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

View More: http://faithphotography.pass.us/danielkeeton-goochlandcounty

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

View More: http://faithphotography.pass.us/danielkeeton-goochlandcountyPUBLIC SCHOOLS

Elementary Schools

Byrd Elementary

Goochland Elementary

Randolph Elementary

Middle School

Goochland Middle School

High School

Goochland High School

 

Governor’s Schools

 

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Parents can choose from a number of private schools in and near Goochland County:

 

ORGANIZATIONS

 

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

 

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

IMG_2163

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

 

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:

 

EQUESTRIAN

Horseback riding and horse shows are popular activities in Goochland. There are a number of stables located throughout the area.

 

REAL ESTATE

View More: http://faithphotography.pass.us/danielkeeton-goochlandcounty

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:

 

FEATURED DEVELOPMENT AREASView More: http://faithphotography.pass.us/danielkeeton-goochlandcounty

West Creek Business Park – Current tenants include:

 

Centerville

Centerville is the gateway community into Goochland County, located alongside the Interstate 64 corridor.

 

Goochland Courthouse – Currently encompasses:

 

NEIGHBORHOODS

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