When people think of Williamsburg, Virginia, they might picture a charming historical town or a vacation destination. Yet it offers much more than that, particularly for 55+ homebuyers—it’s brimming with opportunities for a fulfilling retirement. This part of “Old Dominion” blends Colonial landmarks, natural beauty, modern conveniences, and well-appointed Williamsburg gated communities worth touring.
Colonial Williamsburg is this city’s best-known landmark. Its cobblestone streets, costumed interpreters, and well-preserved buildings add historical interest to the area. Local theaters, art galleries, and frequent events create an environment that balances that with contemporary sensibilities.
We’ve proven that Williamsburg is a fine place to visit, but what makes it a worthy city for retirees to settle down in? Answering that question is our next task.
Overview of Williamsburg, Virginia
Outdoor Recreation and Natural Beauty
Retirees in Williamsburg benefit from a wealth of outdoor opportunities. The region’s scenic landscapes and parks provide ideal settings for adventures with friends, family, and grandkids.
- Veterans Park – a family-friendly outdoor destination with walking trails, picnic areas, sports fields, a playground, and the renowned Kidsburg area.
- Busch Gardens – a European-themed amusement park featuring thrilling roller coasters, live entertainment, animal exhibits, and seasonal festivals.
- Powhatan Creek Trail – a scenic, paved path for walking, observing nature, and e-bike rides. It winds through lush wetlands and forests and connects to historical sites and local parks.
- Jamestown Beach – sandy shores, picnic areas, and scenic views along the James River. Visitors enjoy swimming, kayaking, and relaxing while surrounded by the area’s natural beauty.
Let’s not forget about golf: This city has numerous golf courses, some located within or near Williamsburg gated communities.
Access to Quality Health Care
Health care is a top priority for active adults, and Williamsburg delivers high-quality medical facilities. Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center is a well-regarded hospital in the Williamsburg area, providing comprehensive care and specialized services. The other best-known local hospital is Riverside Doctors Hospital of Williamsburg.
Beyond health care, Williamsburg offers a variety of essential services for older adults. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail outlets are conveniently located throughout the area. Williamsburg’s reliable public transportation system and senior services programs further enhance the ease of living for retirees.
Arts, Culture, and Dining
Williamsburg is also a hub for arts and culture:
- Williamsburg Players – a community theater offering high-quality productions, including dramas, comedies, and musicals.
- The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra – a professional orchestra performing classical and contemporary works, providing enriching musical experiences through concerts, education, and community outreach programs.
- The Kimball Theatre – a historic venue in Colonial Williamsburg hosting films, live performances, lectures, and cultural events, with a mix of entertainment and education.
- Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum – a Williamsburg treasure displaying American folk art, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles, celebrating creativity and cultural heritage across centuries.
- Copper Fox Distillery – a Williamsburg craft distillery known for its innovative approach to whiskey-making, offering tours, tastings, and handcrafted spirits with a focus on local ingredients.
- The Whaling Company – a popular Williamsburg restaurant offering a seafood-centric menu known for its fresh catches, oysters, and inviting atmosphere.
Yearly events like the Williamsburg Book Festival and An Occasion for the Arts add to the area’s cultural richness.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
While Williamsburg has plenty to offer, its location makes exploring the surrounding region easy. Retirees enjoy day trips to places like Jamestown Settlement or Yorktown Battlefield in the Historic Triangle. Richmond, with its diverse arts scene and historic districts, is just an hour away. Virginia Beach and the Blue Ridge Mountains are also within driving distance; Williamsburg 55+ residents can take short drives to any of these spots for memorable mini-vacations.
Cost of Living and Housing Options
Retirees also appreciate this area’s relatively affordable cost of living. While housing prices vary, Williamsburg gated communities often provide excellent value with their combination of modern floor plans, amenities, and security. You can shop for new and resale single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums according to your budget.
Lower property taxes compared to other regions also contribute to Williamsburg’s appeal. Additionally, the area offers various resources for financial planning and retirement support, helping you make the most of your retirement years.
Why Consider Williamsburg Gated Communities?
Williamsburg gated communities are popular among retirees for their combination of privacy, security, and amenities. In addition to the added protection, these neighborhoods often have clubhouses, fitness centers, and swimming pools, making maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle easy.
Many of these neighborhoods are age-restricted to residents aged 55 and older; others have no age restrictions but cater to active adult lifestyles. Many have single-level floor plans and homeowners’ associations (HOA) that charge fees to cover landscaping, trash pick up, security, and other community services.
