Best School Districts near Richmond (Mechanicsville, Chester: how much, house, neighborhoods)

[piglet021070]

My family will be relocating to the Richmond, VA area this summer. My husband will be working in Richmond. Can anyone recommend the best school districts within a 30 minute commute to Richmond. I have one daughter who will be going into 7th grade next year.

I would appreciate any help with this move. We are very excited but since we don't know the area are very nervous finding the right school district for my daughter.

Thanks!

[jensen beach gal]

Henrico county schools are supposed to be excellent, most of the schools in the west end(from what I hear) are very good. My son goes to Goochland Middle and loves it, otherwise I would move into Henrico county. I haven't been here that long, so I hope other people will give you some input, but my coworkers swear by Henrico county schools, although I hear Chesterfield county has some really good schools. Good luck

[ellieb128]

A lot depends on how much you want to spend, age/size of house you want etc. you can find great schools in Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield that are close to downtown. In Chesterfield the neighborhoods around James River and Midlothian High Schools will put you downtown in 20-30 minutes and they are excellent schools along with their respective feeder schools. I have four children and this is a fabulous area for families and very welcoming to newcomers.

[piglet021070]

Thanks for your replies. We are actually going to be looking in the Mechanicsville area. Does anyone know anythig about their schools. We are looking to spend about 200-225 on a house.