The first Jimmy Dean Music Festival, honoring the late great sausage maker, was held in Richmond, just a few minutes from Wyndham, on May 11, 2014. There are high hopes from both locals and outsiders that it becomes an annual tradition.
They say Virginia is for lovers, and if that's true they no doubt love the planned community that is Wyndham
The first Jimmy Dean Music Festival, honoring the late great sausage maker, was held in Richmond, just a few minutes from Wyndham, on May 11, 2014. There are high hopes from both locals and outsiders that it becomes an annual tradition.
They say Virginia is for lovers, and if that's true they no doubt love the planned community that is Wyndham. Charmingly small, friendly as Southern stereotype dictates and downright surrounded by intriguing recreational opportunities, Wyndham certainly has more than its fair share of attractive qualities. No wonder this CDP has been growing. All that and it's just 15 minutes from downtown Richmond and all its big southern city riches, like fine eateries, thirst-quenching bars and cultural amenities. But that's not all. To the north you have the churning political machination that is D.C., to the east you have Chesapeake Bay and Williamsburg, and to the south you have all the niceties of North Carolina. You don't have to leave Wyndham to have a fine time, though. Enjoy the deep community spirit and neighborly attitude, walking trails and neighborhood amenities, all before enjoying a casual evening grabbing a bite in town. Big and small pleasures abound here, so if that appeals, pack your stuff and head southeast.
Moving to a new location requires some serious forethought, and not just about how you're going to keep all your porcelain tchotchkes in one piece during travel. Knowing what to expect from prospective landlords and a new rental market can help you transition with ease. Don't fret about the details though; just follow these suggestions and arrive in style.
A Paper Chase
The most essential part of finding a new home isn't choosing between Tudor or Colonial, it's gathering up all the documents that show you've got the stats to rent a home or an apartment in Wyndham. It can't hurt to collect these things into one file folder for easy access, and it can certainly make the moving process much simpler. Put together your ID, duh, credit report and pay stubs so you can quickly broadcast your high level of financial responsibility. When was the last time you checked your credit score, by the way? If you look dumbfounded right now, request your FICO scores stat and make sure all your info is up to date and totally accurate. There's nothing more depressing than finding your dream residence and having to give it up because someone, bless his soul, messed with your credit history. You should also have a cashier's check handy for that pesky security deposit that nearly every rental requires.
Are you a typical procrastinator? You may be able to polish off a Powerpoint presentation in one coffee-fueled evening, but you can't find homes for rent that way. The vacancy rate in Wyndham is fairly low and most folks, by an intimidating margin, opt to own rather than rent. That means you'll need more than 24 hours to secure ideal lodging. Give it a couple months to find something suitable, or you may be stuck squatting on the local golf course.
House to Home
There may not be a ton of hi-rise apartments or chic townhouses for rent in Wyndham (though there are a few), but it does have sizable square footage. Love oversized bedrooms with walk-in closets and bathrooms that all seem "master" sized? You'll relish Wyndham's selection, which also generally feature the best and brightest of contemporary architecture. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and upgraded everything is a standard feature here. On the other hand, if you're looking for older homes with charmingly small spaces and an abundance of character, your search will take some time.
Wyndham boasts many fabulous amenities, but distinctive neighborhoods with distinguishing cultural personalities aren't one of them. No matter. There are definitely differences between one area and another, and you'll want to familiarize yourself with them before making a home selection.
North: There is a seemingly endless selection of amenities in the more northerly section of Wyndham, including Wyndham Lake, The Dominion Club and Hunting Hawk Golf Club. Most areas feature sizable lots, but there are a number of smaller neighborhoods that have awfully close-set homes. Keep to the west to find spacious lots. The Carriage Homes at Wyndham are decked out nicely, for renters.
South: In the south it's a bit quieter, with more open spaces and big, lush lots. Homes are impressive here, but the neighborhoods all have lovely walking trails, swimming pools and other handy attractions. Addison at Wyndham Apartments has all those goodies too, and it's closer to restaurants and shops.
Life is about so much more than picking out a paint scheme and balancing the benefits and drawbacks of an open floor plan. Make sure you school yourself on all the brilliant attractions that make Wyndham and Virginia living so popular.
Recreational Riches
Nothing beats Virginia in the springtime. Make sure you understand that people here like to play outdoors and make the most of the gorgeous weather by hiking, biking, walking and, of course, golfing. But it's not all dirt-free fun and refined merrymaking. Shenandoah National Park gives adventurists ample opportunity to play in the mud, bird watch and explore the same wilderness that the forefathers discovered as they founded this nation. Love history? Check out George Washington's Mount Vernon or Jefferson's Monticello or step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg. There are enough cultural treasures nearby to ignite a lifetime of curiosity, and that's all before you head directly to Washington to explore the many monuments, museums and historical sites that pepper the capital.
Making your Way around Town
Getting around in Wyndham is pretty easy by foot. There are many walking trails, sidewalks and friendly neighbors about to make every stroll pleasurable. But beyond recreational entertainment, you're probably not going to get a lot done on foot. If you live within a golf club, you can probably swing by the clubhouse for snacks, but any major errands, evenings out or commutes to work will require a car. Fortunately, commute times are below average here, so you won't have to spend half your life in traffic. Virginia does have public transportation in the form of rail and buses, but they don't offer an abundance of services in the Henrico County area. There are some, so feel free to read up on it. But for the most part, you're gonna need a vehicle.
Wyndham, Virginia really does have more going for it than seems fair when considering the dearth of options for many small towns in America. Oh well, that's their loss and your gain. Make a plan to head to the Old Dominion and begin nesting in one of the finest CDPs this side of the Mason-Dixon.
