Goochland vs. Chesterfield vs. Henrico: Property Tax Guide for Richmond 55+ Buyers
Five counties. Rates ranging from $0.53 to $0.91 per $100. A $17,100 difference over 10 years on the same $450K home. Here's the math every buyer needs before choosing a community.
When buyers shop for 55+ communities in the Richmond metro, they're typically comparing amenities, price per square foot, and HOA fees. What often gets missed is that the county line between communities can be worth more than the difference in home prices — because property tax rates in Richmond's five-county 55+ corridor vary by 72%, and those differences compound dramatically over time.
This guide gives you every number you need, the communities in each county, and the math for three home price points.
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Talk to a Specialist →The Five-County Rate Comparison
| County | Rate per $100 AV | $350K Annual Tax | $450K Annual Tax | $600K Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goochland | $0.53 | $1,855 | $2,385 | $3,180 |
| New Kent | $0.79 | $2,765 | $3,555 | $4,740 |
| Hanover | $0.81 | $2,835 | $3,645 | $4,860 |
| Henrico | $0.87 | $3,045 | $3,915 | $5,220 |
| Chesterfield | $0.91 | $3,185 | $4,095 | $5,460 |
Which 55+ Communities Are in Each County
Goochland County — $0.53/100 (Lowest in Metro)
Virginia's lowest rate among Richmond-area counties makes Goochland the clear tax winner for buyers who can access it.
- Mosaic at West Creek — StyleCraft Homes, 471 homes, $400s–$800s, active building
Senior relief program: Available for 65+ residents meeting income/net worth thresholds. Contact Goochland Commissioner of the Revenue.
New Kent County — $0.79/100
New Kent sits between Richmond and Williamsburg — a middle-ground location with a meaningful tax advantage over Henrico and Chesterfield.
- Colonial Heritage — Established, 700+ homes, Arthur Hills 18-hole golf, $300s–$600s, resale
Note: New Kent's location (25–35 min east of Richmond) makes it more appropriate for buyers who don't need frequent access to downtown Richmond or the West End.
Hanover County — $0.81/100
Northern suburbs of Richmond. Access to I-95, Ashland, and Short Pump corridor.
- Chickahominy Falls — Virginia's only 55+ agrihood, multiple phases, $300s–$700s+
- Hickory Grove — StyleCraft, newest community (2025), 56 homes, Ashland area
- Cottage Green — Smaller, lower-HOA community, traditional format
Henrico County — $0.87/100
Glen Allen and the West End. Closest to Richmond's major employment centers, healthcare, and retail.
- CrossRidge — 746 homes, gated, exterior maintenance included, walkable to Publix, $300s–$600s resale
- River Mill 55+ Section — HHHunt master-plan 55+ section in Glen Allen
Chesterfield County — $0.91/100 (Highest in Metro)
South and southwest suburbs. Midlothian corridor has strong retail, healthcare, and dining access.
- Traditions of America Chesterfield — 234 homes, 8,000 sq ft clubhouse, golf simulator, full-time Lifestyle Director
- Woolridge Landing — StyleCraft, active building, upper $500s+
- Lake Margaret at the Highlands — 62 homes, newer (2023+), $500s–$700s
- Harpers Mill 55+ Section — Ryan Homes section, mid $300s+, more accessible price point
- Townes at Notting Place — Townhomes, $300s–$400s
The 10-Year Tax Math by County
These projections use a $500,000 assessed value and assume no assessment increases (actual assessments will rise over time, making the gaps larger).
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Goochland: $26,500 (base)
New Kent: $39,500 (+$13,000 vs. Goochland)
Hanover: $40,500 (+$14,000 vs. Goochland)
Henrico: $43,500 (+$17,000 vs. Goochland)
Chesterfield: $45,500 (+$19,000 vs. Goochland)
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Senior Property Tax Relief: All Five Counties
Every county in Richmond's 55+ corridor offers a real estate tax relief program for qualifying senior homeowners. This can significantly reduce the annual tax burden — but it requires an application and doesn't apply automatically at closing.
| County | Age Requirement | Benefit Type | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goochland | 65+ | Exemption/deferral (income-based) | Goochland Commissioner of the Revenue |
| New Kent | 65+ | Partial exemption (income-based) | New Kent Commissioner of the Revenue |
| Hanover | 65+ | Exemption/deferral (income-based) | Hanover Commissioner of the Revenue |
| Henrico | 65+ | Exemption/freeze (income-based) | Henrico Commissioner of the Revenue |
| Chesterfield | 65+ | Exemption (income-based) | Chesterfield Commissioner of the Revenue |
Income and net worth thresholds vary by county and may be adjusted annually. Apply in the spring after moving — each county has its own deadline, typically in the March–June window. Bring prior-year tax return, proof of age, and documentation of all household income and assets.
What the Rate Difference Buys Chesterfield and Henrico
Higher property tax rates aren't purely punitive — they fund local services. Chesterfield and Henrico have well-funded school systems (relevant for resale value even if you have no children), strong emergency services, road maintenance programs, and parks. New Kent's lower rate reflects lower population density and a less urbanized service infrastructure. Goochland's low rate has been sustainable because of the large commercial tax base from West Creek Business Park, which funds services without heavy residential taxation.
The practical implication for 55+ buyers: the service quality differences between these counties are less visible in daily life than they would be for families with school-age children. The tax difference, however, shows up on every tax bill for as long as you own the home.
How to Use This Information
When you're comparing two communities in different counties — say Mosaic at West Creek (Goochland) and Traditions of America (Chesterfield) — don't just compare home prices and HOA fees. Add the 10-year property tax projection for each option. Then compare the two totals. The county tax gap may be larger than any negotiated discount on the home price.
Want Help Running the Numbers on Specific Communities?
We help Richmond buyers model the full 10-year cost picture before committing.
Talk to a Richmond SpecialistRelated Research
- Richmond VA 55+ Communities Hub
- Richmond VA 55+ True Cost Guide
- Virginia Retirement Tax Guide for Richmond Buyers
- CrossRidge vs. Mosaic at West Creek: Full Comparison
- Mosaic at West Creek (Goochland)
- CrossRidge (Henrico)
- Traditions of America Chesterfield
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