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South Harbor Is Honored With State Awards, Winning Both “Best Community” and “Best Amenity” in Virginia

South Harbor, the premier 55+ active adult community in Isle of Wight County, achieved a historic double victory on Friday night, June 26, 2026, at the Home Builders Association of Virginia’s (HBAV) Housing Excellence Awards. The Isle of Wight community took home the Commonwealth’s top two honors for community development, winning both Virginia’s Best Community and Best Community Amenity awards. Those in attendance to receive the awards were: (from left to right) Branch Lawson, Pam Sweet, Annie Emison, Nichole Witt, Katy Straebel, Connie Pollard, Aaron Millikin, and Jesse Faisant.

Developed by East West Communities—a nationally-awarded master plan developer founded in 1973—in partnership with Ryan Homes, the largest-selling home builder in Hampton Roads, South Harbor was recognized as the absolute pinnacle of active adult living in Virginia. 

The dual wins were determined by a panel of judges evaluating entries across four pillars of excellence. 

The Four Pillars of a Double State Championship

To secure both top honors, South Harbor had to demonstrate absolute superiority in the following judging categories:

1. Design & Functionality

The community’s master plan was thoroughly researched to meet the precise needs of the 55+ demographic. Developed in collaboration with a nationally acclaimed amenity planner and a Virginia-based landscape architect, the land plan successfully preserves the natural beauty of the area’s signature trees, ravines, and tributaries. Sixty percent of the homesites back up directly to these preserved natural spaces for maximum privacy and serene views. 

A signature scenic bridge, wide enough for two golf carts to pass comfortably, bridges the neighborhoods directly to the amenity grounds. 

2. Resident Engagement & Experience

The community’s design fully delivers on its core marketing theme: “We’re not kidding when it comes to having fun.” Every resident enjoys complete access to a spectacular $4.75 million resort-style amenity package, activated by a full-time, on-site Director of Fun. 

The year-round activities calendar brings the community together with potluck dinners, happy hours, game nights, food truck nights, water aerobics, yoga classes, competition sporting events, resident-driven clubs, and holiday events. 

3. Innovation & Uniqueness

Standing out to the judges was South Harbor’s trademarked SportsGarden®. This innovative, central wellness complex integrates physical activity and social interaction into everyday life by grouping active sporting games into one vibrant space. It includes a heated pool with dedicated lap lanes, two lighted pickleball courts, a bocce ball court, shuffleboard, and a putting green complete with an elevated observation deck. 

4. Quality, Maintenance & Affordability

Judges praised the high-quality, low-maintenance building materials utilized across the property to ensure long-term durability and sustainability. Examples of long-lasting beauty and durable features include:  

  • Amenity buildings constructed with engineered cementitious siding, metal roofs, and 40-year architectural shingles. 
  • Stamping and coloring on concrete pavilion floors, paired with premium Trex decking and a robust PVC and metal railing system. 
  • An expansive pedestrian bridge built with Trex decking and metal railings. 
  • A synthetic turf-grass putting green that ensures low maintenance and year-round play. 
  • Clubhouse interiors outfitted with durable luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, alongside quartz and granite countertops. 
  • Drought-tolerant, native plant materials and a pool deck made of variable-sized pavers to allow for seamless, cost-effective replacement. 

Despite the scope of this $4.75 million package, painstaking planning and financial discipline kept the neighborhood incredibly affordable. Homes feature convenient first-floor living with two-car garages, with prices starting from $329,900. Furthermore, monthly HOA dues are remarkably low at just $207 for single-family homes and $177 for townhomes, which covers full yard maintenance alongside the use, staffing and upkeep of the award-winning facilities. 

A Market Leader in Sales Success

South Harbor’s award-winning lifestyle has resulted in unparalleled market demand. From March 2023 to December 2025, the community sold 60% of its total planned 340 homes, representing 206 homes sold. 

The real magic occurred following the official grand opening of the residents’ club amenities in June 2025, where South Harbor averaged an incredible 10 sales per month through the latter half of the year. In 2025 alone, 96 homes were sold, firmly cementing South Harbor as the best-selling 55+ community in all of South Hampton Roads. 

Media Contact

  • Developer: East West Communities 
  • Building Partner: Ryan Homes
  • Amenity Planer: Basham & Lucas Design Group, Inc,
  • Landscape Architect: Nansemond Lawn and Garden
  • Community Website: www.southharborva.com

About East West Communities

Established in 1973, East West Communities is a nationally recognized, award-winning developer of master-planned communities. Celebrated for creating innovative residential communities centered around premier, resort-style amenities, the company prioritizes environmental sensitivity, connectivity, and exceptional quality of life for its residents. 

The following are communities developed by East West Communities in Hampton Roads and the historic triangle area:
South Harbor; Carrollton, VA
The Riverfront at Harbourview; Suffolk, VA
Gatling Pointe; Smithfield, VA 
Gatling Pointe South; Smithfield, VA
Founders Pointe; Carrollton, VA
Eagle Harbor; Carrollton, VA
Benn’s Grant; Smithfield, VA
Liberty Ridge; Williamsburg, VA