Finally in Williamsburg! (Newport News: sale, rentals, homes)

[Aibutiej]

I am here! I moved into New Town a few days ago. As some know, I have been wanting to move to Williamsburg for a long time and I can't believe it has happened!

Mostly, I like it here. I especially like living in New Town. I love being able to walk to things!!

What I didn't like was visiting Ukrops yesterday and finding out that food here is just as expensive as it was in Norwalk, CT. Seriously, I had been told numerous times that the cost of living is less here. I realized quickly that the movies and restaurants are about the same but I figured that those things didn't count because they are priced for tourists. I was all set to see savings at the supermarket, but I actually found some items to be priced higher than what I used to pay at my local Stop N Shop.
I bought some groceries today at Blooms, but I couldn't find everything I wanted so I will go back to Ukrops tomorrow. I realize I need to adjust to my new surroundings, but I don't think I will see a 20% savings on food, like I had thought.

Other than that, things are going well and I am loving this weather!

[ToughLuv]

Congratulations on your downgrade, no im kidding good luck though.

[Erma]

Well...I wouldn't compare Williamsburg to Norwalk, CT! Williamsburg is much better and when you adjust to your new surroundings, it'll be much easier for you. I personally would not shop at Blooms, it's probably why you don't see any savings. I call it the "yuppie grocery" for people who don't want to drive an extra mile to save money. Really though, I feel it's the "high" end of the Food Lion chain. I'd shop Farm Fresh before I'd do Blooms.

[stva]

I grew up there, and the area has many pros, but Williamsburg is NOT where you want to move in VA, if you are looking for a low cost of living. Ukrop's is also NOT where you want to shop, for cheap groceries.

[stacylee926]

I find the cheapest groceries at the Super Walmart (I think we only have Super Walmarts here anyway) and my 2nd fav is Kroger - lots of good sale items. Next is Farm Fresh and my least fav - and 'I' think most expensive - is Food Lion. Bloom and Harris Teeter tend to be on the higher end, so I rarely shop there .

I have heard about Ukrops - but we do not have one near me on the southside.

Anywho - WELCOME!!!! Once you get settled, I think you will really enjoy the area - there is plenty to explore. One of my fav things to do is walk around Colonial Williamsburg during the fall.

[Erma]

Originally Posted by stacylee926

One of my fav things to do is walk around Colonial Williamsburg during the fall.

Yes! The bread shop is the best!

[misueno]

Williamsburg will not be significantly cheaper than Connecticut... particularly groceries. After six months in Connecticut, one of the things I most appreciated was the cheaper AND better quality groceries. Taxes, gasoline, and utilities however, will be a great relief.

[Erma]

Originally Posted by misueno

Williamsburg will not be significantly cheaper than Connecticut... particularly groceries. After six months in Connecticut, one of the things I most appreciated was the cheaper AND better quality groceries. Taxes, gasoline, and utilities however, will be a great relief.

Okay, so what you save on taxes, gasoline, utilities and those dang gone deposits on cans and bottles, you shouldn't be complaining about groceries. You won't have all that snow to contend with either.

[Aibutiej]

Well, certainly housing is less here -- at least in rentals. I can't believe what some of the for-sale homes are asking here in New Town. My guess is that they are not selling. And yes, gasoline is cheaper and, I hope, utilities. So far, I have found less expensive frozen food at Target and I stocked up on cereal and pasta at Costco in Newport News. I will check out the Farmer's Market here on Thursday (are Farmer's Markets more or less expensive than grocery stores? I've never shopped at one.) I'll check out Farm Fresh today. I think in the end I'll be shopping all over the place instead of just buying everything in one place like I was used to. (And I guess that's a fair trade-off for less snow!!)

[Erma]

Originally Posted by Aibutiej

Well, certainly housing is less here -- at least in rentals. I can't believe what some of the for-sale homes are asking here in New Town. My guess is that they are not selling. And yes, gasoline is cheaper and, I hope, utilities. So far, I have found less expensive frozen food at Target and I stocked up on cereal and pasta at Costco in Newport News. I will check out the Farmer's Market here on Thursday (are Farmer's Markets more or less expensive than grocery stores? I've never shopped at one.) I'll check out Farm Fresh today. I think in the end I'll be shopping all over the place instead of just buying everything in one place like I was used to. (And I guess that's a fair trade-off for less snow!!)

See! You're getting the hang of it! Really though, I dated someone for many years who was from Brooklyn, CT and travel up there on business. It has it's quaint little stores, but so does HR. I usually get most of my things at Sam's Club. They have very good produce and meats, but when I do my quarterly meat shopping, I go directly to Central Meat Packing. The farmers markets are very good. It's what you'll enjoy eating moreover than the cost. You can certainly believe the produce will taste much fresher.