If you’ve spent any time exploring Williamsburg, VA, the Ford’s Colony community has likely been on your radar. Sprawling across more than 3,000 acres on the west side of town, Ford’s Colony is often described as one of the premier residential neighborhoods in the area—and for good reason. Before you decide if this neighborhood is right for you, here’s an authentic, comprehensive look at what living in Ford’s Colony is really like from the perspective of someone who calls Williamsburg home.
A Welcoming, Active Community
Ford’s Colony is more than just a neighborhood—it’s an integrated, vibrant community. The gated entrances along Ford’s Colony Drive and John Pott Drive aren’t just about security; they serve as gateways to a lively residential experience. Residents are engaged, friendly, and quick to offer a wave or a chat during a stroll down Williamsburg West Drive or St. Andrews Drive. Whether you’re a young professional, a retiree, or raising a bustling family, you’ll find neighbors quick to include you in everything from book clubs to holiday gatherings.
The Ford’s Colony Homeowners Association is active and organizes frequent events such as Food Truck Fridays, garden tours, fitness classes, and themed parties at the community’s many clubhouses. Social life often centers around the swim and tennis clubs, the three championship golf courses, and the miles of walking and biking paths that wind through the community.
Housing: From Classic to Custom
One of the strengths of Ford’s Colony is the diversity in housing. Driving down sections like Francis Wishing Lane or Margaret Drive, you’ll notice everything from stately brick Colonials to modern craftsman homes. There are large single-family homes—some with golf course views or private woodlot settings—townhomes perfect for downsizers, and charming patio homes for those seeking low-maintenance living.
Houses typically range from 2,000 to more than 6,000 square feet, while lot sizes are generous compared to newer Williamsburg developments. Many homes along Ford’s Colony Drive and the adjacent Golden Horseshoe Parkway feature lush landscaping and mature trees, reflecting the neighborhood’s established status.
Walkability and Getting Around
While Ford’s Colony isn’t a traditional urban walkable neighborhood, it’s incredibly pedestrian-friendly within its gates. Mornings see residents walking dogs, jogging, or heading to the community garden plots. Walking and biking trails meander through woods and around pond-laden common areas, especially near the Sawmill Creek ponds and Lake Briggs, providing scenic and safe routes for recreation.
Though most errands require a car, daily life inside the gates—neighborly visits, recreation, club meetings—often happens on foot or by golf cart. For shopping, grocery trips, or venturing into Colonial Williamsburg, residents typically drive out via the main entrance on Longhill Road.
Family-Friendliness and Schools
Ford’s Colony stands out for its welcoming atmosphere for families with children. Many cul-de-sacs, such as those off Edinburgh Drive, are dotted with basketball hoops and bikes, and the neighborhood playgrounds are well-kept and popular.
Parents appreciate that Ford’s Colony is zoned for highly-regarded Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools:
- Matoaka Elementary School
- Lois S. Hornsby Middle School
- Jamestown High School
Private options, like Walsingham Academy and Williamsburg Christian Academy, are also nearby. The strong mix of outdoor activities, community gathering spaces, and youth programming (including summer camps and swim league) means kids in Ford’s Colony tend to be active and well-connected.
Parks, Trails, and Green Spaces
Nature lovers and active residents will find plenty to enjoy here. Miles of paved and natural trails weave throughout Ford’s Colony, especially in the John Pott Drive and Sawmill Creek neighborhoods. The Blue Heron Course, with its rolling fairways and water features, is a favorite for evening strolls, and the wildlife—herons, deer, turtles—are frequent visitors.
Community parks like the Wildlife Trail Park provide open fields for soccer or frisbee, while the Fishing Pier on the neighborhood’s ponds is a popular spot for family outings. The meticulously landscaped gardens, tree-lined boulevards, and preserved wooded areas make Ford’s Colony feel like an oasis—while still being close to town.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Safety is a big selling point in Ford’s Colony. The gated entries are staffed 24/7, with roving neighborhood patrols and a security team that’s quick to respond. Residents frequently mention how comfortable they feel letting kids play outside or taking late-night walks, especially along the main thoroughfares or near Ford’s Colony Drive.
Street lighting is ample, and crime rates remain low—contributing to the community’s reputation as one of Williamsburg’s most secure places to live.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Despite its quiet, tucked-away feel, Ford’s Colony is just a 10-15 minute drive from downtown Williamsburg, the College of William & Mary, and popular local attractions. The community’s location off Longhill and Centerville Roads also positions it conveniently for commuters heading toward Route 199 and I-64.
Major employers like Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Walmart’s corporate offices, and regional schools are all within a short drive. Whether you work downtown, in healthcare, or in hospitality, you’ll find getting to and from Ford’s Colony straightforward.
What Residents Love Most
Ask Ford’s Colony residents what they love most, and certain themes come up again and again:
- The peaceful ambiance—no loud traffic or city bustle.
- Strong sense of neighborliness and community pride.
- Access to world-class golf, tennis, swimming, and clubs for nearly every interest.
- Beautiful scenery with abundant green space and wildlife.
- The comfort of top-tier security and privacy.
As one neighbor on St. Andrews Drive puts it, “We have the kind of friendships here you don’t always find in modern neighborhoods. Everyone looks out for each other.”
Should You Move to Ford’s Colony?
If you’re looking for a safe, active, and engaged community surrounded by nature—but with all the comfort and amenities of a premier Williamsburg neighborhood—Ford’s Colony is hard to beat. Its blend of housing styles, family-friendly attitude, and true community spirit make it a perennial favorite for those moving to Williamsburg, whether you’re starting out or settling in for retirement.
Living in Ford’s Colony means enjoying the best of Williamsburg: history, hospitality, and a neighborhood that feels like home the moment you arrive.