Your Williamsburg, VA Real Estate Questions Answered

Thinking of making a move to Williamsburg, VA? Congratulations! You’ve chosen one of the most historic and beautiful towns in the United States. This Hampton Roads region town is known for its Colonial heritage, but it’s truly a modern town with plentiful outdoor recreation for all ages.

But before you start packing your bags, you probably have a few questions about Williamsburg real estate. Here are some answers to common questions about Williamsburg, VA, homes for sale.

What is the average price of a home in Williamsburg, VA?

The Williamsburg real estate market is very competitive, as it was a growing market in 2022. The median price of a Williamsburg home was $435,000, with 608 homes on the market in August 2022. Prices were up 13% year-over-year. The prices include the greater area and not just the city limits.

Housing prices can vary depending on the size and location of the home. A vacant residential lot was priced at $39,900, while a waterfront custom home of 7,812 sq ft was $2,900,000.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Williamsburg, VA?

Those seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle are in luck. Many options are available for those looking for condos or townhomes in Williamsburg, whether it’s student housing or a vacation home. Prices started in the low $135,000s and went up to around $1.1 million in August 2022.

Some condo and townhome communities include, but are not limited to:

• The Enclave at Kingsmill
• Moody’s Run at Kingsmill
• Little Quarter at Kingsmill
• Village Walk in New Town
• Quarterpath Village North
• Aldrich (55+)
• Riverside at Quarterpath
• The Links at Ford’s Colony

A real estate agent can shed light on your Williamsburg living options to find the right townhome or condominium for you.

What is the property tax rate for Williamsburg, VA?

City of Williamsburg real estate taxes are due twice a year, June 1 and December 1. All properties are taxed at 100% of the assessed value. The tax rate was $0.62 per $100 assessed value in 2022.

Some residents may live in James City County. The tax rate here is $0.84 per $100 in value. It is also billed twice a year based on assessments from the prior July 1. You will pay taxes to Williamsburg or James City County, not both.

What is the cost of living in Williamsburg, VA?

The average cost of living in Williamsburg is slightly higher than the national average by about 4%. However, this can vary depending on your individual lifestyle and needs.

Some factors that will affect your cost of living include:

• Housing: The median home value is 32% higher than the national average and 12% higher than the Virginia average.
• Transportation: Gas prices were about 30% lower than the national and state average.
• Food: The average grocery bill was about 1% higher than the national average.
• Utilities: The average monthly utility bill was about 3% less than the national rate.

What county is Williamsburg, VA in?

Williamsburg is located in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which includes Jamestown and Yorktown. It is also the county seat of James City County. For administrative purposes, it is independent of James City County, meaning residents pay a different taxation amount and rely on the city for governmental services.

Tourism is significant to this region. Many historical sites, including Colonial Williamsburg, bring visitors from all over the world. The Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement attractions join with Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown via the National Park Service’s Colonial Parkway.

For other things to do, the Williamsburg Pottery Factory is located in James City County, as are the Busch Gardens Williamsburg theme park and the Kingsmill Resort.

The community is highly educated. Several defense and aerospace companies, plus the College of William and Mary, add to the intellectual capital of local residents.

Is Williamsburg, VA growing?

Williamsburg has 15,425 residents, according to the latest census and polls. It added 600 new residents in ten years. The city’s population projections anticipate 17,000 residents by 2040.

Around 16% of the population is 65 years and older, while 10% are 18 and younger. Around 57% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Half of the local residents on their own homes.

The growth figures are slightly deceptive as they reflect only the city limits. If you look at the greater Williamsburg metro, the Historic Triangle region added 24,000 residents from 2000-2010. James City County and York County’s populations have tripled over the last 50 years. James City County grew 26% from 2000 to 2010. It is projected to grow 13% between 2010 and 2040 and to have 104,200 residents in 2040.

What neighborhoods are in Williamsburg, VA?

In a historic town like Williamsburg, you’ll find properties with character and a story. Much of the land is also reserved for the College of William and Mary campus, golfing, and historic preservation. To paint a more accurate picture of the Williamsburg area, we’ve included a few places outside the city limits but adjacent to the town with a Williamsburg address.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Williamsburg include:

Holly Hills is near Colonial Williamsburg. The 150 single-family homes reside on wooded lots. Residents are a short walk away from the College of William and Mary campus and Merchants Square. There is a neighborhood civic organization.

New Town Williamsburg is a planned 365-acre community developed in the 2000s. It has a pedestrian-friendly design with green space, offices, housing, and retail businesses. Residents have over 170 restaurants and shops near their doorstep. Housing is available as apartments, condos, townhomes, and single-family residences.

Walnut Hills is a neighborhood of luxury apartments, townhomes, and single-family residences. It is conveniently located near Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, the College of William and Mary, and New Town Williamsburg.

Arbordale is a picturesque new construction neighborhood mixing apartments with single-family homes on tree-lined streets of well-manicured lawns. Lawns are maintained by the HOA.

