Chesterfield, VA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Chesterfield is a southern suburb of Richmond in Central Virginia. Known for its history and outdoor recreation, it offers plenty of golf courses, nature walks, and historical tours for its residents. Besides this, local amenities like a farmers market, breweries, and a large shopping center make Chesterfield a popular destination for active adults. 

Climate & Geography 

Located 20 miles from Richmond, Chesterfield experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers are some of the warmest in the state, and winters are mild to cool. Though freezing temperatures occur several times in the winter, the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west act as a partial barrier to winter storms and extreme temperatures. Residents can expect less than average snowfall, higher than average rainfall, and 206 days of sunshine.

Chesterfield county contains both flat coastal plains in its east and hillier areas in its west. Pocahontas State Park is located directly in the middle of the county, while Appomattox River and James River create the county’s southern and eastern borders. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Like much of the state, one of Chesterfield’s biggest draws is its outdoor recreation. Pocahontas State Park, in the middle of the county, has several campsites and hiking trails. Along the eastern border is James River, where residents and fish, kayak, and canoe, and the Dutch Gap Conservation Area, a 796-acre with an abundance of wildlife. Robious Landing Park and Rockwood Park also have trails, nature centers, and picnic shelters.

Chesterfield also embraces its history. Henricus Historical Park along the James River is a large, living history museum with costumed actors and guided trails. The Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia is located by the Chesterfield Historical Courthouse and has civil war tours and exhibits.

Other amenities include the Chesterfield Towne Center, the largest enclosed shopping center in the Richmond area, the Metro Richmond Zoo, and the Chesterfield County Farmers Market during the summer. Golfers can visit several courses, including First Tee Chesterfield, The Golf Club at the Highlands, and Magnolia Green Golf Club, among others.

With Ashton Creek Vineyards and Steam Bell Beer Works, residents don’t have to travel far for local brews. However, nearby Richmond is a short drive away with even more golfing, breweries, and shopping.

Cost of Living & Taxes 

Chesterfield’s cost of living hovers just slightly above the national average, but below the state average. Other indexes like utilities and transportation match the national average, while groceries and health care are below.

Virginia is generally tax friendly to retirees. Social Security is not taxed and other forms of retirement income are partially taxes and eligible for deductions. Both property and sales taxes are low. Groceries are taxed, but at a lower rate of 2.5 percent.

Health Care

The Richmond metro area recently ranked in the top 100 communities according to Gallup’s Well-Being Index. Virginia also ranked within the top 27 states.

There are no nationally ranked hospitals in Chesterfield county. The only two hospitals within county lines are Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center and Sheltering Arms Hospital South, both located in Midlothian. Nearby Richmond has several high performing hospitals according to U.S. News, including Chippenham Hospital, VCU Medical Center, and Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital.