Why people move to New Kent
Surrounded by rolling hills of nearby vineyards, New Kent is a growing community that’s holding onto its rural roots while newer neighborhoods pop up around it. The city appeals to a mix of families looking for a smaller public school district and retirees who enjoy spending their days on the golf course. You’ll find plenty of other outdoor activities close by, from riverfront hiking to fishing on a reservoir. And while New Kent can feel quiet and tucked away, its location halfway between Williamsburg and Richmond makes commuting simple.
Newer housing developments in New Kent
Although you’ll still spot a few older ranch-style homes around New Kent, most of the housing is fairly new. “Prior to the 2010s, there was barely anything here,” says Tammy Johnson, a realtor with Virginia Capital Realty who has lived in the area since 1985. “Now I’m seeing a new community being built like everywhere I go.” A few of the newer developments in the area include:
- Arbors at Farms of New Kent, which has New Traditional houses and HOA-maintained amenities like a swimming pool
- Maidstone Village, a townhouse community at New Kent’s core
- Viniterra, where some of the contemporary-style houses back up to a vineyard or an 18-hole golf course.
- The Groves at New Kent, a 55+ community with low-maintenance homes
The cost of homes
The median sale price in New Kent is around $460,000, which is pricier than Richmond but a little more affordable than Williamsburg. Townhouses and most homes under 3,000 square feet typically cost between the upper $200,000s and the upper $500,000s, while bigger homes on large lots usually range from the lower $600,000s to the lower $1 millions.
New Kent has a smaller school district
The New Kent County Public Schools district includes three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. It serves about 3,500 students, which is smaller than the school systems in Williamsburg and Richmond. “There’s a real small town feel here because kids go to school with the same group of classmates throughout most of their education,” Johnson says. The area is also home to New Kent Christian School, a private option for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Where to hike, boat and golf
Spending time outside is easy in New Kent, thanks to the three bodies of water nearby. Just north of the community, the Cumberland Marsh Natural Area Preserve is a go to spot for hiking along the Pamunkey River. Fishing and boating are popular at Diascund Reservoir Park to the east, and a few miles south, campgrounds and marinas line the Chickahominy River. Golfers will find several 18-hole courses in the area, including The Club at Viniterra and the Irish links style Royal New Kent Golf Club, both of which are open to the public.
Locally owned restaurants and wineries
New Kent has a few locally owned restaurants, including The Trojan Grill, which is down the street from New Kent High School. “Everybody goes there after one of the softball games or a wrestling match,” Johnson says. The area is also known for its vibrant winery scene, which attracts visitors and locals alike. “On nice days, groups from the city come to winery hop, and local parents will stop by one place to get a drink and let their kids run around outside,” Johnson says. Popular places include:
New Kent Winery, which regularly hosts live music and painting classes
- Saudé Creek Vineyards, where tastings come with views of the Pamunkey River
- Gauthier Vineyard, which also has an inn and an equestrian center
- Jolene Family Winery, where you can sip chardonnay in front of an 18-acre lake
For groceries, there is a Food Lion about 10 minutes away in both Quinton and Providence Forge.
Driving to Williamsburg and Richmond
Williamsburg and Richmond are both about a 30 minute drive away via Interstate 64, and being right between the two is convenient for more than just commuting. “People in the city never believe me when I say I don’t actually live in the middle of nowhere,” Johnson says. “But I could spend the whole day shopping at the outlets in Williamsburg and still make it to Downtown Richmond for dinner.”
