Looking for a lovely city with friendly residents and a fascinating history? Then living in Williamsburg VA, might be just the ticket.
Williamsburg VA, is known for its colonial history and for being the home of the world’s largest living history museum. English settlers founded the city as Middle Plantation in 1632, and it existed as the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780. It’s named after King William III of England.
Today, Williamsburg is a good place to live for families, retirees, and anyone seeking a peaceful small town with modern amenities and historical significance. Convinced that moving to Williamsburg is the perfect option for you? Here is a complete guide to help you decide.
Where Is Williamsburg VA?
Williamsburg, Virginia is an independent city located between James City County and York County. It’s part of the Historic Triangle, along with the nearby Jamestown and Yorktown, which are all connected by the Colonial Parkway. It’s positioned on the Virginia Peninsula between the James and York Rivers, while Queens Creek and College Creek also partially surround it.
It’s also in the northwest corner of the Hampton Roads metropolitan statistical area, along with major cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach. It’s on the I-64 corridor southeast of Richmond and is also served by US Route 60 and Virginia State Route 199, providing access to other major cities. So residents living in Williamsburg VA have plenty of options.
It’s about 50 miles or a 54 minute drive from Williamsburg to Richmond.
Williamsburg Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the Williamsburg VA population is 15,425. An increasing number of people have come to understand the fantastic benefits of living in Williamsburg VA, and the population increased by 9.6% between 2010 and 2020. It has a very spread-out, suburban ambiance that appeals to many growing families with a population density of 1741 residents per square mile.
Due to the presence of William and Mary College, there are a lot of young people living in Williamsburg VA, and 55% of the population is under 30. The median age is 24 years, which is 38% lower than the median in the state. However, it’s also home to a significant number of retirees, and 17% of people living in Williamsburg VA are 65 and older.
It’s also a relatively diverse community, which gives the city a unique flavor and cultural tapestry. The racial and ethnic breakdown of people living in Williamsburg VA is 67% white (non-Hispanic), 15% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic or Latino, 7% Asian, and 3% two or more races.
From painter Georgia O’Keefe to musician Bruce Hornsby, plenty of notable residents have enjoyed the benefits of living in Williamsburg VA.
Other Virginia Williamsburg demographics
- The median household income is $70,206, which is 25% lower than the statewide median
- 53% of people living in Williamsburg VA are women, and 47% are men
- 93.1% of people living in Williamsburg VA have a high school diploma, and 48.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 10.5%
Living in Williamsburg VA is safe. It’s a peaceful college town that’s relatively isolated from the problems that often plague larger cities. As a result, the Williamsburg crime rate is slightly lower than the Virginia crime rate and significantly lower than the national average. Here’s how the crime rate in Williamsburg VA compares to the state and country.
- Total crime: 1,748 crimes per 100,000 people, 9.4% lower than the state and 24.8% lower than the country
- Property crime: 209 crimes per 100,000 people, 10.7% lower than the state and 43.5% lower than the country
- Violent crime: 1,539 crimes per 100,000 people, 9.3% lower than the state and 21.3% lower than the country
The Williamsburg Police Department addresses crime in the community with the support of 41 law enforcement personnel, comprising 39 officers and 2 civilians.
Cost of Living in Williamsburg VA
The Williamsburg cost of living is relatively affordable, considering the numerous fantastic benefits residents enjoy. A great way to understand the cost of living in a community is to reference the cost of living index. It compares the typical prices of regular consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Hamptons Road Area is 94, indicating that living in Williamsburg VA about 6% less expensive than the rest of the country. The Family Budget Calculator, created by the Economic Policy Institute, is also a great option. It suggests that a typical family of four, with two adults and two children, would need to earn $107,880 to afford the cost of living in Williamsburg VA.
Typical expenses related to living in Williamsburg VA:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $19.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.64
- Loaf of white bread: $3.43
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $3.75
- 12 ounce bottle of water: $2.17
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.15
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $3.52
- Average Williamsburg monthly utility bill: $190.00
Source: Numbeo
Williamsburg real estate tends to be a bit pricer than the national average, although you can find anything from starter homes to massive estates. Redfin suggests that the median price of Williamsburg homes for sale is $650,000, which is 50% higher than the rest of the country. Although prices start at $175,000 and go up to $1.3 million, Virginia is known to have reasonable property taxes. The median price per square foot of homes for sale in Williamsburg Virginia, is $211.
