Williamsburg and James City County Real Estate
Williamsburg & James City County
Welcome home to Williamsburg and James City County! Niche ranked James City County as the No. 1 place in the Commonwealth to retire, and Williamsburg’s educational opportunities, diverse culture and sense of community make it one of the most thriving sections of southeastern Virginia.
Of course, history is what comes to mind most here. In fact, James City County, established in 1634, once served as the capital of Virginia.
Residents enjoy all the activities that come with the 152 miles of shoreline along the James and York rivers. The region boasts a small town feel with big city culture and conveniences.
The Edge District is a trendy new spot with nostalgic eateries, shops and innovative craft beverages.
Its neighborhoods are stunning, from upscale Holly Hills to gated communities Kingsmill and Ford’s Colony to waterfront Governor’s Land at Two Rivers.
Seniors will discover multiple ways to remain active here. William and Mary allows free auditing of classes for those 65 and older, and golfers and gardeners will make plenty of friends.
With so much to do and see, don’t be surprised if friends and family visit regularly once you settle in your new home.
ARTS, MUSEUMS & ENTERTAINMENT
What will be home to you is a top tourist destination for many. Colonial Williamsburg brings history to life with more than 300 acres of sites and trails. Highlights include the Governor’s Palace, where seven royal governors lived as well as Virginia’s first two elected governors and the Capitol, where the new republic emerged. Choose from among multiple itineraries (there’s even one for “Hamilton” fans!).
Explore the expanded Art Museums of Williamsburg comprised of the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center offers classes, exhibitions, community activities and special events. Muscarelle Museum of Art, affiliated with William and Mary, houses close to 6,000 works of art.
2nd Sundays Williamsburg is a regular street fair featuring 115 artisans, musicians, performers and food vendors.
Virginia wine continues to emerge as a national player. The Williamsburg Winery was a trailblazer in the industry when it opened in the late 1980s. Visit what’s more like a European village than a winery. Your guests will love its onsite hotel, Wedmore Place.
Wandering along Duke of Gloucester Street (called DoG Street) is a treat or better yet, go for a carriage ride. Bike there by way of the Capital Trail that extends from Jamestown to Richmond.
One of the most cherished art festivals in the nation returns every fall to Merchants Square, An Occasion for the Arts.
Williamsburg Players perform multiple times a year. The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra is approaching its 40th season.
EAT & DRINK
Nibble on authentic Spanish tapas at La Tienda. Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que received official commendation by Virginia’s General Assembly for its pit-style cooking.
Discover the world’s most ancient fermented beverage at Silver Hand Meadery. The turkey and brie sandwich with Lingonberry preserves is famous at the Gabriel Archer Tavern. Amber Ox Public House bills itself as a seasonally inspired brewpub with a modern approach. Fat Canary is a locals fave with fresh seafood.
Pizza, burgers and yummy everything at Paul’s Deli. The Brits would be at home at DoG Street Pub.
The craft brewery scene is alive and kicking in James City County and Williamsburg, and nearby Richmond takes it to a whole other level. Alewerks brewed beer before it became the cool thing to do. Make sure to try its famous pretzel along with your flight. Veteran-owned Brass Cannon doesn’t distribute; visit the taproom for something fresh. The Virginia Beer Company is a brewery, taproom and beer garden in one.
EDUCATION
Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools are consistently ranked among the top 10% of all school districts in Virginia. Nine elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools are included.
Private schools located in the area include Walsingham Academy, Greenwood Christian Academy and Williamsburg Classical Academy.
William and Mary, the second oldest university in the nation, is prestigious and picturesque. The alma mater to Thomas Jefferson James Monroe and John Tyler founded in 1693 is considered a “Public Ivy,” offering world-class education.
Christopher Newport University is nearby in Newport News while Hampton University is within an hour’s drive. Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, University of Richmond, VCU, Virginia State University and Virginia Union are all located within 90 minutes.
Rappahannock Community College and Virginia Peninsula Community College are part of the Virginia Community College System.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center specializes in orthopedic, cardiac, advanced imaging, gynecological and comprehensive breast care services. Medicare has given it a five-star rating and ranks it among the top 150 hospitals in the world. Riverside Doctors’ Hospital Williamsburg offers state-of-the-art care.
James City County and Williamsburg are within an hour of the major medical facilities on the Virginia Peninsula and in Richmond.
PARKS & RECREATION
As a local, you’ll surely want a season pass to Busch Gardens and Water County USA. If you like to coasters, the floorless dive coaster Griffon will have you squealing, and Verbolten is like racing an Autobahn through the Black Forest. It’s true that Water County is Virginia’s largest water park. Prefer playing indoors? You’ll love Great Wolf Lodge.
James City County and Williamsburg offer ample green space for enjoying the moderate weather. Boaters can launch at Brickyard Landing that provides access to the Chickahominy River from the upper end of James City County. Bike, camp, rent a canoe or kayak, fish, picnic, enjoy the pool and playground or just walk one of the trails at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. The 290-foot fishing pier is lighted; the park hosts several fishing tournaments annually.
More than 20 miles of bike trails wind you through the rich history of Freedom Park, site of an 18th century cemetery, a Revolutionary War battle and one of the nation’s earliest Free Black Settlements.
Dog-friendly Ironbound Park is ideal for a picnic or basketball.
Speaking of sports, Warhill Sports Complex is a community treasure, with multiple lighted baseball fields and outdoor batting cages along with several soccer/multiuse fields, basketball courts, two ponds for shoreline fishing and miles of trails for walking. Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex is sports, fitness and recreation under one roof with family memberships available.
By all means, drive the iconic 23-mile Colonial Parkway, especially vibrant in the fall. The parkway connects Virginia’s most historic triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown.
Public memberships are available to the McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center with programs, leagues, tournaments and more for players of all ages and levels.
Williamsburg is a major golf destination; pick from a variety of courses, including the two renowned courses at Kingsmill Resort (the River Course hosts the annual LPGA Kingsmill Championship) and Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed the Plantation Course. Choose among three courses at Ford’s Colony Country Club. Williamsburg National Golf Club includes the Jack Nicklaus-designed Jamestown Course.
SHOPPING
Williamsburg and James City County are home to major supermarket chains Harris Teeter, Publix, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, The Fresh Market, Aldi and Food Lion. Find the Williamsburg Farmers Market on Duke of Gloucester Street.
Boutique shoppers won’t ever want to leave Merchants Square, cobblestone and brick streets filled with gifts for every occasion. Take a pic with Thomas Jefferson, dine al fresco, duck into local faves The Christmas Shop, Blink, Everything Williamsburg, Campus Shop and so much more in this charming space.
Bargain lovers will delight in Williamsburg Premium Outlets with more than 120 stores from Nike to Banana Republic to Vineyard Vines.
Williamsburg and James City County are also located within 90 minutes of the major shopping centers in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Richmond.
Williamsburg Antique Mall occupies 45,000 square feet is a must-go for collectors and shoppers.
WORK
James City County is home to major employers Busch Gardens, Ball Manufacturing, Anheuser-Busch Inbev and a Walmart distribution center. Its proximity to the Port of Virginia attracts commercial and industrial enterprises.
James City County and Williamsburg offer direct access to Interstate 64, which connects residents to all the major employers in Hampton Roads and Richmond.
Williamsburg is about 150 miles south of Washington, D.C. Newport News/Williamsburg Airport is just 15 minutes from downtown and both Norfolk International Airport and Richmond International Airport are within an hour’s drive.