Rose Hill

Located in York County in southeastern Virginia, Yorktown is about 15 miles from both Williamsburg and Newport News, and a little over an hour drive can get you to Richmond or Virginia Beach.. Yorktown is known for its deep connection to the nation’s past and American Revolution, and its colonial-era charm is still highlighted through museums, buildings downtown, and events throughout the year. As a semi-rural environment with plenty of shopping and necessities in town, it’s a peaceful and appealing place to call home. D.R. Horton offers a range of Yorktown new construction homes. Many of our communities in Yorktown and the surrounding area come with amenities to enjoy, and all of our Yorktown homes for sale offer spacious open floorplans and smart home technology.

Why choose Yorktown, Virginia

Yorktown offers a mix of outdoor recreation and cultural experiences. The town's waterfront location on the York River provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and beach activities, like swimming or sunbathing at the two-acre Yorktown Beach. There are also plenty of activities and community events in Yorktown, with the Riverwalk Landing–a location full of boutique shops and restaurants–serving as a common venue.

History enthusiasts appreciate living amidst significant landmarks such as the American Revolution Museum, the Colonial Custom House, and the Yorktown Battlefield. These sites not only educate but also foster a strong sense of community identity and encourage tourism. Tourism supports the area’s strong economy , as do local and large businesses, and two military sites: the Naval Weapons Station and the Coast Guard Training Center.

For those seeking experiences found in busier places, Yorktown's proximity to Richmond, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and more increases choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Yorktown residents can access these places using one of many easily accessible highways in the area.

With its coastal setting, historical significance, and community-focused atmosphere, Yorktown is a desirable place to settle down.

Community life in Yorktown, Virginia

Yorktown's historic waterfront area on the York River, with its shops and restaurants, is the heart of many community gatherings and cultural experiences that highlight the town’s creative energy and connect residents with local businesses and artists. Two popular annual events include the free-to-the-public Sounds of Summer Concert Series, which happens on Thursday nights from June through August; and Yorktown Market Days, which brings musicians, artisans, and food vendors together. Yorktown Market Days also has a Vintage Market and Car Show on Main Street, which offers residents and visitors an up-close look at restored classic cars and other antiques as well as live music and food to enjoy.

Yorktown also hosts a wide variety of other events throughout the year, like the annual Yorktown Fourth of July Celebration, which features fireworks, a parade, live music, and activities for people of all ages. The Yorktown Garden Club participates in Virginia's Historic Garden Week, offering tours of private homes, gardens, and historic structures. Residents can learn from gardening experts while admiring these well-tended gardens.

Yorktown's historical significance is also celebrated through other events, like the Yorktown Victory Celebration in October at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. This celebration commemorates the decisive battle with reenactments, living history demonstrations, and period music. The area's maritime heritage is honored through events like the Watermen's Museum's annual Oyster Roast and fundraiser in September, showcasing local seafood and nautical traditions.

Other food-related events in Yorktown include the weekly farmers market at Riverwalk Landing, which happens on Saturdays, spring through fall. The Yorktown Wine Festival in October offers wine tasting from Virginia’s vineyards and those around the world, live music, and food from nearby restaurants. The Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival in May, one of the most popular events of the year, includes many different craft beers to sample, plus barbecue, and tunes from some of the best blues musicians in the Hampton Roads region and beyond.

While most of the events in Yorktown are family-friendly, the city also has additional ways for youth to engage. York County Public Schools offers plenty of extracurricular opportunities for young residents, whether participating in or attending the events. For activities and sports outside of school, York County Parks and Recreation organizes youth sports leagues and summer camps, promoting physical activity and teamwork among children. It also provides activities and programs for adults and seniors.

Yorktown's location, close to Williamsburg and Virginia Beach, allows residents to enjoy a wider range of cultural and entertainment events in the broader Hampton Roads region while ensuring their community remains a peaceful place to live.

Outdoor fun in Yorktown, Virginia

Yorktown residents can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities year-round, thanks to the town's coastal location, mild weather, and historical landmarks.

The York River is central to Yorktown's outdoor scene, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and beach activities. The two-acre Yorktown Beach is a local favorite for swimming and sunbathing. The beach also takes measures toward accessibility in warm months, with features like a special mat that enables people with visual or physical impairments, wheelchairs, or strollers to securely travel across the sand of the beach, as well as special wheelchairs that can float. Riverwalk Landing, right by the beach, has a fishing pier and boat rentals, making it easy for residents to get out on the water.

