Business Development
Opening a business can be exciting and frightening all at the same time! Colonial Beach, a town with Southern hospitality and charm, welcomes you and hopes to put some of your fears to rest. Please explore this section to find out useful information about Colonial Beach that can help in your economic decision making.
Colonial Beach Insights
Town History
Colonial Beach, a water-front municipality in Westmoreland County, Virginia was settled in 1650 by the great-great grandfather of President James Monroe. The town was incorporated on February 25, 1892 and construction of homes, summer cottages, hotels, and marinas ensued. For years, watermen were the primary occupants of Colonial Beach and our many industries revolved around boating and the bounty of the Potomac River. Our heyday was in the early to mid-20th century when this second-largest Virginia beachfront became the “Playground on the Potomac”. Colonial Beach was a popular “bathing” and fishing resort and prior to bridge construction and automobile travel, most visitors arrived by paddle-wheel steamboats such as “The St. John’s” from parts of Maryland and Washington DC. The family of Alexander Graham Bell maintained a summer home in Colonial Beach called the Bell House, which still stands today. Sloan Wilson, author of The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit, retired and died in Colonial Beach. Sherryl Woods, romance and mystery novel writer, has a home in Colonial Beach and bases many of her novels on her memories of childhood experiences in Colonial Beach. Her Chesapeake Shores series has been turned into a television mini-series by the Hallmark Channel. George Washington, the first President of the United States, was born in Colonial Beach and the George Washington Birthplace National Monument is within our town limits. Stratford Hall, the home of the Lee family, is a short drive and James Monroe’s birthplace is near Colonial Beach as well.
Location
Colonial Beach is located in the northwestern part of Westmoreland County on Virginia’s Northern Neck peninsula. It is bounded by the Potomac River, Monroe Bay and Monroe Creek. It is located 65 miles from Washington DC, and 70 miles from Richmond. The Potomac River forms the northeast boundary of Colonial Beach. The southern part of the town forms a peninsula which ends just above Monroe Bay and divides Monroe Creek from the Potomac River..
Colonial Beach has a total area of 2.8 square miles, of which, 2.6 square miles of it is land and 0.2 square miles of it (8.80%) is water. The town’s 2.5 miles of beaches are second in length only to those of Virginia Beach in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Climate
Summers (June to August): Summers in Colonial Beach are typically hot and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (around 29-33 degrees Celsius). High humidity levels can make it feel hotter. Thunderstorms are common during the summer months.
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November): Spring and fall seasons in Colonial Beach are generally mild and pleasant. Temperatures gradually increase in spring and decrease in fall. Average highs during these seasons range from the upper 60s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 18-27 degrees Celsius).
Winters (December to February): Winters in Colonial Beach are relatively mild compared to more northern regions. However, occasional cold snaps and snowfall can occur. Average high temperatures in winter range from the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (around 7-10 degrees Celsius), while overnight lows can drop to the 30s Fahrenheit (around 0-4 degrees Celsius).
Precipitation: Colonial Beach experiences rainfall throughout the year, with no pronounced dry season. The wettest months are typically May to September. Annual precipitation averages around 40-45 inches (about 1,000-1,150 millimeters).
Demographics
Population: According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s estimate in 2020, the population of Colonial Beach was approximately 3,485 people.
Age Distribution: The age distribution in Colonial Beach tends to vary, but like many small towns, it often includes a mix of different age groups. Specific breakdowns for each age group may not be readily available.
Ethnicity and Race: The racial and ethnic composition of Colonial Beach includes diverse groups. It comprises a mix of White, African American, Native American, Asian, and individuals from other races or ethnicities. The specific breakdowns and percentages may vary.
Household Income: The median household income in Colonial Beach was reported as $40,408 in the 2010 census. However, it’s important to note that income levels may have changed since then.
Education: Information about educational attainment in Colonial Beach is not readily available. However, like many areas, the population likely includes individuals with varying levels of education, ranging from high school graduates to individuals with higher education degrees.
Housing: Colonial Beach has a mix of housing types, including single-family homes, apartments, and waterfront properties due to its location along the Potomac River. The town attracts both permanent residents and seasonal visitors.
Ready to Start a Business?
Starting a business requires careful planning, research, and ongoing dedication. It is essential to consult with professionals such as lawyers, accountants, and industry experts to ensure compliance with regulations and to receive guidance tailored to your specific business needs.
Our Business Readiness page will help you evaluate your business and entrepreneurial abilities.
Download our How-To Guide
Our how-to guide will help you get started and covers the following areas:
- Ideas and Research
- Business Plan
- Finances
- Legal and Regulatory Requirements
- Location and Infrastructure
- Branding and Marketing
- Operations and Staffing
- Launch and Growth