Hanover County is a county in Central Virginia just north of Richmond, where Interstate 95 and Interstate 295 cross, and where Main Street Homes builds new homes. It stretches from the suburbs of Mechanicsville to the farm fields around Beaverdam and Montpelier, with the historic railroad town of Ashland in the middle.

Life in Hanover mixes open country with quick trips into the city. You can buy tomatoes at a roadside stand in the morning, ride roller coasters at Kings Dominion in the afternoon, and catch a play at a nearly 300-year-old tavern at night. Downtown Richmond is about 30 minutes from the county seat, and Washington, D.C., is about two hours north. This guide covers what you need to know before you move: where Hanover is, how to get around, what to do, and how to set up your new home. For region-wide topics such as airports, day trips, and moving to Virginia from another state, see our Central Virginia relocation guide.

Hanover County at a Glance

Hanover County is a 474-square-mile county north of Richmond, with its county seat at Hanover Courthouse.

Where Is Hanover County, Virginia?

Hanover County sits directly north of Richmond and Henrico County, about 95 driving miles south of Washington, D.C. The Chickahominy River forms its southern edge near Mechanicsville, and the North Anna, South Anna, and Pamunkey rivers flow through the county.

Neighbors include Henrico County to the south, Goochland and Louisa counties to the west, Spotsylvania and Caroline counties to the north, and King William and New Kent counties to the east. The county was formed in 1720.

Main places in Hanover include:

• Mechanicsville (ZIP codes 23111 and 23116): the county's largest community, a suburban area along Route 360 and I-295 that sits less than two miles from the Richmond city line at its closest point.
• Atlee (23116): a growing area along Route 301 and I-95 exit 86.
• Ashland (23005): the incorporated town along I-95 and the railroad, home to Randolph-Macon College. See our Ashland guide.
• Hanover Courthouse (23069): the county seat, with the historic courthouse and county offices on Route 301.
• Doswell (23047): home to Kings Dominion and The Meadow Event Park.
• Beaverdam (23015) and Montpelier (23192): rural communities in western and northern Hanover with farms and open land.

Why Home Buyers Choose Hanover County

Buyers look at Hanover for its mix of suburban convenience and rural space, all within a short drive of Richmond. Mechanicsville and Atlee have neighborhoods, shopping, and quick interstate access, while western Hanover keeps its farms and country roads.

Hanover is known for its tomatoes, which have their own festival each summer. The county also holds a big share of Virginia's colonial history: Patrick Henry was born here, argued a famous case at the Hanover Courthouse, and lived at Scotchtown in Beaverdam. Add a major theme park, a train station with service to Washington, D.C., and the region's lowest real estate tax rate according to the county, and Hanover offers a lot to explore.

Getting Around: Commutes, Highways, and Travel

Hanover sits at the northern edge of the Richmond region, where I-95, I-295, and three U.S. highways meet. Drive times below are from the county government complex at Hanover Courthouse with light traffic.

• I-95 runs north and south through the middle of the county, with four exits between Atlee and Doswell.
• I-295 loops around the east side of Richmond through Mechanicsville, linking I-95 to I-64 and Richmond International Airport.
• U.S. Route 301 runs from Atlee through Hanover Courthouse toward Bowling Green, and U.S. Route 360 runs from Mechanicsville into Richmond.
• Amtrak: The Ashland station on Railroad Avenue serves Northeast Regional trains to Washington, D.C., and points north.
• Public transit: The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) runs LINK, an on-demand van service, in the Ashland zone. It operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and connects to GRTC Route 1 into Richmond. Book a ride with the GRTC on the Go app or at (804) 358-4782. GRTC rides are fare-free through at least June 30, 2027.
• Rides for older adults and people with disabilities: Hanover DASH offers door-to-door rides in wheelchair-accessible vans for residents 65 and older or with disabilities, at $5 per one-way trip. Call (804) 365-4300. Hanover Senior Rides, a volunteer program, helps adults 60 and older or people with disabilities who cannot drive get to medical visits and errands.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Recreation

Hanover Parks and Recreation runs more than 10 parks, plus four public boat ramps on the North Anna, South Anna, and Pamunkey rivers.

• Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville is the county's busiest park. It has playgrounds, ballfields, four pickleball courts, a skate park, a dog park, equestrian facilities, a 5K cross-country course, trails, and a community center.
• Poor Farm Park near Ashland has nine multipurpose fields, four diamonds, playgrounds, volleyball courts, and trails.
• Courthouse Park has seven multipurpose fields, a roller hockey rink, a fishing pond, a playground, and a half-mile walking trail.
• Hanover Wayside Park on Route 301 has a veterans memorial, walking trails, picnic shelters, and a playground.
• Taylor Park in Ashland has a dog park, a playground, a field, and trails.
• Washington Lacy Park has equestrian trails, biking and walking paths, and horse trailer parking.
• Montpelier Park has a recreation center, ballfields, a playground, and walking trails.
• Lake Hanover Nature Trail is a two-thirds-mile walking path with two viewing platforms.
• Cold Harbor Battlefield Park and North Anna Battlefield Park combine Civil War history with trails. Cold Harbor's paved trails are wheelchair accessible.

Dog parks: Pole Green and Taylor dog parks are open daily from dawn to dusk, with agility equipment, water stations, and benches. Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated for rabies.

Golf: Hunting Hawk Golf Club, at 15201 Ashland Road, is an 18-hole public course along the Chickahominy River in western Hanover, with five sets of tees.

Youth sports: The county provides and maintains many of the fields, while independent community leagues run youth baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, lacrosse, volleyball, and more. Adaptive sports programs are offered through groups such as Jacob's Chance and Compass Sports. Find the league list on the county's Youth Sports page.

Shopping, Dining, and Local Favorites

Hanover's food and drink scene leans local, with taprooms, a historic tavern, and farm-fresh produce in season.

• Center of the Universe Brewing Company on Air Park Road in Ashland has a large taproom, and its sister brewery, Origin Beer Lab, pours experimental beers on Railroad Avenue in downtown Ashland.
• Hanover Tavern in Hanover Courthouse serves scratch-made food in its restaurant and pub, Wednesday through Sunday.
• Ashland Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon at 121 Thompson Street, starting in May.
• Hanover tomatoes and other local produce are sold at farm stands and pick-your-own farms around the county each summer, such as Hanover Vegetable Farm on Ashland Road and Pole Green Produce in Mechanicsville.

Everyday shopping, including grocery stores and national retailers, is found along the Route 360 corridor in Mechanicsville and the Route 1 and Route 301 corridors near Atlee and Ashland. Short Pump and the Richmond area add more shopping about 30 minutes away.

Arts, History, and Annual Events

Hanover is one of Virginia's most historic counties, with sites tied to Patrick Henry, the American Revolution, and the Civil War.

• Hanover Courthouse: Built in the early 1740s, it is where Patrick Henry argued the Parson's Cause case in 1763. Trials ended in the 1970s, but the building still hosts county ceremonies and meetings. The Hanover County Historical Society offers tours by appointment.
• Hanover Tavern: Nearly three centuries old and one of the oldest surviving taverns in the country. Its 155-seat Bradley Theater was the original home of the Barksdale Theatre, and the tavern hosts plays, history tours, and special dinners.
• Patrick Henry's Scotchtown: The only surviving home of Patrick Henry, who lived there from 1771 to 1778. Run by Preservation Virginia, it offers guided interior tours from March through December.
• The Montpelier Center for Arts and Education: A nonprofit arts center in a restored 100-year-old school in Montpelier, with an art gallery, classes, community events, and preschool services.
• Kings Dominion: The Six Flags theme park in Doswell added Rapterra, a winged roller coaster, in 2026, and its Soak City water park opens in late spring.

Annual events:

• Hanover Tomato Festival: Held each July at Pole Green Park. The 48th festival on July 10 and 11, 2026, was free and featured nearly 100 vendors, live music, and tomato contests.
• SpookieFUN Fest: A fall event at Pole Green Park. [VERIFY: 2026 date.]
• State Fair of Virginia: Held each fall at The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, just across the county line in Caroline County.

Health Care and Wellness

Hanover has one full-service hospital and two freestanding emergency rooms (ERs), all about 15 to 20 minutes from the county seat.

Pharmacies, urgent care centers, and medical offices are located along the county's main shopping corridors. Route 360 (Mechanicsville Turnpike) has urgent care centers such as Patient First and CareNow Urgent Care, plus several chain pharmacies, and more pharmacies sit along Route 301 (Chamberlayne Road) near Atlee.

Recreation programs for active adults: Hanover Parks and Recreation offers trips for adults 50 and older, the Prime Timers club for adults 50 and older, a Diner's Club, senior games and tournaments, and classes. Call (804) 365-7150. The county also hosts a free spring active aging event with wellness presentations.

Schools, Libraries, and Lifelong Learning

Hanover County Public Schools serves the whole county, including Ashland. The division has 24 schools: 14 elementary, four middle, four high schools, and two specialty schools, serving about 17,000 students from Pre-K through grade 12. All four high schools offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, and the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology offers career and technical classes.

Visit Hanover County Public Schools for enrollment and school assignment by address, and review data for each school on the Virginia Department of Education School Quality Profiles.

