Pets Are the New Kids: How Our Furry Friends Are Shaping Homebuying Trends in Williamsburg and Beyond
By John Womeldorf | Mr. Williamsburg | July 2025
There was a time when the phrase “family-friendly neighborhood” brought to mind images of swing sets, yellow school buses, and cul-de-sacs teeming with kids on bikes. Today, that vision looks a little different — and a little furrier.
As a real estate agent in the Williamsburg area for over 20 years, I’ve watched firsthand as pets — yes, pets — have become one of the most influential factors in the homebuying decision. It’s no longer just about school districts and commute times. It’s about fenced yards, proximity to dog parks, and walkable neighborhoods with shady sidewalks perfect for that post-dinner pup stroll.
And the data backs it up.
🐾 More Pets Than Kids — And It Shows
According to a recent report from the National Association of REALTORS®, more households in the U.S. now have pets than children. In fact, only 27% of recent homebuyers in 2024 had children under 18 living at home — an all-time low. Compare that to 1985, when 58% of buyers were raising kids.
Meanwhile, pet ownership has surged. The American Pet Products Association reports that a staggering 71% of U.S. households own a pet, up from just 56% in 1988. And those pets aren’t just tagging along — they’re influencing where and how we live.
🏡 Pets and the Neighborhood Search
Nearly 1 in 5 homebuyers today say they considered their pet when choosing a neighborhood. That number climbs even higher among unmarried couples (24%) and single women (17%). In fact, single women are statistically more likely than single men to plan their homebuying choices around their animals.
Here in Williamsburg and across Hampton Roads, I see this play out all the time. Buyers will ask me about:
Walkable communities with safe sidewalks Proximity to veterinary clinics Whether an HOA allows fencing or has breed restrictions How close the home is to dog parks, trails, or beaches Availability of pet-friendly rentals while they search for a forever home
Neighborhoods like Windsor Forest, Kingsmill, New Town, and Governors Land often come up because they check those boxes — offering both outdoor space and pet-welcoming communities.
💸 Pets Are Changing the Market
It’s not just lifestyle — it’s economic. Americans are spending more money and time on their pets than ever before. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
In 2003, only 13.2% of Americans spent time with their pets daily. By 2023, that number rose to 20.4%, with 23.8% of women engaging daily with their pets. Time spent with pets increased from 37 minutes to 44 minutes a day on average. U.S. spending on pets has tripled in the last decade, now exceeding $152 billion annually.
This emotional and financial investment means buyers are prioritizing pet needs the same way previous generations prioritized schools or commutes.
🐶 What Pet-Loving Buyers Want in a Home
If you’re thinking about selling — or designing your next home — here’s what to know about this growing segment of pet-prioritizing buyers:
Fenced-in yards are highly desirable (and command a premium!) Main-floor living appeals to aging pet owners and senior dogs Hard-surface floors are preferred over carpet for easy cleanup Nearby walking trails and green space are a major selling point Pet amenities in the neighborhood (like New Town’s dog park) can tip the scales for undecided buyers
And for buyers? I always recommend thinking a few steps ahead. Ask about pet restrictions in neighborhoods. Look at yard size and layout. Ask about wildlife in the area (deer and unleashed pets don’t always mix!). And don’t forget to think about how nearby traffic might affect a roaming pup or curious cat.
🏡 Real Estate for the Whole (Fur) Family
So whether you’re a couple with three Labradoodles, a single cat parent, or a retiree with a rescue Beagle, rest assured — you’re not alone in letting your pet influence your real estate decisions.
As someone who has helped hundreds of buyers find not just the right house, but the right lifestyle, I get it. Our pets are part of the family. And just like the rest of us, they deserve room to roam, sunshine to bask in, and a cozy corner to call home.
Need help sniffing out the perfect pet-friendly neighborhood in Williamsburg, Yorktown, New Kent, or the Richmond suburbs? I’d be honored to be your guide.
Meet Your Local Guide: Mr. Williamsburg
Pssst! I’m going to let you in on a little secret… While I am a real estate agent, I’m not your average one.
I’ve built my reputation on being a local ambassador first and a Realtor second. Known throughout the region as Mr. Williamsburg, I’ve made it my mission to help people fall in love not just with a house, but with the lifestyle of Greater Williamsburg, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just daydreaming for now, I bring a blend of deep community insight, honest advice, and creative marketing that helps buyers and sellers get exactly where they want to go.
Looking to sell your home? I take a storytelling approach that goes beyond square footage and granite countertops. I’ll help you showcase your home’s unique story — one that future buyers can connect with on a personal level. Want to see what I mean? Check out my “Every Home Has a Story” series here.
Want to know the current market value of your home? Ask me here.
Curious about other Williamsburg neighborhoods or looking farther afield in Yorktown, New Kent, Poquoson, Chesapeake, Suffolk, or even Richmond? I’ve helped hundreds of folks find the community that fits their lifestyle and their budget — whether that means a backyard for the dog, a bike path out your front door, or a quiet cul-de-sac near great schools.
Want to know what it’s like to work with me? Don’t take my word for it — check out what my past clients have said here.
Your real estate journey should feel like your journey — not a transaction. I’ll meet you where you are, help you navigate what’s next, and make sure you feel confident every step of the way.
To connect, you can call or text me anytime at 757-254-8136 or email me at John@MrWilliamsburg.com.
Thanks for stopping by — I look forward to helping you (and your pet) find your next home.
Warmly,
John Womeldorf
A.K.A. Mr. Williamsburg