Well, we live Williamsburg (technically in James City County) in an over-55 community (not the one the previous poster hated--I would hate it too) and we're very happy there. Our daughter and her family live in DC, which is very drivable from WB, and then there's also the train. There's plenty of close-by shopping, many restaurants to choose from, and nearby entertainment venues. There are also hospitals and clinics nearby which are part of two non-profit chains. Since we're originally from Michigan, we find the winters in Williamsburg relatively mild. The summers are another matter--very hot and muggy weather for months on end, but we also have a lakehouse in Michigan where we spend our summers. So all is good.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would love it for retirement (happening within about 5 years). DH wouldn't stand for it because he wants to live somewhere warmer. But I love Williamsburg.

Warmer??

Ycch. It is too hot in DC all summer, which is several hours further north.

Don’t you get a vote?

My guess is that they’re referring to the winter weather. Williamsburg is still pretty cold in the winter!

I agree with your husband, I’d prefer warmer winter weather, too.

My parents retired there from NoVa and they really like it. They travel a lot and typically drive to the Richmond airport. It’s not my cup of tea, but if you want a quiet, homogeneous community where everyone kind of fits in because no one is actually from there, you might like it. There are tons of retirees from NY/NJ area and from the DC area.

Airport a problem

Anonymous wrote:I would love it for retirement (happening within about 5 years). DH wouldn't stand for it because he wants to live somewhere warmer. But I love Williamsburg.

Warmer??

Ycch. It is too hot in DC all summer, which is several hours further north.

Don’t you get a vote?

Anonymous wrote:If our kiddo ends up at W&M, we would definitely consider it. Housing is still kind of expensive though.

But trust me, college goes fast.

Not sure you should link your future to that waystation for your kid!

We have friends from NoVa who moved to an over 55 community there and they hate it. They’re looking to move but haven’t decided yet where to go because they don’t want the same thing to happen again.

They’re not fans of all the strip malls and the COL is not as low as they thought it would be. And they just don’t really like the whole over 55 thing.

Anonymous wrote:Not close enough to a major airport, not close enough for me.

Norfolk is an international airport.

Not close enough to a major airport, not close enough for me.

Crazy amounts of pollen (we both went there) - if we retired there; we would definitely get allergy shots. It’s not joke and way worse than here.

Kingsmill

If our kiddo ends up at W&M, we would definitely consider it. Housing is still kind of expensive though.

I would love it for retirement (happening within about 5 years). DH wouldn't stand for it because he wants to live somewhere warmer. But I love Williamsburg.

The town has low crime & restaurants. Beach is not too far. Great university. And a cheap train right into DC. I can see the appeal.

Looking at an active community in Williamsburg. Not retirement, but maybe more accessible homes and active community. Any thoughts?