Goochland County is a county in Central Virginia along the north bank of the James River, west of Richmond and Henrico County, with Interstate 64 on its northern edge and Route 288 in its eastern end, where Main Street Homes has built new homes.

Life in Goochland mixes river views and farmland with quick trips to the city. You can launch a kayak at a riverside park in the morning, ride nine miles of mountain bike trails in the afternoon, and still reach Short Pump for dinner in about 30 minutes. Eastern Goochland sits right next to the West Creek business park, while the western end of the county stays rural, with wineries, farms, and long country roads. For region-wide topics like airports, day trips, and moving to Virginia, see our Central Virginia relocation guide.

Goochland County at a Glance

Goochland County covers about 290 square miles between Richmond and Charlottesville, and its county seat is the community of Goochland, also called Goochland Courthouse.

Where Is Goochland County, Virginia?

Goochland County sits on the western edge of the Richmond region, about 30 miles west of Downtown Richmond and about 45 miles east of Charlottesville. The James River forms the county's entire southern border, and Powhatan County lies across the river.

Goochland's other neighbors are Henrico County to the east, Hanover County to the northeast, Louisa County to the north, Fluvanna County to the west, and Cumberland County to the southwest. Founded in 1728, it was the first county formed from the original Henrico Shire.

The county is made up of small communities rather than incorporated towns. Common ZIP codes include:

• Manakin-Sabot (23103): The eastern end, near Short Pump, West Creek, and Route 288. Read our Manakin-Sabot guide.
• Goochland (23063): The county seat, with the courthouse, schools, and county offices.
• Maidens (23102): Along the James River and Route 522, home to Tucker Park.
• Crozier (23039) and Oilville (23129): Rural communities between the Courthouse area and the east end.
• Richmond (23238) addresses: Some homes in far eastern Goochland, near River Road and Tuckahoe, use Richmond mailing addresses.

Why Home Buyers Choose Goochland County

Buyers come to Goochland for open space, river access, and a short drive to Short Pump and the West End. The county has no cities or large shopping districts, so much of it stays green, with farms, woods, and wide views.

Eastern Goochland feels like an extension of the West End, with fast access to I-64, Route 288, and the offices of West Creek. Head west on River Road or Route 6 and the landscape opens into horse farms, vineyards, and long stretches along the James. You can live surrounded by trees and still be about 15 minutes from a major shopping center, depending on where you settle.

Goochland's base real estate tax rate is also lower than the 2026 rates in neighboring Henrico, Hanover, and Powhatan counties. See the taxes section below for details.

Getting Around: Commutes, Highways, and Travel

Most Goochland commuters drive, using I-64, Route 288, Patterson Avenue (Route 6), or Broad Street Road (U.S. 250) to reach jobs in the West End, Innsbrook, and Downtown Richmond.

• I-64 runs along the county's northern edge, with exits at Shannon Hill Road (148), Hadensville (152), Gum Spring and U.S. 522 (159), Oilville Road (167), Ashland Road at Rockville and Manakin (173), and Route 288 (175).
• Route 288 crosses eastern Goochland with interchanges at Patterson Avenue, West Creek Parkway, and Tuckahoe Creek Parkway. It continues south over the James River to Powhatan and Chesterfield.
• River Road and Patterson Avenue (Route 6) run east-west through the southern half of the county toward the West End.

Approximate drive times from the Goochland County Administration Building, with light traffic:

From eastern Goochland near West Creek, Short Pump is about 15 minutes away and Downtown Richmond is about 25 minutes away.

Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) buses do not run in Goochland. GoochlandCares runs a weekday van that takes registered clients age 65 and over, clients with a disability, and income-qualified clients to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and other errands. Call (804) 556-6260 to learn more. For airports, Amtrak, and intercity buses, see the Central Virginia guide.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Recreation

Goochland's parks center on the James River, wooded trails, and ballfields. Goochland County Parks and Recreation runs these main sites:

• Leakes Mill Park (3951 River Road West): A 176-acre park about three miles west of the Courthouse area, known for nine miles of multi-use trails with 10 bridge crossings. It also has three irrigated athletic fields, two picnic shelters, and a large playground.
• Tucker Park at Maidens Crossing (1300 Maidens Road, Maidens): A 36-acre riverfront park with about 1,200 feet on the James River, a non-motorized boat ramp, a one-mile walking trail, a playground, an outdoor amphitheater, and the Tucker Bark Dog Park.
• Hidden Rock Park (1920 Hidden Rock Lane, Maidens): A 60-acre park with lighted baseball and softball fields, youth soccer fields, nature trails, a volleyball court, a basketball court, and the Hidden Rock Bark Dog Park.
• Goochland Sports Complex (1800 Sandy Hook Road): Lighted football, baseball, and softball fields, a gym, fitness rooms, and Skate 522, the county's public skate park.
• Reynolds Recreation Complex (1851 Dickinson Road): Three lighted tennis courts, a ballfield, picnic areas, and a fishing pond.
• Courthouse Trails (2938 River Road West): A 55-acre wooded site behind the courthouse complex with a soft-surface trail system.

