Williamsburg Virginia: A Mecca for Retirement

Williamsburg Virginia is a familiar name for many because it is steeped in colonial history. In the 1920s, Rockefeller sunk millions into the renovation of historic homes, pubs, and properties. Today, Williamsburg is an early American gem, as well as a mecca for retirement. A Temperate Climate The greater Williamsburg area includes James City and York Counties, and these areas are also steeped in early American history. Many retirees prefer this part of Southeastern Virginia because it has a temperate climate and an excellent mid point location on the Eastern seaboard. The temperature in winter months rarely dips below 40 or 30 degrees, and snow is a rarity. For six to eight months out of the year, temperatures range from 55-90 degrees. Gardening For the plant lover, this area of Virginia represents the northernmost tip of a sub-tropical zone, so the variety of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees are vast. Outdoor gardening can be done 9-10 months out of the year. Near coastal or tidal areas a good deal of the soil is mixed with sand, which makes for fertile gardening. Birding Bird lovers will find it an excellent place for birding, because it's a flyover zone for many species of migrating birds heading south for the winter. >From November through March, there are an abundance of flocks of feathered visitors to the area. Golfing in Williamsburg The golfing enthusiast will find much to love in Williamsburg. There are 10 major golf courses in and around the Wiliamsburg area. Three highly regarded courses are located at Kingsmill, Fords Colony, and the Golden Horsehoe , James City County and York County. Williamsburg is known for its highly coveted signature golf courses. Low Property Taxes Many retirees relocate to the Williamsburg area because the property taxes are much lower than other regions. In the City of Williamsburg property tax is .57 cents per hundred dollars (as of 2005.) Bordering James City County is currently .87 per hundred and York County is .86 per hundred. Williamsburg