Move to Williamsburg?

[Anonymous]

I was offered a job in Williamsburg. We are considering moving for it, but I am a tad reticent. I am pretty urban, and have never lived in the suburbs.

Any feedback from those who have lived there?

[Anonymous]

No personal experience, but I'd check out the school system before moving. I had a friend who was a teacher down there and she said it was horrible. Not sure what part of W'burg she was in as I don't know the area but I'd look into it or at least do some searching online.

[Anonymous]

You could work in Williamsburg and live in York County, which has great schools.
What part of urban do you need? In terms of the culture part, there is are speakers and visiting performers at W&M and at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, though there isn't the breadth you have here. People tend to be conservative in their dress, and there is very little (no) nightlife.

I love Williamsburg, but Dupont Circle it aint.

That said, it does have a lot going for it.

[Anonymous]

Friends who moved away from there were unhappy with the level of development going on--for the worse, in their opinion.

[Anonymous]

Went to college there and have friends who still live there- I think there are "pros" to living in a college town, and I'd move back there to live with my family BUT it is suburban- not really places to live and walk to much (a few spots near the colonial area but really not where you may want to be). Some of the schools are great, and others not so much- but based on where you chose to live you'll be fine picking a school that meets what you want. It will be a CHANGE and CULTURE SHOCK but perhaps a good change. I do think lots of families live there, not sure how diverse they are- in culture, beliefs, interests, etc. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Williamsburg is not a real suburb since it's not near a big city. It is not like Fairfax or Montgomery counties. Tourism is a big part of Williamsburg's economy. There's the College of William & Mary. Nearby are Newport News & Norfolk. Major jobs there are the shipyards, Army and Navy bases. So, atleast they are recession proof. The pace of life is slower and the culture is somewhat rural. People are more conservative. On Sunday's most of the local radio & TV stations play religious programs. The winters are milder.

[Anonymous]

I have been down there 3 times this past summer and I would not move there. There was a brand new stip mall that was completely vacant and there were plenty of other signs that pointed to a struggling economy. I think that has trickle down to things like services, schools, etc. The area was really spread out and more rural like than the suburbs around here also. I would not be happy living in that area myself.

[Anonymous]

I went to college in W'Burg. I remember thinking that it was a great to go to school, but not a good place to settle down. There is no restaurant scene, the school system isn't that great, and the entire town is very. . .provencial.

I suggest you turn down the job and stay here.

[Anonymous]

OP here,

Any other nice words about Williamsburg?

[Anonymous]

Williamsburg is awesome. the cost of living is so much lower than DC, you are near (or on) the water and only 2.5 hours to DC when you really need something only an international city can provide.

Urban sucks. Why do you need crime, traffic, annoying people and small houses? The alternative is nice people, trees, plants, nature and space.

Move and don't think twice about it.

The best places in this country are rural / small towns that also have great universities for the cultural activities - that way you get the best of both worlds.

[Anonymous]

OP, it depends on your preference. The only way to know is to visit and drive around and see for yourself.

[Anonymous]

My in-laws live there. They are there with a growing number of retirees.

I've always liked it when I visited, although I don't know if there is enough there that you'd like it if you're an "urban" type.

I think it could be a really nice place to raise a family, or retire. There are some good schools, and the college brings in some nice things. The historic district is cute and has some nice shops...

But ultimately, it is a small town. I actually think its a pretty nice small town (though not without its poorer areas)... but it doesn't sound like the small town thing is appealing to you.

[Anonymous]

Maybe live in Norfolk and commute to W'burg. THere's a little more going on in Norfolk. And it's close to the beach!!

[Anonymous]

Along the same lines, Yorktown is even closer to Williamsburg and is an adorable, historic waterfront town.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg is awesome. the cost of living is so much lower than DC, you are near (or on) the water and only 2.5 hours to DC when you really need something only an international city can provide.

Urban sucks. Why do you need crime, traffic, annoying people and small houses? The alternative is nice people, trees, plants, nature and space.

Move and don't think twice about it.

The best places in this country are rural / small towns that also have great universities for the cultural activities - that way you get the best of both worlds.

I think a great deal of Williamsburg is very nice. And I could see many folks happily raising their families there. However, I could not. It is far too conservative for me, politically, religiously and in lifestyle. And I disagree with some of the assessments given here regarding the public school system, like a great deal of Virginia, the schools down that way are terrible. I would have to do private schools or homeschool.

It might be a college town, but it is certainly no Madison or Ithaca. William and Mary is a wonderful college, but the area is not progressive at all. But as I said that might suit your values. Good luck!