Mechanicsville

Past meets present in Atlee, Virginia, a neighborhood that successfully blends the comforts of country living with the convenience of suburban growth. "I grew up in this area, so I went to high school at Atlee High School, and it really developed quite a bit. In the last 10 years, it's become a lot more walkable," says Delaney Hogg, a third-generation Atlee Realtor with ERA Woody Hogg & Associates. "Atlee's sense of community makes it unique. If there's a car driving down the road, everyone always waves. It doesn't matter if you're passing 20 different people, they always wave. It's a very welcoming community." The Chickahominy River, Forest Hills Lake and multiple recreation centers allow residents to enjoy the outdoors, while a bevy of local antique shops add to the community's southern charm. "It's very friendly. Everybody always says hi to each other at the grocery store. It's like you can't go in there without seeing 10 people, because everyone goes to the same place," Hogg says.<br><br>Buyers can find homes built from the 1990s to the present day. "It's developed a lot in the last few years. More established neighborhoods would include Milestone and Ash Creek, built in the '90s and early 2000s," Hogg says. "And then on the other side of Atlee is Rutland Grove, near Route 301." The community of single-family homes offers amenities that include a trail system, playground and fishing pond. "These homes were primarily developed between 2010 to now. New construction continues down 301 and they're still ongoing." Some of the newest homes rest inside the Honey Meadows Subdivision. On average, Atlee properties cost between $375,00 to $600,000. However, some homes built over the last three years can sell for over $700,000.<br><br>Young children will likely attend Pearson's Corner or Cool Spring Elementary Schools. The remaining students are zoned for Chickahominy Middle and Atlee High. Each school is among the top public options, all receiving an A-minus grade from Niche. Also in Atlee is the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology, which works to create partnerships with community businesses to ensure students are ready to compete in a competitive job market.<br><br>I-295 provides residents easy access to workplaces in Richmond and surrounding towns. The expansion of Route 301 to a four-lane highway serves as an alternate route for I-95 and allows residents to travel around the region. Hanover County Airport also is conveniently located just outside Atlee. Residents can go down Atlee Road to reach the Hanover Emergency Center. There are also many places of worship along Atlee Road.<br><br>Most residents shop for groceries at Kroger, or what Hoggs says locals refer to as a Super Kroger. The local supermarket was expanded to accommodate a larger selection of items, including a clothing section and a Starbucks Coffee shop. Atlee Square Shopping Center, Hanover Commons and The Shoppes at Rutland Place contain many of the area's restaurants. Pizza & Beer of Richmond and Charred anchor The Shoppes at Rutland Place, the newest of the three malls. "It's a community that has restaurants with live music, and a lot of the time, they highlight local artists. There's little mom and pop shops," Hogg says. <br><br>The Chickahominy River runs through Atlee. Forest Hills Lake, a small reservoir in the neighborhood, is a favorite backdrop for locals picnicking or walking. "There are also several dog parks in the surrounding area. So that's always a fun way to get together and be social," Hogg adds. Stillmeadows Farm is a training center for horses and riders that offers riding lessons, and Donato Stables allows equestrians to board their horses.<br><br>The Atlee Branch Library provides additional extracurricular activities for children and adults. "The library was updated in the last few years. The facility moved across the street for a new, bigger building. It has expanded quite a bit, which has been really nice for the community," Hogg mentions.