Williamsburg Area, VA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Williamsburg, located in Eastern Virginia, is home to serene nature, offers easy living, and boasts close proximity to an abundance of historical and recreational attractions. The area is generally considered the Virginia Peninsula. 

Wedged between the capital of Virginia, in Richmond, and the beaches of Hampton, Williamsburg is in a prime location with easy access to both cities. Scenic greenery and towering trees line the route down Interstate 64. 

Climate and Geography

Because the Williamsburg area is considered the Virginia Peninsula, the James River, the York River, Hampton Roads, and Chesapeake Bay define much of the area’s geography. There are also inland bodies of water, including the Chickahominy River. 

Williamsburg has a fair year-round climate. Although it experiences all four seasons, winter temperatures don’t drop too far, and summers are very warm, encouraging plenty of outdoor recreational fun.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

There’s plenty of outdoor recreation available in the Williamsburg area. Residents have a lot of water-based options, including boating, fishing, kayaking, and much more on the James and York Rivers. Some of the Williamsburg area is bordered by historic Chesapeake Bay, which provides beaches and more aquatic fun. That’s not to mention the inland river, Chickahominy Falls, and the Chickahominy Riverfront Park.

Much of the area’s culture can be attributed to its place in American history. Jamestown, the first English colony in the country, was located in the area, and there are several attractions related to it. Historic Jamestowne and Colonial Williamsburg are always popular attractions, and there are several ghost tours available throughout the area.

Wine lovers can enjoy a trip to the vineyard at The Williamsburg Winery, which is located on a sprawling 40 acres. The area is also home to a growing number of distilleries, meaderies, and breweries.

For those who enjoy adventure and a bit more of a thrill, Busch Gardens is great for a day of fun. There are also many options for golfers, including Colonial Heritage Golf Club, Williamsburg National Golf Club, and the River Course at Kingsmill Resort.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The Williamsburg area’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average and a little higher than the rest of the state. The area rates better than average in groceries, utilities, and transportation. It’s higher than averages in health and housing. It has a higher median home cost than most of the state and country.

In terms of taxes, retirees can have peace of mind knowing that their Social Security benefits are not taxed. Income tax ranges from 2 percent to 5.75 percent, while retirement income has certain exemptions depending on age.

The sales tax is lower than that of large metropolitan areas, which is beneficial when considering daily local purchasing needs. Statewide property tax is one of the lowest throughout the country. Plus, those 65 or over receive certain tax breaks depending on age and income. 

Health Care

The Williamsburg area has no hospitals ranked by U.S. News, although VCU Medical Center and Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in nearby Richmond are ranked No. 5 and No. 6 in the state, respectively. 

Notable Williamsburg area hospitals include The Riverside Doctors' Hospital Williamsburg, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, and VCU Health at Williamsburg.