Sandston

Established in 1634, Henrico County is one of the oldest counties in the country, steeped in both Colonial and Civil War history. Eastern Henrico is a large subsection of the county located southeast of Richmond, with the James River serving as its western border. Once a sprawling agricultural community with tobacco and dairy farms, the area has been experiencing residential growth since the 1950s. The landscape still varies from suburban communities on quiet streets to acres of forests and rural farmland. Residents often explore the outdoors at nearby trails and parks or go into the city to check out new restaurants and shops. People enjoy living in Eastern Henrico because it allows them to live in a community surrounded by nature and outdoor activities while only a short drive to the amenities of downtown Richmond. "I grew up in Eastern Henrico, and the area has changed so much," says Jeannine Moore, who previously worked as a real estate agent with Century 21. "It's still pretty quiet and rural, but it's close to the city, wineries in New Kent and a ton of parks and historical sites." Eastern Henrico has been growing as people move to the area seeking affordable homes. Developers are actively building new communities to meet demand. Although they focus on single-family homes, multi-family homes are available as well. Boyd Homes and Eagle Construction are popular builders in the area. Homes tend to be set back from the street on large lots with front yards landscaped with boxwoods and grassy backyards. Architecture varies from Colonial Revival estates along the river to farmland to Queen Anne and bungalow styles in Highland Springs. Many ranch-style homes were built after the war, while Craftsman-style homes are popular in the area today. Prices range from $200,000 to $300,000 for smaller homes and between $400,000 and $700,000 for estates and acreages. Recreational activities are a big part of life in Eastern Henrico, and the Four Mile Creek trailhead is a great place to start bicycling on the Capital Trail, a 55-mile pedestrian road connecting Richmond to historic Jamestown. History buffs enjoy visiting the Civil War battlefields at Fort Harrison and Fort Brady. One of the best parts about living in Eastern Henrico is its access to the James River. Locals go to Deep Bottom Park, Osbourne Park and Boat Landing to get outside and spend time on the James River. Both parks have boat ramps where people can launch their motorboats, canoes, and kayaks into the river and fishing piers where visitors can cast a line for local species such as catfish and bass. The Lily Pad Café overlooks the water at Osbourne Boat Landing and serves food and drinks in a casual atmosphere. Eastern Henrico is a quiet community with plenty of grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations to meet residents'' needs. Local coffee shops and restaurants give the area a small-town feel. Downtown Richmond is a short drive away for residents looking for museums, a variety of restaurants and unique shops. Eastern Henrico County families can start their students at their local HCPS elementary, including Ward Elementary, which earned a C-plus on Niche. Elko Middle School serves a portion of the county’s sixth through eighth graders and earned an overall C. Students then attend either Varina High School, which has an overall C on Niche, or Highland Springs High School, which has an overall C-minus. The school is known for its variety of athletics, including football, tennis, lacrosse and soccer. Virginia's healthy business incentives have made it a desirable place for companies to grow and relocate. The area is consistently ranked as one of the safest in Virginia, with low crime rates and nearby VCU and Bon Secours Hospital systems. It is a quiet residential community with a rural landscape that allows people to get outside and enjoy nature or to drive to see what the city offers. For these reasons, the area is expected to see continued growth. Many people commute from Eastern Henrico to downtown Richmond for work, and depending on where residents live in the county, that can mean traveling only a few miles to 20 miles each way. Interstate 295 cuts through most of the county and intersects with Interstate 64. The Richmond International Airport is only 5 to 20 miles away, depending on location. Offering rural, suburban living a short distance from downtown Richmond, Eastern Henrico County is an excellent option for those seeking solace outside the city.