Powhatan has a small-town feel outside the big city
Powhatan is a historic and scenic place about 30 miles west of Richmond. Established in 1777 and named after Chief Powhatan, father of Pocahontas, the area was once settled by French Huguenots. Today, Powhatan offers spacious properties, scenic countryside views and a sense of privacy, though it's still a short drive from more populated areas. “Growing up in Powhatan felt like being raised in the middle of the country,” says Alexis Adams, a 2018 graduate of Powhatan High School. “Except you’re not totally secluded; it’s close to Midlothian and Richmond.”
From state parks on the James River to the Powhatan County Fair
There are plenty of lush, spacious natural areas in Powhatan. On the banks of the James River, Powhatan State Park spans over 1,500 acres. Visitors can hike through scenic hardwood forests, go birding in open fields, reel in a largemouth bass or reserve a campsite, with options ranging from cabins and yurts to open spaces for pitching a tent. Nearby, Powhatan Wildlife Management Area also offers picturesque forests, fields and bodies of water. U.S. Route 60 divides this nearly 5,000-acre outdoor space. To the north, the Powhatan Lakes are home to a range of waterfowl, while a large beaver impoundment and scenic hiking trails run to the south. It’s also a popular hunting area for turkey and deer.
Loosely in the center of Powhatan, Fighting Creek Park hosts various public facilities. Soccer fields sit across from the Powhatan County Public Library, and there’s a playground adjacent to ballfields. The park hosts sporting events and offers walking trails and picnic shelters. It’s also the site of the Elizabeth Randolf Lewis Powhatan YMCA and the National Guard Armory. Golfers can tee off at the nearby Mill Quarter Plantation Golf Club. This 18-hole public course also features a clubhouse and restaurant. On the nearby Powhatan County Fairgrounds, the annual Powhatan County Fair offers a fun-filled weekend of rides, carnival games and funnel cake. Locals can ride a helicopter or monster truck, feed animals at the petting zoo, watch a magic show and more.
Homes on multi-acre lots
Homes in Powhatan sit along winding back roads with long driveways leading to garages. There can be a lot of elbow room between properties. “People in Powhatan like their privacy,” Adams says. The area’s median home price is $495,000. Smaller ranch-style homes or Cape Cods can cost about $200,000 to $400,000, while Colonial Revivals, new traditionals and recent construction can run for around $400,000 to $800,000. For about $900,000 to $1.5 million, homebuyers can find multi-acre country estates.
Students zoned for Powhatan County Public Schools
Powhatan County Public Schools serve the area. The district, which educates just over 4,200 students, receives an A-minus from Niche and has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. While there are multiple elementary schools in the area, all students may attend Powhatan Middle, which gets a B, and Powhatan High, which gets a B-plus. “Powhatan’s education system has always been pretty competitive, with a solid mix of AP and dual enrollment courses,” says Adams. “But since they started the pre-nursing program, student feedback has been really positive." She adds, "The program itself is competitive and gives students the chance to get into a clinical setting so they see firsthand what a career in that field could look like.” The kindergarten to 12th-grade faith-based private school, Blessed Sacrament Huguenot, is also in the area. Niche gives the school an A-minus and ranks it as the No. 3 best Catholic high school in the Richmond area.
Local shopping at Maxey's Store, plus big-box options
Powhatan offers both local and big-box shopping. For everyday essentials and groceries, residents can head to the area’s Walmart Supercenter or one of the two Food Lion locations. Those who want to shop local have Maxey’s Store, housed in a charming, white-painted wooden building. Here, shoppers can find gourmet grocery items, prepared food or made-to-order sandwiches and other entrees. Country Food and Furniture, a Mennonite-owned store, sells fresh eggs, homemade baked goods and handcrafted furniture. Every Thursday from May to September, the Powhatan Village Farmer’s Market sells homegrown produce and other artisan goods on the grounds of Bienvenue Event Venue, a former estate in the heart of Powhatan.
Dining options also cater to a range of tastes. The County Seat Restaurant is a local favorite known for its hearty breakfasts and classic Southern comfort food. For a more upscale dining experience, Angela's Italian Ristorante serves pizza, pasta and other Italian favorites. In the mornings, Rise & Grind is a go-to, providing a cozy spot to sip a latte and eat a breakfast pastry.
Westchester Commons, a large shopping center in western Midlothian, is about 13 miles west of Powhatan's center. Here, residents will find a Target, Marshalls, Petco and other big-box stores, dining options like Panera Bread, Buffalo Wild Wings and Sedona Taphouse, and a movie theatre.
Route 60 takes residents to Richmond
Because it’s so remote, Powhatan is car-dependent. U.S. Route 60 runs east-west through the area, leading toward Midlothian’s suburbs, about 16 miles east, and into the city of Richmond, about 30 miles away. “Even though the area is remote, it’s not a far drive to get to nearby areas,” Adams says. For air travel, the Richmond International Airport is about 45 miles east.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
