Living the Country Life
Waterfront Retirement
Is living the country life with waterfront retirement your dream? Peace and quiet and an affordable waterfront home or vacation home, await you on the Northern Neck of Virginia.
It may take you a little while to get used to your slow pace, but, once you do, you’ll love it! Living here is very relaxing and peaceful. And our crime rate is so low, it’s hardly worth mentioning. In general, life on the Neck moves along on Island Time. And heart rates slow and blood pressures go down. Not only is the air quality good; our whole way of life is healthy!
Photo courtesy of leshawk2
Country road on the Northern Neck of Virginia
Waterfront Real Estate
and Waterfront Views
Many people who retire on the Northern Neck choose to have a waterfront home or a waterfront view. A number of people who planned to retire in Maryland on the water, found that they couldn’t afford the outrageous real estate prices and taxes for waterfront homes in Maryland. But, the Northern Neck, undiscovered gem that it is, has both affordable waterfront properties and low taxes. That, along with low crime, a peaceful environment and lots of things to do—make it the perfect place to retire on a fixed income. You will find that you will probably be able to afford a home with a view like this one…
Scenic waterfront views like this one
are still available on the Neck.
Farming and Fishing
The air is clean here, because you won’t find a lot of factories. Many of the locals still make a living by doing what their ancestors did—farming or fishing. They are either farmers or watermen (who fish for menhaden, trap crabs or harvest oysters). The farms are quite large, and most of them rotate crops of corn, wheat and soybeans. But, there are some truck farms around, and you’ll be able to find some farm stands with local produce.
Field of corn on the Northern Neck
The Neck is Not Suburbia
Living the country life does take a bit of adjustment. You’ll have to keep a running list of groceries and items that you need when you go to the store.Although a grocery is no further than 10 minutes away for most of us, you’ll find that you just don’t go as often. Staying home, enjoying the peace, is quite nice. And going to the mall is an occasional treat. In less than 2 hours you can be in Potomac Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in country. However, most of us find that we really don’t miss it!
Rolled hay bales in a Northern Neck field.
Socializing in the Country
When you live in the country, you have to reach out a little, to meet people. You will, of course, meet your immediate neighbors. And community get-togethers and events bring all the neighbors together. Many retirees choose to get involved in volunteering as a way to meet new people and make new friends. Volunteering is a great way to find people who have interests similar to yours. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to share your skills: - The Libraries
- Literacy Program - You can help a child or adult learn to read.
- Reedsville Fishermen’s Museum
- Other Museums - Each museum has a group of volunteers that help to make it better.
- Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern - This project has a number of programs that you can get involved in. It’s especially nice for history buffs.
- Conservation Programs - Help keep the Northern Neck and the Chesapeake Bay clean and healthy.
- U. S. Power Squadron
- Coast Guard Auxilliary
- Church projects
- Church thrift shops
- Northern Neck Master Gardeners - gardeners helping other gardeners
While living the country life may take a few adjustments, most people find that it is well the effort. Rural living on the Neck is relaxing, safe and healthy. And, it’s not so far from civilization that you can’t return to see the kids and grandkids—once in awhile!
Living the Country Life to Best Place to Retire
Living the Country Life to Northern Neck Virginia
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