Goochland County is a predominately rural community located on the western edge of the Greater Richmond Area. The county is peacefully found just outside the city of Richmond to provide the convenience of urban amenities without the headaches. With picturesque countryside rolling for miles, Goochland offers the perfect rustic escape.
Goochland is 289 square miles in area. The county is located 13 miles west of Richmond, the capitol of Virginia and 25 miles southeast of Charlottesville, Virginia. The James River flows through the length of Goochland, forming the southern boundary.
Interstate 64 runs along the north of Goochland County, convenient for residents and visitors traveling to Richmond or Charlottesville, Virginia. Just three miles east of Goochland, the intersection of I-64 and I-295 offers easy access to I-95 and cities to the north, including Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Access to I-85 makes way to destinations in the south, such as Charlotte and Atlanta.
Goochland County is popular with home buyers for a reason – multi-acre lots, charming single-family neighborhoods, affordable options and access to larger cities. The cost of living is 10% below the national average, offering a higher quality of living at a lower cost.
HISTORY
Goochland County was officially established in 1728, named after the charming but masterful diplomat, Royal Lt. Governor William Gooch. Royal Lt. Governor William Gooch is most remembered for his stand on religious toleration and quickly attracted Quakers to settle in the new county.
At the time, Goochland was a frontier area with a vast amount of land stretching across both sides of the James River and extending far beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains. Goochland County became a setting for large plantations and country estates. One of the oldest, Tuckahoe Plantation, was the boyhood home to Thomas Jefferson and is now a popular historical attraction.
With an abundance of fertile land, coal, and gold mines, Goochland’s economy prospered and the county grew rapidly. Mills were built on the James River to grind grain and produce oil. By 1840, Goochland possessed 25% of the total length of the Kanawha Canal (created by George Washington). In 1880, the completion of the railroad became a vital link to transporting goods to nearby markets. Later, the creation of Interstate 64 would become the new passageway to facilitate commerce.
Today, the economic prosperity of Goochland still heavily relies on agriculture, forestry, and mining. With fewer farms, more contemporary establishments are geared to crops, cattle and horses.
LOCATION
Goochland is 289 square miles in area. The county is located 13 miles west of Richmond, the capitol of Virginia, 25 miles southeast of Charlottesville, Virginia, about 115 miles southeast of Washington D.C., and about 140 miles northwest of Virginia Beach. The James River flows through the length of Goochland, forming the southern boundary.
Adjacent counties to Goochland County include: Powhatan, Cumberland, and Chesterfield – south; Tuckahoe Creek and Henrico County (Short Pump) – east; Louisa County and Hanover County – north; and Fluvanna County – west.
TRANSPORTATON NETWORK
Interstate 64 runs along the north of Goochland County, convenient for residents and visitors traveling to Richmond or Charlottesville, Virginia.
Just three miles east of Goochland, the intersection of I-64 and I-295 offers easy access to I-95 and cities to the north, including Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Access to I-85 makes way to destinations in the south, such as Charlotte and Atlanta.
EDUCATION
Elementary Schools
Middle School
High School
Governor’s Schools
- Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government & International Studies
- Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Parents can choose from a number of private schools in and near Goochland County:
- Rudlin Torah Academy (0 miles)
- Salem Christian School (0 miles)
- The Collegiate School (4 miles)
- St. Mary’s School (5 miles)
- The Steward School (5 miles)
- St. Catherine’s School (8 miles)
- Benedictine High School (9 miles)
- St. Gertrude High School (9 miles)
- The Stony Point School (9 miles)
- Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Academy (10 miles)
- Fork Union Military Academy (10 miles)
- Trinity Episcopal (11 miles)
- Millwood School (18 miles)
- The Miller School (39 miles)
ORGANIZATIONS
- Friends of Goochland Parks
- Goochland CASA
- Goochland Chamber of Commerce
- Goochland Education Foundation
- Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services
- Goochland Historical Society
- Goochland Lions Club
- Goochland-Powhatan Community Service
- Goochland-Powhatan Master Gardener Association
- Goochland Rotary Club
- Goochland United Soccer Association
- Goochland Volunteer Fire-Rescue
- Goochland YMCA
- Goochland Youth Athletic Association
- James River Association – James River Watch
- Monacan Soil & Water Conservation District
- Pamunkey Regional Library
- Richmond Regional Planning District Commission
- Senior Navigator
- Small Business Financing and Assistance
- Virginia Cooperative Extension
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SHOPPING & DINING
Goochland is home to a variety of locally owned, “ma and pa” stores and restaurants. Shop for some antiques, and then stop in 3 Fellers Bakery for a made-from-scratch treat.
My Manakin Market is another staple in Goochland County. The farmer’s market features fresh, locally grown food, all sold directly from the producers.
