Chesterfield County is a large county in Central Virginia, just south of Richmond and the James River, with Interstate 95 and Route 288 running through it, where Main Street Homes builds new homes. The county stretches from the James River on the north to the Appomattox River on the south, and it includes well-known communities such as Midlothian, Moseley, Chester, and Bon Air.

Life in Chesterfield mixes suburban ease with a lot of green space. You can ride mountain bike trails at Virginia's largest state park in the morning, shop at Westchester Commons in the afternoon, and be in Downtown Richmond for dinner in about half an hour. Neighborhoods range from walkable townhome communities near shopping to homesites of an acre or more near Lake Chesdin. This guide covers getting around, things to do, setting up utilities, taxes, and new homes in the county.

Chesterfield County at a Glance

Chesterfield County is a suburban county of 437 square miles directly south of Richmond, with its county seat at Chesterfield Court House.

Where Is Chesterfield County, Virginia?

Chesterfield County sits on the south side of the Richmond metro area, across the James River from the City of Richmond and Henrico County. The James River forms its northern border and the Appomattox River forms its southern border. Neighbors include Powhatan and Goochland counties to the northwest, Amelia and Dinwiddie counties to the southwest and south, and the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell to the southeast.

The county has no incorporated towns. Instead, it is made up of well-known communities, including Midlothian, Moseley, Chester, Bon Air, Ettrick, Matoaca, and Chesterfield Court House. Common ZIP codes include 23112, 23113, and 23114 (Midlothian), 23120 (Moseley), 23831 and 23836 (Chester), 23832 and 23838 (Chesterfield), 23235 and 23236 (North Chesterfield), and 23803 (Ettrick area).

Water shapes much of the county. Swift Creek Reservoir, about 1,700 acres, sits on the west side near Midlothian and Moseley. Lake Chesdin, about 3,100 acres, lies along the southern county line on the Appomattox River. For a look at how Chesterfield fits into the wider region, see our Central Virginia guide.

Why Home Buyers Choose Chesterfield County

Buyers choose Chesterfield for its location next to Richmond, its large park system, and its wide range of home styles. Here is what stands out:

• Room to play outside: The county runs 67 parks with about 44 miles of trails, and Pocahontas State Park adds more than 90 miles of trails of its own.
• Easy highway access: Route 288, I-95, and the Powhite and Chippenham parkways connect most neighborhoods to Richmond, Short Pump, and Petersburg.
• Water close by: The James River, the Appomattox River, Swift Creek Reservoir, and Lake Chesdin offer paddling, fishing, and boating.
• Everyday convenience: Shopping centers such as Westchester Commons and Chesterfield Towne Center sit close to many neighborhoods.
• A growing job base: LEGO is building a $1 billion factory in the county, and three new hospital projects have been approved.
• Many home types: Main Street Homes builds single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and a 55+ active adult community here.

Getting Around: Commutes, Highways, and Travel

Most Chesterfield neighborhoods are within about 20 to 40 minutes of Downtown Richmond by car, depending on where you live and the time of day. Drive times below are from the county government complex on Lori Road with light traffic.

Highways

• I-95 runs north and south through the eastern part of the county, past Chester, toward Richmond and Petersburg.
• I-295 crosses the eastern edge of the county near Meadowville Technology Park.
• Route 288 is a 32-mile beltway that begins at I-95 near Chester and curves west through the county, with exits at Route 10, Hull Street Road, Powhite Parkway, and Midlothian Turnpike, before continuing to I-64 near Short Pump.
• Powhite Parkway is a toll road into Richmond. Since February 28, 2026, it uses cashless tolling. With a Virginia E-ZPass, a two-axle vehicle pays $0.90, and drivers without E-ZPass get a bill in the mail at a higher rate.
• Chippenham Parkway links Route 1, Route 10, Hull Street Road, and Midlothian Turnpike on the north side of the county.
• Route 895 (Pocahontas Parkway) is a toll road that crosses the James River toward I-295 and the airport.

Trains and buses

Chesterfield has its own Amtrak station. The Petersburg station is in Ettrick, next to Virginia State University, with Northeast Regional, Carolinian, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, and Floridian trains. Richmond's two Amtrak stations are also close by.