On the river: Goochland's tourism office lists public James River access at Maidens, Tucker Park, West View, Watkins, Columbia, and Cartersville. Powhatan State Park sits just across the river for camping and more paddling.

Sports and fitness: The Goochland Youth Athletic Association runs youth baseball, softball, football, and cheer, and the Goochland United Soccer Association runs youth soccer. Parks and Recreation hosts youth basketball, adult leagues, and open gym hours for basketball, pickleball, and volleyball. Residents age 16 and up can sign up for a free Active GVA membership to use the cardio and weight rooms at the Goochland Sports Complex. Sportable offers adaptive sports through the county's program guide.

Golf: Golf in Goochland is mostly private. Hermitage Country Club and Kinloch Golf Club are both in Manakin-Sabot. Nearby public courses include Mill Quarter Plantation across the river in Powhatan County and Hunting Hawk Golf Club in western Hanover County.

Shopping, Dining, and Local Favorites

Goochland has small local shops and restaurants, and most big-box shopping is a short drive east in Short Pump. Short Pump Town Center and the West Broad Street corridor are about 15 to 25 minutes from most of the county.

The county's craft drinks scene is a big draw. Goochland's tourism office promotes a Goochland Craft Beverage Trail with breweries, wineries, a cidery, and a distillery, including:

• Hardywood Park Craft Brewery taproom in West Creek
• Kindred Spirit Brewing, brewing in Goochland since 2016
• Elk Island Winery, named for the James River island beside it
• Byrd Cellars, Grayhaven Winery, and Rassawek Vineyard in the county's rural areas
• Hilltop Distillery, on a hill above the James River

Hours vary by season, and some tasting rooms open only on select days, so check before you go.

Goochland Farmers Market: The market runs Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., May through September, at 1889 Sandy Hook Road, across from the Goochland Sports Complex. Expect local produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, crafts, food trucks, and live music. The market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through EBT cards, with Virginia Fresh Match, and it won a 2026 national award from the National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials (NACPRO).

Arts, History, and Annual Events

Goochland's history goes back almost 300 years, and much of it can still be seen along River Road.

• Goochland County Court Square: The historic courthouse area on Route 6 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Historic Tuckahoe (12601 River Road): A National Historic Landmark in eastern Goochland, built by the Randolph family in the 1730s. Thomas Jefferson attended classes in its small schoolhouse as a boy. The grounds are open for self-guided visits from 9 a.m. to dusk for a requested $5 donation, and guided tours of the main house are available by appointment at (804) 774-1614.

Annual events:

• Goochland County Fall Festival: Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old GES Field, 3150 River Road West, with a pumpkin patch, pie and costume contests, live music, and local vendors.
• Goochland Farmers Market: Tuesday evenings, May through September (see above).

Parks and Recreation publishes a seasonal program guide with art classes, workshops, trips, and events. For concerts, theater, and museums, Richmond's arts scene is about 40 minutes away. See the Central Virginia guide.

Health Care and Wellness

Goochland does not have its own hospital, so residents use emergency rooms and hospitals in western Henrico and Richmond. Drive times below are from the Goochland County Administration Building.

From West Creek, the Short Pump emergency center is about nine minutes away and St. Mary's Hospital is about 20 minutes away. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Medical Center in Downtown Richmond is the region's Level I trauma center; see the hub post for the region's health systems.

The Courthouse area has two local pharmacies: Goochland Pharmacy on Sandy Hook Road and Dawson's Pharmacy on Fairground Road. For urgent care, the closest centers are in Short Pump, such as Patient First on Pump Road and CareNow Urgent Care on West Broad Street.

Fitness and wellness: The Goochland Family YMCA at 1800 Dickinson Road has cardio and strength equipment, group exercise, and an outdoor pool that is covered by a heated bubble in winter. Members get free Child Watch for children ages six weeks to 11 years during set hours. Parks and Recreation also offers programs for adults age 55 and older, such as tai chi and chair pickleball.

Schools, Libraries, and Lifelong Learning

Goochland County Public Schools serves the county with five schools: Byrd Elementary, Goochland Elementary, Randolph Elementary, Goochland Middle, and Goochland High School. To review enrollment, test results, and other school data, visit the Virginia Department of Education's School Quality Profiles. Confirm school assignments for any address with the school division.

