If you're exploring 55+ communities in Richmond VA, you've already figured out what a lot of retirees and empty nesters are just starting to discover: the Richmond metro area offers one of the best combinations of affordability, culture, healthcare, and climate on the entire East Coast.
I've helped dozens of active adults find their next chapter in communities across Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, and Goochland counties. What I can tell you from the inside is this — not every community fits every buyer, and the differences between them are bigger than most online searches will reveal. This guide breaks down every major 55+ community in the Richmond area so you can narrow your list before you ever schedule a tour.
Why Richmond Is Ideal for Active Adult Living
Richmond consistently ranks among the best mid-size metro areas for retirees, and it's not hard to see why once you spend a few days here.
Climate that actually lets you enjoy the outdoors. Richmond sits in USDA Zone 7b — mild enough for year-round golf and gardening, with distinct seasons that keep things interesting. Average winter lows hover around 30 degrees, and spring arrives by mid-March. You won't be shoveling snow every weekend like you did in New Jersey or Connecticut.
Cost of living that stretches your dollar. The Richmond metro's cost of living runs roughly 5-8% below the national average. Compared to the D.C. suburbs, Northern Virginia, or the Maryland corridor, your housing dollar goes dramatically further. A $500,000 home here buys you a level of finish, square footage, and community amenities that would cost $800,000+ in Fairfax County or Montgomery County.
World-class healthcare within reach. VCU Health System (including Massey Cancer Center), Bon Secours Richmond, and HCA Virginia operate major hospital campuses and specialty centers throughout the metro. St. Mary's Hospital in Henrico, Chippenham Hospital in Chesterfield, and Memorial Regional in Hanover mean you're never more than 15-20 minutes from a full-service emergency department — no matter which community you choose.
Location between everything. Richmond sits at the crossroads of I-95 and I-64. Washington, D.C. is two hours north. Virginia Beach is under two hours east. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah Valley are 90 minutes west. Richmond International Airport (RIC) offers direct flights to most major hubs, and Amtrak's Northeast Regional stops downtown.
A city with depth, not just sprawl. The James River runs through the heart of the city, feeding a trail system, kayaking, and riverside dining. The arts district along Broad Street, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (free admission, always), Carytown's walkable shops, and a food scene that earned Richmond a James Beard spotlight — this is not a boring retirement market.
Best 55+ Communities by County
Henrico County
Henrico wraps around the north and east sides of Richmond and offers some of the most established active adult communities in the metro. Property tax rates in Henrico are competitive, and the county's infrastructure — roads, libraries, recreation centers — is excellent.
CrossRidge (55+ by HHHunt)
CrossRidge is the premier active adult community in the Richmond market, and it's not particularly close. Located off Nuckols Road in Glen Allen, this HHHunt-developed community encompasses 756 homes spread across a beautifully maintained campus anchored by an 18-hole championship golf course.
Price range: $425,000 - $600,000+
The amenity package is what sets CrossRidge apart. Residents have access to indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a full fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, bocce ball, a woodworking shop, an art studio, a billiards room, and a grand ballroom for community events. There are over 30 active clubs and interest groups — everything from hiking and fishing to wine tasting and mah-jongg.
The homes themselves are single-level ranch designs with main-floor owners' suites, open floor plans, and two-car garages. Many back up to the golf course or mature tree lines. The community is maintenance-free on the exterior, so your weekends belong to you — not your lawn.
CrossRidge sits minutes from Short Pump Town Center, Wegmans, and the West Broad Village shopping district. Access to I-64 and Route 288 is quick, making it easy to get downtown, to the airport, or out to the wineries in Goochland.
Dominion Club at Lake Ridge
Tucked off Staples Mill Road in the Twin Hickory area, Dominion Club at Lake Ridge offers a more intimate, lakefront-oriented lifestyle.
Price range: $300,000 - $450,000
The clubhouse overlooks a scenic lake, and the community emphasizes maintenance-free living — exterior upkeep, landscaping, and common area maintenance are all handled through the HOA. Homes are primarily ranch-style with open layouts and attached garages. This is a solid choice for buyers who want the active adult lifestyle without the larger-community feel of CrossRidge, and at a lower price point.
River Mill
River Mill is a master-planned community by HHHunt located off Staples Mill Road in Glen Allen, and it includes a dedicated 55+ section within the broader neighborhood.
Price range: $350,000 - $500,000
The advantage here is access to River Mill's extensive amenity package — resort-style pools, miles of walking trails along the creek, a community garden, fitness center, and event spaces — while living in a section designed specifically for active adults. It's a good fit for buyers who want age-targeted housing but also enjoy being part of a multi-generational neighborhood (great if grandkids visit often).
