healthy and diverse economy; a mix of old and new
culture and history; a variety of social and entertain-
ment opportunities to suit not just them, but their
four grown sons and grandchildren; the conveniences
of a big city, without actually being one; easy access
to the ocean (within a reasonable drive but not
right on it); and a college or university nearby. After
several visits, the Vallones decided Williamsburg not
only met their criteria, but exceeded their expectations
in many ways.
Tony comments, “It scored very high on our list
of goals.”
The couple purchased what was initially their
vacation home (and what they hoped could
eventually turn into a place to retire) at Kingsmill,
and were so pleased with their decision that they
made it their permanent residence two years ago.
The well-established community featured a good
mix of housing, a reasonable set of ground rules
that weren’t too restrictive or too loose, a gated
entrance for added security and ease of mind, well-
maintained common areas, moderate fees that were
a good value for the cost, and flexible membership
plans for amenity usage—all of which were on the
couple’s list of requirements for a community in
which to make a new home. It was also important
to them to purchase in an area where they would be
able to re-sell if for some reason they were unhappy
with their decision.
Since moving, Tony and Mary Lou have found
the people in both Kingsmill and Williamsburg to
be warm and friendly, and would recommend the
Williamsburg area to others considering relocation or
purchasing a second home. Regardless of where you
decide to move, Tony stresses that, “[The decision]
is ultimately a personal thing. People need to go
through it up front, and set goals without a specific
place in mind. Don’t make a rushed decision that
you’ll end up regretting down the line.”
That definitely hasn’t been the case for the Vallones.
As Tony points out, “We’re happy here. We’re not
Market Analysis
According to the Virginia Association of Realtors, Virginia’s second
quarter home sales statistics indicated an improvement over the first quar-
ter, but are still lagging behind 2008 and 2007 results. Sales and median
© ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ALBERTO
prices, $278,800 for the Williamsburg area, both increased in May while
L.
inventories declined, a good sign that the market is making a comeback.
POMARES
Williamsburg realtor Jim Mellen provides some insight into the local
G.;
market. “Our prices didn’t start to rise until mid 2005 and they started
RIGHT:
flattening out in mid 2006, just behind some of our larger market feeders
like Northern Virginia, Florida and New York. And where those markets
COURTESY
are now really beginning to show life again, so is Williamsburg.” Mellen
GREATER
points out, “For the last several years, purchasing a home was considered
an investment first and safe place to live second. Given the current market,
WILLIAMSBURG
buyers are now forced to think of their home as a safe place to live first,
and an investment second.”
CHAMBER
&
Going Green
TOURISM
The City of Williamsburg received a first-place award in the Virginia
ALLIANCE
Municipal League (VML) Green Government Challenge. The city’s total
of 155 green points, out of a possible 200, qualified it for first place in the
category for localities with populations less than 15,000, also certifying