Queens Lake is in the York County part of Williamsburg. Bordered by Queens Creek to the north and west and the Colonial Parkway to the south. Its eastern border is York County’s New Quarter Park, a 545-acre county park renovated in 2005. In-community amenities include two swimming pools, a marina, and a freshwater lake. Most homes were built from the late 1950s until the late 1970s.

Powhatan Secondary is a master-planned community with custom-built homes, condos, and townhomes divided into sub-neighborhoods. Residents are near shops at New Town and Monticello Marketplace. Nearby MidCounty Park has a popular kids’ playground, walking trails, tennis courts, and a zip line.

Additional popular neighborhoods are identified in the golf course and waterfront communities section.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Williamsburg, VA?

Naturally, being a historic town founded because of its port, Williamsburg has a waterfront. You can find beautiful homes along the James River, York River, and more small watershed runs and reservoirs. Prices for these homes can range depending on the size and location of the property.

For example, Governor’s Land has waterfront living custom homes in a luxury community. It has 732 single-family home sites with prices in the $1M and higher range. Four miles of shoreline are along the James and Chickahominy Rivers.

Kingsmill has many more waterfront living options along the James River and Moody’s Pond in subdivisions like Burwell’s Bluff and Cutters Neck.

Ford’s Colony has several neighborhoods with waterfront options ranging from the riverfront to wetlands.

More waterfront homes are scattered around Williamsburg in more historic areas, like Kingspoint and Lake Pasbehegh.

Williamsburg had 29 waterfront listings in August 2022. Pricing ranged from $325,000 to $2.9M.

How is golf in Williamsburg, VA?

It doesn’t take much research to see that golf is a popular area activity, with over 25 courses nearby.

The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club is part of the Colonial Williamsburg Resort. It includes 45 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr and Rees Jones. The Green course is the only course technically inside Williamsburg.

Williamsburg National Golf Club is open to the public. It features two 18-hole courses designed by Jack Nicklaus (opened 1995) and Tom Clark (opened 2007). Memberships present access to preferred tee times and other amenities like the clubhouse, driving range, and practice areas.

Kingsmill Resort has three championship golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Curtis Strange, Tom Clark, and Pete Dye. It is also home to the LPGAPure Silk Championship. The Woods Course is only open to Full Golf and National Golf members and their guests.

Other courses in the area include Stonehouse, Ford’s Colony, Kiskiack, Kings Creek Plantation, Colonial Heritage, and Golden Bear at Indigo Run.

Are there golf course communities in Williamsburg, VA?

Ford’s Colony is a gated community centered around three golf courses. The master-planned community has 54 holes of golf, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a country club. The architectural styles range from colonial-inspired cottages to executive homes to townhomes.

Kingsmill on the James is a 3,000-acre resort community with several golf courses, including the River Course, which has hosted PGA Tour events. Additional amenities include tennis courts, a spa, swimming pools, and restaurants on-site. In addition to vacation homes and rentals, there are around 1,500 residences. The community is gated and has a private police force.

Governor’s Land at Two Rivers is another golf course community with a Tom Fazio-designed course. The private club also has a deep water marina, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center.

Brickshire is a golf community with an award-winning Dave Hardy-designed course. It is located minutes from I-64 for an easy commute to Richmond or Virginia Beach. The community offers single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.

What areas are near Williamsburg, VA?

Nearby towns include:

Toano is an unincorporated community in James City County, about ten miles northwest of Williamsburg. The town is home to the Stonehouse Golf Club and Mrs. Rowe’s Family Restaurant.

Yorktown is a historic town located on the Virginia Peninsula, about 20 miles northeast of Williamsburg. It is the site of the Battle of Yorktown, the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. Yorktown is a popular tourist destination with several museums and historical sites.

Jamestown is on Jamestown Island in Virginia, about 10 miles southeast of Williamsburg. It is the site of the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Today, Jamestown is a popular tourist destination with several museums and historical sites.

Newport News is on the Virginia Peninsula, about 20 miles southeast of Williamsburg. It is home to several museums, including the Virginia Living Museum and the Mariners’ Museum. Newport News is also home to Christopher Newport University and The Apprentice School.

Richmond is Virginia’s capital, located about 50 miles northwest of Williamsburg. It is home to several historical sites, museums, parks, the Virginia State Capitol, and the Governor’s Mansion. Several colleges and universities are here, including the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University.

What to know about living in Williamsburg, VA

Williamsburg is a great place to live if you enjoy history or golf. Many important historical sites and museums preserve the significant early days of colonial America. The 20+ golf courses will keep players busy all year round.

Being this close to the Atlantic, you can expect hot, humid summers and cool winters. The average high temperature in July is 87F degrees, and the average low in January is 33F.

Williamsburg real estate is above average, with the median home price being $430,000. However, if you look at the greater metro, there is a wide range depending on the size and location of the home. If you’d like somewhere with more beachfront, try Virginia Beach.

If you’re considering living in Williamsburg, contact a local real estate agent to find the right neighborhood for you.