My niece has a new job in Newport News
She thinking of living in Williamsburg- I'd appreciate any info & recommendations on areas/places on the area
Many thanks !
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I grew up in Newport News and currently live in Williamsburg and work in Newport News.
Great idea on living in Williamsburg instead of Newport News IMO. I live near William & Mary and can recommend living in W&M's proximity. Plenty of shops and all of the essentials within a very close drive. Also easy access to the "main road" Route 199 that brings you to the interstate to get to Newport News.
Not sure if she's looking for apartments or houses. There's a mix of older apartments and brand new apartments in the area because of the college. But with only 9K students there's not a whole lot of bustling college activity that I've seen. Williamsburg is largely a retirement and vacation community.
Interesting. What's the attraction to retirees? Doesn't seem that warm, or that inexpensive.
Prestige. Lots of money around Williamsburg.
Golf. Other old people.
A number of gated, golf course communities that are in the high-middle class / low-upper class range. Prices out a lot of younger, more working class families. Not nearly as "bustling" as the nearby Newport News.
The weather is a good blend of "not too hot" and "not too cold" so you don't necessarily need to spend your retirement money on a second home in Florida or Arizona. Busch Gardens, the beach, DC all close enough for the grandkids.
Outside of my 5 years in Blacksburg, I've lived in Williamsburg my whole life. For the most part, she shouldn't have any issue with most areas of Williamsburg. The sections closer to Newport News tend to be a little "sketchy", so I would personally avoid those areas. They are Grove (Pocahontas Trail, near/past Busch Gardens) and some areas around Penniman Road and Merrimac Trail. It isn't like downtown Newport News or parts of Hampton, but in comparison to the rest of Williamsburg, they tend to be the areas that get put in the local news for different reasons. If she's looking to rent an apartment, There are plenty around the New Town, High Street, or Midtown Row area that are good. Some that come to mind are Steeplechase, Sterling Manor, Current Midtown Apartments, Regency at Longhill, any in the complex owned by Lawson Enterprises (I lived there for a year before I got married), and Elan Williamsburg (my firm recently completed the development of that site in the last 5 years). If she's looking to buy... well good luck?? We got lucky buying our house, but from what I saw when we sold our old house, it is still a pretty heavy market for starter homes. That being said, I hope she can find a place in Williamsburg! We love it here and it is nice being so close to Newport News/Hampton, Virginia Beach and Richmond.
What's her budget and ideal house look like?
Thanks for all the great ideas I owe all you guys!
She's starting her first job out of college, probably looking for a 1 bedroom apt.
Not sure about a budget, I'm guessing my sister will emphasize a safe community over cost
Again grateful for all the assistance!
drink at precarious/amber ox or va beer co.
I can't support this enough! Both of them are amazing!
Thanks- My Brother-in Law will be there for sure!
I'd add Alewerks and Billsburg to those two as well. Can't go wrong with any of those four.
The more important thing to figure out is food. DOG street area has plenty of good food choices.
For sweets, Emily's Donuts in Williamsburg is great and across the River in Gloucester Point/Hayes is Sunrise Donuts.
Donuts > Cake > Pie
I have been in Williamsburg since 1997 and the first part of that I commuted to Newport News, whereas now I commute to RVA. The issue is that there has been a dearth of affordable housing since I can remember and it has only gotten worse over the last year. If younger and working out of Newport News I would recommend also considering lower York County as well as Poquoson, although I doubt there is much in way of 1-BR apts in Poquoson. Just recommending expanding one's search territory in hopes of finding something. Good luck.