The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) runs four local routes in Chesterfield: 1A, 2A, 2B, and 3B. They serve corridors such as Midlothian Turnpike, Hull Street, Jahnke Road, and Route 1, including Brightpoint Community College's Chester campus. Two weekday express routes, the 64x Stony Point Express and the 82x Commonwealth 20 Express, connect park and ride lots to Downtown Richmond. GRTC rides are fare-free through June 30, 2027.

Accessible transportation

GRTC CARE offers door-to-door paratransit, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), within three-fourths of a mile of the 1A, 2A, 2B, and 3B routes. Rides must be booked at least one day ahead. The county also runs Chesterfield Mobility Services, which provides one-way rides for registered Chesterfield residents who have a disability or meet the program's income guidelines. Trips cost $10 within the county and $15 outside it, as of January 1, 2026. Call (804) 706-2796 to register.

For airports, Amtrak, and East Coast road trips, see the Central Virginia guide.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Recreation

Chesterfield County has 67 county parks, about 44 miles of county trails, and Pocahontas State Park, Virginia's largest state park. Here are some favorites.

• Pocahontas State Park: At 7,919 acres, it has more than 90 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Swift Creek Lake offers boating and fishing. The seasonal aquatic center has slides and leisure pools, and the park has cabins, yurts, and campsites. The aquatic center reopens May 29, 2027.
• Rockwood Park: The county's oldest park covers 171 acres in North Chesterfield. It has a nature center, about 5.5 miles of walking trails, lighted tennis and pickleball courts, ballfields, an archery range, a playground, community gardens, and the Ruff House Dog Park.
• Dutch Gap Conservation Area: More than 800 acres along the James River near Chester, with a 4.5-mile loop trail for walking, biking, and horseback riding and a 2.5-mile water trail for kayaks and canoes. It has the county's only power boat landing on the James River.
• Mid-Lothian Mines Park: A park in Midlothian built around the area's coal mining history, with trails, a fishing pond, an amphitheater, and history exhibits.
• River City Sportsplex: A 115-acre complex on Genito Road in Midlothian with 16 lighted synthetic turf fields that host regional and national tournaments.
• Lakes and rivers: Lake Chesdin, Robious Landing Park on the James River, and the Appomattox River Trail in Ettrick all offer paddling and fishing access.

Dog parks, playgrounds, and sports

The county has three dog parks: Ruff House at Rockwood Park, Chester Dog Park at Goyne Park, and Clover Hill Dog Park off Hull Street Road in Midlothian. Most county parks have playgrounds and picnic shelters.

Youth sports such as football, cheer, basketball, softball, baseball, and lacrosse are run by 28 local athletic associations that play on county fields. Soccer, field hockey, wrestling, and adult leagues for soccer, softball, and pickleball are also available. Irvin G. Horner Park in Moseley is getting a new diamond field complex, expected to open in fall 2026, with a splash pad, trails, pickleball courts, and disc golf planned in later phases.

Golf

Public golf options in the county include Birkdale Golf Club, Providence Golf Club, The Golf Club at the Highlands, and First Tee of Chesterfield, an executive course.

Shopping, Dining, and Local Favorites

Chesterfield's main shopping areas sit along Midlothian Turnpike, Hull Street Road, and Route 10.

• Westchester Commons: An outdoor shopping center at Route 288 and Midlothian Turnpike with more than 55 stores and restaurants, including Target and Regal Cinemas.
• Chesterfield Towne Center: An enclosed mall on Midlothian Turnpike, open since 1975, with Macy's and JCPenney. The mall was sold in December 2025, and new owners are studying redevelopment.
• Stonebridge: A mixed-use development on Midlothian Turnpike, on the site of the former Cloverleaf Mall, with a Kroger Marketplace.
• Commonwealth Centre and Chester Village: Shopping centers in the Route 288 and Chester areas.

Breweries

Local breweries include Triple Crossing Beer in Midlothian, Extra Billy's Smokehouse and Brewery in Midlothian, Hidden Wit Brewing Co. in Moseley, Three Leg Run in Chester, and Angry Man Brewing Co. in Chesterfield. More taprooms are a short drive away in Richmond's Scott's Addition.

Farmers markets

The Chesterfield County Farmers Market runs Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., May through September, at 6701 Mimms Loop in the county government complex. The Latino Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., April through October, at the Chesterfield Technical Center on Hull Street Road in Midlothian.

