Moving to Williamsburg - maybe (Norfolk, Newport News: fit in, transplants, real estate)

[lorandsean]

My husband is finishing up a contract in Pennsylvania and is looking in the Hampton Roads/Williamsburg for his next one (he is an anesthesia provider). We are considering living in the Williamsburg area, but don't know a ton about it. We have not particularly enjoyed our time in Pennsylvania - we have never fit in here (Lancaster County) because we are not from the area, have no family in the area, and are childless and will be remaining that way. Those are pretty much three large social strikes against you around here.

Could someone please provide some info about the Williamsburg area? Specifically:

1. Is it a lousy commute from there to the Norfolk area?
2. Are there a lot of transplants there?
3. Will we stick out and be considered "weird" because we don't have any children? (Note we both like children, we volunteer with them here - we just don't happen to have any)
4. Is there any housing stock other than subdivisions? On the various realty websites that seems to be all I see.

Thanks so much!

[Mr Williamsburg]

Lora,

Sorry to hear of your bad experiences in PA.

1. Is it a lousy commute from there to the Norfolk area? YES. I wouldn't consider it for an everyday commute. It could take 50 minutes to over an hour.

Could he work at Sentara in Williamsburg ? or Riverside in Newport News ?
2. Are there a lot of transplants there? YES, plenty. maybe 50%.
3. Will we stick out and be considered "weird" because we don't have any children? I dont think so. We know numerous couples of all ages without kids. They all have one thing in common. We are jealous of their free time..

4. Is there any housing stock other than subdivisions? On the various realty websites that seems to be all I see. YES but subdivisions are the main percentage of housing. What are you looking for ? Acreage , privacy ?

[lorandsean]

Mr. W -

Thanks so much for your reply! I appreciate it.

Could he work at Sentara in Williamsburg ? or Riverside in Newport News ?
I am not sure but I think Newport News is an option.

2. Are there a lot of transplants there? YES, plenty. maybe 50%.
That is good to know. I am struggling to think of anyone we've met here in PA who isn't from the county, or married to someone from the county.

3. Will we stick out and be considered "weird" because we don't have any children? I dont think so. We know numerous couples of all ages without kids. They all have one thing in common. We are jealous of their free time..
That is good to know as well.

4. Is there any housing stock other than subdivisions? On the various realty websites that seems to be all I see. YES but subdivisions are the main percentage of housing. What are you looking for ? Acreage , privacy ?
We were hoping to find a home of a historical nature, or at least one with that vibe. We'd also like a walkable neighborhood if possible. I saw something called New Town mentioned - are there any single family homes (not townhouse/attached homes) near there?
Primarily, quite honestly, we would like an area that has a sense of community. We like knowing our neighbors and being friendly with them, and our PA time has been weird in how cold and isolated this subdivision is.

[misueno]

I would agree with most everything Mr. Williamsburg said and I'll elaborate a bit.

The commute to Norfolk is about 45-50 minutes. Long in and of itself, but made worse by the fact that the only way to get there from here is through one of two tunnels. If anything goes wrong in the tunnel that day, you are screwed. As a result, you need to add at least 30 minutes to allow for traffic issues. Doing that as a daily commute would be miserable. The commute to Newport News is much more feasible.

Williamsburg is loaded with transplants... and as for childless, my husband and I don't have children either. I have never felt judged by that or that anyone we have met considers it strange. I will say however, that because most of the people we meet fall into one of two categories: significantly older, retirees or younger with families, we have had difficulty finding a social circle. Most families with young children socialize around their children's activities and we have little in common with many of the older retirees. That being said, people are generally friendly and open to making new friends. Unfortunately, our work has us out of town frequently and that makes it all the more difficult to meet people and commit to activities so my own experience may be unique on this question.

It is true that most of Williamsburg is built into subdivisions, but I wouldn't be too quick to consider that a fault. Very few are of the monochromatic, bland, and lifeless kind one associates with images from Juno. Most are really quite beautiful, laid out fairly organically, and include social situations like swim clubs or tennis courts. My neighborhood was once primarily quiet retirees but is blossoming with families and friendly neighbors. I would urge you to take a look at some of the subdivisions. A good agent from the area will be familiar with the various subdivisions and guide you toward one that suits your style.