Villas at Hunton Park
Located near the intersection of Mountain Road and Staples Mill in Glen Allen, the Villas at Hunton Park offer low-maintenance villa-style homes in a smaller, quieter setting.
Price range: $350,000 - $450,000
These homes feature first-floor living, modest yards, and proximity to grocery stores, restaurants, and medical offices along the Staples Mill corridor. It's a practical, no-fuss option for buyers who prioritize convenience and simplicity over resort-level amenities.
Chesterfield County
Chesterfield stretches south and west of Richmond and has seen explosive growth in active adult housing over the last decade. The county offers slightly lower property tax rates than Henrico and a growing roster of shopping, dining, and medical services along the Midlothian Turnpike and Hull Street corridors.
Magnolia Green (55+ Section)
Magnolia Green is one of the largest master-planned communities in the Richmond area, located off Route 360 (Hull Street Road) in Moseley. The community includes a dedicated 55+ section that draws comparisons to Del Webb-style developments.
Price range: $350,000 - $500,000
The amenity complex is massive: two 18-hole golf courses (the Founders Course and the Crossings Course), multiple swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, miles of trails, and a community center that hosts regular social events. The 55+ homes are typically single-story designs with first-floor primary suites, covered porches, and low-maintenance exteriors.
Magnolia Green's location along Route 360 puts you within a short drive of Westchester Commons and Winterfield Crossing shopping centers, plus the Powhatan and Goochland countryside for a change of scenery.
Charter Colony
Charter Colony is an established community along Midlothian Turnpike near the Brandermill/Woodlake corridor, offering a country club lifestyle that appeals to active adults even though it isn't age-restricted.
Price range: $400,000 - $600,000
The Charter Colony Country Club features golf, swimming, tennis, and dining. Homes range from townhomes to single-family estate homes, and many active adults choose Charter Colony for its mature landscaping, central Chesterfield location, and proximity to Stony Point Fashion Park, Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, and the Midlothian dining scene.
Harpers Mill (Active Adult Section)
Harpers Mill is a newer Ryan Homes community off Otterdale Road in Midlothian, and its active adult section has attracted buyers looking for modern construction at an accessible price point.
Price range: $300,000 - $400,000
The homes are new-build ranches with contemporary open floor plans, granite or quartz countertops, and energy-efficient construction. Community amenities include a clubhouse, pool, fitness center, and walking trails. The value proposition here is strong — it's hard to find newer construction in the Richmond active adult market under $350,000, and Harpers Mill delivers.
Traditions of America at Winterfield
This is one of the newest active adult communities in the Richmond market, located off Winterfield Road in Midlothian.
Price range: $400,000+
Traditions of America is a Pennsylvania-based developer with a strong reputation for 55+ communities up and down the East Coast. The Winterfield location puts residents close to Midlothian's best shopping and dining, and the community is still in active development — meaning buyers can choose lots and customize finishes.
The Villas at Bon Air
Situated in the charming Bon Air neighborhood along Forest Hill Avenue, these villas offer something most 55+ communities cannot: genuine walkability.
Price range: $400,000 - $500,000
Bon Air's village center is steps away, with locally owned restaurants, a pharmacy, a post office, and seasonal farmers markets. The James River Park System and trail access is minutes away. For buyers who want an active adult home without retreating to a suburban enclave, Bon Air is a compelling choice.
Hanover County
Hanover County lies north of Richmond and offers a more rural, spacious feel while remaining within easy reach of the metro's amenities. Property taxes are reasonable, and the county maintains a small-town character that many retirees find appealing.
Chickahominy Falls
Chickahominy Falls is unlike anything else in the Richmond market. Developed by East West Communities off Route 33 (Mountain Road) near the Hanover-Henrico line, this agri-community centers around a working farm, orchard, and farm-to-table lifestyle.
Price range: $275,000 - $750,000
The community features a clubhouse, swimming pool, walking trails, and community garden — but the real draw is the on-site farm with seasonal produce, a chicken coop, beehives, and an event barn. There's a full-time farm manager, and residents can participate in as much or as little of the agricultural life as they want. Community dinners featuring ingredients grown on-site are a regular occurrence.
Home options range from townhomes and cottages to larger single-family homes, making Chickahominy Falls one of the most price-diverse active adult options in the area. The concept attracts buyers who value sustainability, local food, and genuine community connection over a traditional clubhouse-and-golf model.
Cottage Green
Located along Route 301 in Hanover, Cottage Green offers traditional-design homes in a straightforward, well-maintained 55+ setting.
Price range: $300,000 - $400,000
The community is smaller and more low-key than some of the larger developments — a good fit for buyers who want age-targeted living without extensive programming or high HOA fees.