Arts, History, and Annual Events

Chesterfield has more than 400 years of history, plus a growing arts scene.

• Henricus Historical Park: A living history museum near Chester that re-creates the Citie of Henricus, an English settlement founded in 1611. Costumed interpreters, re-created buildings, gardens, and farm animals bring the 1600s to life. Admission is free, and the park is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Historic Courthouse Complex: At Chesterfield Court House, the complex includes the 1917 Courthouse, the 1892 Jail, the Chesterfield County Museum, and the Magnolia Grange house museum.
• Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education: A performing and visual arts center in Chester with the 350-seat Jimmy Dean Theater, an art gallery, and classes.
• The Lynn Theatre and the Art Gallery at Brightpoint: Both are at Brightpoint Community College's Midlothian campus.

Annual events

• Chesterfield County Fair: Held each late summer at the county fairgrounds on Courthouse Road. The 2026 fair ran August 28 through September 7, with rides, livestock shows, and live entertainment.
• Fourth of July Celebration: The county's free celebration at the fairgrounds includes fireworks, live music, and food vendors.
• Farmers market season: Weekly markets run from spring through fall (see above).

Health Care and Wellness

Chesterfield County has two hospitals today, with three more hospital projects approved for about 2029 to 2030.

The HCA Chesterfield Emergency Room opened in June 2026 as a freestanding, 24-hour ER with imaging and lab services. In March 2026, Virginia approved a new VCU Health hospital near Iron Bridge and Nash roads, a new HCA hospital near Hull Street and Otterdale roads, and a 40-bed expansion of St. Francis Medical Center. These projects are planned, not open.

Urgent care centers and pharmacies are located along every major corridor, including Midlothian Turnpike, Hull Street Road, and Route 10.

Recreation centers and active adult programs

The county runs four recreation centers: Bensley, Beulah, Mayes-Colbert Ettrick, and Stonebridge. They offer fitness classes, Tai Chi, arts and crafts, tot programs, summer camps, and technology classes. Parks and Recreation offers more than 700 programs each season. Its Active Lifestyles program, which the county describes as being for adults age 50 and older, includes fitness, games, arts, and classes on technology and finance.

The county's Aging and Disability Resources office connects residents to services and recruits volunteers for programs such as its telephone reassurance calls. Call (804) 768-7878.

Schools, Libraries, and Lifelong Learning

Public schools in the county are run by Chesterfield County Public Schools. You can review data for any school on the Virginia Department of Education's School Quality Profiles. School assignments depend on your address, so confirm them with the school division before you buy.

The division is building West Ridge High School, its first new high school in about 20 years, with an opening planned for August 2027. Career and technical programs are offered through the Chesterfield Technical Center.

Libraries

The Chesterfield Public Library has 10 branches: Bon Air, Central, Chester, Clover Hill, Enon, Ettrick-Matoaca, LaPrade, Meadowdale, Midlothian, and North Courthouse Road. Branches offer story times, makerspaces, book groups, genealogy help, passport services, free meeting rooms, and e-books through Libby and Hoopla.

Colleges and lifelong learning

• Brightpoint Community College has two campuses in the county: Chester, with skilled trades and health science labs, and Midlothian.
• Virginia State University, a public land-grant university founded in 1882, is in Ettrick.
• Richmond's universities, including Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the University of Richmond, are about 30 minutes away.

Jobs, Business Parks, and Working From Home

Chesterfield is one of the region's major job centers, with large employers in health care, manufacturing, and logistics. Major employers include HCA Virginia, UPS, DuPont, and General Dynamics.

• Meadowville Technology Park: A 1,262-acre business park near I-295 and the James River. LEGO is building a $1 billion factory there, with production expected to begin in 2027 and about 1,760 jobs planned over 10 years.
• Upper Magnolia Green: A 1,700-acre technology park in the western part of the county.
• Interchange at Walthall: An industrial park next to I-95.

For remote work, most of the county has access to cable and fiber internet. See the internet section below for providers.

Setting Up Your Home: Utilities and Services in Chesterfield County

Utility providers depend on your exact address, so confirm each one before you move.

