Question for Mr. Williamsburg (Newport News, Forest: houses, landscaping, safe area)

[macdebbie]

My husband and I just got back from our (my) first trip to Williamsburg.

I really liked it, he is not so sure (we are looking for retirement). He didn't like all the traffic, or the fact there really isn't a downtown. I however, fell in love with Merchant's Square. But where the heck do you buy socks and pajamas?

We stayed at Ford's Colony, which I loved. That is exactly the type of subdivision that I would be like. Lots of trees, houses all different, not standing in a row right next to each other so you can see in each other's yards. I like that there is a pool (I think), tennis, activities, and I do like (my husband doesn't) the gated part, for security.

Mr. Williamsburg, you gave me a list of communities on one of my prior threads. Can you tell me if any of these is similar in look and feel to Ford's Colony so we can check them out on our next trip? Our budget is 350K max.

Stonehouse
Greensprings West
Westray Downs
Powhattan Secondary
Brandywyne
Kingsmill
Windsor Forest

Also, I would be seeking a job when we move, as I am younger than my husband. I am a Financial Advisor. I noticed there is a Smith Barney office. Are there other opportunities in my field? Right now I run the Investment Program for a local bank.

[macdebbie]

The community does not have to be gated, but we do like the amenities - pool, tennis, etc.

We also are looking for a quiet community, not loaded with kids.

Just looked at Windsor Forest and it is beautiful. That is now also on my list along with Ford's Colony - landscaping is beautiful, as are the homes.

[Mr Williamsburg]

Trying to convey the feel of communities is a difficult thing to do. When I work with people they always gravitate towards one specific community. Some prefer Kingsmill, others Fords Colony, others Stonehouse. You really have to tour them to get the feeling for each.
All of the communities have their own personality IMHO, Of the ones you listed Kingsmill would be the closest in feel to Fords Colony although a lot of the Kingsmill homes are older than those in Fords Colony. Parts of Stonhouse will feel similar to Fords Colony. Windsor Forest and some parts of Powhatan Secondary might appeal as well.
Within most of the communities will be different neighborhoods with very distinct makeup. So you need to make sure you are looking at the whole neighborhood.

If I had to rank them on similarity I would say

Kingsmill #1
Stonehouse #2 not the Orchard Hill Section
Windsor Forest #3
Parts of Powhattan Secondary #4
Greensprings West # 5
Westray Downs # 6 ( no pool or tennis)
Brandywyne ( not at all)

A certain part of the feel for the neighborhood goes along with property values within them.
Kingsmill detached homes range from $405k to $3 million
Stonehouse low $300's to 1.5 million
Windsor Forest $300k to $550k
Pow Secondary $300k to $600k
Greensprings West $350k to $700k

And yes Fords Colony has two pools, tennis ,clubhouse, gated security, walking trails etc.
We shop at Prime Outlets for most clothing needs. They seem to have a store for most every brand. If you need a mall there is Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News 25 minutes away ..

Re; Financial Advisor Positions in Williamsburg. My office is in New Town. They just printed an article stating there were fifty different financial businesses just in New Town. ( way too many)
The few I know are downsizing currently and weathering the current financial storm.
I can put you in touch with a few who I know to network for a position.

[macdebbie]

I have done some reading, and came across a few more subdivisions that "sound" nice, are appear to be in our price range, but you know how that goes. We already have a short list to see of Windsor Forest, Powhatten Secondary, Kingsmill (though this might be out of our price rante), and Stonehouse, and Greensprings, and Queens Lake. Possibly Westray Downs.

We definitely want wooded sites, 1/4 - 1/2 acre, mix of housing styles, not all lined up in a row with no mature, rolling hills/mix of wooded landscape, would also love a place there's not a ton of little kids running around with playgrounds. The closer to "town" (Colonial Williamsburg) the better, and a safe area.

The only comparison I can make in "look" is Ford's Colony, which we really liked for the above reasons.

Are any of these ones we should look at? Just trying to narrow it down so that we are not driving to see hundreds of them on our next visit down.

Our price range is 350Kish - 1600 - 1800 sq ft, 3 BR, 2 bath. The book I am reading is not current, so prices may be out of whack, and the ones I list may be way out of our price range. We would buy resale, not build or buy new.

The Woods
Powhatten Shores
Piney Creek Estates
Heritage Landing
Graylin Woods
Fernbrook
The Coves
Canterbury Hills
Brandon Woods
Berkeley's Green
Adams Hunt

Our goal is to narrow down, so we know which areas we like, then we can keep our eyes open when houses come up and rule them in or out based on location. Makes it a bit easier that way.