Coast Guard family possibly getting stationed in Yorktown. (Richmond, Newport News: transplants, insurance)

[coastieswife]

We are possibly moving to Yorktown this summer. Prefer a more rural area such a Gloucester where we can have an acre of land and be close to the water. We have school age children and everyone is mentioning York County or Poquoson. We would like to stay under $350k for a home. Anyone have any advice, pros/cons of the area in general?

Thanks!

[lovnova]

I can't help a lot with that area. But I do know usually close to water = more $$$s. That said I don't know if $350 can get you everything on your wish list.
Hopefully some with more knowledge of that area will chime in.

FYI sometimes this forum does not get a lot of actively.


Good luck and welcome in advance.

[Isabella Tiger Moth]

The schools will be better in Yorktown, but Gloucester will give you more for your money. Gloucester is prone to flooding and somewhat redneck-y. You'll also have to pay to cross the Coleman Bridge every time you want to come over to the Virginia Peninsula (Gloucester is the Middle Peninsula, Y'town is the Virginia Peninsula). Poquoson is somewhat insular. The schools are good, but it is a land unto itself. Some parts are quite expensive. Some parts are inhabited almost solely by the owners of monster trucks. Some parts are quite expensive *and* inhabited solely by the owners of monster trucks. Flooding is prevalent. Diversity is really not encouraged. I would visit first.

Seaford is nice, and you can often find property on the water (again, flooding is an issue). Another option might be Williamsburg which is almost universally loved but can be something of a commute.

None of these places is going to be perfect, but, in general, the area is pretty nice (people seem to like it). Come visit and figure out which of the places is perfect for you.

[Poquoson7]

Very much agree that Poquoson is insular. We bought there after moving from California in 2006 because we wanted waterfront.. Had a nice piece of property on a canal, nothing fancy, that led out to the Back River, about a mile (as the crow flies) from the big water of the bay. After 10 years the combination of rising flood insurance rates and the "redness" of the bubbas really started to rub the wrong way.

Bought a place in the Williamsburg area (Lightfoot) and have been happily ensconced for 1.5 years. The area is full of transplants, students, retirees and young couples with children who commute to Newport News and Richmond. It is truely a wonderful place to live with lots to do in a gorgeous environment.

Under $350,00 is doable. Check out Mirror Lake, big lots and not so big prices.

[coastieswife]

Thank you! We will hopefully be able to come check it all out in the Spring. Overall, it sounds like a nice place to live.

[Isabella Tiger Moth]

We've been here nine years, and, overall, we like it. Traffic can be a little much at times, but the closer you get to Yorktown, the more that tends to settle down. Good luck with your move!