Goochland County
Goochland lies west of Richmond along the James River corridor and offers a distinctly rural-luxury feel. The drive from downtown Richmond to eastern Goochland is 25-30 minutes via Route 250 or I-64, and the landscape shifts from suburban to rolling pastures and horse farms. This is where Richmond's most exclusive active adult options live.
Kinloch
Kinloch is Goochland's marquee luxury community, located off Route 250 near Manakin-Sabot.
Price range: $700,000 - $2,000,000+
The centerpiece is a Tom Doak-designed golf course — one of the most highly regarded private courses in Virginia. The community also offers equestrian facilities, a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, and tennis courts. Homes are custom-built on generous lots with views of the golf course, forest, or rolling countryside.
Kinloch is not a traditional 55+ community, but it attracts a significant active adult population due to its lifestyle, privacy, and caliber of amenities. If your budget supports it and you want a club-quality experience without the density of a typical age-restricted neighborhood, Kinloch is in a class by itself.
Lake Margaret at The Highlands
Lake Margaret is a newer luxury community by Boone Homes located in the Highlands development off Route 250 in Goochland.
Price range: $550,000 - $860,000
The homes feature premium finishes — hardwood floors, chef-grade kitchens, spa-style bathrooms, and outdoor living spaces designed to take advantage of the James River corridor views. The community offers a clubhouse, pool, walking trails, and a quieter, more refined atmosphere than the larger Henrico and Chesterfield developments.
This is the right choice for buyers who want new construction with luxury-level appointments in a setting that feels more countryside than suburb.
Also Worth Knowing
Cedarfield in Henrico is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), which operates on a fundamentally different model than the communities listed above. Residents pay an entrance fee and monthly charges in exchange for a continuum of care — from independent living through assisted living and skilled nursing if needed. It's a strong option for buyers planning decades ahead, but the financial structure is very different from a traditional home purchase. Worth a conversation if long-term care planning is a priority.
55+ Community Comparison Table
| Community | County | Price Range | Key Amenity | Est. HOA/Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CrossRidge | Henrico | $425K - $600K+ | 18-hole golf, 30+ clubs | $300 - $450 |
| Dominion Club at Lake Ridge | Henrico | $300K - $450K | Lakefront clubhouse | $200 - $350 |
| River Mill (55+ section) | Henrico | $350K - $500K | Resort pools, trails | $175 - $300 |
| Villas at Hunton Park | Henrico | $350K - $450K | Low-maintenance villas | $200 - $300 |
| Magnolia Green (55+) | Chesterfield | $350K - $500K | 2 golf courses, pools | $200 - $400 |
| Charter Colony | Chesterfield | $400K - $600K | Country club | $250 - $500 |
| Harpers Mill (active adult) | Chesterfield | $300K - $400K | New construction | $150 - $275 |
| Traditions at Winterfield | Chesterfield | $400K+ | Brand new community | $200 - $350 |
| Villas at Bon Air | Chesterfield | $400K - $500K | Walkable village | $200 - $350 |
| Chickahominy Falls | Hanover | $275K - $750K | Working farm, agri-living | $175 - $350 |
| Cottage Green | Hanover | $300K - $400K | Traditional, low-key | $150 - $250 |
| Kinloch | Goochland | $700K - $2M+ | Tom Doak golf, equestrian | $400 - $500+ |
| Lake Margaret at The Highlands | Goochland | $550K - $860K | Luxury Boone Homes | $250 - $400 |
What to Know Before Buying in a 55+ Community
HOA Fees and What They Cover
Monthly HOA fees in Richmond-area 55+ communities typically range from $150 to $500, depending on the level of amenities and exterior maintenance included. Communities like CrossRidge and Magnolia Green, with golf courses and extensive facilities, sit at the higher end. Smaller communities like Cottage Green and Harpers Mill are on the lower end.
Make sure you understand exactly what's included. Some HOAs cover lawn care, exterior painting, roof replacement, and snow removal. Others cover common areas and amenities only, leaving exterior maintenance to the homeowner. The difference matters — especially as you plan long-term budgets.
Age Restrictions
Most 55+ communities in Virginia follow the federal Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) guidelines: at least 80% of occupied units must have at least one resident who is 55 or older. This means your spouse or partner does not need to be 55+ — only one resident does. Visitors and short-term guests typically have no age restrictions.
However, this also means up to 20% of homes in any given community could technically be occupied by younger buyers. In practice, most Richmond 55+ communities maintain a strongly age-targeted character.
Resale Considerations
Not all communities hold value equally. Builder reputation, amenity quality, location, and HOA management all affect resale. Communities built by established regional developers like HHHunt, Boone Homes, and East West Communities tend to hold value well. Look at the pace of resales in any community you're considering — how long are homes sitting on market, and are they selling at or near list price?