Water and Sewer

The Chesterfield County Department of Utilities provides public water to more than 120,000 customers and sewer service to more than 104,000. Swift Creek Reservoir supplies part of the county's drinking water. To check whether public water and sewer reach an address, call (804) 748-1864. Homes outside the service area use private wells and septic systems, which are permitted through the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

Electricity

Dominion Energy serves most of the county. Southside Electric Cooperative serves some areas. Check your address with each provider.

Natural Gas

Columbia Gas of Virginia, which is headquartered in Chester, serves much of the county. Richmond Gas Works serves some areas in the northern part of the county. Homes without gas service may use propane or all-electric heat.

Trash Collection

Chesterfield County does not pick up household trash. Residents hire a private hauler by subscription or take trash to a county convenience center. Some neighborhoods have one hauler chosen through the homeowners association (HOA), so check with your HOA first.

Recycling

Curbside recycling is available by private subscription. Haulers listed by the county include Choice Waste Services, GFL Environmental, Local Disposal Services, TFC Recycling, and Waste Management. Free drop-off recycling is available at both convenience centers and at seven community recycling centers in county parks: Harry G. Daniel Park at Iron Bridge, R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks, Ettrick Park, Goyne Park, Irvin G. Horner Park, Huguenot Park, and Rockwood Park.

Convenience Centers, Landfill, and Debris Disposal

Both county convenience centers are open every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bring proof of Chesterfield residency.

• Northern Area Convenience Center: 3200 Warbro Road, Midlothian
• Southern Area Convenience Center: 6700 Landfill Drive, Chester

Household trash costs $9 per pickup truck load, with higher fees for trailers. Recycling is free. Latex paint, motor oil, and car batteries are accepted free. Asbestos, explosives, and loads of only concrete or asphalt are not accepted.

Bulk Item and Yard Waste

Furniture, brush, leaves, small limbs, and bagged grass are accepted at the convenience centers. Appliance fees are $15 for refrigerators and freezers and $10 for washers, dryers, and dishwashers. Mattresses are $9 each, with a limit of three a year. The county also gives away free mulch and holds special events for shredding, electronics, and household hazardous waste.

Internet and TV

Cable and fiber service is widely available in the more developed parts of the county, with providers that include Xfinity and Verizon. All Points Broadband has been building fiber to more than 29,400 unserved locations in Chesterfield and Henrico through a state broadband grant. Satellite and 5G home internet are also options. To see providers at a specific address, search the FCC National Broadband Map.

County Services Contacts

Before you dig for a fence or garden, call 811 so underground utility lines can be marked.

Service providers, routes, and rates can change and can differ from one address to the next. Before you buy, confirm water, sewer, electric, gas, trash, and internet service for your specific address with Chesterfield County and each provider.

Real Estate Taxes and Cost of Homeownership

Chesterfield County's 2026 real estate tax rate is $0.89 per $100 of assessed value, the same for residential and commercial property.

• Vehicle personal property tax: $3.25 per $100 of assessed value for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. For 2026, state tax relief covers 40% of the tax on the first $20,000 of a qualifying vehicle's value. The county also charges a $20 yearly vehicle registration fee.
• Planned changes: In August 2026, the county proposed using data center tax revenue to cut the vehicle tax rate by at least $1.00 starting in tax year 2027. This is a proposal, not an adopted rate.
• No town taxes: Chesterfield has no incorporated towns, so there is no added town tax.
• HOA dues: Many newer neighborhoods have HOA dues that vary by community.

Tax rates are set each year. Confirm current rates with Chesterfield County Real Estate Assessments before you buy.

New to Chesterfield County? Your First 30 Days

Here is a checklist for your first month in Chesterfield County.

• Vehicles: Title and register your vehicles with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of moving to Virginia. Within 30 days of moving into Chesterfield, notify the Commissioner of the Revenue of your new address and move date.
• DMV Select: The county's DMV Select office at 9901 Lori Road handles titles, registrations, and plates by appointment. It does not issue driver's licenses.
• Driver's license: New Virginia residents have 60 days to get a Virginia driver's license at a DMV customer service center.
• Voter registration: Register online at elections.virginia.gov.
• Utilities: Start water service through the county, and set up power, gas, trash, and internet.
• Library card: Cards are free for county residents. Bring a photo ID and proof of address to any branch.
• Parks and recreation: Browse programs and register online with Chesterfield Parks and Recreation.
• Emergency alerts: Sign up for Chesterfield Alert to get notices about severe weather, road closures, and evacuations by phone, text, or email.

