Real estate investors and home buyers want to purchase homes in
York County because the nearly 200 miles of coastline along the
York River and its tributaries offers a desirable waterside
lifestyle, the county’s population is actively involved in the
community, the school district has an excellent reputation, and
real estate taxes are low. York County Virginia is bounded by
Williamsburg, Newport News, and James City County to the north
and west, Hampton to the south, and the York River to the east.
This means homeowners or home buyers in this area are centrally
located, and can commute nearly anywhere on the Peninsula with
ease. The Colonial Parkway, part of Colonial National Park, runs
through York County and connects the James River to the York
River. This 30 minute wooded drive along both rivers. links
Historic Jamestowne in Williamsburg to the battlefields of
Yorktown. The strong economy of York County is bolstered by the
Yorktown Naval Weapons Station and a Coast Guard station, both
which remain in operation even after numerous base closings
nationwide Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown Residents and visitors
to York County can now spend time relaxing along the riverfront
at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, a newly renovated retail
development and a park along the York River. Riverwalk Landing
combines colonial style architecture with an eclectic mix of
shops, a widened beach area, several restaurants, a performance
area, a two-tier parking garage with ample space, and two docks
- one that supports cruise and tall ships and another for
smaller personal watercraft. The locally famous Nick’s
Restaurant, an elegant seafood restaurant owned by a generous
Greek family who gifted some land to Yorktown, at one time
overlooked the York River nearby. Though Nick’s is gone, part of
the staff and manager continue the tradition of serving fine
food at the Duke of York Motor Hotel in Yorktown, in the River
Room. The restaurant still overlooks the waterfront, and has the
same quality and price of fare as the old Nick’s ($18.95-$35 per
entrée).

Rezoned Northern Sectors of York County Walmart and Lowe’s
recently opened new stores in northern York County, near the
borders of James City County and Williamsburg, who both declined
their offers to build. This has paved the way for rezoning part
of the surrounding area as commercial property. On the other
side of of the county, near Water Country U.S.A., a new 600,000
square foot upscale open-air shopping center, called
“Williamsburg Row” will house retail shops, restaurants, offices
and entertainment. Future plans call for a movie theater in
phase 2, but the actual scale of the development is still being
debated as of September 2005, because it is nearby three
historic sites. Premiere Properties of Indiana will undoubtedly
build this upscale commercial property in some form or fashion
and it will be open for business in several years. Read the
article in the Virginia Gazette for more information
http://www.vagazette.com/news/va-news1_091705sep17,0,7309826.stor
y. All of this activity in York County bodes well for homebuyers
and home investors who purchase now, because home prices are
likely to increase as the area becomes even more popular. School
Districts Parents request homes in the York County School
district, and it lives up to its reputation. York County Schools
provide excellent athletic and academic programs. York County
Elementary Schools rank in the top 10% of elementary schools in
Virginia, according to figures from 2005. Grafton High School is
a brand new high school, and the newest of the York County High
Schools.

Water Country U.S.A. Water Country U.S.A., a nationally known
theme park with state of the art water rides for children and
adults is located in York County, near Williamsburg. For
homeowners or potential homebuyers in York County who may want
to take their children to Water Country U.S.A. on a regular
basis a seasonal passport ticket is available at a greatly
reduced rate.

Presidents Park The famed Presidents Park, showcases the busts
of 43 larger than life presidents and tells the story of Early
American history from the settlement of Jamestowne in 1607
forward. Presidents Park is an educational and fun exploration
of history, and is located right in York County. The museum
building on site houses classrooms, meeting rooms, a gift shop,
café, and banquet room.

When relocating to places like York County, parents will want
to consider the effect on their children’s lives and education.
York County is actually a wonderful location for a family to
purchase a home because of all of the family friendly
activities. If you prefer nearby Williamsburg, James City
County, or New Kent County, read some other articles I’ve
written on these locations at
http://www.voncannonrealestate.com. Also, you may want to
consider West Point, just 20-30 miles away, a small town that
proudly boasts of a top school district in this area of Virginia
with an excellent reputation. For more information on West
Point, read my article on Chesapeake Bay Country
http://www.voncannonrealestate.com/article.Retire_Relocate_Purcha
se_Second_Home_in_Chesapeake_Bay_Country.php.