Virginia Counties - New Kent County
By: Elaine VonCannon, ABR, SRES, REALTOR, NOTARY, PROPERTY MANAGER, TEAM LEADER, AWARD WINNER, RE/MAX Hall of Fame
Living American History in New Kent County: Life on the Coastal Plane of Virginia
New Kent County is located in the Virginia Coastal Plain 15 miles from Richmond and 45 miles from Newport News. New Kent is 212 square miles and the Chickahominy, Pamunkey and York rivers run through it. New Kent is home to an estimated 16,000 residents and is considered a highly desirable place to live. New Kent has a reputation for exceptional school systems, low crime and unemployment rates, and a wide range of recreational activities. These advantages to living in New Kent have made the county attractive to businesses and people interested in relocating to the Tidewater area. New Kent County is attractive to commercial and residential developers because it has a rural atmosphere and easy access to metropolitan areas like Richmond. The transportation options available in New Kent and the availability of large land tracts are also a draw.
Why Relocate to New Kent County? It's Simple...
Residents in New Kent County take advantage of a high quality of life, where the metropolitan lifestyle is easily accessible in less than an hour but the quiet beauty of nature surrounds you every day. New Kent County is located in the Piedmont Climate Region and celebrates four distinct seasons every year. In New Kent there are several luxury communities and upscale subdivisions, as well as opportunities to build or buy homes and property. Estates of all kinds can be purchased and maintained in New Kent, from equestrian estates to historic manors. Horses can even be kept on residential property in some areas. New Kent county is also a safe and secure place to live. The New Kent Sheriff's office is ranked among the best in the United States and has a reputation for community involvement. A highly qualified and well-trained network of four fire and emergency service departments is located in New Kent.
New Kent County-A Witness to American History
New Kent County is one of the oldest counties in Virginia; its first recorded mention is in 1654. It was occupied by Native Americans originally and was the location of the longhouses of Chief Powhatan and his daughter, Pocahontas. The original settlers of New Kent County were British and therefore the county is named after Kent County in England, often referred to as "the Garden of England". New Kent County is dotted with large plantations and lavish manor houses from this earlier colonial era, many of which remain today. In 1634 Virginia was divided into 8 shires and New Kent County was included in Charles River County. The modern day county borders were decided in 1766. Founded in 1680, Brick House was the first town in New Kent. The village of New Kent has been the county seat since the 1690's although colonial records for New Kent County were lost once in the burning of the clerk's office in 1787 and again in the burning of Richmond during the civil war.
Farming and Horses: A New Kent Way of Life
Virginia's $1 billion horse industry includes New Kent County's Colonial Downs Racetrack. Here the state offers seasonal thoroughbred and harness racing. The New Kent track has helped Virginia move to number 12 in the United States for equine inventory. New Kent has 16,392 acres of farmland and over 60 farms. In New Kent residents can find cattle, hens, corn, wheat, soybeans and hay.
Economic Development in New Kent County
New Kent County is vital and growing. The predominant industries are services, government, construction, trade and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is around 3 percent, which is lower than the state and national averages. If you would like a list of major employers and other economic statistics visit the Virginia Economic Development Partnership web site http://www.yesvirginia.org/. You can also find out more information about New Kent County at the New Kent Economic Development Authority web site http://www.yesnewkent.biz/.
Experience the Best in Education for Adults and Children
New Kent County is home to New Kent High School, New Kent Middle School, George G. W. Watkins Elementary School, and New Kent Primary School. Within an hour's drive residents will find the College of William & Mary, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, Christopher Newport University, and several community college campuses, including Rappahannock, J. Sergeant Reynolds, Thomas Nelson and John Tyler.
Traveling Through New Kent County
The roads in New Kent, leading from Richmond to Williamsburg, are some of the oldest in the United States. French, British, Revolutionary, Confederate and Union armies have marched on them throughout history. Since colonial times, transportation has been a significant part of the development of New Kent since and currently the County's road, rail, air and water routes make it an ideal for companies with a variety of transportation requirements. Richmond International Airport is five miles west of New Kent county and provides freight and passenger services. Water transport is available through private companies on all three of New Kent's river systems and there are two convenient shipping ports-the Richmond Deepwater Terminal and the Port of Hampton Roads. Amtrak systems can be found in Richmond and Williamsburg and Norfolk Southern and CSX transport good and merchandise.
Discover the Beauty of Nature and the Adventure of Outdoor Sports In New Kent
New Kent County offers residents and visitors a wide variety of recreational activities to participate in and enjoy. Hiking, nature trails, picnic area and outdoor sports fields can be found in any number of public and private facilities. Wahrani Nature Trail is comprised of over 100 acres of hiking and nature trails. Quinton Community Park, and Quinton Park Trail features ball fields, a playground, pavilion, picnic area, and fitness trail. Tennis courts are available in the Courthouse village and boating, fishing and other water activities are available along all three rivers and a large reservoir. Since 75% of New Kent is forests, farms, or undeveloped land, it offers some of the best hunting and fishing in Virginia. Golfers will discover multiple opportunities to enjoy excellent courses at New Kent's three local courses: the Traditions Golf Course at Royal New Kent, the Golf Club at Brickshire, and the Brookwoods Golf Club. In a short drive individuals and families can also explore Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia Beach and Richmond. Busch Gardens can be found only 30 minutes east and boasts approximately 2,300,000 visitors per year
New Kent County Historical Attractions: American History Preserved
Historical attractions can be found throughout New Kent County. St. Peter's Parish was established in 1679 and completed in 1703. St. Peter's was the congregation of George and Martha Washington, who were married there in 1759. Robert E. Lee and his family worshipped here and it is still an active parish for local residents. The Old New Kent Courthouse was repaired and rebuilt in 1909 after it was partially destroyed by fire in 1862. The Historic Jail was built in 1910 and is open to the public. Cedar Grove Cemetery's claim to fame is the grave of Letitia Tyler Christian, wife of 10th President of the United States, John Tyler. In le4ss than 30 minutes residents and visitors can also visit historic Jamestown.
The Fun Never Stops in New Kent County
Around New Kent, all within 45 miles, you will find everything from museums to the symphony, the ballet to the opera. In addition, Richmond is home to the Richmond Braves baseball team, the Richmond Renegades hockey team and Richmond Kickers soccer team. NASCAR fans can take advantage of the annual events held twice a year at the Richmond International Raceway.
More information on counties in Virginia and estate homes go to www.estatesinvirginia.com for viewings. Elaine VonCannon and her team will be glad to assist you in all your real estate needs. Other web sites to view about Elaine VonCannon, Virginia and her listings go to www.voncannonrealestate.com or www.elainesrealestate.com Thank You for your time and interest.
Elaine is a published author on real estate both commercial, residential and property management. Her articles are on her web sites for you to read and enjoy.
J. Elaine VonCannon, ABR,SRES, REALTOR, Notary, Team Leader, Property Manager, Award winning agent
Email: voncannonrealestate@gmail.com, Direct number: 757-288-4685
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