Family relocating to Richmond area. (Hampton, Chester: houses, neighborhoods, best schools)

[4Fam]

My family and I are relocating to the Richmond VA area, and I was looking to get some insight on the areas of Woodlake and Brandermill (Pluses and minuses to both). We have a preschooler and a first grader, so looking for the best schools and communities. Thanks!!

[brocco]

Both of those areas are suburban with excellent public school systems. Woodlake is a little older I think. There is a ton of chain-store shopping around that general area if you're into that. Downtown richmond is about a 15 minute drive away but you'll probably have to pay a toll or two. Tolls around that area are the biggest annoyance, otherwise its a great place to raise a family. You have some higher end subdivisions and some lower-end or older ones depending on your budget, but you really can't lose with schools.

[Charlesaf3]

Downside would be the distance from everything to my mind

[onevthoki]

Close to the Powhite for easy access downtown, but yes, tolls. Brandermill will have you right at the Route 288 access to head over to the the West End or I95. Wood lake is farther out 360 and you will have rush hour traffic getting to and from 288. Shopping readily available. Both are planned urban developments with amenities to offer their residents.

[chestermom]

I live in the Hull Street area and really like it. Woodlake would be my choice, you really want to be in the Cosby HS district, it a very desirable school in Chesterfield County so homes in that district sell faster and for higher price. Also, I have heard from numerous people that most of Brandermill is build on shrink/swell soil, which results in foundation issues with the houses.

Good Luck with your search.

[ellieb128]

Originally Posted by Charlesaf3

Downside would be the distance from everything to my mind

We looked at both of those neighborhoods and liked them both but it was too far out for us. Neighborhoods and schools are great but we do lot downtown and wanted to be closer in. Hull St. certainly has all the stores and conveniences you would need.

[novanwbie]

Given your description, I'd look at the area around Woodlake -- there are some beautiful new developments going in, too, if that's your thing. The big thing is that area has outstanding schools and there are TONS of kids, which is so important if you're new to the area. Look at Winterpock, Woolridge, Grange Hall, and Swift Creek Elementary for starters. I would not pick Brandermill, this neighborhood has been on the decline for a while, and is really enclave by enclave. Brandermill is older than Woodlake. I'd avoid Clover Hill HS, and look at Cosby and Midlothian. Cosby is right off Hull. Hull Street is congested, and has bad traffic for this area, but if you've lived in a big metro area, you may be shocked at what Richmonders consider traffic. Depending on where and when you go to work, that area might be fine. You might also look at the neighborhoods stretching north of the reservoir to Midlothian Turnpike. This whole area is filled with family developments, most built within the last 20 years. Woodlake has excellent schools and tons of kids. The pools and walking trails are nice, too. You might also look at Hampton Park. New developments to Google include Hampton Farms, Magnolia Green, Rountrey, and Harpers Mill. There's also Watermill, Edgewater at the Reservoir, the Sanctuary and Watermill, Charter Colony and The Grove.