Looking for a peaceful area with an affordable cost of living and rich history? Then you might want to consider living in York VA? York is a county in Virginia located in the heart of “America’s Historic Triangle” (not to be confused with York, PA). York is known for its high quality of life and rich history.
Named after the English city of the same name, it was formed in 1634 as the Charles River Shire, one of the 8 original shires of the Virginia Colony. It was renamed York County in 1643, making it one of the oldest counties in the US.
Today, York is a good place to live for those seeking a high quality of life, with top-rated public schools and historic attractions. In fact, it was cited by Money Magazine as one of the best places to live in America.
Think that this might be the perfect place to settle down? Here is everything you should know before moving to York.
Where Is York?
York County is in the eastern part of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the Tidewater region and the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro area. It sits on the York River near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, north of the James River. It’s the third smallest county in Virginia by land area.
Drivers living in York VA have a few different options. I-64 is the sole interstate highway. Although US Route 17, State Routes 199 and 134, and two sections of US Route 60 also pass through York County.
The county is served by the Williamsburg Transit Authority and Hampton Roads Transit. It does not contain any independent cities; however, it is home to several unincorporated communities, including Yorktown, Bethel Manor, Dare, Grafton, Lackey, Lightfoot, Seaford, and Tabb.
It’s 72 miles or a 1-hour 15-minute drive from York County VA to Richmond VA.
York Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the York population is 71,410. The number of people living in York VA has continued to increase year after year, and the York County VA population went up by 7% between 2010 and 2020. However, it’s still a very sparsely populated area with a rural feel, and the population density is 682 people.
It’s a relatively affluent community popular among families. 22% of people living in York VA are under 18, and married couples make up 73% of households. The median household income is $108,815, which is about 30% higher than the rest of Virginia.
It’s also a fairly diverse community with sizable Black, Asian, and Hispanic populations living in York VA. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 65% white, 12% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic or Latino, 6% Asian, and 7% two or more races.
Other York demographics
- 51% of people living in York VA are male, and 49% are female
- The median age is 42.6 years old
- 94.1% of people living in York VA have a high school diploma, and 47.7% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 8%
Living in York is safe, and the crime rate is low compared to both the national and statewide averages. In 2024, the York crime rate was 3,431 crimes per 100,000 people, and there were a total of 1,832 arrests throughout the entire county.
Here is a look at how the crime rate in the unincorporated Yorktown compares to the rest of the country:
- Total crime: 722 crimes per 100,000 people, 66% lower than the national average
- Violent crime: 1,788 crimes per 100,000 people, 75% lower than the national average
- Property crime: 2,119 crimes per 100,000 people, 64% lower than the national average
So if crime is a concern for you, living in York VA is a great idea. The York County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for controlling crime in the community.
Cost of Living in York VA County
The cost of living in York VA is also very reasonable for the high quality of life residents enjoy. A good way to get a sense of how much it costs to live in an area is to look at the cost-of-living index. It compares the prices of typical consumer goods to the rest of the US using a metric on a scale of 0 to 100.
The COLI for the Virginia Beach metro area is 90.8, which indicates that the York cost of living is 9.2% lower than the typical US city. The Family Budget Calculator, developed by the Economic Policy Institute, is also a great resource. It suggests that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids would need to earn $124,864 per year to afford the cost of living in York VA.
Typical expenses of living in York VA:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- 12 oz bottle of water: $2.50
- 1 liter of milk: $1.03
- 12oz bottle of water: $3.17
- 1 liter of gasoline: $0.81
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $6.45
- Regular-size cappuccino: $3.50
- York average monthly utility bill: $217.50
Source: Numbeo
*number reflect Yorktown but will be similar for residents throughout York County
York real estate is also very affordable. According to Redfin, the median home price in York County is $466,235. However, home shoppers moving to York will find everything from modest starter homes to multimillion-dollar estates. The median price per square foot of homes for sale in York is $225.
While most people living in York VA are homeowners, renters will find plenty of options as well. According to census data, 71% of homes in York are owner-occupied, and 29% are rented out. According to Rentcafe, the average rent in York is $1,842 per month. Rent prices in the county range from about $ 1,250 for a 1-bedroom apartment to $ 3,800 for 3 or more bedrooms.
For those who want more flexibility before committing to a lease, short-term stays and furnished rentals are also widely available throughout the area. Platforms like Owner Direct make it easy to compare verified vacation homes, waterfront cottages, and family-friendly stays in York, helping newcomers explore different neighborhoods before settling down permanently.
Best places to live in York for renters:
Neighborhoods in York | Where to Live in the York Area
Although most places in York offer good schools, low crime, and a high quality of life, some areas are naturally more appealing than others. Here are a few of the best areas to live in York.
Marlbank Farm | A Family-Oriented Community Near Historic Yorktown
Located minutes from historic Yorktown, Marlbank Farm is a family-oriented community offering moderately priced York County VA real estate, an attentive HOA, and attractive amenities such as a community pool.
Edgehill | A Close-Knit Community With a Welcoming Atmosphere
Edgehill is a quiet, well-established community between downtown Yorktown and Grafton that features well-kept homes, a state-of-the-art community center, and recurring events like an annual 4th of July Parade. It’s a popular place for families living in York VA.
Willow Lakes | A Popular Community Enveloped in Nature
Willow Lakes is a charming neighborhood located about 15 miles west of Chesapeake that offers tree-lined streets, glistening community lakes, and lifestyle amenities like a clubhouse and swimming pool. It’s great for affluent residents and retirees living in York VA.
York Climate & Weather
York County, VA, weather is fairly mild year-round. It has a humid subtropical climate according to the Köppen climate classification. That indicates York weather is known for its hot, muggy summers and cold, windy winters.
