What life is like in Lanexa
Lanexa is a rural community bordered by the Chickahominy River, the Diascund Reservoir and the Pamunkey River. Locals spend their free time swimming, boating and fishing before going out to dinner at waterfront seafood restaurants. Properties tend to be large, with plenty of room for horses and hobby farming. Even with its laid-back, country feel, Lanexa is still an easy drive from Williamsburg and Richmond, making it a great choice for commuters who want a little more space.
House styles and what they cost
The median sale price in Lanexa is around $460,000, which is higher than Richmond's $390,000 median, but slightly lower than Williamsburg's $490,000 median. Here’s how home prices break down:
- Smaller ranch styles and cottages typically cost between the mid-$200,000s and the upper $400,000s.
- New Traditionals and contemporary-style houses usually range from the lower $500,000s to the upper $700,000s.
- Houses on the water tend to fall between the lower $800,000s and the lower $1 millions.
How rural living shapes daily life in Lenexa
Lot sizes in Lanexa range from a quarter acre to as much as 15 acres, but that extra space doesn’t make the community any less close-knit. “I can’t exactly walk next door to borrow a cup of sugar,” says Lisa Langenhennig, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Traditions who has lived here since 1994. “But we’ve all naturally gotten to know each other because some families have lived in Lanexa for decades.” Here are some other ways this rural location's qualities might impact your life:
- Houses closest to the rivers, the reservoir and their tributaries may be at risk of flooding.
- Many properties rely on private wells and septic systems rather than public water.
- Internet service can be spotty, and calls will sometimes drop unless you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
Marinas, hiking trails and parks in the area
With several different bodies of water in the area, getting outside is a big part of daily life. “If people aren’t at work, they’re probably out on the water,” Langenhennig says. Marinas and campgrounds with boat launches line the Chickahominy River, making it easy to hop in a boat, drop an anchor and swim. Cumberland Marsh Natural Area Preserve offers hiking trails along the Pamunkey River, where you may spot bald eagles and great blue herons nesting. The 1,110-acre Diascund Reservoir is the source of Newport News's water supply, but it’s also a popular spot for recreation. At Diascund Reservoir Park, you can launch small boats, then head out to spend the day bass fishing.
Which school districts serve Lanexa
Lanexa sits in two counties, so it falls under two separate school districts. Kids on the west side of the community can attend New Kent County Public Schools, like New Kent County Elementary School and New Kent County High School. Students on the east side can attend Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, including Stonehouse Elementary School and Warhill High School.
Commuting to Williamsburg and Richmond
U.S. Route 60 cuts right through the center of Lanexa and connects with nearby cities. You can get to Williamsburg in about 30 minutes, and Richmond in a little under an hour. Traffic may back up as you get closer to either city, but Lanexa itself is known for quiet, traffic-free streets. “I see more people on horses and golf carts than I do in cars some days,” Langenhennig says.
Where to find restaurants and shopping options
Lanexa has a handful of convenience stores, along with a few restaurants on the Chickahominy River. These include Taylor’s at Colonial Harbor Marina and Lakeside Restaurant, both casual seafood spots that have been local staples for years. “My husband and I will walk in and the staff at those places always greets us by name,” Langenhennig says. For more shopping and dining, Providence Forge, about 10 minutes away, has a Food Lion, and Williamsburg is home to an outlet mall and a vibrant downtown district.