The popular outdoor shopping destination, Short Pump Town Center, is located only about 25 miles outside of Goochland. Short Pump is home to many popular retailers and restaurants.
WINERIES/ BREWERIES
MUSIC & THEATER
- Richmond Symphony
- Virginia Opera
- The National
- Innsbrook After Hours
- White Hawk Music Café
- Richmond Center Stage
- Virginia Repertory Theatre
- Goochland Drive-In Theater
GALLERIES & MUSEUMS
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS
Tuckahoe Plantation
See life through Thomas Jefferson’s eyes by visiting Tuckahoe Plantation, Jefferson’s boyhood home, in Goochland. The colonial plantation is a Registered National Historic Landmark.
Dover Hall Estate
The Dover Hall Estate commands a majestic image of elegance and history. Enjoy the stunning view from the top of the castle, looking out over 55 acres of rolling hills and woodlands. The 33,000 square foot English Tudor Estate holds over 30 rooms, filled with classical art, antiques, and other treasures to uncover.
OUTDOORS & RECREATION
PARKS & RECREATION
- Hidden Rock Park
- Goochland Sports Complex
- Central Recreation Complex
- Tucker Park at Maiden’s Landing
THE JAMES RIVER
The James River is a favorite spot for residents and visitors of Goochland. Popular activities include swimming, tubing, boating, rafting, canoeing, and water skiing.
One of Goochland’s most anticipated annual traditions is the James River Batteau Festival. During this 8-day journey down the James River, participants from Lynchburg to Maidens Landing using recreated late 18th & early 19th century cargo boats called James River Batteaux.
CYCLING
For the biking enthusiast, Goochland has it all – miles of open country roads surrounded by stunning landscapes. Whether you’re adventuring out solo, or traveling with a pack of friends and family, you won’t be disappointed.
HUNTING & FISHING
Hunting options include deer, pheasant, duck, turkey and other game in Goochland County.
GOLF
Golf courses in and nearby Goochland County include:
- Kinloch Country Club (Private)
- Hermitage Country Club (Private)
- Richmond Country Club (Private)
- Kanawha Club LLC (Private)
- Royal Virginian Golf Club (Public)
- Sycamore Creek Golf Course (Public)
- Bogey’s Sports Park (Public)
- Patterson Golf Park (Public)
EQUESTRIAN
Horseback riding and horse shows are popular activities in Goochland. There are a number of stables located throughout the area.
REAL ESTATE
Goochland County is a popular area to buy a home for several reasons. It allows easy access to the cities of Richmond and Charlottesville, with industries that employ so many. Ranging from single-family homes in tight-night neighborhoods to charming homesteads on multi-acre lots to the ever-popular golf course communities, Goochland has a variety of homes to suit all lifestyles and tastes.
COMMUNITIES
While there are no incorporated communities located in Goochland County, the list of unincorporated communities include:
- Centerville
- Crozier
- Fife
- Goochland (CDP)
- Hadensville
- Manakin-Sabot
- Maidens
- Oilville
- Sandy Hook
- Shannon Hill
FEATURED DEVELOPMENT AREAS
West Creek Business Park – Current tenants include:
- Capital One
- CarMax
- Virginia Farm Bureau
- Federal Reserve Bank
- Performance Food Group
- Luck Stone
- HCA Virginia
- Centerville
- Goochland Courthouse
Centerville
Centerville is the gateway community into Goochland County, located alongside the Interstate 64 corridor.
Goochland Courthouse – Currently encompasses:
- County Courthouse
- The County Administration building
- Goochland Branch of Pamunkey Regional Library
- Goochland Branch YMCA
- Goochland campus of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
NEIGHBORHOODS
- Aldwyck
- Autumn Breeze
- Bellview Gardens
- Breeze Hill
- Bridgewater
- Cedar Run
- Clifton
- Courthouse Commons
- Creekmore Park
- Crossroads West
- Fox Downs
- Holland Hills
- James River Estates
- Kinloch
- Lake Killarney
- Lower Tuckahoe
- Manakin Farms
- Mill Forest
- Parkside Village
- Partridge Hills
- Randolph Square
- Rivergate
- Sandy Hook
- Tabscott East
- The Estates at Royal Virginia
- The Meadows at Joe Brooke Farm
- The Notch at West Creek
- The Parke at Saddle Creek
- The Preserve at Deerfield
- The Preserve at Parkers Hill
- Venice Heights
- Westcliff
- Whitehall Creek
If you are looking to relocate to Goochland County, feel free to contact me via email, Facebook, or cell phone with any questions you may have. If you are interested in more information on Powhatan County, check out my other site, PowhatanLiving.com