The temperature usually ranges between 32°F and 88°F. Although the winter can get as cold as 21°F, and the summer can get as hot as 95°F. A good time to visit a friend living in York VA is either May and June or August through October.
Those moving to York should prepare for snowfall and 47 inches of rain each year. Although somewhat rare, it does snow in York, and the county averages about 4 inches per year. So don’t forget to pack an umbrella and snow boots.
Things to Do in York
The county is known for its historic attractions and outdoor recreation. Residents will find plenty of fun things to do in York, from museums to sandy beaches. The best shopping can be found at local business centers like York Village, Village Square, or York River Crossing. Other than shopping, here are a few of the best things to do in York.
American Revolution Museum
Located in historic Yorktown, the American Revolution Museum is a living history museum operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia that features immersive exhibits and live reenactments of the War for Independence. It’s a must-visit for history buffs living in York VA.
200 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690 (757) 253-4838
New Quarter Park
Situated just outside Williamsburg, New Quarter Park is a 545 acres county managed facility featuring miles of hiking trails, disc golf, and playgrounds, making it one of the best things to do in York with kids.
1000 Lakeshead Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (757) 890-5840
Riverwalk Landing
Riverwalk Landing is a historic shopping and dining area overlooking the York River, offering sandy beaches, upscale outlets, delicious restaurants, and an array of entertainment options to those living in York VA.
331 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690 (757) 890-5900
Additional York Attractions
Searching for more of the best things to do in York? The York County Parks and Recreation website has a full list of public facilities, events, sports leagues, and other activities available for those living in York VA.
York Restaurants
Food lovers will be happy to hear that there are plenty of delicious restaurants in York County VA. York County is famous for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, especially its Virginia Blue crabs. From fine dining to sushi, here are some of the best places to eat in York County.
Riverwalk Restaurant
Located in the Riverwalk Shopping Center, this upscale restaurant, popular among those living in York VA, serves a wide variety of seafood, pasta, and steaks with views of the water.
323 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690 (757) 875-1522
Kero Sushi and Japanese
Kero is one of the best restaurants in York VA, if you’re in the mood for sushi and other traditional Japanese dishes like teriyaki and hibachi, plus beer and wine.
5005B Victory Blvd, Yorktown, VA 23693 (757) 833-6652
Cochon on 2nd
Cochon on 2nd is a sophisticated open-kitchen restaurant serving refined New American dishes, such as Mexican Chocolate Fried Oysters and Wood Grilled Beef Tenderloin, plus craft cocktails and dessert. It’s a great place for anyone living in York VA planning a date night.
311 -106 2nd St, Williamsburg, VA 23185(757) 229-1199
Jobs in York
Residents living in York VA will benefit from a stable economy and a plethora of job opportunities. The York County economy is primarily supported by its strong industrial market and military presence, as well as key industries like health care, education, public education, and manufacturing.
It’s home to the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, an 8800 acre facility that handles logistics, storage, and training for the Atlantic Fleet. York County is also part of the Hampton Roads military complex, which includes nearby facilities like the Cheatham Annex and Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
The largest employers in York County, VA:
- Naval Weapons Station Yorktown: 3359 employees
- York County School Division: 2,579 employees
- US Coast Guard Training Center: 1608 employees
- County of York Government: 1,240 employees
- Walmart – Lightfoot and Tabb: 825 employees
Those living in York VA can expect to be well compensated due to the city’s strong economy. Here are a few ranges of the average salary in York for common county jobs:
- Account payable specialist: $33k-$57k
- IT project manager: $44k-$93k
- Public Defender: $39k – $68k
Anyone looking for work will find a wide array of fantastic York jobs available in dynamic fields such as marketing coordinator and library assistant. Likewise, you can also find fantastic York County VA jobs with the local government, offering stable pay and benefits.
York Schools
Students living in York VA will also get a fantastic education. York County Public Schools is the sole York school district. It consists of 10 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 1 charter school.
The four main high schools in York are Bruton High School, Grafton High School, Tabb High School, and York High School. Tabb High School is generally considered the best and ranks 23rd in Virginia with a 99% graduation rate and 50% AP participation rate.
You’ll also find several notable private schools in York, including the Peninsula Academy and Summit Christian Academy. Residents living in York VA can also stop by the Tabb or Yorktown branches of the local public library system to borrow books and other media.
York Statistics & Information
- County: York
- York area: 215 square miles
- York zip code(s): 23690 – 23696
- York area code(s): 757
- York elevation: 13′
- York time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and 5)
- Closest airport to York: The Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) is 7 miles away.
FAQ
Is York County a Good Place for Families with Children?
Yes, York County is widely loved for its quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and family-friendly environment. There are plenty of parks, recreational programs, and community events that keep children living in York VA active and engaged year-round.
What Are The Housing Options Like in York County VA?
York County offers a variety of housing options for those buying a home, from waterfront properties and established suburban neighborhoods to newer developments with modern architecture.
Many communities are well-maintained and built to high standards, making it an attractive place to buy for families and retirees alike. The mix of historic charm and updated homes gives residents living in York VA plenty of choices.
Are There Things to Do in York County, VA?
Yes, York County provides plenty of activities for residents and visitors, including easy access to beaches, historic sites, and local festivals.
Its coastal setting and preserved architecture reflect the region’s deep history while keeping the community vibrant and alive. Whether you enjoy outdoor recreation or cultural attractions, living in York VA offers something for everyone.
Map of York VA
Explore more restaurants and fun things to do in York County VA with this map.
Find Out What Living in York VA Is Really Like
Ready to find out what living in York VA is really like? When the time comes to make the transition, you can count on the dependable York movers at Off Load Moving to make the journey simple and stress-free. Contact us today at (757) 749-7212 for a free quote from the top Virginia Beach moving company.
