Williamsburg

Home of the first permanent English settlement in North America, Jamestown is a community steeped in history. With its history dating back to 1607 and its legacy as the first Virginia colony, Jamestown integrates its history into its identity today — a thriving community that also offers natural beauty, stunning architecture, and a slower pace of life. “Jamestown really has the trifecta,” says Kelly DeLucia, real estate agent with KW Allegiance and longtime resident of the area. “You have the history, the architecture, and it’s really an outdoorsy haven, with an active community.” For those seeking to call a piece of American history home, Jamestown offers that and much more. Homes in Jamestown are clear reminders of its history, with established homes found throughout the tree-lined streets. New traditional homes are common, along with brick ranch styles, colonial revivals, and even some true Colonials. Privacy and seclusion are benefits of the large, lush lots. Prices are higher than some nearby neighborhoods, though the history and style of the area offers a unique selling point. “A lot of people who move here have been coming to visit the area their entire lives,” says Charlotte Turner, Realtor with Liz Moore & Associates. “So, there’s an extra connection that a lot of people feel.” Prices range from $250,000 to $650,000 in general—though some townhouses can start at lower prices and some larger estates and homes on the waterfront can go for as high as $1 million. Jamestown is situated in a heavily wooded enclave, with winding roads and hilly terrain. Many of the individual neighborhoods feature their own pocket park, and the area is highly walkable. “That area is very popular for a variety of outdoor activities,” says DeLucia. “Birdwatching is big, along with gardening and landscaping—really, there’s just a very outdoorsy vibe.” Many of the pocket parks feature immersive playgrounds, and those looking for a bit of history with their outdoors can head to Jamestown Settlement—home of the original English colony. Beyond its historical importance, Jamestown offers many recreational activities to suit every interest. Biking enthusiasts can traverse the scenic Capitol Trail, a 51.7-mile multi-use path leading from Jamestown to Richmond, passing by over 45 captivating attractions. Other trails include The Powhatan Creek Trail and The Greensprings Interpretive Trail. Much of what makes Jamestown so appealing is how true to its roots it still manages to feel—it isn’t overdeveloped or filled to the brim with commercial properties. “It’s off the beaten path when it comes to commerce,” says DeLucia. “But there are a lot of unique spots to check out.” Spoke & Art, a particularly unique establishment, serves as a one-stop-shop for bike repairs, coffee and live music. Frothy Moon Brewhouse offers craft beers, coffee and sandwiches that visitors can enjoy while engaging in a friendly round of miniature golf. And even with its more secluded nature, residents are still just minutes from Monticello Marketplace — which features popular stores such as Target, T.J. Maxx, and Publix. The community hosts various events throughout the year, including a Memorial Day picnic, frequent farmers markets and an Octoberfest picnic. Residents can immerse themselves in the past at the Jamestown Historic Ship Museum, where they can explore the Susan Constant —a historic ship that carried the first settlers from England. Historic Jamestown offers the chance to step back in time and relive the experiences of the early settlers. Students attend Clara Byrd Baker Elementary, which earned a B rating from Niche. Afterward, they move on to A-minus rated Berkely Middle and finish at A-rated Jamestown High. Both Berkely Middle and Jamestown High offer the Program of Studies, a unique curriculum that empowers students to explore their future career paths and selected classes tailored to their desired fields. With the area packed with as much history and unique architecture, many are willing to commute long distances for the ability to live in such a significant setting. “As far as commuting goes, obviously you have many who commute to William and Mary in Williamsburg,” says DeLucia. “But you have some people willing to commute as far as to Richmond — that’s how special the appeal of Jamestown is.”

