Where will we find the right place for our family? (Richmond: real estate, renting)

[~Pajama mama~]

My husband has accepted a job that is located in Glen Allen. We are hoping to find a house on some acreage or large private lots for around $300k. We actually like rural and don't mind driving into to town for things. Schools are important as we have one in high school and one in elementary. We aren't hung up on ratings. Good schools are fine..doesn't have to be the "best". Our high schooler has Asperger's and is somewhat socially awkward. He is in JRROTC and loves it so that is a must. What area would work best for us that is within a 30 min commute to Glen Allen? Would Goochland or Powhatan be a good fit? Any input would be appreciated.

[ellieb128]

I think you will have the best luck in Hanover County. Both Lee Davis and Patrick Henry HS have NJROTC and it looks like you can find a house with a few acres in Mechanicsville for 300,000. I didn't see any HSs in Goochland or Powhatan on the list for ROTC.

[~Pajama mama~]

Originally Posted by ellieb128

I think you will have the best luck in Hanover County. Both Lee Davis and Patrick Henry HS have NJROTC and it looks like you can find a house with a few acres in Mechanicsville for 300,000. I didn't see any HSs in Goochland or Powhatan on the list for ROTC.

How do I find schools in the area with jrrotc? With a google search it showed an activity that Powhatan's jrrotc had for charity so I believe they do have it but I can't find what branch. Midlothian is a possiblity but I can't find anything about Jrrotc there either.

[ShannonMilligan]

Hanover county or Midlothian will have some of the larger lots you desire. Goochland will as well. I live in Midlothian on almost an acre. I love it because my kids have friends to play with, we like the schools, yet are not on top of our neighbors. We used to live in Glen Allen and moved for the larger lot. Being a real estate agent, I tend to do that a lot but we are staying put now!

[cbl1]

James River High School (Robious Rd. Midlothian) has JROTC program. Fits the bill right off 288 so short hop up to Glenn Allen. Lots in that price range are smaller. But communities like Riverton have walking distance access to the James River park system of trails etc.

[tewhann]

Western Henrico schools are best in the area, but the best special needs programs are in Chesterfield. North Chesterfield is probably your best bet.

I strongly recommend renting before you buy so you can get a good feel for each area.

[TAStewart]

Hello,


The commute from Goochland would be better than from Powhatan when traveling to Glen Allen. According to Google Maps, it's a minimum of 35 minutes without traffic. During rush hour, your commute would be way more than you want.


My cousin/coworker's son has Aspergers and is at Hanover High School. I know one of the special ed teachers there. They have a great department for coming up with IEPs.


You may find lots between Virginia Center Commons area and Ashland, VA that meet what you are looking for.


Sincerely,
TAStewart

[~Pajama mama~]

Originally Posted by TAStewart

Hello,


The commute from Goochland would be better than from Powhatan when traveling to Glen Allen. According to Google Maps, it's a minimum of 35 minutes without traffic. During rush hour, your commute would be way more than you want.


My cousin/coworker's son has Aspergers and is at Hanover High School. I know one of the special ed teachers there. They have a great department for coming up with IEPs.


You may find lots between Virginia Center Commons area and Ashland, VA that meet what you are looking for.


Sincerely,
TAStewart

Thanks! We aren't looking for special needs really as he is high functioning. The main thing is JROTC. Hanover High doesn't have it.


We made a scouting trip to Richmond this weekend. We really like Powhatan and the Montpelier areas. The commute to Innsbrook would stretch 30 minutes but would be worth it if we could get a couple of acres. Regarding Montpelier, our hesitation is the schools. Patrick Henry and Liberty middle aren't highly rated and seem to have bullying issues. I wish I could get some first hand feedback on them but realtors can't help.

[sls76]

Originally Posted by ~Pajama mama~

Thanks! We aren't looking for special needs really as he is high functioning. The main thing is JROTC. Hanover High doesn't have it.


We made a scouting trip to Richmond this weekend. We really like Powhatan and the Montpelier areas. The commute to Innsbrook would stretch 30 minutes but would be worth it if we could get a couple of acres. Regarding Montpelier, our hesitation is the schools. Patrick Henry and Liberty middle aren't highly rated and seem to have bullying issues. I wish I could get some first hand feedback on them but realtors can't help.

Innsbrook traffic can be awful depending on where in Innsbrook the office is. Just an FYI that you may be underestimating the commute.

The good schools in Hanover are in Mechanicsville. As you are learning, the Montpelier school
assignments aren't so great.