For those who prefer land-based activities, Yorktown Battlefield provides walking trails through historic grounds. The area's seven parks, such as Back Creek Park, Charles Brown Park, Chisman Creek Park, and the McReynolds Athletic Complex offer spaces for hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, launching boats, and playing baseball, softball, and basketball. Nature enthusiasts can explore the coastline, spotting local wildlife and enjoying the scenic views.

Cyclists will find excellent places to ride, including the roads known as the Battlefield Tours, the Riverwalk, and the Colonial Parkway, which connects Virginia’s Historic Triangle of Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Historic Jamestowne. Yorktown is also the start of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, also known as Route 76, which runs across the entire country to Astoria, Oregon. For those who prefer a ride on a horse, the Topline Horse Center, a family-owned and operated stable in Yorktown, offers lessons, day camps, and horse training.

Yorktown also gives golfers several options in the nearby communities that offer different playing experiences. The Williamsburg area, about 13 miles from Yorktown, provides access to well-known courses like Golden Horseshoe Golf Club and Kingsmill Resort. These established Williamsburg courses feature different layouts and challenges that appeal to both casual and serious golfers. Newport News, also about 15 miles from the center of town, has public courses such as the Cardinal at Newport News Golf Club and the Newport News Golf Club at Deer Run. The proximity of these golfing destinations means that Yorktown residents can easily enjoy a morning or afternoon of golf without spending too much time traveling, making it a practical location for golfers of varying skills or price ranges.

Yorktown's location puts it within easy reach of larger recreational areas, such as Virginia Beach or Busch Gardens, which is just 10 miles away and provides thrill rides and entertainment for all ages.

Businesses and economics in Yorktown, Virginia

Yorktown's economy combines historical tourism with modern industries. The York County Department of Economic and Tourism Development (ETD) and Economic Development Authority (EDA) attract new businesses, create jobs, and boost tourism while supporting small business growth.

Major employers in the area include the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and the Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown. These military installations provide stable employment and contribute significantly to the local economy.

The tourism sector is a key driver of Yorktown's economy. Historical sites like the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Yorktown Battlefield not only preserve the area's past but also create jobs in the hospitality, education, and service industries. The Watermen's Museum, showcasing the area's maritime heritage, adds to the tourism appeal.

Yorktown's waterfront location supports a thriving maritime industry. The Yorktown Fishing Pier and marinas cater to both commercial and recreational fishing, while boat tour companies offer employment opportunities and improve the local economy.

The Riverwalk Landing, a waterfront development, houses various small businesses, restaurants, and shops. This area serves as an economic hub, particularly during events like the weekly Yorktown Market Days, which runs from spring through fall. These markets enable local farmers, artisans, and small business owners to sell their products.

Yorktown's proximity to larger cities, like Newport News and Virginia Beach, gives residents access to a wider job market. This includes opportunities in sectors such as shipbuilding, aerospace, and technology in the broader Hampton Roads region.

The town also benefits from its location within the Historic Triangle, which includes Jamestown and Williamsburg. This positioning allows Yorktown to tap into the region's robust tourism industry, creating additional economic opportunities for residents.

What makes Yorktown a great place to live

Yorktown combines historical significance with modern living and provides a picturesque waterfront that's a focal point for community gatherings. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate Yorktown's access to water activities, particularly its location on the York River, Yorktown Beach and area parks.

Families are attracted to Yorktown for its schools and strong community spirit. The area hosts regular events like the Sounds of Summer Concert Series and Yorktown Market Days, which foster a close-knit community feel. Working professionals value Yorktown's diverse employment opportunities and proximity to larger cities for jobs in a wide range of sectors. Retirees find Yorktown appealing for its peaceful setting, mild climate, historical attractions, and convenience.

Yorktown homes for sale

D.R. Horton's new homes in Yorktown, Virginia are great for people at any stage of life. With access to job opportunities, good schools, the beach, and many activities and conveniences, D.R. Horton communities in Yorktown offer something for everyone. Browse our Yorktown new construction listings, or visit our model homes today.