Finally, I'm sorry you're so unhappy with Lancaster County, but I wouldn't rule out all of PA. You are so close to the center of the state where there is less transience and perhaps a touch more provincialism. I am currently looking to move and the greater Philadelphia area is one of my target areas. I think as you get closer to cities in PA, you'll find more the open people you've been missing.

Best of luck to you.

[Mr Williamsburg]

Newport News is easily commutable to Williamsburg. 20-35 minutes depending on the exact location.
They are building detached homes in New Town. Currently starting in low $400's for 2000 sq feet. The intent is to offer smaller detached homes as well maybe form the mid $300's, All on smallish lots with lots of greenspace, rear garages, accessed by alleys. Walking paths everywhere. I work in New Town and love it. We have almost everything we need, Move Theater, 20 + restaurants, coffee shops, Barnes& Noble, Gym, Trader Joes/ Doctors, Dentists, Banks and Shops.
All of the detached homes are being built in a "Coastal Carolina" feel. Sort of like old Charleston . They will be building smaller bungalow type detached cottages in the future as well. Everything previously built has been Town Homes and two mid-rise condo buildings.


Everyone know everyone in New Town. Quite a few of the restaurants have outdoor dining, where people congregate. Its a small town also so you tend to see your neighbors quite often at the grocery store, movies or just outside walking. Its rare that we don't see someone we know when we are out.
Another option might be closer to the restored area of Colonial Williamsburg. Duke of Gloucester Street was just named one of the best Streets in America By The American Planning Association
Few places in the U.S. have used the present to recreate the past as authentically and successfully as Williamsburg has done along Duke of Gloucester Street. The street is once again the 99-foot-wide "great street" of Virginia's 18th century capital. Aside from more trees and less mud, the resemblance is remarkable. Buildings have been restored to their 18th century appearance and homes, stores, and other public buildings have been reconstructed at their original locations. The street is closed to motor vehicle traffic along its mile length.

Any home near CW is pricey though a home that needs TLC within walkable distance ( two blocks is listed at $450k)

[lorandsean]

Mr. W and Misueno -

Thanks so much for the information. We will definitely take all these things into consideration if we move along any further with a move to the Williamsburg area.

Best wishes!

[Mr Williamsburg]

Misueno
I'm curious what neighborhood you live in if you don't mind sharing. We live in Windsor Forest and see the same thing happening population wise. Quite a few of the original home owners are selling to younger folks both with and without kids..

[lorandsean]

Mr. W and/or Misueno -

One more question. I have to admit, one of the things that has creeped us out about Lancaster, PA is the way that everyone seems to know EVERYONE and that filters into local government, real estate, etc. For example, we were involved in a real estate deal that did not work out well, and in the aftermath we discovered the owner of the property was involved in business deals with the father of our buyers' agent (who was colluding with the listing agent), was hooked into the appraisal community (and forced a manipulation of the property appraisal), and on and on. Is Williamsburg of adequate size that stuff like that doesn't go on, or is that something one might see there? I have to say, after living in large cities, we have found this incestuousness extremely unnerving. I know it's pretty much present everywhere, but in a small community it seems like it has a larger impact on individual citizens.

[Mr Williamsburg]

Not aware of anything similar here. Being a small town you will grow to know many but I see that as an advantage not a disadvantage. just sayin'

[misueno]

LorandSean - Williamsburg is small, but not that small... and getting bigger in relative leaps and bounds. There are some circles of friends in high places, but I am not aware of scandalous shenanigans or overt episodes nepotistic dealings. The town is big enough and filled with transplants.

Mr. W.- we live in Ford's Colony. I've seen a huge shift in demographics since we moved here. We were kind of an anomaly in the community when we first purchased. Everyone around us was retired and the average age at newcomer gatherings seemed to be well over 70. Our block now is filled with a lovely mixture of young families, retirees, DINKS, and recent empty nesters. As I run through the community I see the same shift. Teenagers, retirees, moms pushing carriages... the full gamut. I think it can only be good news for the community - it feels very alive and much more neighborly.