Moving to Henrico County, VA? A Local’s Guide to Getting Settled
Henrico County is one of the most sought-after places to live in the greater Richmond area — and for good reason. It offers the feel of a well-established, livable community with easy access to everything Richmond has to offer, strong schools, beautiful neighborhoods, and a quality of life that keeps people here for decades.
If you are moving to Henrico County for the first time, this guide will help you get oriented quickly — the best neighborhoods to know, what to expect from the community, and the practical steps to get settled in your new home.
Why People Move to Henrico County
Henrico County sits just west, north, and east of the City of Richmond, wrapping around the city and offering a suburban feel without being far from anything. Here is what draws people here:
Strong public schools — Henrico County Public Schools is consistently rated among the top school systems in Virginia, making it a top destination for families.
Established, tree-lined neighborhoods — from mid-century neighborhoods near the city to newer developments further out, Henrico has housing stock for every stage of life.
Short commutes — most of Henrico is within 15-25 minutes of downtown Richmond, Short Pump, and the West End employment corridors.
Parks and green space — Henrico’s park system includes over 70 parks and recreation facilities, miles of walking trails, and access to the James River.
Dining, shopping, and amenities — from Short Pump Town Center to local restaurants scattered through the West End, Henrico residents have everything they need close by.
A strong sense of community — Henrico neighborhoods tend to be established, active, and welcoming to new residents.
LOCAL INSIGHT: Henrico County is an independent county, not part of the City of Richmond — which means separate schools, separate services, and a different character than city living. Many people moving from other states are surprised by how suburban and spacious Henrico feels while still being minutes from a vibrant urban core.
Henrico County Neighborhoods to Know
Henrico is large and diverse. Understanding its areas helps you find the right fit for your lifestyle.
The West End
The West End is Henrico’s most established and prestigious corridor — running along Patterson Avenue, River Road, and the surrounding neighborhoods. This is where you will find older, well-maintained homes on large lots, a strong sense of community, and proximity to both the city and Short Pump. It is especially popular with families and professionals who want space without sacrificing access.
Short Pump
Short Pump is Henrico’s western growth area — newer development, newer schools, and the county’s primary retail and dining hub around Short Pump Town Center. It attracts families and young professionals who want newer construction, strong schools, and easy access to I-64. The trade-off is more traffic and a newer, more suburban feel than the established West End.
Glen Allen
Glen Allen sits in the northern part of Henrico County and has grown significantly over the past two decades. It is popular with families for its newer neighborhoods, good schools, and proximity to the I-295 corridor. The area has a mix of established subdivisions and newer builds and tends to attract those looking for value relative to Short Pump.
Lakeside / Northside
Lakeside and the Northside neighborhoods offer some of the most affordable and charming housing in Henrico — bungalows, cape cods, and mid-century ranches in established neighborhoods close to the city line. These areas have seen significant reinvestment in recent years and attract buyers who want character, community, and proximity to Richmond without city taxes.
Varina / Eastern Henrico
Eastern Henrico, including the Varina area, is Henrico’s most rural and affordable corridor — larger lots, more space, and a slower pace. It is popular with those who want land, privacy, and room to spread out while still being within a reasonable drive of Richmond.
FINDING YOUR FIT: If you are moving to Henrico from out of state and are not sure which area fits your priorities, a good rule of thumb: West End for established neighborhood character, Short Pump for newer construction and retail access, Glen Allen for family-focused suburban living, Lakeside for charm and city proximity, and Varina for space and value.
Practical Steps to Get Settled in Henrico
Register your vehicle and update your license
Virginia requires you to register your vehicle and transfer your driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency. The nearest DMV locations to most Henrico addresses are the Short Pump DMV (9830 Lori Road) and the Staples Mill DMV (2300 W. Broad Street). DMV Select locations around the county handle registration and titling for shorter waits.
Set up Henrico County services
Trash and recycling pickup is managed by Henrico County — register at henrico.us to confirm your pickup schedule and request bins.
Real estate taxes are billed twice yearly by Henrico County — register your property with the Commissioner of Revenue after closing.
Henrico County Public Libraries offer cards to all county residents — the Libbie Mill Library on Staples Mill Road is one of the best public library facilities in the region.
Schools
Henrico County Public Schools enrollment is based on your home address. Visit henricoschools.us to find your zoned school, confirm enrollment requirements, and register before the school year begins. Henrico also has several magnet and specialty program schools — check eligibility and application timelines early if those are a priority.
Healthcare and services
Henrico Doctors’ Hospital (Richmond area) and Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital are the primary hospital systems serving Henrico residents.
VCU Health and HCA Virginia operate urgent care and specialty facilities throughout the county.
Henrico County’s Department of Social Services offers a range of family and senior support resources at 1609 Staples Mill Road.
NEW RESIDENT TIP: Henrico County produces a New Resident Guide that covers everything from trash pickup schedules to school registration to park programs. It is available at henrico.us and is genuinely useful — one of the more comprehensive welcome resources of any Virginia locality.
Getting Your New Henrico Home Set Up Right
Once the practical county logistics are handled, the work of making your new house feel like a home begins. This is where many new residents stall — the boxes are in, the utilities are on, but the home does not quite feel settled yet.
A few things make the biggest difference in those first weeks:
Unpack in order of daily need — bedroom and bathroom first, kitchen second, everything else after. A functional daily routine grounds you faster than a perfectly decorated home.
Get outside early — Henrico’s parks, trails, and neighborhoods are best discovered on foot. A walk through your new neighborhood in the first few days builds familiarity and belonging faster than almost anything else.
Find your local anchors — a coffee shop, a grocery store, a park you will use regularly. Small familiar routines make a new place feel like home.
Connect with neighbors when the opportunity arises. Henrico neighborhoods tend to be friendly and established — a simple introduction goes a long way.
If your home needs organizing after the move, do not let it sit for months. A professional organizer can set up your systems in a day and eliminate weeks of “we’ll deal with that later” boxes.
WE SERVE HENRICO COUNTY: Home to Home Services is based in the Richmond area and serves Henrico County clients with packing, unpacking, move management, home organizing, and design & space planning. If you are moving into Henrico and want your home set up right from the start, we are here to help.
Welcome to Henrico County. It is a great place to land — and with the right start, it will feel like home faster than you expect.
Moving into Henrico? We’ll help you get settled.
Home to Home Services helps Henrico County residents unpack, organize, and set up their new homes so they feel settled from day one — not month three. From a single room to a full-home setup, we do the work so you can focus on everything else that comes with a new move.
Contact us today to schedule your new home setup.
Call or text: 804-496-1767
About Home to Home Services
Home to Home Services is a full-service home transition company specializing in packing & unpacking, move management, home organizing, and design & space planning. We help homeowners, families, and seniors navigate every step of a move with ease.
