Planning a visit to Central Virginia or considering a move to Richmond? Renowned for its historical significance, the Richmond or RVA area boasts historic small towns, Civil War battlefield parks, and stunning landscapes.
It’s important to note that in Virginia, all incorporated cities are independent, not affiliated with any county. In the Richmond metro area, there are four incorporated cities and three incorporated towns, while the remaining areas consist of CDPs (Census-Designated Places) and small communities. Interestingly, many of these CDPs in the Richmond suburbs are sizeable, surpassing the size of most cities in the region!
Explore the variety of towns and cities in the Richmond, Virginia area. As we explore the allure of the city near Richmond, Virginia, it serves as a gateway to a broader discussion on the major cities throughout the state, providing insight into the diverse urban landscape that Virginia has to offer.
The Most Populous Cities Near Richmond
Discover a range of vibrant communities in the Richmond, Virginia area, with nine places boasting populations of at least 15,000 within a 20-mile radius of the city limits. Moreover, within a 100-mile radius, you’ll find numerous larger cities and towns near Richmond, each contributing to the rich tapestry of this dynamic region. Explore the diverse urban and suburban landscapes that extend beyond the heart of Richmond.
East Highland Park – A Stone’s Throw from Richmond’s Heart
- In Henrico County, merely 4.6 miles from the urban pulse of Richmond, lies East Highland Park, with a population of 15,131;
- This census-designated place (CDP) is the closest residential area outside the Richmond city boundaries;
- East Highland Park is a suburban enclave known for its proximity to Richmond’s historic East End, which offers a rich tapestry of historic architecture, a variety of outdoor recreational activities, and a thriving scene of breweries and restaurants.
East Highland Park is highly regarded as one of the prime suburbs for those looking to commute to Richmond, VA. It attracts a diverse population, including millennials and families, who appreciate the blend of urban accessibility and suburban tranquility. The suburb boasts a plethora of outdoor recreation spots and shopping venues, all while offering a brief 13-minute commute to downtown Richmond. Transportation is facilitated by the presence of US-360, which slices through the town, and the convenience of I-64 and I-295, which lie to the north and south, respectively, granting effortless travel to other areas within the Richmond metropolitan area.
Mechanicsville – A Suburban Blend of History and Community
- Situated 6.6 miles from Richmond, Mechanicsville in Hanover County has a population of 37,141;
- Not officially a city, Mechanicsville stands out as one of the most significant inner suburbs of Richmond.
It’s characterized as a middle-class bedroom community and is notable for its historical significance, housing landmarks like the Beaver Dam Creek Battlefield and the expansive Richmond National Battlefield Park. The suburb is not just about history, as it is home to Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center, recognized as one of the leading hospitals in Central Virginia and a pivotal regional employer.
Bon Air – Richmond’s Southern Residential Charm
- Travel 8.6 miles from Richmond, and you’ll find yourself in Bon Air, a suburb with a population of 17,599, located in Chesterfield County;
- Bon Air is perched on the Southside of Richmond, just beyond the Stony Point neighborhood and the sweeping bends of the James River.
As part of North Chesterfield, Bon Air enjoys popularity as a Richmond suburb, offering residents and visitors easy access to the urban core, along with the lush riverside parks that line the James River. Shopping opportunities abound with close proximity to Stony Point Fashion Center and Short Pump Town Center. Bon Air’s history as a 19th-century resort town for affluent citizens of Richmond is still felt today. Its name, meaning “good air,” was originally chosen to signify the clean, fresh atmosphere found here, a stark contrast to the industrialized air quality of downtown Richmond in that era.
Tuckahoe: A Suburb Rich in History and Prestige
- Situated 9.0 miles from Richmond and hosting a population of 48,517, Tuckahoe stands as one of the largest and most populous suburbs in the Richmond, VA area;
- It’s a community steeped in American history, notably as the childhood home of Thomas Jefferson at the historic Tuckahoe Plantation.
Beyond its historical roots, Tuckahoe is a hub of education and affluent living, with the esteemed University of Richmond located just on its border and several reputable private schools, including the Collegiate School. The suburb is also known for its exclusive country clubs, with the Country Club of Virginia – James River being one of the most recognized.
Highland Springs: A Family-Friendly Suburb with Historical Charm
Matching Tuckahoe’s distance at 9.0 miles east of Richmond is Highland Springs, a close-knit community with a population of 16,604. This historic suburb is celebrated for its family-oriented atmosphere, bolstered by a highly regarded high school and convenient access to Richmond’s downtown through interstates I-64 and I-295. Highland Springs also offers residents excellent amenities like the Springs Recreation Center, making it one of the top suburbs for families in the Richmond area.
