
Eggheads Diner
Eggshead is beloved for its expansive breakfast and lunch menus, with omelets, biscuits, and gravy among the most popular dishes.
1785 George Washington Memorial Hwy, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, (804) 684-1222
YROC Coastal Bar & Grill
Indulge in the Tidewater’s decadent seafood options at YROC, a tasty waterfront restaurant in Hayes! Reviewers rave about the affordable happy-hour prices, the crab dip, the mahi taco, and the shrimp and grits.
8109 Yacht Haven Rd, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, (804) 792-1511
Franco’s Pizza
Experience Italy in your new city at Franco’s Pizza. The stromboli and the garlic knots are some of the most popular menu items.
7088 Hayes Shopping Ct, Hayes, VA 23072, (804) 699-3214
Jobs Hayes VA
Where are your Hayes neighbors working? Hayes’s easy access to Route 17 makes the commute to Newport News, Hampton, and Williamsburg simple and quick. Major employers in these cities include Huntington Ingalls Industries, NASA Langley Research Center, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The Hampton Roads region also hosts Fortune 500 companies like Dollar Tree. Hayes, VA, is 30.6 miles from Huntington Ingalls Industries.
If you’re seeking jobs in Hayes upon moving here, looking within the region’s leading industries is a great start. Defence & military, shipbuilding and marine, and education and research are major sectors in the Hayes area.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people living in Hayes VA earn a good median hourly wage, as the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC region’s salaries figures are is $23.28 an hour.
Schools in Hayes VA
Gloucester County Public Schools district serves Pre-K through 12th-grade students living in Hayes VA. The student population is 4,990, and the teacher-to-student ratio is 13:1.
The district offers unique programs, such as the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy, to support students seeking careers in the medical field. Gloucester High School’s drama and culinary arts programs are competitive in theatre, and the district has earned the Virginia Purple Star Award.
Families living in Hayes have access to special education programs and summer enrichment programs.
Hayes citizens can also seek additional educational resources at the Gloucester Library System, specifically its Point branch (2354 York Crossing Dr, Hayes, VA 23072). There are thousands of books to check out and countless community events to attend. There is computer access, community meeting rooms, and a large children’s area.
Higher Education
Christopher Newport University, located in Newport News, is a four-year public university that offers bachelor’s and postgraduate programs to residents of the region and beyond.
Living in Hayes FAQ
Is Hayes VA a Nice Place to Live?
Hayes, VA, is a quiet community in Gloucester County known for its suburban-rural mix and proximity to Virginia Beach, the York River, and the Chesapeake Bay. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, access to local parks, and small-town charm while being about 19.1 miles from Newport News and its amenities. The area has a moderate cost of living compared to larger Virginia cities, making it appealing for families and retirees seeking a peaceful lifestyle near waterways and outdoor recreation.
How Far Is Hayes Gloucester County From the Beach?
Hayes, VA, is 4 miles from the Yorktown Beach along the York River, making it a short 7-minute drive. People living in Hayes VA can also access the larger Chesapeake Bay beaches, such as the Gloucester Point Beach, within 3 miles. The proximity to these waterways provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities, making Hayes convenient for those who enjoy coastal access while living in a suburban-rural community.
Hayes Statistics & Information
- Hayes county: Gloucester County
- Hayes VA area:
Hayes VA zip code: 23072 - Hayes VA area code: 804
- Hayes VA time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5 and -4)
- Hayes VA elevation: 33 feet
- Closest airport to Hayes VA: Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) is 12.8 miles from Hayes, VA.
Hayes VA Map
Explore more about living in Hayes VA with this handy map!
Moving to Hayes VA With Off Load Moving
If you want to reside near Virginia Beach amenities and coastal charm, but want to avoid the crowds? Then living in Hayes VA is likely the next step for you and your family. Hiring full-service Hayes movers to handle your transition is a cost-effective and efficient option. Call Off Load Moving today at (757) 749-7212 for a free quote on your next move.