I always recommend buyers review at least 12 months of resale data before committing. This is where having an agent who specializes in these communities makes a real difference.
Property Taxes
Virginia property taxes are assessed at the county level and can vary significantly. As of 2025-2026, approximate real estate tax rates are:
- Henrico County: $0.87 per $100 of assessed value
- Chesterfield County: $0.91 per $100 of assessed value
- Hanover County: $0.81 per $100 of assessed value
- Goochland County: $0.53 per $100 of assessed value
On a $450,000 home, that translates to roughly $3,900/year in Henrico, $4,100/year in Chesterfield, $3,650/year in Hanover, and just $2,385/year in Goochland — a meaningful difference over time.
Virginia Tax Benefits for Retirees
Virginia offers several tax advantages that make it particularly attractive for 55+ buyers relocating from higher-tax states.
Social Security benefits are not taxed. Virginia does not tax Social Security income at the state level — period. If Social Security is a significant portion of your retirement income, this alone can save thousands annually compared to states that do tax it.
Retirement income deduction. Virginia provides an income tax deduction of up to $12,000 on retirement income for residents age 62 and older. This applies to pensions, 401(k) distributions, IRA withdrawals, and other qualifying retirement income.
Senior property tax relief programs. Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, and Goochland counties all offer property tax relief programs for residents age 65 and older who meet income and net worth thresholds. These programs can reduce or eliminate property taxes entirely for qualifying seniors. Each county sets its own income limits and application process — check with the county commissioner of revenue's office for current details.
No estate or inheritance tax. Virginia does not impose an estate tax or an inheritance tax. For buyers doing estate planning and considering which state to establish residency in, this is a significant advantage.
Richmond Healthcare and Lifestyle
Healthcare Access
The Richmond metro area is a regional healthcare hub with three major hospital systems:
- VCU Health System — Academic medical center with Level 1 trauma center, Massey Cancer Center, and specialty clinics throughout the metro. Located in downtown Richmond.
- Bon Secours Richmond — Multiple hospitals including St. Mary's (Henrico), Memorial Regional (Hanover), and St. Francis (Chesterfield). Extensive network of primary care and specialist offices.
- HCA Virginia — Operates Chippenham Hospital, Johnston-Willis Hospital, Henrico Doctors' Hospital, and Parham Doctors' Hospital. Strong cardiovascular and orthopedic programs.
Specialty care, urgent care centers, and outpatient surgery facilities are distributed throughout every county in the metro. No matter which community you choose, quality healthcare is close by.
Culture, Food, and Daily Life
Richmond's cultural offerings rival cities twice its size. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts houses a world-class collection and charges no admission. The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, the Virginia Historical Society, and the Science Museum of Virginia are all within the city core.
The restaurant scene is legitimately excellent — from Shagbark and L'Opossum to neighborhood spots in Carytown, Scott's Addition, and the Fan District. The craft brewery density in Scott's Addition alone is remarkable.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the James River Park System provides over 550 acres of parks, trails, and river access running through the heart of the city. Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield offers mountain biking, hiking, and paddling. And the Virginia Capital Trail — a 52-mile paved bike path connecting Richmond to Williamsburg — starts right downtown.
Proximity and Travel
Richmond's central location on the East Coast is one of its best-kept advantages:
- Washington, D.C.: 2 hours via I-95
- Virginia Beach / Outer Banks: Under 2 hours via I-64
- Charlottesville / Blue Ridge: 90 minutes via I-64 West
- Williamsburg / Colonial Williamsburg: 50 minutes via I-64 East
- Raleigh-Durham, NC: 2.5 hours via I-85
- Richmond International Airport (RIC): Direct flights to 30+ destinations including NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, and Charlotte
Ready to Explore 55+ Communities in Richmond?
Choosing the right active adult community comes down to more than price and square footage. It's about how you want to spend your time, what kind of neighborhood energy fits your personality, and which trade-offs you're willing to make on location, amenities, and monthly costs.
I work with 55+ buyers across every county in the Richmond metro, and I know these communities from the inside — not just from listing sheets. I've walked the clubhouses, talked to the HOA boards, reviewed the reserve studies, and heard directly from residents about what they love and what they'd change.
If you're starting your search or narrowing your shortlist, I'd love to help you find the right fit.
Michela Worthington, ABR, SRS, REALM Certified The OwnRVA Group, brokered by eXp Realty Phone: (804) 391-9294 Email: michela@ownrva.com
Explore more Richmond real estate guides: Best Neighborhoods in Richmond VA | Richmond VA Real Estate