Laurel: A Small Town Feel with Big Attractions
Laurel, the Henrico County seat, lies just over 10 miles northwest of Richmond and has a population of 17,678. It shares some civic services with its smaller neighbor to the north, Glen Allen, including the use of the Glen Allen postal address. Laurel is known for its proximity to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, a major draw for those who appreciate nature and the outdoors. Additionally, residents and visitors can enjoy summer fun at the nearby Cobblestones Water Park in Glen Allen, adding to Laurel’s appeal as a quaint yet vibrant community.
Glen Allen: A Hub of Convenience and Culture
Just 13.7 miles from Richmond, with a population of 16,187, Glen Allen stands out as a prime suburban choice for those who value both amenities and strategic location in Henrico County. This small but dynamic CDP enjoys easy travel routes with the presence of I-295 and US-1. It’s a cultural and recreational hotspot in the northwest Richmond area, boasting attractions such as the family-oriented Cobblestones Water Park, the historical Crump Park adjacent to a living history museum, the scenic Echo Lake Park, and the community-centric Glen Allen Community Center.
Glen Allen takes pride in its educational offerings, with facilities like the Reynolds Community College campus providing higher education and Glen Allen High School ranking among Virginia’s top 50 high schools. The suburb’s educational excellence adds to its allure for families seeking quality living near Richmond.
Chester: A Blend of Suburbia and History
Traveling 15.6 miles south of Richmond takes you to Chester in Chesterfield County, home to 22,098 residents who enjoy the suburb’s excellent schools, outdoor recreation, and job prospects. Chester combines a suburban and rural atmosphere while remaining within easy reach of urban conveniences. It’s celebrated for attractions such as Henricus Historical Park, a living history museum that recreates Colonial times, and the retail haven of Breckenridge Shopping Center.
Chester is especially appealing for homebuyers seeking new housing developments complete with community amenities and picturesque lakefront properties. Those interested in this community can delve deeper with comprehensive guides detailing life in Chester, VA.
Short Pump: A Shopping and Recreational Haven
At a distance of 16.1 miles from Richmond, with a population of 27,385, Short Pump is a haven for shoppers and those seeking a high-end suburban lifestyle in Henrico County. Originally a village named for the short-handled pump under its tavern, Short Pump has evolved into an affluent community. It’s home to the expansive Short Pump Town Center shopping mall and the popular Short Pump Park, which features spray fountains, a dog park, playgrounds, and a preserved early 20th-century schoolhouse, catering to both history buffs and modern families alike.
Additional Urban Centers Surrounding Richmond, VA
When extending the radius beyond the city to 100 miles, you’ll uncover an additional 13 places near Richmond, VA, each with a population of at least 10,000. Many of these locations are cities or incorporated towns situated more than thirty minutes from Richmond, while two are CDPs or unincorporated towns in close proximity.
This compilation encompasses renowned Virginia cities and towns, including Jamestown, the inaugural permanent English settlement in North America. Together with Yorktown and Williamsburg, these locations form the Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia.
The nearest major city in the RVA area is Newport News, situated on the Hampton Roads harbor and a part of the Hampton Roads metro area, ranking as the 5th largest city in Virginia. Further afield, you’ll encounter significant cities like Norfolk and Chesapeake, both situated on the Chesapeake Bay in southeast Virginia.
| Place | County | Population | Distance from Richmond (mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Highland Park | Henrico | 15,131 | 4.6 |
| Mechanicsville | Hanover | 37,141 | 6.6 |
| Lakeside | Henrico | 12,749 | 7.0 |
| Bon Air | Chesterfield | 17,599 | 8.6 |
| Tuckahoe | Henrico | 48,517 | 9.0 |
| Highland Springs | Henrico | 16,604 | 9.0 |
| Laurel | Henrico | 17,678 | 10.2 |
| Glen Allen | Henrico | 16,187 | 13.7 |
| Chester | Chesterfield | 22,098 | 15.6 |
| Short Pump | Henrico | 27,385 | 16.1 |
| Wyndham | Henrico | 11,656 | 18.9 |
| Petersburg | * | 33,458 | 23.7 |
| Jamestown | James City | 15,194 | 58.0 |
| Fredericksburg | * | 29,059 | 59.9 |
| Newport News | * | 179,582 | 69.0 |
| Charlottesville | * | 47,217 | 72.1 |
| Suffolk | * | 91,383 | 82.8 |
| Culpeper | Culpeper | 18,633 | 88.4 |
| Norfolk | * | 244,300 | 93.0 |
| Waynesboro | * | 22,300 | 96.3 |
| Chesapeake | * | 242,647 | 102.0 |
Richmond’s Nearby Small Cities and Towns
Surrounding Richmond within a 100-mile radius lies a tapestry of small cities, census-designated places (CDPs), and towns, each with its own slice of rich history. This collection of localities outside Richmond, VA, often carry names harking back to English heritage, such as Amelia Court House, King George, and Gloucester Courthouse, each distinguished by their historic courthouses.
