Looking to move to Central VA but would like to live on water (Richmond: 2013)

[JSPerk]

I vacationed at Lake Anna many times when I was younger and absolutely loved it. My husband and I live in NOVA right now but do not want this to be our forever house. I grew up on the water and therefore would love to live somewhere in Central VA where it is less congested and on the water. Do people live on Lake Anna year round or is it more of a vacation spot? If so, what are the schools like? If not Lake Anna, any other ideas of places to live on the water in Central VA? Because of our jobs we are trying to stay semi close to a city....ie Richmond or DC. thanks

[Ikol]

I think you'll find more of what your looking for on the eastern coast of VA. Central VA is pretty land-locked.

[Bigfoot424]

I have several friends who live on Lake Anna year round. There are plenty of permanent of residents living there. Not sure what your budget is but I can tell you waterfront property there is not cheap.

[HokieFan]

There is Blue Ridge Shores in Louisa County. Lake of the Woods in Orange County. Fawn Lake in Spotsylvania County. Shenandoah Crossing in Gordonsville. Each of these communities are gated communities in rural Central Virginia, situated around a lake.

I can't say how well the schools are rated. But I (and the rest of my family) went through Orange County Public Schools, and we're doing pretty well in life.

Originally Posted by Ikol

I think you'll find more of what your looking for on the eastern coast of VA. Central VA is pretty land-locked.

Sure it's land-locked because it's "central" Virginia - but there are a lot of man-made lakes. The coast is not the only place to find water front properties.

[JSPerk]

Excellent! I was definitely interested in the public schools there We may just have to take a drive down to feel out the area...People have told me of those lakes and how pretty they are I'm interested to know what else is around the area. Shopping? grocery stores? I realize they won't be as convenient as what I've been used to living in NOVA but we are definitely willing to give that up for more leg room

[TN Lily]

Lake Anna's shoreline fronts in Louisa, Orange & Spotsylvania County. Where you live on the lake likely determines where you go to shop. Many Lake Anna residents find Fredericksburg convenient for shopping.

Louisa has a Walmart Supercenter, but it is in Zion Crossroads which is not conveniently located for Lake Anna residents.

My daughter attended the Louisa County middle school. We were content with the school system. I don't know when the new high school will be up and running. Right now the high school is a modular set-up since the high school was rendered unsable by the earthquake. I had been told that the class of 2016 will be the first class to graduate from the new high school.

Good luck.

[cully]

Have you checked out Smith Mountain Lake? There's the lake beside it, too. I think it's called Leesville Lake that's being built up now.

[Helpful Homeguy]

While still considered NOVA, you might want to look into Potomac Shores, in the Dumfries area. This area may also become known as Potomac, VA. This is a waterfront (Potomac River) community being built that also includes a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. They will have a resort, Town Center, hotel, marina, hospital and various other features. It is being designed to be a walkable community. There will be office space for local businesses, as well as space for corporations. They are trying to get the FBI headquarters relocated to this community- http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...1394_blog.html. There is also a VRE station planned to open by 2017. If you want more information, let me know(I do not work for the developers).

Lake Anna is also a nice area, as others have stated. I have family that lives down there. It is a bit of a drive to D.C. or Richmond though. Hope this helps.

[onevthoki]

Lake Chesdin in Chesterfield County is very nice.