York County Real Estate
This charming southern community listed on the National Register of Historic Places is where the American Revolutionary War ended when Gen. Cornwallis surrendered to Gen. George Washington. Bordered by the York River to the North, York County was among the eight original shires of the Virginia colony. Residents love to be outdoors here. The proximity to the coast makes for unlimited opportunities to cycle, kayak, paddle board or simply enjoy the beach.
The jewel of this scenic area is Riverwalk, a stretch to eat, drink, dock your boat, shop, fish, whatever you love doing with the glorious York River as your backdrop. Fish tacos, anyone? Access to the Riverwalk is easy thanks to a free parking garage, trolley service and ample bike racks.
Pick your pleasure among so many York County neighborhoods with character.
Paved trails and golf are a part of the boutique Kiln Creek community that is master planned and comprised of 31 villages. Pocahontas Trail’s proximity to Busch Gardens makes a season pass worthwhile.
Hampton Highway is the major throughfare from York County to Hampton and a convenient place to live with neighborhood shops throughout. Lightfoot is a shopper’s delight that includes the indoor swimming park, Great Wolf Lodge.
In contrast to Colonial Williamsburg, The Edge District offers a low-key vibe and outstanding fare that includes the outrageously delicious oyster taco at Casa Pearl.
While there’s plenty to do in York, it’s also an easy drive to Richmond and Norfolk and Washington, D.C., is just a day trip away.
ARTS, MUSEUMS & ENTERTAINMENT
Shops and galleries throughout York County showcase the work of local, regional and national artists; much of it is nautically-themed.
Explore Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to learn about our nation’s founding. Visit the actual Yorktown Battlefield where America gained its independence. Find more history, including Native American tools and other artifacts, at York County Historical Museum.
Gallery at York Hall features new artists monthly and holds interactive demonstrations on Sundays. Yorktown Arts Foundation promotes an appreciation of the arts in the county by providing a venue for art sales, art education and outreach.
Auntie M might be in Kansas, but Auntie M’s American Cottage is where history meets handmade.
Free concerts all summer long on Thursday evenings are part of the Sounds of Summer Concert Series at Riverwalk.
The Freight Shed, Yorktown’s premier waterfront venue, offers the perfect place to say “I do.”
Set sail for a bygone era with the help of Yorktown Sailing Charters (You’ll spot dolphins if you’re lucky and the captain just might let you steer the boat!). Ask about the Pirate Adventure!
Connect to spirits of the past at Yorktown Ghost Walks.
EAT AND DRINK
Riverwalk Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining with an unbeatable river view along with steaks, seafood, chops and wraps. Locally owned Japanese restaurant Umi Sushi is your go-to for Korean favorite Bibimbap. Fresh local seafood is always on tap at Yorktown Pub.
Water Street Grille is a brewpub (try Water Street Wheat by Alewerks, among 20 brews on rotated tap). Live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, too! Sample all 26 beers on tap, including two signature fruit-infused craft Hard Lemonades at Larry’s Restaurant at Yorktown, where the views are special. Enjoy smoked meats and homemade sides served alongside craft beer at County Grill & Smokehouse.
Savor treats and sweets, roasted coffees and expresso in the Cole Digges House circa 1726 that houses Mobjack Coffee Roasters and Petite Café.
What flavor will you choose at Ben & Jerry’s Yorktown? It’s always time for cake at Carrot Tree Kitchens. Get the best fish and chips around at The Chipper USA. The Buffa family has owned and run Joe and Mimma’s since 1972.
Fall for Peruvian chicken at El Sabroson. Get breakfast all day at Shorty’s. The aforementioned Casa Pearl is in a renovated gas station.
Vintner’s Cellar Winery of Yorktown (try the Razzel Dazzel dessert wine) specializes in small batch handcrafted wines with fruit fusions.
You’ll find craft breweries scattered throughout the area.
EDUCATION
Nineteen schools comprise York County Public Schools. The York County School Division serves more than 12,750 students. Niche ranks the York County School District third among 131 districts in Virginia. Programs include Elementary Fine Arts and Math, Science and Technology Magnet Schools and the International Baccalaureate program.
Yorktown is home to six private schools serving nearly 600 students, including highly ranked Summitt Christian Academy.
Yorktown is located near several major universities and colleges, including William and Mary, Christopher Newport University, Hampton University, Old Dominion University and Virginia Peninsula Community College.
MEDICAL SERVICES
York County residents benefit from convenient access to Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Riverside’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Yorktown, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in nearby Gloucester, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center and Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital.
PARKS & RECREATION
Intimate Yorktown Beach is the perfect place to get away from it all with a day in the sun or a picnic on the sand. The fishing pier is open year-round; no license necessary. You’ll be above some of the deepest water of the York River and sometimes you’ll be able to glimpse a visiting ship or Navy destroyer.
Yorktown, included in Colonial National Historical Park, is one leg of the Historic Triangle along with Jamestown and Williamsburg.
Dock your boat for the day (or stay overnight) at Riverwalk Landing Piers.
Ride the Riverwalk by renting a bike from Patriot Tours & Provisions.
Williamsburg’s premier mini golf course, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, is ideal for a day of family fun.
The 23-mile Colonial Parkway is a splendid drive anytime, particularly in the fall.
SHOPPING
The mile-long Riverwalk Landing is the hub of York County. This walkable stretch with multiple options for dining, boutique shopping and recreation views of the York River is a destination all by itself.
Find seasonal produce, fresh seafood, homemade desserts and all sorts of goodies at Yorktown Market Days on springtime Saturday mornings (except May 7 and Oct 1) through the end of October.
WORK
Several military facilities call York County home, including Naval Weapons Station/Cheatham Annex, the largest employer in the area. Training Center Yorktown is considered the most significant training site for troops in the Coast Guard. Other employers include Fort Eustis, NASA and Langley Air Force Base.
Yorktown is part of the greater Hampton Roads metropolitan region that includes Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk and Williamsburg.
A section of Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is located in York County, which is also within 90 minutes of Norfolk International Airport and Richmond International Airport. York County is close to Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 17 and little more than an hour away from Richmond.