In these small towns, history is palpable, with some like the Gloucester County Courthouse Square Historic District showcasing structures that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, standing as monuments to the area’s colonial past. They are home to historic plantations and architectural marvels that offer a window into a bygone era.
Just beyond Richmond’s city boundaries, Chamberlayne presents itself as a neighborly retreat, housing the Three Lakes Park & Nature Center — a renowned park in the RVA region. Adjacent to Chamberlayne, the town of Lakeside is famed for its exquisite botanical garden and conservatory, offering a lush escape for nature lovers.
Here are table of 28 towns within a stone’s throw of Richmond, VA, each with a population ranging from 1,000 to 10,000, providing a small-town atmosphere near the convenience and vibrancy of the city.
| Place | County | Population | Distance from Richmond (mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montrose | Henrico | 7,909 | 4.1 |
| Bensley | Chesterfield | 6,044 | 7.1 |
| Dumbarton | Henrico | 8,411 | 7.5 |
| Chamberlayne | Henrico | 5,581 | 9.0 |
| Sandston | Henrico | 7,779 | 9.3 |
| Innsbrook | Henrico | 8,998 | 17.3 |
| Ashland | Hanover | 7,819 | 18.8 |
| Woodlake | Chesterfield | 7,493 | 20.5 |
| West Point | King William | 3,297 | 38.6 |
| Amelia Court House | Amelia | 1,050 | 39.5 |
| Waverly | Sussex | 2,641 | 45.9 |
| Warsaw | Richmond | 2,368 | 51.7 |
| Wakefield | Sussex | 1,320 | 53.5 |
| Crewe | Nottoway | 2,510 | 56.8 |
| Louisa | Louisa | 1,810 | 57.8 |
| Gloucester Courthouse | Gloucester | 2,969 | 58.8 |
| Blackstone | Nottoway | 3,356 | 61.9 |
| King George | King George | 4,601 | 62.6 |
| Farmville | Cumberland, Prince Edward | 8,152 | 64.5 |
| Emporia | * | 5,408 | 65.2 |
| Gordonsville | Orange | 1,988 | 66.7 |
| Smithfield | Isle of Wright | 8,492 | 69.6 |
| Lawrenceville | Brunswick | 1,532 | 69.6 |
| Windsor | Isle of Wright | 2,748 | 71.0 |
| Carrollton | Isle of Wright | 6,340 | 75.0 |
| Franklin | * | 8,015 | 76.4 |
| South Hill | Mecklenburg | 4,375 | 80.0 |
| Appomattox | Appomattox | 2,005 | 92.5 |
Major Municipalities Surrounding Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia, strategically positioned within the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, serves as a gateway between the rugged Appalachian Mountains and the expansive Atlantic Ocean. This vibrant city, nestled in the heart of Virginia, is within reach of a variety of major urban centers across several neighboring states, including North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Central Virginia, in particular, is a nexus of cultural and economic activity, with Richmond playing a pivotal role in the region.
FAQ
Richmond stands as the central metropolis of Central Virginia. This area is also dotted with other prominent cities and towns that contribute to its diversity and character, such as Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Wintergreen, Farmville, Petersburg, and Appomattox.
Richmond’s prime location along the James River places it within a convenient distance from various key locations. The city is roughly an hour away from the scenic Chesapeake Bay and a mere 90-minute drive from the bustling Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Richmond is strategically close to the Washington D.C. and Baltimore metro area, which is a 90-minute to two-hour drive away. It’s also near several significant cities in the Chesapeake Bay region, including Newport News, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Alexandria, and Virginia Beach.
Conclusion
The Richmond, VA area (RVA) offers a rich tapestry of exploration opportunities, from historic towns brimming with American heritage to major cities and picturesque beaches within a short drive. If you’re considering a move to RVA or any of these charming locales near Richmond, VA, connect with local moving experts, such as On the Fly Moving Guys, for a bespoke moving estimate and professional guidance. Richmond’s connectivity, heritage, and proximity to both serene landscapes and urban sprawl make it an ideal locale for new beginnings.