Libraries: Pamunkey Regional Library has six branches in Hanover: Ashland, Atlee, Hanover, Mechanicsville, Montpelier, and Rockville.

Colleges and learning: Randolph-Macon College, a private liberal arts college, is in Ashland. Universities and community colleges in Richmond and Henrico are about 30 minutes away. Adults can take classes through Hanover Parks and Recreation, the Montpelier Center, and the library.

Jobs, Business Parks, and Working From Home

Hanover's largest employers include Amazon, Hanover County Public Schools, Kings Dominion, Bon Secours, Hanover County government, Walmart, Wegmans, FedEx, and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, according to Virginia Employment Commission data from 2025. Many residents also commute to jobs in Richmond, Innsbrook, and Short Pump, each about 30 minutes away.

For remote work, internet is expanding fast. The Connect Hanover project is bringing fiber to rural Hanover through All Points Broadband and Brightspeed, using Dominion Energy and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative poles. As of August 2026, construction was about 85% complete, more than 6,100 homes and businesses had been passed, and more than 1,300 homes were connected. The goal is to finish by the end of 2026, which will cover about 95% of the county. See the internet section below for details.

Setting Up Your Home: Utilities and Services in Hanover County

Utility providers in Hanover depend on your exact address, so confirm each one before you move. Homes in the Town of Ashland also have town services; see the notes below and our Ashland guide.

Water and Sewer

The Hanover County Department of Public Utilities provides public water and sewer in the county's suburban service area, the Courthouse area, and several rural subdivisions, including the Town of Ashland. Call (804) 365-6024 to start service. Homes outside the public service area typically use a private well and septic system. [VERIFY: confirm well and septic wording with the county.] Water and sewer rates rose 6.5% in the fiscal year 2027 budget.

Electricity

Two companies provide electricity in Hanover County, depending on your address:

• Dominion Energy serves much of the county, including suburban areas.
• Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC), a member-owned cooperative, serves other parts of the county, mainly in the north and west.

Ask your builder or the seller which provider serves your home, or check each company's service map. [VERIFY: confirm general service area wording with each provider.]

Natural Gas or Propane

Virginia Natural Gas serves most of Hanover County. Richmond Gas Works, run by the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities, also serves portions of Hanover. Gas lines do not reach every street, so many homes, especially in rural areas, use propane or all-electric systems. Confirm gas service by address with Virginia Natural Gas or Richmond Gas Works.

Trash Collection

Hanover County does not offer curbside trash pickup. Residents use the six free, residential-only county convenience centers (Courthouse, Beaverdam, Doswell, Elmont, Mechanicsville, and Montpelier) or hire a private trash hauler by subscription. The centers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bring an ID or vehicle registration.

In the Town of Ashland, curbside trash pickup is included for single-family homes and duplexes. Waste Management collects every Monday under a Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) contract, and each home gets a 96-gallon cart.

Recycling

Curbside recycling in Hanover is available only in participating subdivisions through CVWMA. So far, 22 subdivisions have opted in, and the cost of about $46 a year appears on each home's real estate tax bill. A neighborhood can join by petition with signatures from at least 80% of households. Call Hanover Public Works at (804) 365-6181 to learn more. All county convenience centers also accept recycling. Ashland homes have CVWMA curbside recycling.

Convenience Centers, Landfill, and Debris Disposal

Hanover's six convenience centers are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, except major holidays. Bring an ID or vehicle registration, since staff may check residency.

All centers take household trash, bulky items, recycling, automotive fluids, and small amounts of renovation waste. Larger or commercial loads go to the county Transfer Station at 7301 Courtland Farm Road, where fees apply.

Bulk Item and Yard Waste

• Furniture and appliances: Take them to any convenience center. Appliances go in the metal container.
• Mattresses: Accepted at the Courthouse (301) and Montpelier centers, up to two a day.
• Brush: Branches up to 4 inches across go to the Mechanicsville (Verdi Lane) center or the Transfer Station. Larger brush is accepted at the Transfer Station for a fee.
• Grass and leaves: Accepted at the Courthouse, Elmont, and Mechanicsville centers.
• Hazardous waste and electronics: The county holds collection events, usually in spring and fall.

See the county's Disposal Guide for a full list.

Internet and TV

Internet options depend on your address. Search the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) National Broadband Map to see providers for a home. In rural Hanover, the Connect Hanover project is adding fiber through All Points Broadband in eastern Hanover and Brightspeed in western Hanover. If you connect by the end of 2026, there is no fee to run fiber from the main line to your home, though All Points charges a standard $99 install fee. Learn more at connecthanover.com.

