Williamsburg is an independent city of Virginia located on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads region in southeastern Virginia. It is bordered by James City County and York County, and is an independent city.
Williamsburg is well-known for Colonial Williamsburg, the restored Historic Area of the city, and for the adjacent College of William & Mary, established in 1693, the second-oldest university in the United States. Nearby, established in 1770, the predecessor of the current Eastern State Hospital was the first known mental hospital in the United States.
The Historic Triangle of Virginia, which also includes Jamestown and Yorktown, is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with Williamsburg located in the center. The three are linked by the National Park Services's bucolic Colonial Parkway, a 23 mile-long National Scenic Byway which is carefully shielded from views of commercial development. The toll-free Jamestown Ferry is located at the southern end of the Colonial Parkway. State Route 5, another scenic byway, links Williamsburg and Richmond.
While history buffs from around the world have long made Williamsburg, with its many venerable sites, a hot spot, the city boasts a range of attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Relive the past at Colonial Williamsburg, the largest outdoor living history museum in the United States, with almost 500 public buildings, homes, stores and taverns meticulously restored to 18th-century glory. Ask a blacksmith, dressed in period costume, about his trade or learn good manners from a school-age George Washington. For thrills, head to Water Country USA or to Busch Gardens, renowned for award-winning roller coasters like the Alpengeist and Apollo's Chariot. After a good dose of history and hair-raising rides, do some wine tasting or pop into Shields Tavern for a pint and authentic 1700s fare Then settle in at a Colonial period inn or a modern hotel. A weekend in Williamsburg is sure to wow the whole family.
Our modern-day attractions make the Historic Triangle a timeless destination. Adventure awaits at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, where you'll find 360 beautifully wooded acres filled with over 35 thrilling rides including Alpengeist, the world's tallest and fastest inverted roller coaster and Loch Ness Monster, a double-looping thrill ride. Live shows and the exciting new 4-D high-tech adventure "Pirates" make Busch Gardens Williamsburg a day-long adventure. If you like your fun wet and exciting, you'll love Water Country USA, the Mid-Atlantic's largest water play park. The park features more than 30 water rides and attractions, live entertainment, shopping and restaurants all set to a colorful 1950s and '60s surf theme. It's worth the trip to the Historic Triangle for the shopping alone. With over 150 factory outlet stores, the famous Williamsburg Pottery Factory, and the one-of-a-kind specialty stores at Colonial Williamsburg's Merchants Square, even the most ardent shopper will find it difficult to do it all in one visit.
The Historic Triangle has long been renowned for its top quality golf courses at Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill Resort, and Ford's Colony. The recent addition of outstanding new daily fee courses and new golf vacation packages makes this the best family golf destination in the eastern United States. With over 10,000 rooms in area resorts, hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, guest homes, and four area campgrounds, the Historic Triangle has accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Outstanding shopping, dining, golf, and entertainment will make your visit to the Historic Triangle a memorable experience for the entire family.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $427,735
Mean prices in 2007: All housing units: $500,825; Detached houses: $542,353; Townhouses or other attached units: $432,195; In 2-unit structures: $206,161; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $330,961; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $229,004; Mobile homes: $5,000
Demographics
Population in July 2008: 12,481. Williamsburg covers 8.54 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 86 feet above sea level. Zip codes: 23185, 23186, 23187, 23188 - Area code: 757
Weather
Williamsburg, VA climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 30's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 89.00 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 28.10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 22 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 22 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Williamsburg is 49.04 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is July with an average rainfall of 5.34 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
