One of the fastest growing communities in the state, Gloucester, Virginia is a popular spot to live. Yet, this county continues to remain a “rural oasis” in Hampton Roads. Its low taxes,($.61 per/$100 assessed), larger lots, affordable housing and abundant water access are just some of this area’s great features. There are several sections in Gloucester to include Gloucester Point, Hayes,Wicomico, Tidemill, Bena, Achilles, Maryus, Severn, White Marsh, Ordinary,Bellamy, Belroir, Ark and Gloucester Courthouse. Newer communities such as Sara’s Creek and Seawell’s Trace are conveniently located in the Gloucester Point/Hayes areas. Their close proximity to The Coleman Bridge offers an easy commute to the US Coast Guard Training Center and Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. For those looking for a more established neighborhood, Carter’s Cove and Holly Springs are excellent choices. Communities such as Courthouse Square, Courthouse Spring and Gloucester Town Commons all offer spacious newer homes and larger lots. Besides being located in the Gloucester Courthouse section of the county, these neighborhoods just around the corner from Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Applebee’s, etc. Hawthorn Green is one of Gloucester’s newest neighborhoods. With desirable floor plans, reasonable prices and water access, this community is sure to be a hit. Luckily, home buyers don’t have to focus upon specific neighborhoods to find Gloucester waterfront properties w/ deep water access. Much of this county is surrounded by major bodies of water to include the York River, Ware River and Mobjack Bay. Needless to say, there is a great variety of affordable housing in Gloucester.
There are plenty of public schools in Gloucester to include 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools and 1 high school. Ware Academy, Gloucester Montessori, Newington Courthouse Preschool and Gloucester Learning Center are examples of area private schools and childcare centers. The prestigious Virginia Institute of Marine Science, (affiliated with The College of William and Mary) is also located in Gloucester. No matter where you live in the county, there is ready access to education facilities.
Though this area continues to grow and expand, Gloucester continues to be best known for its rural charm as well as plentiful shorelines. These features play heavily into the favorite pastimes of residents and visitors. Gloucester waters offer excellent fishing, crabbing, swimming and and boating. Gloucester Point Beach Park offers all of this, including a public boat launch, beach and fishing pier. There are countless other public ramps throughout Gloucester. Examples are Fields Landing,Sedger Creek, Cook’s Landing, King, Jenkins Neck, Monday Creek and Guinea Landing. Boating enthusiast have their pick of private marinas as well. York River Yacht Haven is one of the most famous stop-offs for local boaters. Plus, it’s a great place to enjoy a memorable meal! Sarah’s Creek, Jordan Gloucester Point, Holly Cove, Perrin Boat Yard, Severn River, and Holiday are just a handful of other Gloucester marinas. Like Poquoson, Gloucester plays a major part in the local commercial fishing & crabbing industries. In fact, a local Gloucester resident was hired as a “Guinea dialect consultant” for the upcoming movie, “The Waterman”. Their role:to help cast members master the characteristic accent of local waterman. Another popular past time in Gloucester is antiquing & shopping. Holly Hill Farm Antiques and the charming shops along Main Street are perfect spots to find that “one of a kind” piece or gift! There are also many nurseries and farms in the county. Finding fresh annuals for your flower beds or the perfect pumpkin at Halloween is a breeze in Gloucester.
For those looking for a little “elbow room”, Gloucester, Virginia is a great place to purchase a home in Hampton Roads.
