This excerpt was taken from “America’s 100 Best Places to Retire,” a new book of city profiles compiled by the staff at Where to Retire magazine. The book can be ordered by visiting WhereToRetire.com, by calling (800) 680-2858 or through Amazon.com. The magazine has been the retirement relocation authority since its creation in 1992.
- Williamsburg’s historic pedigree dates to the era when it was the capital of the British Colony of Virginia. Now colonial Williamsburg’s historic area takes both visitors and residents back into the 1750s when the American Revolution was just an idea.
- The adjoining College of William & Mary, with its beautiful campus of green spaces and stately redbrick buildings, is the second oldest college in the nation, chartered in 1693. Only Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., is older, dating to 1636.
- The town’s mix of historic and contemporary culture and pursuits attracts visitors and retirees.
- Modern-day pleasures include plentiful golf courses, many of them in planned developments; a well-equipped community recreation center; excellent libraries; great theme parks to entertain visiting families; plenty of fine dining and shopping; an art museum; and a continuing-education program at the college.
- Another draw is its location, in southeastern Virginia, close to Chesapeake Bay, with a four-season climate. Winter is generally mild and spring and fall absolutely gorgeous, but summer can be hot and humid.