CHESTERFIELD COUNTY

County Offices
901 Lori Road
Chesterfield 804-748-1000
www.chesterfield.gov

Chamber of Commerce
4218 Old Hundred Road
Chester 804-748-6364
www.chesterfieldchamber.com

Not more than 30 years ago, south-central Chesterfield County was a vast region of farms, forests, and remnants of anthracite coal mines. By the 1970s, ambitious developers recognized the potential goldmine for suburban growth in these panoramic fields. The undertaking known as Brandermill was soon followed by many other neighborhoods, subdivisions, and planned residential communities that nestled lovely homes in villages with elegant names such as Arbor Landing, Monacan Hills, Woodlake, and Windsor Park.

As one of the first suburban communities in Chesterfield, historic Bon Air began as a trolley stop enhanced by a park and natural springs. The close proximity to the river and the cooling, gentle breezes prompted the name of Bon Air, which grew into a turn-of-the-century weekend retreat for the more affluent city residents who were looking for a way to escape the summer’s sizzling heat. The restored Victorian village that remains today is a source of pride for the county.

 

Services
Boasting an efficient and visionary local government, Chesterfield County claims many “firsts” that include some of the first European settlers in North America. The tobacco crops grown by these enterprising pioneers became the first major commercial crop, Mount Malady was the first hospital, and Bermuda Hundred was distinguished as the first incorporated town. The area known as Falling Creek claims to have opened the first iron furnace in the New World.

From the strength of its impressive heritage and solid foundation, Chesterfield County continues to make valuable contributions to the region, to the Commonwealth, and to the nation. The expansive school system — one of the 100 largest in the nation — is consistently recognized for high academic achievement and the financial support it receives from the community. More than 70 percent of the taxes generated by real estate and personal property are invested in the public school system.

Chesterfield County residents can pursue every level of higher education at a site close to home. Two-year degrees or an affordable beginning to a four-year program as well as continuing education are available at John Tyler Community College, located in the welcoming small town of Chester. Other public and private colleges and universities throughout Greater Richmond add a wealth of educational opportunities.

A regional leader in healthcare, Chesterfield County is home to Johnston-Willis Hospital, an expansive 282-bed acute-care facility that features state-of-the-art diagnostics and laser technology. Specialists operate several service centers for the hospital that include emergency care, cancer care, neuroscience, heart care, diabetes specialties, and women’s health. The county is also the site of the new Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center on Route 288 and Powhite Parkway, bringing state-of-the-art healthcare and advanced specialties close to home. Providing quick access to Interstates 95, 295, 64 and 85, the county is efficiently served by highway, rail, air, and water transportation facilities. The addition of Route 288, the beltway around Greater Richmond, has further enhanced Chesterfield’s enviable position. In the heart of the county, the excellent aviation facility of Chesterfield Airport already serves as a reliever for Richmond International Airport. The Port of Richmond on the James River near Chesterfield County’s northeast border serves a growing industrial base. Amtrak passenger service adds to the alternatives for regional travel.

For a growing percentage of area residents, “driving to work” does not require crossing any county lines. Chesterfield County leads the region in economic development and job opportunity, enhanced by lower tax rates than those imposed by many neighboring jurisdictions. With its superb quality of life and outstanding transportation facilities, Chesterfield County has become a magnet for new business and industry.

 

Lifestyle
For an area that is steeped in historical significance, Chesterfield County is still one of Great Richmond’s most powerful and vital forces. The Wall Street Journal has referred to Chesterfield County as one of the 20 hottest white-collar addresses in the nation. American Demographics magazine has ranked the county among the fastest growing, the wealthiest, and the most highly educated areas in the nation. Setting the benchmark for progressive government, the county has won the Award for Continuing Excellence and the U.S. Senate Productivity and Quality Award for efficient government operations. Chesterfield County excels in fiscal responsibility, enjoying a AAA rating from Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, and Fitch Investment Services.

Ideally situated between the James and Appomattox Rivers with the 3,000-acre Lake Chesdin as a southern boundary, the county offers residents a wide selection of quality lifestyles. Newcomers can choose from luxurious homes with fairway views, the seclusion of heavily wooded lots, or an estate that commands scenic river vistas. Two rolling rivers and thousands of acres of lush parkland are available for outdoor sports and recreation, from boating and swimming to camping and horseback riding.

Some of the Richmond metropolitan area’s most popular recreational amenities and attractions lie in Chesterfield County. In addition to Pocahontas State Park and the Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, the Dutch Gap Conservation Area provides more than 800 acres of hiking trails, bank fishing, and multi-purpose trails. A boat ramp links the park via the James River to Henricus Historical Park. Commemorating the 1611 Citie of Henricus, the park honors the second-oldest settlement in Virginia. In the Citie of Henricus, period buildings and landmarks invite visitors to step across the threshold of time and discover the days when Pocahontas, Chief Powhatan, and John Rolfe conversed and joined in ceremonial song and dance.

More than 20 expansive parks provide 8,700 acres of green space, trails, and wooded areas that are complemented by picnic areas, playgrounds, sports facilities, tennis courts, swimming pools, and ballfields. A land rich in rivers and lakes, Chesterfield County is ideal for water sports, boating, and fishing. The dynamic Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department plans and oversees classes, trips, special events, and programs.

The opportunities for weekend getaways and day trips are abundant for those who live in Chesterfield County. Within a two-hour drive, residents can reach the sandy shores of Virginia Beach, Washington, D.C., or the panoramic Blue Ridge Parkway. Just an hour’s drive away, Colonial Williamsburg and nationally famous amusement parks like Paramount’s Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens offer premier family attractions.

Shoppers will want to explore such famous retail destinations as the Chesterfield Towne Center, where skylights and towering palm trees create an exotic setting for specialty shops, leading department stores, eateries, restaurants, and a multi-screen theater. Just minutes from home, residents can explore one-of-a-kind boutiques, antique dealers, and exclusive shops tucked away in some of Greater Richmond’s distinctive shopping districts, from Carytown and Shockhoe Slip to the 17th Street Farmers Market.

The City of Richmond’s world-class cultural community waits just beyond your doorstep in Chesterfield County, including opera, ballet, symphony, Broadway hits, musicals, and comedy. One of the favorite destinations for Chesterfield residents is the Swift Creek Mill Playhouse, a charming venue created from a 350-year-old grist mill. In spite of the residential, commercial, and industrial development that continues throughout this area, newcomers will discover an abundance of handsome homes in panoramic, park-like settings where treetops replace soaring city skylines. With its excellent schools, award-winning local government, and expanding economy, Chesterfield County is positioned to retain the fine balance between continued growth and an enviable quality of life.