The College of William & Mary is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, a history reflected in the large historic homes, diverse cultural centers and active outdoor lifestyle of the surrounding William & Mary neighborhood. Situated among the campuses of Colonial Williamsburg and College of William & Mary, the community overflows with energy, and not just on game days. “It’s a very eclectic neighborhood,” says Colby Roberts, Associate Broker with Howard Hanna William E Wood. “We have sold homes to law professors, history buffs, college coaches and even retired military personnel who fell in love with the community while stationed nearby.” William & Mary is almost entirely occupied by college campuses, historic buildings and an outdoor shopping district, save for a tiny residential subdivision south of Jamestown Road near the banks of the College Creek. The welcoming streetscapes offer one of the most desirable locations in Williamsburg, and the meager housing inventory is popular among long-tenured faculty at William & Mary. Quiet, secluded and deeply wooded, the residential community around Governor’s Road is dotted with classic brick colonials, large split-levels, traditional Dutch Colonials and three-bedroom brick transitional-style homes on half-acre lots, with prices ranging from $450,000 to $800,000. “Those homes in the Walnut Hills and Holly Hills neighborhoods are very desirable,” says Roberts. Students in William & Mary begin their education at Matthew Whaley Elementary, a B-plus-rated school on Niche with a student-teacher ratio of 16-to-1. From there, students advance to Berkeley Middle School, which receives an A-minus grade from Niche and is ranked among the website’s list of Standout Middle Schools in Virginia. Lafayette High School also receives an A-minus grade on Niche, and with an average SAT score of 1210, Lafayette students are regularly accepted into prestigious local universities like Virginia Tech and James Madison University. With its wooded streetscapes, historic districts, college sports stadiums, campuses and outdoor shopping malls, William & Mary often feels like one giant park, particularly among the nature trails weaving throughout the woods surrounding Matoaka Lake. Residents stroll along the brick-lined paths of the Wildflower Refuge, where the moist, shady habitat shelters various ferns, wildflowers and berry trees – or along the garden and pedestrian paths intersecting throughout the campus and community. The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club borders the community to the south, while the nearby College Creek Beach provides sunset views from atop Sandstone Cliffs and boat access to the James River. Residents in William & Mary enjoy immediate access to the boutiques, specialty stores, bookstores and restaurants of Merchant Square, an 18th-century style retail village dating back to the 1920s, featuring over 40 shops and restaurants between Colonial Williamsburg and the campus of William & Mary. Merchants Square is one of the first planned shopping districts in the country, and the buildings seamlessly blend into the local campus and colonial-era architecture. Breakfast is served at LOKAL Bread, a plant-based bakery with homemade ingredients and a generous vegan menu, and locals meet within the historic dining room at AromasWorld Coffeehouse Bakery & Cafe, a counter-serve restaurant with a pet-friendly patio overlooking the pedestrian streets of Merchant Square. Residents can drive north on Richmond Road to Earth Fare – a supermarket chain dedicated to organic and health-conscious foods – or continue into Monticello Marketplace, where they’ll find familiar retailers like Target and TJ Maxx. Located among the historic campuses of Colonial Williamsburg and College of William & Mary, the William & Mary neighborhood lies at the entrance to the Newport News peninsula west of Interstate 64, a one-hour commute from Richmond and the region’s largest international airport. William & Mary is one of Virginia’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, featuring endless shops, restaurants and amenities within walking distance and miles of garden paths and pedestrian trails cutting across the community. Public transportation is a staple of daily life in William & Mary, and the well-managed bus and rail lines at Williamsburg Transportation Center are necessary for students, tourists and homeowners alike.

