Escape the Asphalt Jungle: Retire, Relocate or Purchase a Second
Home in Chesapeake Bay Country
Do you love the beach, but hate the crowds, traffic, and
overpopulation of resorts that attract hordes of tourists? Why
not consider Chesapeake Bay Country as the place to relocate,
retire or buy a second home instead? Located just 2 - 2 1/2
hours outside of Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia or and an
hour from Richmond, Virginia, Chesapeake Bay country is one of
the best kept secrets about coastal Virginia. It's still rural
enough for solitude and close enough to metropolitan areas like
Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg to provide culture and
entertainment nearby.
The Chesapeake Bay area was actually settled in the 1600's and
is rich with history. Some of the best seafood restaurants are
found in Gloucester, Gloucester Point, Matthews and Gwynn's
Island because the restaurants obtain fresh local catches of
fish, oysters, scallops and blue crabs. Homes with boat docks
and waterfront property abound because tidal rivers that lead to
the Chesapeake Bay slice the land. Build the estate you've
always dreamed about on agricultural land - always for sale. If
you want to relocate, retire or buy a second home in Chesapeake
Bay country, the time is now. Join me for a short journey
through the best of Chesapeake Bay Country.
West Point West Point Virginia is located six miles off
Interstate 64 between Richmond and Williamsburg and has a
population of roughly 2,900 people. Property tax rates are low
compared to more congested areas of Virginia. Many families want
to live in West Point, because the school district is so
outstanding it falls within the top 10 school districts of
Virginia each year. West Point is a quiet Southern town, with
some stunning 19th and early 20th Century architecture in the
historic district. West Point is located at the place where the
Mattoponi and Pamunky Rivers join the York River. Once you cross
the bridge on Route 33 you enter the Upper Peninisula and
Northern Neck, bordering the Chesapeake Bay.
Gloucester & Gloucester Point Across the York River from
historic Yorktown, (an alternate route to Gloucester is to take
Route 33 from West Point) Gloucester and Gloucester Point are
towns that are slowly increasing in population. Here you will
find waterfront property that has been utilized by waterman
since Colonial times. Many of the waterfront properties were
once plantations or home to Native Americas. Average homes for
middle class families are numerous in this area. Choice real
estate along the river is available infrequently, and comes at a
premium price.
Matthews In the charming little town of Matthews, the home buyer
will find waterfront property on tidal rivers that lead to the
Chesapeake Bay. Homes often include a boat dock and marinas are
also nearby. Eat fresh, local seafood in the restaurants and
play a round of golf at Tides Mill in Lancaster County - a
world-renowned golf course. Visit Donks Theater for a L'il Oprey
show of country western entertainment. Famous singers who played
here include Earl Scruggs, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette.
Matthews historic district dates to Colonial times. Find
relaxation along the Chesapeake Bay on a secluded, almost
private beach not widely known to tourists -- Festival Beach.
It's the perfect place to get some sun, swim, or do some bird
watching. 'Downtown' Matthews has banks, a video store, gas
station, and auto parts store. A Coast Guard station is located
just before the drawbridge.
Gwynn's Island Cross the drawbridge from Matthews onto
enchanting Gywnn's Island, known by Colonial Indian tribes as a
place 'inhabited by the Great Spirit' and once visited by
Captain John Smith. The island has a nautical 'Cape Cod' feel to
it without ostentatious neighbors or the high property taxes and
cost of living. Gywnn's Island is three miles long and two miles
wide and has a population of roughly 900. A number of residents
have notoriously lived past 100 in this part of Chesapeake Bay
country. Waterfront estates are found along the perimeter and
the center of the island is still dotted with small waterman's
cottages, many converted to second homes or vacation homes. John
Dixon, author of Gwynn's Island: a Brief History, describes
Gwynn's Island as "happy homes and fertile farms on smiling
waters."
These are just a few of the areas that make Chesapeake Bay
Country a pleasant place to retire, relocate, or purchase a
second home or vacation home. Come visit and explore this little
known area. But, be prepared to fall in love with it and leave
your heart.