Although most residents own a home, renters moving to Williamsburg will likewise find an abundance of options. According to census data, 53% of homes are owner-occupied and 47% are rented out. RentCafe suggests that the average rent is $1874 per month.
For those who prefer more flexible or short-term housing options while settling in, Casai can be a great resource. Travelers and newcomers can browse a wide range of vacation rentals, private homes, and fully furnished stays in the area, making it easier to find temporary accommodation before committing to a long-term lease. Whether you’re relocating or just exploring the city, Casai offers a convenient way to compare different places to stay in Williamsburg based on your budget and preferences.
The average height of an apartment building is 3 stories, and 93% of buildings are garden-style apartments or smaller homes for rent in Williamsburg VA. Rent prices start around $1400 for a one-bedroom and go up to $3400 for 3 or more bedrooms.
A few popular apartment buildings in Williamsburg:
Williamsburg Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Williamsburg
The city is full of fantastic neighborhoods offering safe streets, access to amenities, and spacious Williamsburg, VA homes for sale. Here are a few of the best places to live if you’re thinking about moving to Williamsburg.
Kings Mill | A Resort Style Community With Beautiful River Views
Kings Mill is a resort-style community along the James River that features a 36-hole championship golf course, luxury Williamsburg, VA real estate, and numerous amenities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a marina.
Queens Lake | A Family-Friendly Community With Lake Access
Queens Lake is a popular community among families living in Williamsburg VA that is centered around a freshwater lake of the same name. It borders New Quarter Park and features a wide range of amenities, including a clubhouse, marina, sports courts, and multiple swimming pools.
Colonial Heritage | A 55+ Community Set Against a Historic Backdrop
Located just outside Historic Williamsburg, Colonial Heritage is an active adult community (55+) featuring an award-winning golf club, upscale dining options, a 25,000-square-foot clubhouse, and other exciting lifestyle amenities. Perfect for retirees living in Williamsburg VA.
Williamsburg Climate and Weather
Fantastic weather is another major benefit of living in Williamsburg VA. It has a humid, subtropical climate according to the Koppen Classification System, which suggests four distinct seasons with cold winters and hot, humid summers.
The temperature typically ranges from 32°F to 91°F, although winter can get as cold as 20°F and summer can get as hot as 98°F. The entire month of May is a great time to visit someone living in Williamsburg VA, as is late August through mid-October.
Plan for precipitation if moving to Williamsburg is in your future. It averages 47 inches of rain and 7 inches of snow every year. So make sure to pack an umbrella and snow boots.
Things to Do in Williamsburg
From living history museums to amusement parks, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Williamsburg, VA. For those living in Williamsburg VA who are looking to do some shopping, Williamsburg Premium Outlets and The Shoppes at High Street both offer a variety of shops, local businesses, and restaurants. Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square and the Williamsburg Antique Mall are both good places to pick up craft goods and vintage items. Beyond shopping, here are a few of the best things to do in Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum with beautifully restored, reconstructed historical areas, including the Governor’s Palace, with live actors portraying what life was like in 18th-century Colonial Virginia. It’s a great place for history buffs living in Williamsburg VA.
101 Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (888) 965-7254
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a 422-acre amusement park and one of the best things to do in Williamsburg VA, with kids, and plenty of roller coasters, waterslides, live entertainment, and other family-friendly attractions.
1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (757) 229-4386
Muscarelle Museum of Art
Located on the campus of the College of William and Mary, The Muscarelle Museum of Art is one of the top Williamsburg VA attractions for art aficionados with a large collection of works from European and Asian artists.
603 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (757) 221-2700
Additional Williamsburg Attractions
- Governor’s Palace
- Bounce House Family Entertainment Center
- Water County USA
- Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park
Looking for more fun things to do in Williamsburg? The local Parks and Recreation Department has a list of special events for people living in Williamsburg VA, farmers markets, and public facilities on its website.