Enjoy quiet living in wooded Walnut Hills. Situated just south of Colonial Williamsburg and bordered to the east by College Creek, the gorgeous Walnut Hills neighborhood offers residents beautiful homes and convenience in a top-rated school district. “People are drawn to Walnut Hills for the location,” says Mary McNulty, Realtor with Howard Hanna William E. Wood Realtors. “Depending on how much of a walker you are, you could certainly walk to Colonial Williamsburg.” <br><br>The curving streets of Walnut Hills are lined with mature trees. “There are many different housing styles and sizes,” McNulty says. “You could have a little bungalow, or you could have a 5,000 or 6,000-square-foot house. A lot of these homes are going to be older — built in the 30s, 40s and 50s.” These houses are typically set back on wooded lots that range from a quarter-acre to an acre. Most homes have long driveways that parallel the spacious, leafy front lawns. The abundance of trees and neat landscaping provide a great sense of privacy and seclusion to these properties. In Walnut Hills, a three-bedroom, three-bathroom brick transitional-style home on a half-acre lot costs around $450,000 while a four-bedroom, four-bathroom colonial on an acre of land costs around $800,000. According to McNulty, the housing market is still very good in this area. “If the house is good, it sells,” she says. <br><br>Students attend Matthew Whaley Elementary School, Berkeley Middle School and Lafayette High School, which all belong to the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools district. Lafayette High, along with the entire school district, receives an overall grade of A- from Niche with notably high ratings in the categories of academics, teachers, college prep and sports. The Lafayette Rams have won several state championships in football and cheerleading within the past few years. Right in the heart of Walnut Hills, you’ll also find Walsingham Academy, an independent Catholic school that was founded in 1947 and serves students in pre-K through 12th grade. <br><br>Enjoy some fresh air within walking distance at Geddy Park. This small, woodsy neighborhood park, complete with picnic tables and benches, is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch al fresco. If you want a peaceful afternoon by the water, head to College Landing Park, perched on the edge of College Creek. This quiet park is the perfect place to fish, kayak, paddleboard or birdwatch.<br><br>Pick up groceries nearby at Food Lion on John Tyler Highway. For all your shopping needs, take Humelsline Parkway for 2 miles to land in Monticello Marketplace, where you’ll find familiar retailers like Target and TJ Maxx. <br><br>When hunger strikes, head to Old Chickahominy House on Jamestown Road for down-home southern cooking in a historic Cape Cod house. This quaint eatery has been a Williamsburg staple since 1955 and serves dishes like country ham biscuits and chicken and dumplings. Save some room for a slice of homemade buttermilk pie for dessert, and you’re sure to leave with a full stomach. <br><br>Most Walnut Hills residents travel by car, but with city bus stops located right in the neighborhood on Jamestown Road, public transportation is a very accessible option. When you want to get across town or to the nearby cities of Richmond and Newport News, Interstate 64 is just minutes away.

Situated in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, you can enjoy historic charm and spacious homes in gorgeous Golden Horseshoe. History buffs will be enthralled by the significant settlement sites in the area, nature lovers have endless parks and green spaces to explore, and golfers can play their hearts out at the sprawling Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. <br><br>“People love Golden Horseshoe for the location,” says Mary McNulty, Realtor with Howard Hanna E. Wood Realtors. “It’s about a mile from downtown Colonial Williamsburg, so very convenient. Another plus is that is actually within the city limits of Williamsburg, so the tax rate is lower compared to James City County. The neighborhood also has nice amenities like pools and tennis courts.” <br><br>Golden Horseshoe’s wide, curving streets are lined with paved sidewalks and mature trees. Here, spacious homes with classic architectural styles like colonials, Federals and Cape Cods, as well as newer transitional-style houses, are set back on tidy lots averaging a half-acre. These properties boast manicured lawns, elegant landscaping and long, paved driveways that lead to side entrance garages. In Golden Horseshoe, you can find three to four-bedroom brick transitional-style homes for between $550,000 to $750,000. A Federal or colonial estate with four bedrooms will cost upwards of $1 million. The area is also home to brick townhouse complexes, where a two-bedroom home costs around $300,000. “The market is still very good here,” McNulty says. “I listed a house recently that was priced really well because it was older and had the original roof. I listed it on Friday, and over the weekend, I had 23 showings and 3 offers.” <br><br>Kids in Golden Horseshoe attend Matthew Whaley Elementary School, Berkeley Middle School and Lafayette High School, which all belong to the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools district. This school district receives an overall grade of A- from Niche, with notably high ratings in the categories of teachers, academics, sports and college prep. Lafayette High School, which earns an overall grade of A- from Niche as well, puts a lot of spirit and dedication into its activities and athletics departments. The Lafayette Rams