Move to Williamsburg?

[Anonymous]

My sister and BIL lived there for a few years. They loved it, but they aren't exactly urbanites. It's very much a college town, in good and bad ways--more cultural events than in most towns of that size, but a lot of transience in the population. There's a lot of tourism and history, but moving from DC you'd be used to that. They found it to be very family-friendly, conservative, and low-key, which suited them.

[Anonymous]

See, I thought OP was considering a move to Brooklyn... in which case my advice would be very different. But no, it is my impression that Williamsburg, VA partakes of what George Allen called "the real Virginia" in his Macaca Moment. I would avoid it at all costs outside of occasional daytrips to the historic area.

[Anonymous]

how funny that you couldnt live someplace where the sentiment is too conservative. way to paint the entire area with such a broad brush ....

so all republicans should move out of NYC or DC? how absurd. just because you disagree politically (which isnt even true, the town of Williamsburg is very liberal actually, plus that area of Virginia has a huge african-american population which votes Democrat 95%) doesn't mean you can't be good neighbors.

[Anonymous]

OP, I haven't read all of the other responses, but if DH was offered a good job in the 'burg, we'd almost surely take it. I SAH, but we both went to school there and love the area. Its very family friendly, but agree that there aren't as many cultural activites in terms of museums, etc. Its very kid friendly though and you can find some BEAUTIFUL homes for a steal. The best 3 subdivisions are Ford's Colony, Kingsmill and Governor's Land. They are all "Country Club" neighborhooods and picture-perfect. You'll be pretty stuck with all driving though, not much walking.

If you want to walk to some stuff, there are some gorgeous older homes near the college that are walking distance to college activities, Colonial Williamsburg and quite a few restaurants. The homes are similar in style to say, Arlington or Bethesda without the price tag. They don't have the same "cookie cutter" feel as the other neighborhoods I mentioned (cookie cutter doesn't bother me, but it does some people.

As for the schools, are they US News top 100? No. Are they perfectly fine and send plenty of grads to UVA, W&M, Carolina, etc.? Yes.

Hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

PP here. I forgot to mention that a good friend of mine and former public school teacher lives in Ford's Colony. She specifically chose that neighborhood over the other two I mentioned so that her kids would go to D.J. Montague Elementary school and Lafayette H.S. (Not sure the MS there.) She and her husband wanted that specific pyramid if they were going to use public school, which was their preference.

I also agree that overall it may be a right-leaning area, there are plenty of people (mostly affiliated in various ways with "the College" as its called there) who are very liberal. And there is a shocking amount of money there - DH and I were always asking ourselves - where do these people make their money?? It doesn't seem like there are enough good jobs to support all the fancy neighborhoods, but somehow there are!

[Anonymous]

This is the OP. Thanks everyone. This has been enlightening. I was offered a job at William and Mary, and even though it pays less than my current salary, we can buy so much more house than we could up here! (My husband can telecommute.)

Part of the draw is the fact that real estate is so much cheaper. But the cookie cutter scene isn't great for me. Eastern Market is more my speed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I haven't read all of the other responses, but if DH was offered a good job in the 'burg, we'd almost surely take it. I SAH, but we both went to school there and love the area. Its very family friendly, but agree that there aren't as many cultural activites in terms of museums, etc. Its very kid friendly though and you can find some BEAUTIFUL homes for a steal. The best 3 subdivisions are Ford's Colony, Kingsmill and Governor's Land. They are all "Country Club" neighborhooods and picture-perfect. You'll be pretty stuck with all driving though, not much walking.

If you want to walk to some stuff, there are some gorgeous older homes near the college that are walking distance to college activities, Colonial Williamsburg and quite a few restaurants. The homes are similar in style to say, Arlington or Bethesda without the price tag. They don't have the same "cookie cutter" feel as the other neighborhoods I mentioned (cookie cutter doesn't bother me, but it does some people.

As for the schools, are they US News top 100? No. Are they perfectly fine and send plenty of grads to UVA, W&M, Carolina, etc.? Yes.

Hope this helps!

I would research this, OP. Carolina, maybe, but with recent trends, I have a hard time believing that "plenty" of the local kids go on to UVA and W&M.

[Anonymous]

it is actually much easier to get into WM or UVA from schools in virginia outside of northern virginia. tons of kids from Roanoke area and Hampton Roads.

[Anonymous]

First post on this thread. Actually, the fact that the job is with W&M would definitely make me consider it. You will have a real sense of community working there.

I also attended W&M and loved it while I was there. I had a lot of very liberal professors so if you're part of the campus scene, it may not feel all that conservative. Obama got 64% of the vote in Williamsburg!

But, yes, it's far from urban if that's important to you and your family.

[Anonymous]

I spent about six years living near Williamsburg as a child and then returned there for grad school. I absolutely love it there. FWIW, I've also lived overseas and in the DC area for nearly 15 years, so I understand your lifestyle concerns. The lifestyle in Williamsburg is unbelievable, though. And you still have quick access to cities if you find you need an urban fix (Norfolk, Richmond and DC are only 45 mins to 2 hours away). If you consider yourself a true city person it might seem a little isolating simply because it doesn't have the conveniences of an urban setting, like walkability. And it is a relatively small community. Having said that, there are lots of cultural activities, a pretty vibrant artistic community, and tons of great family activities. The only catch is that you really have to seek some activities out and, as a corollary, be willing to drive. Also, if you have even the slightest love of the outdoors, that whole region is wonderful. I spent all my time out on the water as a kid and credit that with my appreciation for the environment and wildlife. There are lots of museums in that area that offer amazing programs for kids. And you've got quick access to a fantastic beach. The College of William & Mary also offers all sorts of interesting classes, events and cultural activities. Boy, I sure wish I was being offered a job there! Overall, it's a great life! And people are friendly, which might be a bit of a cultural shock after living in this area...

[Anonymous]

I think it sounds great. I would love to live in a college town. I worked for a university while attending grad school and love being in that environment. I would do it in a heartbeat.