Dating back to the early 1600s and rich in Colonial history, Williamsburg honors its past while also incorporating it with modern attractions. Located midway between Hampton Roads and the state’s capital city, Richmond, the historic city offers highly rated schools, shopping and dining hubs, coastal recreation and plenty of museums. The city of Williamsburg also includes James City County and York County, giving the 250-square mile area a population of over 168,000.
One of the biggest draws for tourists and locals alike is Colonial Williamsburg, a 301-acre living museum with early American architecture staffed with reenactors. “When I was young, my parents would take us up there, and we’d ride our bikes and enjoy the ambiance,” says Kayla L. Jones, a Realtor with Long & Foster Real Estate, who grew up in the area and has been selling homes here for five years. “A lot of locals will go out there at the end of the day and just walk.”
Tourism is the city’s biggest revenue source with over $1 billion generated annually. The city of Williamsburg is the largest employer, followed by William & Mary and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown provide military job opportunities nearby. “The city is also less than an hour from Richmond and two hours from Washington D.C.,” Jones says.
Colonial Williamsburg interpreters perform at outdoor exhibits along Duke of Gloucester St.
The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg display colonial and contemporary folk art.
Williamsburg is home to William & Mary, the second oldest college in the United States.
Williamsburg is located halfway between Richmond and Hampton Roads.
1/4
Single-family homes, townhouses and waterfront properties
While the city has a long-standing history, most homes in the area were built in the mid-to-late-1900s. Single-family homes come in many styles, including colonial, ranch-style and split-level. Neighborhoods like West Williamsburg and Kingsmill offer waterfront houses along the James River or one of the city’s creeks. New construction is also still happening across the entire city. The median price for a single-family home is $500,000, while the median price for townhouses is $400,000.
Williamsburg has all architectural styles including split level homes.
Brick ranchers are a popular living option in Williamsburg.
Colonial homes are the most common architectural style in Williamsburg.
Modern waterfront homes can be found along the James River in Williamsburg.
1/4
Waterfront parks, historic colonial sites
With its location on the water and acres of forested land throughout, residents will find plenty of recreation nearby. In the north end of the city, York River State Park is more than 2,500 acres of marshland featuring 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, a boat launch, fishing piers and a playground. To the west along the James River, Chickahominy Riverfront Park has two community pools, fishing spots, a boat launch and a campground. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a large theme park that’s been voted the world’s most beautiful for over 30 consecutive years. Golden Horseshoe Golf Club has a 36-hole course, and the Williamsburg Golf Club has an 18-hole course. Kiwanis Park near Richmond Road has over a dozen sports facilities for baseball, tennis, soccer and football. Locals can also head to Yorktown Beach for a riverwalk and sandy coast along the York River.
The city’s early history is preserved at Colonial Williamsburg and the Jamestown Settlement. Both sites offer building and ship replicas, reenactors and several museums. Jamestown Settlement also has an explorable archaeological site with historic ruins like the Ambler Mansion and the reconstructed Memorial Church.
York River State Park is a 3,000 acre park with multiuse trails outside of Williamsburg.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park is a great place to fish and view the sunset in Williamsburg.
Busch Gardens is an amusement park in Williamsburg with roller coasters and Broadway shows..
Locals enjoy getting time outdoors at the impressive Golden Horseshoe Golf Club course.
1/4
Highly rated public schools, historic university
Students attend Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, which is ranked as one of the top five districts in the state and earns an A from Niche. “A lot of people will move to Williamsburg and commute out if they need to because of the ranking of the school system,” Jones says. The school district serves around 11,000 students with nine elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools.
Williamsburg is also home to William & Mary, the second-oldest university in the country. Founded in 1693, the public research university offers over 30 undergraduate programs and 11 graduate programs.
Zable Stadium is located in Williamsburg and is home to the William & Mary Tribe.
The Matthew Whaley School is part of Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools.
Berkeley Middle School promotes a positive academic environment for every student.
Clara Byrd Baker Elementary is a great first stop along the local youth educational journey.
1/4
Major thoroughfares, Amtrak trains, nearby international airport
Williamsburg is mostly car dependent because of its spread-out design. Interstate 64 cuts through the city and connects residents south to Newport News and north to Richmond. When I-64 has heavy traffic, U.S. Route 60 provides an alternate route. Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses are accessible via the Williamsburg Transportation Center. There's also a ferry that runs across the James River from Jamestown to Scotland. The Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is just 15 miles south of the city. Sentara Regional Medical Center is in the north end of the city, and Riverside Doctors' Hospital is in the south end.
Premium outlets and colonial dining
Shopping centers like Monticello Marketplace and New Town offer access to big box stores, grocers and other chains. Along Richmond Road, the Williamsburg Premium Outlets features over 120 boutiques and factory-direct retailers. In Colonial Williamsburg, Merchants Square has specialty stores like The Cheese Shop and the Christmas Shop. Locals can also walk through the historic East Duke of Gloucester Street to visit recreated shops and taverns from the 1700s. Some of the most popular local dining options in the city include Food For Thought, Second Street American Bistro and Amber Ox Public House. “Tipsy Beans Café is my favorite place to go,” Jones says. “It's a small, local cafe for breakfast and lunch. It’s always packed in there.”
Williamsburg also has community events throughout the year. The Williamsburg Farmers Market is held weekly from April to September in Colonial Williamsburg and features over 40 vendors. Downtown, Second Sundays is a monthly art and music festival, and the Christmas Market runs on weekends in December.
Williamsburg Premium Outlets has 135 stores along Richmond Rd.
Monticello Marketplace has a Publix and Target in Williamsburg.
The Cheese Shop is famous for its deli sandwiches with house dressing in Williamsburg.
The Christmas Shop in Merchants' Square sells a variety or ornaments and Christmas decor.
1/4
Crime rates, minimal flooding concerns
According to data reported to the FBI comparing 2022 to 2023, the city saw a 6% decrease in violent crime and a 10% decrease in property crime. Overall, violent and property crime rates in Williamsburg are lower than the U.S. and Virginia’s averages.
There are minimal flood risks in the area, with flood zones mostly confined to waterfront homes along the James River and Powhatan Creek.
On average, homes in Williamsburg, VA sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Williamsburg, VA over the last 12 months is $470,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nan Piland is a REALTOR® with Liz Moore & Associates in Williamsburg. Born and raised in Williamsburg, she has been serving clients since 1993. Nan holds several professional designations and graduated from the Virginia Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy in 2009 and is a big proponent to education. Her commitment to the industry is evident through her extensive involvement in various committees and leadership roles. Nan served as President of both the Williamsburg Area Association of REALTORS® and the Williamsburg Multiple Listing Service. At Virginia REALTORS®, she has served on several committees and at the Board of Directors for various terms. She was appointed to the Virginia Real Estate Board in 2020 for a 4 year term and became the Education Committee Chair in 2022. Additionally, she serves at the national level on the Field Political Coordinator Team for Congressman Rob Wittman. Beyond her professional achievements, Nan is deeply rooted in her community. Her dedication to client satisfaction is reflected in numerous positive reviews, highlighting her responsiveness, knowledge, and commitment. Nan is married, has a married daughter and became a grandmother in March, 2025!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