have won several state championships within the past few years in football and cheerleading. <br><br>Golden Horseshoe is surrounded by natural beauty and well-maintained public parks. Immerse yourself in nature with a scenic walk on the paved paths or dirt trails of the wooded, 22-acre Redoubt Park, located on Quarterpath Road. Slightly further north on the same road, you’ll find Quarterpath Park, which spans 23 acres and features a playground, softball fields, tennis courts and picnic shelters. If you want a peaceful afternoon by the water, head to College Landing Park, perched on the edge of College Creek. This quiet park is the perfect place to fish, kayak, paddleboard or birdwatch. <br>Golden Horseshoe Golf Club is a focal point of this area and, in recent years, has been voted “one of America’s 50 Greatest Public Courses” by Golf Digest. The course is surrounded by mature woodlands and boasts 36 walkable holes over two courses.<br><br>When hungry, head to Berret's Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill in Merchant’s Square for dinner in a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy offerings like raw oysters on the half-shell, local pork chop or their popular she-crab cakes. When you’re craving something sweet, swing by Blackbird Bakery for a range of freshly baked pastries. <br><br>Golden Horseshoe Golf Club is a focal point of this area and, in recent years, has been voted “one of America’s 50 Greatest Public Courses” by Golf Digest. The course is surrounded by mature woodlands and boasts 36 walkable holes over two courses. <br><br>Pick up groceries at Harris Teeter on Quarterpath Road. For fresh local produce, baked goods, cheeses and more, don’t miss the Williamsburg Farmer’s Market, held every Saturday morning from early March to late December on Duke of Gloucester Street. For shopping, head to Colonial Williamsburg's Merchants Square for boutiques and cafés. When you’re looking for familiar retailers and big box stores, head 3 miles west on Monticello Avenue to land at stores like Walmart and Old Navy. <br><br>Brimming with character, history and amenities, it’s no wonder Golden Horseshoe is a highly sought-after place to call home.

Forest Hill Park is one mile west of downtown Williamsburg, but it extends nearly to Interstate 64, creating a wide suburban swath. Filled as much with eateries as classic home styles, this neighborhood has an active element to it. The Colonial National Historical Parkway runs the width of Forest Hill Park, too, emblazoning it with green space. In a word, it’s possible to say that all the essentials of a suburb are present: walkability, commercial amenities and even a strong public school system. Prices can range from the mid $100,000s up to the mid $500,000s. This variety makes Forest Hill Park welcoming to homebuyers in all stages of life. For example, a two-bedroom midcentury cottage with 800 square feet of living space can go for $125,000. Brick condos from the 1970s pop into view around $200,000. Once homebuyers expand their search into the $500,000s, they’ll see Cape Cods and four-bedroom Modern Traditional homes from the 90s that blend redbrick with white siding, resulting in a timeless look that speaks to Forest Hill Park’s modesty. All around, lawns and old growth trees are present, contributing to a tranquil atmosphere, despite the proximity of commercial amenities. Matthew Whaley Elementary scores high across a range of Niche categories, from an A-minus in the teachers category to a B-plus overall. The school is considered a local landmark, thanks to its impressive Georgian Revival façade, completed in 1930 by famous Virginian architect Charles Robinson. James Blair Middle strikes a decidedly modern look, but it too scores high, with a B-plus in the teachers category. Bruton High continues the trend of solid local schools, with a B-plus overall, and is known for a School of the Arts program, where students can specialize in the literary arts, dance or theater. The Colonial National Historical Parkway begins here, and stretches 23 miles east. It’s the sole green space of the neighborhood. One can drive this path, or just as well bike it, giving the parkway an outdoor recreation dimension. The overall aim has been to make it look like a Colonial trail, complete with brick overpasses. This is a place for sightseeing primarily, not for travel, so visitors can expect frequent scenic pull-offs, with views of the James River and York River. Shopping and dining will tend to cluster around 2nd Street. Food Lion and CVS are across the street from each other, providing an easy stop to take care of essential errands. The 2nd Street American Bistro is representative of the no-frills cuisine in the area: inside, patrons will find dim lighting and comfortable booths, with a menu of pizzas, burgers and sandwiches. Copper Fox Distillery on Capitol Landing Road offers a laid back setting for sipping on locally made whiskey. Buses run on these major thoroughfares of 2nd Street and Capitol Landing Road, but most residents will want to have a car, especially so they can experience the parkway in all four seasons. Route 60 runs through the neighborhood, making it convenient to reach even more dining destinations a mile north of here. The wider region can be explored with Interstate 64 running along the east side: it’s a 50-mile drive to Richmond. Important local landmarks include the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center on the west end. The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library has a monumental façade, and is devoted to preserving knowledge about Colonial Williamsburg and folk art.

