Toano's peaceful character and waterfront properties
In the late 1800s, Toano popped up in James City County along the route now known as Richmond Road. Today, the quiet community offers a small downtown and well-rated schools along with waterfront properties about 20 minutes from Williamsburg. “Toano is a little more rural. It’s horse country,” says Lisa Langenhennig, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Traditions and a lifelong resident of Williamsburg. “If you’re a Williamsburg native and you want to have 5-plus acres, you’re going to upper James City County. You’re going to Toano.”
Subdivisions near major roads, and larger lots in rural sections
Neighborhoods and subdivisions are clustered near Interstate 64 and Richmond Road. New Traditional single-family homes and townhouses flank wide neighborhood streets dotted with small front yards and fenced-in backyards. Townhouses sell for $360,000 to $390,000, while the single-family homes sell for $300,000 to $650,000, generally based on size. Away from the main thoroughfares, the area becomes more rural. Ranch-style homes on large lots can go for $300,000 to $520,000. More luxurious homes are grouped in riverfront communities, with the New Traditional, Colonial and farmhouse-style properties ranging from $550,000 to $950,000. Toano’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10 compared to the national figure of 4.
Education at highly rated WJCC schools
Toano is zoned to Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools. Students can start at Stonehouse Elementary, which receives an A-minus grade from Niche, before attending Toano Middle, rated B-plus, and Warhill High, rated A-minus. Warhill is the site of the district’s Career and Technical Education Center, which offers courses in marketing, medicine and technology.
Recreation on the Chickahominy, plus golf and horseback riding
The Chickahominy River flows along the southern edge of Toano, emptying into the James. Marinas and boat slips allow access to the river, and residents can go boating or fishing. Little Creek Reservoir, impounded in 1981, is also a popular spot for bass fishing. Near the reservoir, Audrey Simpson Jones Park has a small playground and a basketball court. Several golf resorts are close to Toano, including the Colonial Heritage Club and Stonehouse Golf Club. The rural portions of the community are known as horse country, with several facilities for horseback riding, including Cedar Valley Farm and Stonehouse Stables.
Toano's small downtown, but more shopping in Norge
Toano is mainly a residential community, but businesses cluster around Richmond Road at the community core. A cafe in an old house, Hohl serves breakfast and sandwiches. McLean’s Grocery is a small market and convenience store with a sandwich counter. “McLean’s has the best subs,” Langenhennig says. Up Richmond Road, old-school Two Drummers Smokehouse cooks its meat over direct wood heat, without any gas assistance. The barbecue spot draws visitors from across the peninsula for its smoked pork and ribs. More shopping and dining options, including Food Lion, are nearby in Norge.
Events at the Toano Village Green, like the Open Air Market
The Toano Village Green hosts community events throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Toano Open Air Market, where vendors sell local produce, baked goods and crafts every weekend from March to December. The Toano Historical Society also sponsors events at the Village Green, such as a summer solstice festival and a Christmas tree lighting.
Interstate 64 leads to Williamsburg and Richmond
Route 60, known as Richmond Road, is the main route through Toano. The highway runs parallel to Interstate 64, about 3 miles away. The Williamsburg Area Transit Authority provides bus service in the area, including a route through Toano, but residents tend to drive. Williamsburg is 12 miles, and Newport News is 30. Richmond, about 40 miles away, is home to Richmond International Airport. Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center is 6 miles from Toano and has an emergency department.