Williamsburg Restaurants
Feeling a bit hungry? From French fine dining to upscale American food, you’ll find plenty of delicious restaurants in Williamsburg VA. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Williamsburg VA if you need a recommendation.
Le Yaca French Restaurant
For those who like upscale French dining, Le Yaca is one of the best restaurants in Williamsburg VA, with à la carte and pre-fixed menus, along with fine wine, served in a refined setting with a fireplace and patio seating.
1430 High St, Williamsburg, VA 23188 (757) 220-3616
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Food For Thought
Food for Thought is a delicious Williamsburg VA restaurant serving American fare with global flavors and features delicious menu items like hickory salmon and baked eggplant marinara.
1647 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (757) 645-4665
American Ox Public House
American Ox Public House is a modern eatery serving New American cuisine in a chic, industrial setting with banquette seating, happy hour specials, and classic cocktails. It’s a great spot for locals living in Williamsburg VA, with upscale tastes.
525 Prince George St Suite 102, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (757) 790-2299
Jobs in Williamsburg
Living in Williamsburg VA offers a wide variety of job opportunities. Tourism is a major component of the local economy. Attractions like Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens provide numerous jobs in Williamsburg VA, while shopping centers like Williamsburg Premium Outlets provide retail opportunities. Anheuser-Busch also has a brewery in Williamsburg and many notable operations throughout York and James City County.
Education is also a big part of the economy, and The College of William and Mary provides many high-paying Williamsburg VA jobs. The Williamsburg area has a total labor force of over 75,000 and an unemployment rate of 6.45%.
Best places to work in Williamsburg:
- City of Williamsburg
- College of William and Mary
- Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
- National Center for State Courts
- Sodexo
- Williamsburg James City County School System
Employees living in Williamsburg VA can expect great compensation. Payscale indicates the average salary in Williamsburg is $69,000 per year. From retail associate to production technician, you’ll find a wide variety of great Williamsburg jobs available. City of Williamsburg jobs with the local government are also available for those in search of competitive pay and benefits.
With more companies embracing remote work, residents living in Williamsburg VA aren’t limited to local employers either. Many businesses outside the state now hire employees in Virginia without setting up their own legal entity there, which has opened up additional remote job opportunities for people living in Williamsburg VA who want to work for companies based elsewhere.
Williamsburg Schools
Any children living in Williamsburg VA will have access to a great school system. The Williamsburg-James County Public School District operates the public schools in the community, and serves approximately 11,000 students across 9 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 3 high schools.
Stonehouse, Matoaka, and J Blaine Blayton are generally considered the best elementary schools in Williamsburg VA based on test scores and student teacher ratio.
The three high schools in Williamsburg VA:
- Jamestown High School
- Lafayette High School
- Warhill High School
Jamestown is generally considered the best of the Williamsburg high schools and ranks 44th in the state of Virginia with a 56% AP Participation Rate. There are also several private schools in Williamsburg VA, including Williamsburg Christian Academy, A Christian IB School, and Walsingham Academy, a private Catholic K-12 school. Williamsburg is also home to the College of William and Mary, the second-oldest university in the US after Harvard. All residents living in Williamsburg VA are welcome to stop by the Williamsburg Regional Library for books and other media.
Williamsburg Statistics & Information
- Williamsburg County: Independent City
- Williamsburg area: 9.10 square miles
- Williamsburg zip code: 23185-23188
- Williamsburg area code(s): 757 & 948
- Williamsburg VA elevation: 82 ft
- Williamsburg time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Williamsburg: The Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) is 19 miles away.
Map of Williamsburg VA
Discover more attractions, activities, and fun things to do while living in Williamsburg VA with this map.
Find Out for Yourself What Living in Williamsburg VA Is Really Like
Ready to discover all the fantastic benefits that living in Williamsburg VA has to offer? Trust the award-winning Williamsburg movers at Off Load Moving to make your moving experience effortless and affordable. Call (757) 749-7212 for a free quote from our top-rated Virginia Beach movers.