These neighborhoods also offer access to Williamsburg’s golf courses, tennis courts, and social clubs. The proximity to shopping, dining, and health care facilities adds to the appeal, providing residents with everything they need close to home.
Featured Williamsburg 55+ Gated Communities
The Settlement at Powhatan Creek
High $400ks – High $700ks
Built from 2008 to 2017 by Ryan Homes and Wayne Harbin Builder, Inc., this upscale 55+ community offers 400 attached and single-family homes on a property next to Powhatan Creek. Each residence offers a first-floor master suite. The builders offer these floor plans:
- Ryan Homes townhomes are 2,229 square feet, with two floors, three bedrooms, two baths, and attached two-car garages. Features include a large walk-in closet, dual vanities, and extra storage options.
- Ryan Homes single-family floor plans offer three bedrooms, two baths, and attached garages.
- Townhomes by Wayne Harbin Builder, Inc. have three to four bedrooms, two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached garages.
- The Manor Homes by Wayne Harbin Builder, Inc. come in four models ranging from 2,810 to 3,400 square feet, with three to five bedrooms, three to four baths, and garages.
- Wayne Harbin also offers Cottage Homes, one-level models with two bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half baths, and attached garages.
The Settlement at Powhatan Creek in Williamsburg, VA, offers upscale amenities, like a clubhouse, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and walking trails. Residents also enjoy a hobby room, billiards, tennis courts, scenic lakes, and a demonstration kitchen.
Kingsmill
Low $300ks – Low $2Ms
Kingsmill broke ground in 1975, and there’s still work going on; it will have 2,354 condo, attached, and single-family homes, and no age restrictions. The smaller condos offer two bedrooms, two baths, and access to the property’s many amenities. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you could find a luxury 7.000 square-foot- home for sale, with five bedrooms, six baths, attached garages, and upgrades like spectacular gourmet kitchens, screened-in porches, and bonus rooms.
Kingsmill has many community amenities, including 24/7 security through the Kingsmill Police force. Other sought-after features include ponds for fishing and kayaking, private beach access, walking trails, and three clubhouses. Oh, and there’s this: You can purchase a membership to Kingsmill’s three golf courses, spa, fitness center, restaurants, and full-service marina.
The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers
High $600ks – Low $3Ms
With 750 new and resale single-family homes, The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers is a fabulous waterfront community with no age restrictions. Different companies built these homes, and the property has a private beach, tennis courts, a marina, tennis courts, and the requisite 18-hole championship golf course. These homeowners also enjoy access to an upscale clubhouse, on-site restaurants, a bar, and a modern fitness center.
Ford’s Colony
High $400ks – Low $3Ms
Also with no age restrictions, Ford’s Colony offers 3,250 condo, attached, and single-family homes. There are several subdivisions here. The resale inventory includes homes ranging from 1,700 to over 5,000 square feet, with two to five bedrooms and two to three baths.
Here are highlights from several of those subdivisions:
- Eaglescliffe will have seven buildings containing 84 condos, sized from 1,700 to just over 2,100 square feet. These cozy homes offer one to three bedrooms, at least two full baths, and private, covered parking.
- The Links at Ford’s Colony offers resale one and two-story attached homes ranging from 1,300 to 2,200 square feet.
- Ford’s Colony’s single-family homes are in a dozen different neighborhoods. The Kar-San Development models range from 2,686 to 3,524 square feet, with three to five bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half baths, and attached garages.
Colonial Heritage
High $300ks – Mid $700ks
Our fifth Williamsburg gated community is also a beauty: Colonial Heritage is a Lennar Homes golf course property with plans for 1,800 attached and single-family homes. The modern floor plans range from 1,366 to 2,816 square feet with two to four bedrooms, two- to four-and-a-half baths, and attached two- to three-car garages. Look for upgrades like open-concept gourmet kitchens, nine-foot ceilings, and basements in these luxury models. A limited number of attached homes may be available.
The Heritage Club is this neighborhood’s 25,000-square-foot clubhouse. Here, you’ll find an indoor pool, fitness center, activity rooms, and two restaurants. The 18-hole golf course, another pool, and sports courts are outside.
Is Williamsburg Right for You?
Williamsburg’s mix of historic landmarks, natural beauty, and modern conveniences makes it a compelling option for 55+ home seekers. The area offers so much, from the fine homes, privacy, and amenities of Williamsburg gated communities to the exciting cultural and recreational opportunities. We suggest you visit the area, tour neighborhoods, and experience the local culture. That will help you decide if this town is the right place to call home. Contact 55places.com today to learn more about 55+ homes for sale in Williamsburg!
