inia, keeping pace with residential growth through new-school construction as well as renovation of existing facilities. Respected institutions of higher education are nearby, including the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. Although the college is one of Virginia’s public institutions of higher education, it has earned such a prestigious place as a nationally recognized school that the college is often referred to as a “public ivy.”

Neighboring Newport News is home to Christopher Newport University, while Hampton offers the Thomas Nelson Community College and Hampton University. Neighboring peninsula cities also provide state-of-the-art healthcare services and facilities that include convenient clinics and medical centers, specialty institutions, and regional or community hospitals. York County residents have easy access to the network of quality healthcare facilities provided by the cities of Williamsburg, Newport News, and Hampton.

 

Lifestyle
As a vital part of the Historic Triangle, York County blends with James City County, Jamestown, and Colonial Williams­­burg to offer residents and visitors alike the most authentic glimpse possible of colonial heritage. Yorktown is the village that marked the end of the Revolutionary War. Today, this thoroughly modern town still mirrors the glory of Williamsburg in the restoration of its 18th-century buildings and colonial charm.

Highlights of Yorktown begin at the visitor’s center with educational films and displays, including a full-size replica of the quarterdeck of a British warship. Remarkable historic sites abound in Yorktown, from Session House — the oldest structure circa 1692 —to Grace Episcopal Church circa 1697 or the customhouse on Main Street built in 1721.

Aficionados of the arts have a wide variety of options for live-stage performances and first-rate cultural productions. Residents of York County can drive to the nearby cities of Williamsburg, Newport News, or Hampton. They can also take one of the efficient bridge-tunnels to South Hampton Roads for world-class ballet, symphony, opera, and Broadway hits. The white sands and frothy blue surf of Virginia Beach are just a short drive from home for weekend getaways or a fun-filled vacation.

While local shops and stores meet daily retail needs, residents can choose from any number of major shopping centers and districts in Hampton Roads. Many of these retail complexes provide restaurants, theaters, nightlife, and an entire day’s entertainment within the radius of a few blocks. York County is accessible to the best of Hampton Roads; yet it offers a dimension of serenity, friendliness and charm that few locales can match.

Housing choices in York County include luxurious golf-course communities with sweeping fairway views, lovely club houses, swimming pools, fitness centers, and every amenity. Smaller, more rural residential developments offer tranquil, out of the way locations for well-kept older homes and newer construction in a variety of architectural styles and price ranges. Colonials and Victorians, handsome contemporaries, charming Cape Cods, magnificent waterfront properties, and many other architectural styles can be found in York County.

Historic parkland provides lush open space, picnic areas, hiking trails, and educational programs. Recreational amenities in or near York County include golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, ballfields, fishing and boating opportunities, campsites, marinas, major entertainment attractions, seasonal festivals, and celebrations.

With 200 miles of shoreline, acres of unspoiled woodlands, and easy access to interstates and airports, York County has entered a growth pattern that is sure to continue well into the new millennium. In spite of the influx of new business and residential communities, local planners are committed to preserving the beauty and tranquility of their home. For military families and retirees to young professionals and families, York County shines as a peaceful, quiet corner of Hampton Roads.

York County
Scenic and primarily rural, York County is actually divided into two distinct areas. The lower county quadrant is oriented toward Newport News, while the upper section is more closely associated with Colonial Williamsburg. Government land holdings of more than 40 square miles separate the two, which only emphasizes the differing orientations.

A short drive north on Route 17 from Newport News leads to the panoramic outskirts of such famous historical sites as the Colonial National Park and the York­town Battlefield. Both the park and battlefield are maintained as they existed when George Washington accepted the surrender of the British in 1781. Just as it did more than 300 years ago, the government still plays a dynamic role in York County in such massive installations as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Training Center, the U.S. Naval Weapons Station, Cheatham Annex, and Camp Peary.

In the private sector, the influence of the York River and water-related industries have preserved long-established enterprises like seafood processing, ship repair, and shipbuilding. Amoco Oil recognized the value of York County’s natural resources in the 1950s, followed by Philip Morris and Seafood Scallops. Other major employers in this area include major utility providers and entertainment centers.

The predominantly rural lifestyle available in York County makes this area attractive to those who seek a quiet refuge from the bustle and pace of the larger cities. A large percentage of county residents are employed in other peninsula cities. While Newport News is a likely candidate for employment for residents in the lower portion of the county, the close proximity of Williamsburg is equally rich in opportunity. The vast tourist trade, a premier community hospital, and the foundation and college in nearby Williamsburg provide a variety of quality employment options. In fact, for every Williamsburg resident leaving the city as a commuter to another Hampton Roads city, 12 people are entering Williamsburg for a day’s work.