Welcome to Williamsburg
Friendly community, luxury housing, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
When it was founded as the capital of the Virginia colony in 1699, Williamsburg became one of the very first planned cities in America. It also became home to the oldest legislative body and a center for commerce and politics. Today, the city prides itself on the preservation of its cultural history. One museum, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, is the largest historical museum in the country. It spans 301 acres and comprises 89 original buildings plus hundreds of historical recreations.
Williamsburg is located on the Virginia Peninsula, with the York River to the north and the James River to the South. The surrounding landscape comprises rolling hills and dense forests. It's a scenic and convenient location, with Richmond, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach all less than one hour away. The strong economy, business-friendly infrastructure, and excellent healthcare are additional reasons why real estate here is in constant high demand.
What to Love
- Diverse housing, from colonial architecture to modern luxury estates
- Well-preserved historical buildings and detailed recreations
- Breathtaking views of the scenic natural landscape
- A strong economy and business-friendly
- Upscale shopping and dining
- World-class cultural institutions and higher education
Local Lifestyle
Because of its location on the peninsula, Williamsburg feels like a small Southern town while still providing big-city amenities such as fine dining restaurants and world-class museums. Residents are friendly, and the community is both tight-knit and welcoming to the flocks of tourists that come to visit the historical sites. There are hundreds of groups of volunteers that help with preservation, education, and outreach programs. Newcomers are greeted by neighbors and can get resources to help them settle in better and acquaint themselves with the community.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Williamsburg is as much a culinary destination as a cultural one. Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg is a prime example. The mile-long stretch between Blair Street and Boundary Street features homes and buildings that date as far back as the 18th century and have been meticulously restored. The street is closed to traffic and hosts the
Williamsburg Farmers Market.
Set in a 1930s-era building,
Fat Canary serves elevated American fare in a fine dining setting. It has been family-owned and operated since opening in 2003 and has an adjacent wine and cheese shop. It's one of the most popular restaurants in Williamsburg and can get crowded with locals and visitors alike.
Things to Do
For history buffs,
Historic Jamestowne is the archeological site and museum of the first permanent colonial settlement in America. The immersive experience features the original James Fort, excavated artifacts, a colonial village recreation, and costumed characters.
For golf enthusiasts,
Kingsmill Resort hosts golf tournaments every year. There are three courses on-site: the Arnold Palmer-designed Plantation Course, Pete Dye River Course, and the Tom Clark-designed Woods Course, which is open exclusively to members and their guests.
One of Virginia's biggest attractions,
Busch Gardens Williamsburg, is a 422-acre European-themed park. In addition to roller coasters and thrill rides, the park has fantastic shows and a variety of dining options. It also boasts Virginia's largest Christmas celebration. Beginning in November, the park and numerous rides are decorated with over 10 million Christmas lights and feature classic holiday entertainment.
Another annual holiday tradition is the Grand Illumination in Colonial Williamsburg. The celebration is symbolic of the 18th-century tradition of firing off guns and lighting fireworks to celebrate victories and important events.