For statewide moving rules, see Moving to Virginia From Another State in our Central Virginia guide.

New Homes in Chesterfield County by Main Street Homes

Main Street Homes has built thousands of energy-efficient homes in Central Virginia since 1996, and Chesterfield is where we build the most.

Main Street Homes has been building in Chesterfield County for years, and we also developed Westerleigh in Moseley and Cosby Village in Chesterfield. Past Main Street Homes communities in Midlothian include Collington, Collington East, Hallsley, Harpers Mill, NewMarket at RounTrey, Randolph Pond, St. Ives, Tarrington, and Winterfield Park. Others include Broadmoor Park and Foxfield in Moseley; IronBridge Townhomes and Meadowville Landing in Chester; and Brattice Mill, Cosby Village Townhomes, Cypress Glen, Edgewater, Glebe Point Estates, Glenmore Village, Lee's Forest, and The Highlands in Chesterfield.

Visit the Augusta II model home at 3806 Tuckmar Pond Drive, Moseley, VA 23120. Oasis Reserve is a 55+ active adult community with a clubhouse, pool, and plans that offer a first-floor primary bedroom. The Aire at Westchester sits next to Westchester Commons, and Midlo West has a walkway to Ivymont Square shopping.

• Neither custom nor production: We will not give you an eraser to move walls, nor will we build a cookie-cutter home. Our floor plans include one-level living, first-floor primary bedroom, and second-floor primary bedroom designs.
• Design Studio: Single-family and 55+ buyers select finishes at our Design Studio at 15871 City View Drive, Suite 100, Midlothian, VA 23113, with certified Design Consultants. Townhome and condo buyers choose from a curated selection of design options.
• Energy Advantage+: Every home is built to our Energy Advantage+ standards and verified with duct blaster and blower door testing.
• Employee-owned: Main Street Homes is employee-owned, so the people building your home share in its success.

Ready to find your place in Chesterfield County? Explore our communities or call or text our Online Sales Specialists, Savannah and Daniel, at (804) 979-2954.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Chesterfield County

Where is Chesterfield County, Virginia?

Chesterfield County is in Central Virginia, directly south of Richmond, between the James and Appomattox rivers. I-95 and Route 288 run through the county, and its county seat is Chesterfield Court House.

What is the real estate tax rate in Chesterfield County, VA?

The 2026 real estate tax rate is $0.89 per $100 of assessed value for both residential and commercial property. The vehicle personal property tax rate is $3.25 per $100 of assessed value.

Who provides water and trash service in Chesterfield County?

The Chesterfield County Department of Utilities provides public water and sewer, with wells and septic outside the service area. The county does not collect trash, so residents hire a private hauler or use one of two county convenience centers.

How far is Chesterfield from Richmond and the airport?

From the county government complex, Downtown Richmond is about 25 minutes by car and Richmond International Airport is about 30 minutes, with light traffic.

What is there to do in Chesterfield County?

Highlights include Pocahontas State Park, Henricus Historical Park, Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Rockwood Park, Lake Chesdin, the Chesterfield County Fair, local breweries, and shopping at Westchester Commons.

What hospitals serve Chesterfield County?

Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center and HCA Johnston-Willis Hospital are in the county, and HCA Chippenham Hospital, a Level I trauma center, is just over the line in Richmond. Three more hospital projects are planned for about 2029 to 2030.

Who builds new homes in Chesterfield County?

Main Street Homes, an employee-owned builder since 1996, builds single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and a 55+ active adult community in Midlothian, Moseley, and Chesterfield.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Main Street Homes of VA, Inc. shares this article for general informational purposes only. References to businesses, organizations, attractions, utilities, and service providers are included as a resource for our readers and do not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Main Street Homes of VA, Inc. The information, data, and details in this article are deemed accurate at the time of writing and were last verified on October 4, 2026. Because rates, services, schedules, boundaries, and providers can change, we encourage readers to confirm details directly with the appropriate locality, agency, or business before making any decisions. Main Street Homes of VA, Inc. supports the federal Fair Housing Act and the Virginia Fair Housing Law and is committed to equal housing opportunity for all.