Semi-rural suburb 7 miles from Richmond gets a new life
In the 1990s, Mechanicsville portrayed the suburban ideal of the time. Subdivisions like Kings Charter presided over a semi-rural setting, while chain eateries were strung along Mechanicsville Turnpike. But a few decades on, things have changed. Richmond, Virginia – the state capital just 7 miles south – gained a reputation during the intervening years as a foodie hub. The demand for locally produced food and beverage spread to the suburbs, and Mechanicsville is a big player leading that charge. In October 2023, Gov. Glenn Youngkin lauded the $3 million expansion of Virginia Artesian, a bottled water brand whose logo is a dogwood, the state’s official tree. Hip eateries typically associated with Richmond’s urban center, like PBR and Gelati Celesti, have opened locations in Mechanicsville – soon to be followed by Wong Gonzalez, part of the popular collective known as Eat Restaurant Partners.
“This area is master planned to have about 1.5 homes per 3 acres. It’s positioned for dense suburban lifestyles, in other words densely populated with robust infrastructure,” says Tommy Sibiga, associate broker with Hometown Realty and a Mechanicsville resident since 2006. “My neighbor just sold 7 acres of his back property, and 16 homes are being built on there now. It’s more efficient and cheaper for the county to focus on economies of scale. That’s also how we keep the rural areas rural.” Sibiga says homebuyers are beginning to see Mechanicsville as a viable alternative to the retail-rich Short Pump neighborhood, attracting people from as far away as Washington.
The Virginia Artesian Bottling Company is a Mechanicsville top employer.
Mechanicsville residents enjoy the mature trees and large lots found in Kings Charter.
PBR Hanover is a favorite in Mechanicsville for residents to grab a quick lunch.
Gelatii Celesti is the kid's favorite stop for a sweet treat after school in Mechanicsville.
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Top employers create a diverse economic base
With over 38,000 residents and a median age of 42, Mechanicsville wants to foster a diverse economic base: Top employers include Amazon, Kings Dominion amusement park, government and education. Health care is prominent, too, especially with the presence of Bon Secours Health Systems. “We already had the Memorial Regional hospital, and we just opened up an assisted living facility behind the Rutland neighborhood,” says Sibiga. “There’s an emergency room next to Rutland’s shopping center, and another ER near Sliding Hill Road, by Kings Charter Shopping Center. And there’s a Kid Med off Pole Green Road.”
Mechanicsville residents appreciate the short commute as they find their way to Amazon.
Bon Secours Hospital is a Mechanicsville staple for their medical needs.
KidMed provides Mechanicsville residents with urgent care for youth.
The Mechanicsville Branch Library invites residents to vist the library for their next book.
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New developments with modern traditional homes, plus midcentury ranches and colonials from the 90s
New construction from the 2020s is making its mark. The Giles neighborhood popped up across from Atlee High with 400 modern traditional homes, quickly rivaling the 900-home Kings Charter development that had long been considered the area’s crown jewel. The concept is geared toward homebuyers who want an amenity-rich neighborhood, with features like a pool, clubhouse, playgrounds and trails. Subdivisions like Garrison Manor and Taylor Farm have followed suit. These also appeal to homebuyers who don’t want to be overwhelmed by choice: There are typically just a few floorplans to pick from.
Some of the contemporary developments going up aim for a mixed-use concept, so homebuyers can occasionally find townhouses and condos as well. But largely, colonials from the 90s and midcentury ranches on half acre lots dot the landscape. Prices range from $350,000 to $750,000. A few of the sprawling homes, usually four or five bedrooms and over 3,000 square feet, are priced $750,000 to $900,000.
In early 2024, the median home price in Mechanicsville was $350,000. According to data from U.S. News & World Report, the national median price for homes is $327,667 while the Virginia median is $340,608.
Mechanicsville
The Giles community provides new residents to Mechanicsville a variety of homes to choose from.
FInd a variety of townhomes perfect for your family in Mechanicsville.
Coloniial influences are found throughout Mechanicsville.
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Highly rated Hanover County schools
Students can attend Hanover County Public Schools, which earns an A-minus rating from Niche. Hanover High has a specialty center where students can enroll in STEM or public safety electives, which includes a track in criminal justice and firefighting. There are also electives in Health Sciences. In August 2020, a new Atlee Library opened its 20,000 square foot facility behind a shopping center. It contains a digital media lab, conference room and a host of meeting spaces.
Pole Green Elementary is a Mechanicsville A rated school according to Niche.
Mechanicsville High School supports approximately 1,300 students in Mechanicsville..
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State Route 360 and I-295 are the main commuter routes
Navigating the area can be fairly easy, thanks to the meeting of Route 360 and Interstate 295, which forms a large cross and roughly carves Mechanicsville into four quadrants. The east-west corridor is 360, while 295 runs north-south.
“The corridor on 360 East has been growing for years, and now you’re seeing a lot of construction along Route 301 on the north side,” says Steve Moss, a Realtor with Icon Realty. “For local roads, Pole Green and Cold Harbor are big growth areas. The thing with Mechanicsville is that it’s still country out there, sort of, but close to downtown. You can get to Richmond in less than 20 minutes.” Sibigo points out that there is no bus service here, so owning a car is essential.
Pole Green Park is good for hiking and biking
History can be part of the experience when visiting Mechanicville’s parks. Totopotomoy Creek Park, for example, marks a battle place between Union and Confederate soldiers. But for a traditional afternoon of leisure, residents can head to Pole Green Park. “It’s a great place to take a run, or take your bike and just get outdoors,” says Moss. “There’s also a nice new sports venue along Route 1.” The Hanover Sports Park that Moss points out is outfitted with a mini golf course, driving range and batting cages.
Totopotomoy Creek Battlefield provides Mechanicsville with a walk through history.
Pickleball courts are always poppin at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville.
Hanover Sports Park provides Mechanicsville families an afternoon of fun and games.
Run wild at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville, with a separate pen for smaller dogs too.
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Satellite locations for popular restaurants pop up here
Mechanicsville Turnpike, also known as Route 360, is one of the main commercial corridors. It’s useful for reaching large grocery stores like Aldi, Publix and Food Lion, all clustered together. But small businesses also make their mark. “There are a lot of close-knit neighborhoods here,” says Max Church, owner of Fine Painting of Richmond. “So if you do good work, they’ll pass the word around. It’s a good place to start a business.”
The city is also top choice for many restauranteurs opening a satellite location. Bell Greek and Charred, both of which started in Chesterfield County, have locations here. Lucky Road Run Shop, which already has locations in Carytown and Chesterfield, is looking to move in next door to PBR. The big annual event that brings out thousands is the Hanover Tomato Festival. Held in July at Pole Green Park, it features live music, vendors and activities for kids.
Aldi supplies Mechanicsville residents with fresh foods at competitive prices.
Publix is a Mechanicsville favorite for families to refill their pantries.
Mechanicsville residents pack Bell Greek every day at lunch for its authentically made meals.
Charred is a Mechanicsville staple for fresh souther cuisine.
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An increase in car break-ins
In August 2024, the Hanover County Sheriff's Office warned against an increase in car break-ins. The office noted that thefts from cars was 57% higher compared to the previous year. Property destruction was up roughly 15%. In 2022, the number of reported property crimes was 470, translating to a property crime rate of 1,190 per 100,000 residents. By comparison, the national property crime rate in 2022 was 1,955 per 100,000 residents.
Written By
Paul Spencer
Photography Contributed By
Jeremy Wooten
Video By
Kevin Carter
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karen Stephens,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Mechanicsville, VA sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Mechanicsville, VA over the last 12 months is $440,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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