September 16, 2006
Williamsburg, Virginia - Money magazine this week rated our community among the five best places in America to retire.
That may not be a revelation to the thousands who have already retired here, but it could lead to more coming. The magazine rated communities across the country for state taxes, culture and other factors that contribute to the quality of life.
"With those criteria, I'm not surprised that we would rate very highly, both Williamsburg itself and the surrounding area" said city manager Jack Tuttle. "On the culture category alone, you'd have to rate Williamsburg at the top."
Criteria ranged widely to include James City and York County, not just the city (see box The rating for taxes focused on the state, so it didn't even take into account the deferment that seniors get on their homes in the city. "Even without that, we've got one of the lowest tax rates in the state," Tuttle said, at 54 cents per $100.
The number of visitors who come through the Historic Triangle are credited with inspiring couples to retire here.
"I think our tourism economy just feeds that," Tuttle said. "People come to visit, and they fall in love with the place and want to retire here. At least I hear that a lot."
Realtors also credit the College of William & Mary as a big draw among alumni, as well as those who join the esteemed Christopher Wren Association for its tony classes.
Given new technology and our proximity to major cities and airports, the area is attracting a new kind of retiree.
Mike Sloan moved here in 1979, bringing with him the executive search firm he had operated in Detroit.
"People told me you had to be in Chicago or some big city to do this," he said. "Only 5 percent of my work was in Detroit, the rest was out-of-town. I figured why not make 100 percent of it out-of-town."
Sloan, 54, is president of Sloan & Associates. The company conducts searches for middle- and upper-management in the food industry. Having one's business interests far from where one lives is much simpler now, especially for the executive in the latter stages of a career who is making the transition to retirement.
E-mail and the Internet are credited.
"Newfound 21st century technology has allowed them to come here, yet maintain a work base and remain tethered to the corporate world," Sloan said.
He made the move here before the Internet was commonplace. "For a while there were some hellacious phone bills, but that was the only real difficulty," he said.
He thinks the top demographic looking to move here is the executive who is five or more years out from retirement. He or she is ready to find a place to retire, but not ready to quit yet.
"I know three people here right now in that transition phase," Sloan said. "One from Philadelphia, one from New Orleans and one from New York." All three travel to those cities once or twice a month for business while living here. With computers and phones, you can live here and still work.
Mayor Jeanne Zeidler didn't think Money went far enough. "One of the top five places to retire? I'd say it's the number one place to live. Period."
"We have a fantastic centerpiece in Colonial Williamsburg," "It all starts there," he added. "People are attracted to Colonial Williamsburg. There's something very soothing and comforting about walking along Duke of Gloucester Street."
The Settlement at Powhattan Creek is the latest trend toward neighborhoods designed as "active adult" communities. Colonial Heritage opposite the Williamsburg Pottery was the area's first. Like Colonial Heritage, The Settlement will offer townhouses and single-family detached homes, and a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse.
The area has what people want, from lush greenery to tidal waters," Smith added.
Realtors have capitalized on the "J curve," in which people up North retire to the Deep South and regret it.
"There's also the four seasons," Smith said. "Retirees who have moved here from Florida say that while they appreciate the warm weather there, they miss the change in seasons you get here, along with the mild weather."
Money has a paid circulation of 1.9 million and is America's top-ranked magazine for personal finance.
"A lot of people follow the trends, and we should see traffic coming through with the release of Williamsburg being one of the top five places to retire. We should see a lot of baby boomers."
Martin said Williamsburg is the right size for retirees as well.
"When they come to Williamsburg, they are looking for small-town living, accessibility to big cities. It's all about location," she said.
Faye Burbage, director of marketing for WindsorMeade, found something else.
"Retired military have told us that Williamsburg is in a triangle, not far from the mountains or beach," she said. "People from up North call us the middle ground. They like the ability to live here and be up North in a short time or down South in a short time."
In addition to history, weather and a small-town atmosphere, the area has something else retirees look for.
"Lots of golf courses," Martin said. For additional Info contact John Womeldorf/ Liz Moore & Associates 757 254 8136 John@MrWilliamsburg.com email www.MrWilliamsburg.com/ website www.MrHamptonroads.com/ website www.MrTidewater.com/ website www.MrVaBeach.com/ website Williamsburg Real Estate Resource. Search for Homes & Land in Williamsburg Virginia & surrounding areas click here :CLICK HERE WILLIAMSBURG VA MLS HOME SEARCH 
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Here are some recent photos of Williamsburg Virginia's Newest Community The Village at Quarterpath. When complete it will offer 77 homes in a mix of detached and town home styles. A traditional neighborhood design will be highlighted by the village green park at the neighborhood's entrance offering a womnderful place for residents to gather and enjoy year round. Narrow tree lined streets with sidewalks on both sides offer the perfect way to stroll through the neighborhood. All homes will feature traditional architecture and deep front porches crating a quaint neighborly feel. The Williamsburg Quarter Recreation center is across the street. Homes prices range from $334,900 for a 19800 square townhome to $549,000 for a detached home of over 3000 square feet . The majority of homes will feature rear-loading garage convenience with private rear-access roads resulting in quiet thoroughfares throughout the community.
