More places like Waterford but with lower taxes (Richmond, Lynchburg: condo, house)

[luv4horses]

The village of Waterford is absolutely beautiful. But the taxes seem really high, especially for a retired person. Are there any similar little areas in the rest of the state that have well kept historic homes? Preferably not surrounded by highly degraded urban areas. I once lived in the historic district of Newtown PA and would like to recapture that feeling, but in Virginia.

[Caladium]

I don't know if you'd consider them to be exactly like Waterford, but you'll find older & less expensive communities down near Tappahannock, Smithfield, Gloucester, etc. You might also look at some of the towns in the Shenandoah Valley. Someone posted photos of Orange a while back and that looked like a nice town with beautiful old buildings--I have no idea how expensive it might be though.

[LynchburgLover]

Given your screen name, I assume you're looking for the horsey setting of Waterford. You should check out Lexington and, as Caladium mentioned, Orange. The Virginia Horse Center is in Lexington. If horses are not the main thing, look at Winchester. There are plenty of farms around Frederick and Clarke but Winchester doesn't have that "equestrian" feel.

Lynchburg has a lot of older, beautiful neighborhoods and some gentrification occuring. There are many horses in Bedford, Campbell and Amherst Counties.

Unfortunately, when there are existing, well-preserved Historic Districts, they tend to be expensive.

Good luck.

[Cardiff Kook]

do you want to stay in Northern VA? If so, maybe middleburg? I really don't know the tax situation there.

if you are willing to go south a little, check out the northern neck. I can guarantee the taxes are lower there. Get a place right on the river. Perfect place to retire..

[South Jersey Styx]

Agree with LynchuburgLover on this one -- Winchester (if horses aren't a factor). If you love historic architecture, this is the place to be. We bought in the downtown historic district and all enjoy the wonderful things one can walk to.

You should visit if you can. However, if you come for the upcoming Apple Blossom Festival, be prepared for the crowds!
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® : Official Web Site

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by GMUAlum08

if you are willing to go south a little, check out the northern neck. I can guarantee the taxes are lower there. Get a place right on the river. Perfect place to retire..

Well.... ideal for some. Be sure to think carefully about what you actually need to have in a retirement community, however, because while they are very pretty some of those northern neck areas are too isolated to be practical for many retirees.

Hospitals, shopping, and other services such as dentists and veterinarians etc. are things a lot of retirees want to have in the same community (or an easy bus ride away). Make sure you pick a town that has these things. Having to drive 45 minutes to get to a Target will get old. If you have family around the country, you may not want to be far from a large airport. If you live in a rural area that takes a full day of travel (each way), they won't be able to bring the grandkids for a weekend visit .

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by Caladium

Well.... ideal for some. Be sure to think carefully about what you actually need to have in a retirement community, however, because while they are very pretty some of those northern neck areas are too isolated to be practical for many retirees.

Hospitals, shopping, and other services such as dentists and veterinarians etc. are things a lot of retirees want to have in the same community (or an easy bus ride away).

Good suggestion Caladium.

Also, most retirees I know want to be near a library or community center for social activities and programs. Also, a church is important to some which also offers social activities.

Upkeep with a home is another. No more giant yards and major house projects or complex maintenance.

[Cardiff Kook]

Originally Posted by Caladium

Well.... ideal for some. Be sure to think carefully about what you actually need to have in a retirement community, however, because while they are very pretty some of those northern neck areas are too isolated to be practical for many retirees.

Hospitals, shopping, and other services such as dentists and veterinarians etc. are things a lot of retirees want to have in the same community (or an easy bus ride away). Make sure you pick a town that has these things. Having to drive 45 minutes to get to a Target will get old. If you have family around the country, you may not want to be far from a large airport. If you live in a rural area that takes a full day of travel (each way), they won't be able to bring the grandkids for a weekend visit .

Tappahanock is like 15-20 minutes

Richmond is like an hour drive. Is that too far?

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by GMUAlum08

Richmond is like an hour drive. Is that too far?

Just my two cents here, but as a person who actually is retiring and thinking about these things, yes an hour is too far to drive for things like hospitals and shopping centers. For me, anyway. It's ok for an airport, but even then an airport an hour away becomes a PITA for a retiree. Especially the older you get. When you retire you have to take into account how you will enjoy living in the area not only when you first retire but also when you're 80, 90, or older.

[luv4horses]

You guys are very helpful. I don't need to focus on Northern VA. Orange is a cute town, I must agree. Somehow I can't imagine an area without horses, but I would like to visit Winchester to check it out. And I never considered the 'tidewater' area. Always considered it would be even more humid than the rest of the state. I've visited Middleburg, but know that would be expensive. A place on a real river would be really wonderful. I'm not worried about airports and love to drive. However, when I do reach 80, probably not so much. I guess that would need to be mondo condo time.