Before and after school: Parks and Recreation runs RECZone, an after-school program at Goochland, Byrd, and Randolph elementary schools from 2:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. on school days. The 2026 to 2027 rate is $17 per day.

Library: The Goochland Branch Library of the Pamunkey Regional Library is at 3075 River Road West in the Courthouse area. It hosts story times, yoga, writing groups, and art programs.

College and career learning: Reynolds Community College's Goochland Campus, at 1851 Dickinson Road, offers programs in horticulture, automotive and diesel mechanics, and welding. VCU, the University of Richmond, and the University of Virginia are all within about an hour.

Volunteering and learning: Goochland County Extension runs 4-H programs, and the Goochland Powhatan Master Gardeners hold workshops and plant sales powered by volunteers.

Jobs, Business Parks, and Working From Home

West Creek is Goochland's biggest job center. The business park covers more than 3,500 acres in eastern Goochland, with about five miles of Route 288 running through it. Its owners report more than 10,000 people working there, at companies including Capital One, CarMax, Performance Food Group, Virginia Farm Bureau, HCA, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

More jobs are planned. Eli Lilly plans a $5 billion manufacturing facility in West Creek that the company says will create 650 permanent jobs. Lilly bought the 227-acre site in July 2026, and the company has said facilities like this usually take about five years to build.

Working from home: Fiber internet now reaches much of rural Goochland through Firefly Fiber Broadband. See the Internet section below. Many buyers set up a home office in a bonus room or spare bedroom.

Setting Up Your Home: Utilities and Services in Goochland County

Utility providers in Goochland depend on your exact address, so always confirm before you move.

Water and Sewer

Public water and sewer in Goochland are limited to a few areas. Goochland County's Department of Public Utilities serves two main systems:

• Tuckahoe Creek Service District (TCSD): Created in 2002, the TCSD serves the county's eastern growth area. It is roughly bounded by the Henrico County line on the east, the Hanover County line on the north, parts of Hockett, Hermitage, and Rockville roads on the west, and Patterson Avenue (Route 6) on the south. Water comes from Henrico County, and wastewater is treated by the City of Richmond under county agreements. Properties in the district pay an extra tax (see the taxes section).
• Courthouse area: A separate water and sewer system serves the Courthouse area, using capacity purchased from the Virginia Department of Corrections.

A few neighborhoods use privately owned water systems. Homes outside these systems typically use a private well and septic system.

Electricity

Dominion Energy is the main electric provider in Goochland. Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and Central Virginia Electric Cooperative serve some parts of the county. Check your address with each provider.

Natural Gas or Propane

Columbia Gas of Virginia provides natural gas in eastern Goochland. Elsewhere, homes use propane from local dealers.

Trash Collection

Goochland County does not offer curbside trash pickup. Residents can take household trash to a county convenience center for free, or hire a private hauler for curbside service. Republic Services is one company that lists service in Goochland.

Recycling

Curbside recycling through the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) is available only in participating subdivisions in eastern Goochland. As of July 1, 2026, 44 subdivisions with more than 2,241 households take part, at $65.52 per household per year. The next enrollment period runs from spring 2027 through June 30, 2027, for service starting July 1, 2027. Everyone else can recycle for free at the convenience centers.

Convenience Centers, Landfill, and Debris Disposal

Goochland has two county convenience centers. Both are open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., except county holidays, and are free for household trash and recycling with proof of residency.

The centers also take motor oil, antifreeze, oil filters, propane tanks, car and rechargeable batteries, many paint products, and computers and televisions for recycling.

Bulk Item and Yard Waste

Fees apply for brush, appliances with Freon (such as refrigerators and air conditioners), and tires. Tire fees range from $2 to $30 depending on size. Large loads may be sent to a private landfill or disposal facility.

Internet and TV

Fiber internet has expanded across Goochland. Firefly Fiber Broadband, a subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative, is building fiber to unserved homes through the Regional Internet Service Expansion (RISE) project, supported by state Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) grants and county funds. As of October 2026, Firefly lists many Goochland areas as in service, others as connecting now, and the Maidens area in engineering with connections expected in fall 2026.

Other providers in parts of the county include Comcast Xfinity, plus satellite and fixed wireless options. To see who serves an address, search the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) National Broadband Map and check with each provider.

County Services Contacts

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 Goochland County and each provider.

Real Estate Taxes and Cost of Homeownership

Goochland County's 2026 real estate tax rate is $0.53 per $100 of assessed value. The Board of Supervisors kept the rate unchanged when it adopted 2026 tax rates on April 14, 2026.