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 Hanover County and each provider.

Real Estate Taxes and Cost of Homeownership

Hanover County's real estate tax rate is $0.81 per $100 of assessed value in 2026, and the Board of Supervisors kept that rate in the fiscal year 2027 budget.

• Vehicle personal property tax: $3.57 per $100 of assessed value. [VERIFY: tax year on the county Tax Rates page.]
• Town of Ashland: Ashland homeowners pay the county rate plus a town real estate tax of $0.10 per $100, unchanged for fiscal year 2027. The town also charges personal property tax of $0.70 per $100 and a 6% meals tax.
• Sales tax: 6% in the Central Virginia region.
• Tax relief: Hanover offers real estate tax relief for elderly and disabled homeowners who meet income and net worth limits.
• Recycling fee: If your subdivision has opted in, about $46 a year is added to your tax bill.

Rates can change each year. Confirm current rates with the Hanover County Commissioner of the Revenue before you buy. Energy-efficient construction can also help keep monthly utility bills in check; see the Main Street Homes section below.

New to Hanover County? Your First 30 Days

Here is a quick checklist for your first month in Hanover. For statewide rules, see the moving section of our 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 vehicles with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• Local vehicle registration: Register your vehicles with the Hanover County Commissioner of the Revenue so they are billed for personal property tax. Ashland residents are billed by the town.
• Voter registration: Register online at elections.virginia.gov or visit the Hanover Voter Registration and Elections Office in the Wickham Building, 7497 County Complex Road.
• Utilities and trash: Start water and sewer service, set up electricity and internet, and sign up with a trash hauler or plan trips to a convenience center.
• Library card: Stop by any Pamunkey Regional Library branch.
• Parks and recreation: Browse classes, camps, and active adult programs with Hanover Parks and Recreation.
• Emergency alerts: Sign up for Hanover Alert, the county's emergency notification system, using your Hanover street address.

New Homes in Hanover County by Main Street Homes

Main Street Homes builds new homes across Central Virginia, including Hanover County. New communities are announced first to our VIP list, so visit our Hanover County communities page to be among the first to hear about new homes in Hanover.

Main Street Homes has been building in Hanover County for years. Past Main Street Homes communities here include Amburn in Ashland, and Bishops Park, Harbor Ridge, and Villas at Cool Springs in Mechanicsville.

Buyers who love Hanover's location can also explore nearby Main Street Homes communities, each about 35 to 45 minutes from Hanover Courthouse:

• Covey Run in the Short Pump area of Henrico County: a limited collection of new single-family homes off Church Road. Sales are expected to begin in summer 2027; join the VIP list for early updates.
• Proffitt's Mill in Short Pump: a new townhome community anticipated for winter 2027. Join the VIP list for early updates.
• Beech Springs in Quinton, New Kent County: single-family homes now selling, with the Parkview model home open at 7977 Dandridge Drive.

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 thoughtfully designed floor plans include one-level living, first-floor primary bedroom, and second-floor primary bedroom designs.

• Design Studio: At our Design Studio at 15871 City View Drive, Suite 100, Midlothian, VA 23113, certified Design Consultants guide single-family and 55+ buyers as they select finishes. 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.

Ready to find your place in Hanover 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 Hanover County

Where is Hanover County, Virginia?

Hanover County is in Central Virginia, directly north of Richmond and Henrico County. I-95 and I-295 run through the county, and Downtown Richmond is about 30 minutes from the county seat at Hanover Courthouse.

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

The rate is $0.81 per $100 of assessed value in 2026, unchanged in the fiscal year 2027 budget. Homes in the Town of Ashland also pay a town tax of $0.10 per $100.

Who provides electricity in Hanover County?

Dominion Energy and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative both serve Hanover County, depending on the address. Confirm your provider before you move.

Does Hanover County have trash pickup?

The county does not offer curbside trash pickup outside Ashland. Residents hire a private hauler or use six free convenience centers, open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Ashland includes weekly curbside pickup for single-family homes and duplexes.

How far is Hanover County from Richmond and Washington, D.C.?

From the county seat, Downtown Richmond is about 30 minutes and Washington, D.C., is about two hours by car with light traffic. Amtrak's Northeast Regional also stops in Ashland.

What hospitals are near Hanover County?

Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center in Mechanicsville is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency department. Freestanding emergency centers operate in Mechanicsville (HCA) and Ashland (Bon Secours).

Are there new homes for sale in Hanover County?

Main Street Homes builds new homes in Hanover County and shares new communities first with its VIP list. Nearby options include Covey Run and Proffitt's Mill in Short Pump and Beech Springs in Quinton.

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.