Henrico County surrounds the city of Richmond like a warm hug, offering an impressive array of communities and landscapes for homebuyers. Spanning 244 square miles, the county includes five districts: Brookland, Fairfield, Three Chopt, Tuckahoe, and Varina. From pastoral farmland and tree-lined suburban neighborhoods to townhomes tucked away in upscale shopping centers, there are options for every kind of homebuyer in Henrico County.
Where is Henrico County, Virginia?
Henrico County borders the city of Richmond on the west, north, and east between the James and Chickahominy rivers. Interstates 64 and 95 conveniently converge right in Henrico, making it an ideal gateway to the region. Richmond International Airport, located in the eastern part of the county, and an Amtrak station to the west contribute to the county’s role as a major transportation hub in Virginia. In fact, Henrico is one of just two counties in Virginia that maintains its own road system. The county’s Public Works department maintains more than 1,300 miles of roadway.
The History of Henrico County
With a history dating back more than 400 years, Henrico is one of the oldest political subdivisions in Virginia. Henrico was the scene of the second permanent settlement in the colony, and it was established in 1634 as one of eight original shires. The county was originally named Henrico Towne in honor of Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales. Before that, Indian Chief Powhatan was based in a village in present-day Henrico County, and years later Pochahontas lived in what is now Henrico’s Varina district. Today, you’ll see historical plaques and markers all throughout the county marking everything from Civil War battlefields (you’ll find more here than anywhere else in the U.S.) to the fascinating provenance of major local roadways like Three Chopt Road and Horsepen Road.
What is it like to live in Henrico County?
Ask a Henrico resident what they love about living in the county, and they might mention things like accessibility, convenience, great schools, green space, and value. Henrico County’s park system features nearly 4,000 acres of parkland ranging from athletic fields to lakes and hiking trails. Deep Run Park and Dorey Park are just two local favorites. Shoppers flock to destinations like Short Pump Town Center, Willow Lawn, and White Oak Village, while diners enjoy having more than 600 local restaurants to choose from. Henrico County Public Schools is the sixth largest public school division in Virginia, with 72 schools and program centers.
Buying a home in Henrico County, Virginia
Whether you’re searching for an affordable starter home, a low-maintenance townhome, a rural retreat, or an upscale suburban stunner, you can probably find it in Henrico County. Because of its size and unique location surrounding the city of Richmond, Henrico really offers a wide span of properties in terms of size, budget, and location. To start searching for your own Henrico County home, get in touch with our team at Ruckart Real Estate today.