• Tuckahoe Creek Service District: Properties in the TCSD pay an extra ad valorem tax of $0.32 per $100, which helps pay for the district's water and sewer system. That makes the combined rate $0.85 per $100 in the district. The tax applies to district parcels even if they are not yet connected to water and sewer.
• Personal property tax: Goochland's general personal property rate is $3.75 per $100 of assessed value, and it applies to vehicles each year. Qualifying personal vehicles may receive state tax relief.
• Sales tax: 6% in the Central Virginia region.

There are no towns in Goochland, so there is no added town tax. Tax rates can change each year, so confirm current rates with the Goochland County Treasurer or Commissioner of the Revenue.

New to Goochland County? Your First 30 Days

Here is a checklist for settling in. For statewide rules on driver's licenses and vehicles, see the Central Virginia guide.

• Driver's license and vehicles: New Virginia residents have 60 days to get a Virginia driver's license and 30 days to title and register their vehicles with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• County vehicle registration: Report your vehicles to the Goochland County Commissioner of the Revenue so they can be assessed for personal property tax.
• Voter registration: Register online at elections.virginia.gov or with the Goochland County voter registration office.
• Emergency alerts: Sign up for Goochland Alerts at goochlandva.us/goochland-alerts to get weather warnings and utility notices by text, phone, or email. The county started this system in 2026 to replace CodeRED, so earlier CodeRED users need to sign up again.
• Library card: Stop by the Goochland Branch Library at 3075 River Road West.
• Parks and Recreation: Sign up for a free Active GVA membership and look through the seasonal program guide at the Goochland Sports Complex or on the county website.
• Trash and recycling: Bring proof of residency to a convenience center, choose a private hauler, or ask your homeowners association (HOA) if your neighborhood has curbside recycling.

New Homes in Goochland County by Main Street Homes

Main Street Homes is proud to build in Goochland County. New Goochland communities are announced first to our VIP list, so the best way to hear about them is to join it today.

Main Street Homes has been building in Goochland County for years. Past Main Street Homes communities here include Songbird and Tuckahoe Bridge in Manakin-Sabot, both now home to Main Street homeowners. While you wait for a new Goochland community, several Main Street Homes communities are a short drive away.

• Short Pump area, Henrico County: Covey Run will offer a limited collection of single-family homes off Church Road, with sales expected to begin in summer 2027. Proffitt's Mill is a planned townhome community, also off Church Road, anticipated for winter 2027. Both have VIP lists open now.
• Powhatan County, across the James River: Fine Creek Manor, Maple Grove, MontRose, and Walkers Farm offer single-family homes, including homesites of 10 acres or more in some communities.

Main Street Homes has built thousands of energy-efficient homes in Central Virginia since 1996, and the company is employee-owned. We are neither a custom builder nor a production builder: 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 and first-floor primary bedroom designs.

• Design Studio: At our Design Studio at 15871 City View Drive, Suite 100, Midlothian, VA 23113, certified Design Consultants help single-family and 55+ buyers choose finishes. Townhome and condo buyers choose from a curated selection of design options. Learn about the Design Studio.
• Energy Advantage+: Every home is built to our Energy Advantage+ standards and verified with duct blaster and blower door testing.

Be among the first to hear about new Main Street Homes communities in Goochland County. Visit our Goochland County communities page to join the VIP list.

Ready to find your place in Goochland 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 Goochland County

Where is Goochland County, Virginia?

Goochland County is in Central Virginia, west of Richmond and Henrico County, on the north bank of the James River. I-64 runs along its northern edge, and Route 288 crosses its eastern end near Short Pump.

What is the real estate tax rate in Goochland County?

The 2026 real estate tax rate is $0.53 per $100 of assessed value. Properties in the Tuckahoe Creek Service District pay an extra $0.32 per $100, for a combined $0.85.

Does Goochland have public water?

Public water and sewer serve the Tuckahoe Creek Service District in eastern Goochland and the Courthouse area. Most other homes use a private well and septic system, so confirm service for any address.

What internet providers serve Goochland County?

Firefly Fiber Broadband has built fiber across much of rural Goochland, and Comcast Xfinity serves parts of the county. Check the FCC National Broadband Map for providers at a specific address.

Does Goochland County pick up trash?

No. Residents use two free county convenience centers, open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., or hire a private hauler. Some eastern subdivisions have CVWMA curbside recycling.

How far is Goochland from Richmond and Charlottesville?

From the county seat, Downtown Richmond is about 40 minutes away and Charlottesville is about 55 minutes away. From eastern Goochland, Short Pump is about 15 minutes away.

Who builds new homes in Goochland County?

Main Street Homes, an employee-owned Central Virginia builder since 1996, builds in Goochland County, including the Songbird community in Manakin-Sabot. New Goochland communities are shared first with the VIP list, and nearby options include Covey Run and Proffitt's Mill in Short Pump and several Powhatan County communities.

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.