by Robert Borges on October 18, 2024

History enthusiasts, outdoor explorers, and retirees all love Williamsburg, Virginia. This historic city is filled with picturesque neighborhoods, historic landmarks and sites, adorable shops, and is not far from scenic bodies of water.

There are plenty of highly-rated healthcare facilities in Williamsburg, with most a five-minute drive away from anywhere in the city. Williamsburg is also a great destination for retirees because the climate is generally mild throughout the year, with warm and humid summers.

In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits and disadvantages of living in Williamsburg, as well as the best private communities for seniors and retirees in the city.

The Pros of Living in Williamsburg

Williamsburg is located in central Virginia, and is a small town despite its historical significance and natural beauty. Here are some of the top perks of retiring in Williamsburg:

Great Location

If you love the feeling and safety of a small town but need the convenience of a larger city, Williamsburg is perfect for you. Larger cities are around thirty to forty miles away, but Williamsburg is filled with award-winning healthcare, shopping, and great options for dining.

Rich History and Culture

American history starts in Williamsburg in many ways. Williamsburg is one of the United States’ oldest cities and was established in 1632. Today, it’s home to several historical monuments and museums.

You can visit the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, The Governor's Palace, and more. Additionally, Williamsburg is filled with modern culture, including theaters and art galleries.

Short Trip to James River

Williamsburg, VA James River

Williamsburg is close to the James River, Virginia’s largest river. The James River flows through the entire state. Many locals and tourists enjoy beach days by the river, exploring the quiet forests surrounding the beaches, and photographing the gorgeous views.

Private Communities

Williamsburg is home to several locations offered by Private Communities, including Colonial Heritage, Ford’s Colony, Governor’s Land at Two Rivers, Kingsmill on the James, and The Settlement at Powhatan Creek. These communities are geared towards retirees with apartments, townhomes, and single family residences for those fifty-five and older to enjoy.

Our communities are close to top-rated hospitals and are rich in luxury amenities, such as resident clubhouses, social clubs, golf courses, marinas, and spas. When you move into one of our communities, get ready to embrace the best of Williamsburg!

The Cons of Living in Williamsburg

While Williamsburg is a wonderful place to live, there are some drawbacks to living in this Virginian town:

Heavy Traffic

Because Williamsburg is a popular historic site, it draws in plenty of attention during the school year when students are learning about American history, and attracts folks who are interested in learning about the Colonial Era. This leads to many cars on the roads of this small town, and traffic can be pretty intense during the summer or rush hour.

Luckily, Private Communities can offer shuttle services and is in close proximity to several shopping centers, restaurants, and healthcare facilities–you’ll never need to worry about your commute for errands.

Tourist Traps

While Williamsburg has a population of nearly 16,000 residents, it draws in almost two million tourists a year. What looks like a sleepy, quaint town can quickly become overwhelmed with waves of tourists in the downtown area.

This is why many retirees opt for a gated, private community. You will always be surrounded by friendly faces, have an additional layer of security, and can easily avoid the crowds.

Enjoy the Best of Williamsburg With Private Communities

Private Communities in Williamsburg, VA

Private Communities is the top online resource for retirees looking for master-planned lifestyle communities. We launched our website because we saw a need for a trusted and well-connected online resource for lifestyle-oriented homebuyers. When you’re shopping for the perfect home for this stage of your life, it’s about more than the square footage and number of bedrooms–it’s about finding a community that complements your lifestyle.

Our online search feature can help you find the right community for you based on your desired location, your price range, home type, and amenities. This makes finding your next home easier than ever and helps you realize that in retirement, you truly can have it all!

This search function is user-friendly and every result is carefully vetted by our team. With our nearly thirty years of experience in the private communities industry, we partner with only the top developers and real estate companies in the United States.

Ready to find your perfect home in Williamsburg? Use our search tool today!