Living in Williamsburg, VA
Established in 1699, Williamsburg, Virginia, is the place where America began. The first permanent "New World" colony was founded in nearby Jamestown, while downtown Williamsburg is a real-life testament to 18th-century living. But don't let the history lesson fool you—Williamsburg, VA, has the cultural aspirations of a large modern city. Great shopping, restaurants, movie theaters, and sailing make Williamsburg a truly desirable place to live, work, and play.
It's All in Williamsburg
Living in Williamsburg, Virginia, puts you right in the middle of the "Historic Triangle," an area that includes Jamestown and Yorktown, and is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. History buffs will love downtown Williamsburg, an area restored to its 18th-century heyday, when Williamsburg was the capitol of the Colony of Virginia. To the east, the Revolutionary War battlefield of Yorktown is where the British army surrendered and American independence was won.
Moving forward to the 21st century, Williamsburg is also home to modern attractions, including theme parks. Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA amusement parks lie within the town's borders, providing hours of thrill-seeking fun for residents and visitors alike.
For day-to-day living, Williamsburg, Virginia, has a host of amenities. Many residents can walk to the more-than 170 shops and restaurants offering everything from seafood to Virginia ham. Water sports enthusiasts can boat on the James, York, and Chickahominy rivers, while cyclists will enjoy the extensive network of parks, complete with picnic spots and beach areas.
Housing in Williamsburg
The Historic Triangle offers a variety of neighborhoods from the "new urbanist" New Town neighborhood to the in-demand gated communities at Ford's Colony and Kingsmill on the James. Inventory is diverse, and homes for sale in Williamsburg might include centuries-old waterfront mansions alongside newer-construction town homes, condos, and loft apartments. Properties come in all price brackets, but Williamsburg real estate is generally affordable compared to properties in Northern Virginia.
Transportation and Travel in Williamsburg
Most people get around the Williamsburg area by car. Interstate 64 runs between Richmond and Virginia Beach on the east side of town, giving easy access to major commercial centers and different points of interest in the Historic Triangle. Public transportation is provided by the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority, and there's an Amtrak Station on North Boundary Street. Home buyers should be aware that Colonial Williamsburg is a pedestrian paradise, with most streets closed to motor traffic.