Skipwith Farms is placed just to the north of William and Mary, but on the ground, that fact may not be immediately apparent to the eye. This feels like a self-contained suburb, especially with the bustling corridor of Route 60 running through it. Quiet residential streets containing cul-de-sacs mix with park space, creating a lifestyle of ease when residents aren’t shopping. "Kiwanis Park is a really cool community hub," says David Tortolini, a Realtor with eXp Realty who's been working in the Williamsburg market for 13 years. "It's busy all the time. There's an adult kickball league that frequents there." Housing styles are diverse, and so are prices. Ranging from the upper $200,000s to the upper $500,000s, prices here are usually correlated with the age of the home. For example, a four-bedroom split-level home from the 90s can go for $380,000 if interior renovations have been completed and the lot reaches into half an acre. It’s common to see redbrick Modern Traditional homes with attached garages and neatly landscaped lawns with ornamental plantings. Frequently the developments are heavily wooded, giving an established feel to the area. When it comes to midcentury architecture, plenty of Cape Cods and ranches are on offer. Plus, with historic Williamsburg nearby, homebuyers will notice Colonials lining the streets. All this variety hangs together, because Skipwith Farms does away with the ornate in favor of a classic suburban aesthetic. Matthew Whaley Elementary scores high across a range of Niche categories, from an A-minus in the teachers category to a B-plus overall. The school is considered a local landmark, thanks to its impressive Georgian Revival façade, completed in 1930 by famous Virginian architect Charles Robinson. James Blair Middle strikes a decidedly modern look, but it too scores high, with a B-plus in the teachers category. Bruton High continues the trend of solid local schools, with a B-plus overall, and is known for a School of the Arts program, where students can specialize in the literary arts, dance or theater. The centrally located Kiwanis Park is where residents go to catch a bit of green space. There’s an extensive playground, plus athletic facilities for tennis, basketball and baseball. The James City County Recreation Center is another way for locals to stay active, containing a track, a swimming pool, racquetball courts and state-of-the-art fitness equipment. Realtor David Tortolini says Waller Mill Park is another outdoor recreation spot frequented by residents. "It's awesome. There are a couple of great hiking trails. You can rent kayaks. People go there to walk their dog, or sit by the water." Skipwith Farms’ location makes it easy to visit some of the local must-sees, whether that’s a landmark at the William and Mary campus, or some of the modern public art sculptures decorating downtown. Plus, this neighborhood has unique entertainment options like Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, a mini golf course with waterfalls, caves and of course, pirates. Route 60 is abundant with eateries and shopping options. Groceries can be grabbed at stores like Earth Fare and Aldi, while the sleek and modern Midtown Row offers everything from coffee to clothing to frozen custard. Silver Hand Meadery is a fun dining option, too, if simply for the quirk factor: visitors can take a look at the hives that produce honey for mead. Buses run along Route 60 for those times when public transportation makes it easier to run errands. Many residents will find, however, that a car is essential for getting from doorstep to destination, especially with the amenities of downtown Williamsburg just a mile away.