Unemployment Williamsburg (Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond: to rent, crime, house)

[flowerlady9]

Can anyone comment on unemployment in Williamsburg? I notice the city-data page indicates its almost 50%. Quite high.

Also, my husband and I are considering moving to Williamsburg and are interested in the Queen's Lake area. Can anyone comment? We are looking for a house in the $300-400k range. Minimum 4 bedrooms with at least 1/2 acre. We would also like to be close to W&M and CW. We are also interested in areas close to the college any recommendations? No kids and we are looking for a fairly quite area.

Thanks in advance.

[kisimone]

Williamsburg is more residential than anything. People who live thier either commute to Richmond to work or come to the Norfolk, Virgina Beach area where most of the jobs are. The unemployment rate is high for that area because, beside Busch Gardens, and a handful of other companies, people have to trave quite a ways to work. For the money that you are spending on property I would look into the Hickory, section of Chesapeake, it's far enough, but close enough for city living. This is also the area where you can still get a new construction home and still get alittle bit of property. Good Luck!

[adctvmonkey]

The Williamsburg area had an unemployment rate of approximately 5.1 percent in December of 2006, cited from The Flat Hat: Following national trends, Williamsburg unemployment falls. I think the 50% is quite high, however, if it is true, it is probably because Williamsburg is a very popular retirement area. Williamsburg is also known as one of the most affluent areas in Hampton Roads and Virginia as a whole. I would highly recommend that area, especially James City County. Lots of new housing, however, they're mostly high-quality and expensive. The Queens Lake area is very nice, it's an established community with leafy streets and very large lots in the York County portion of the Williamsburg area. It's generally safe, and it's zoned to Magruder Elementary, Queens Lake Middle, and Bruton High. Those are pretty good schools, and York County schools in general are very good. All I have to say is Williamsburg is very beautiful and tranquil, but convenient to Newport News/Va Beach and Richmond.

[adctvmonkey]

I forgot to mention, in addition to retirees, the college kids add to the unemployment. Also, Williamsburg City is very small, but it contains some poor folks, while James City County surrounds it and is generally wealthy. If you see a population figure of around 11,900 it's referring only to the city, while James City and York both have large swaths of Williamsburg addresses with alot more people.

[flowerlady9]

Thanks for the replies. We definately don't like cookie cutter new development so an older, established neighborhood sounds better.

Anybody know about Indigo Park, I think its called. Near the college?

[Hallelu]

be careful in the Queens Lake area my husband is a contractor and he says there is a lot of mold in the area..lots of trees and not much sunshine get through

[Hallelu]

I forgot to say we live here and love it here

[Retail manager]

my wife and i are considering a move to the williamsburg area, i think we prefer something in williamsburg but would not be opposed to nnn area.
we are in the tampa area, crime is very bad, we are renting here but cant deceide on to rent or buy?
looking for something laid back and peaceful

[Retail manager]

forgot to mention, no kids so we dont have to look at a certain school area

[Mr Williamsburg]

WHat price range would you consider ? What are you looking for in a home & neighborhood ? If you tell me I can make some suggestions .