The pièce de résistance of Greater Richmond cuisine, the Hanover tomato

Nothing illustrates the nature of Hanover County better than its landmark crop, the tomato. For centuries, this rural agrarian county has been the breadbasket for Greater Richmond, but in recent decades Hanover has begun to experience rapid, but controlled, growth. This growth has been confined to several principal corridors within the County, allowing Hanover to maintain an overall rural flavor. Hanover still recognizes its agrarian roots with its annual Tomato Festival, while the annual football game between its east-west high schools is called the Tomato Bowl. When  summer arrives and these red beauties hit the area supermarkets and roadside vegetable stands, you’ll never want Hanover to change.

But change is inevitable and Hanover’s land use plan is commendable. By concentrating its growth in the Mechanicsville area and again in the I-95 corridor towards Ashland, Hanover retains vast tracts of Virginia’s noted Piedmont. Movement within the County is relatively easy, since I-95 bisects Hanover, while I-295 transcends its southern section. Major arteries such as U.S. 1 and Routes 33, 301, and 360, which are also interchanges off I-295, provide excellent access throughout the County. 

Hanover has a slower pace than other areas of Greater Richmond, primarily due to its rural roots. Hanover’s retail areas are in its concentrated corridors of growth, but within a few miles of these areas the landscape quickly gives way to incredibly beautiful countryside. This is not to say that retail services are lacking in Hanover. Besides a major regional mall, Virginia Center Commons, located off I-95, Hanover has numerous shopping centers and retail corridors to meet every need. 

Hanover’s government, and the services it provides, is remarkable. There are only 23 counties nationally with a higher bond rating than Hanover. This is noteworthy considering that the smallest of these 23 higher ranked counties has a population of 170,000 – twice the population in Hanover. Hanover devotes over 50 % of its annual budget to its public schools. While Hanover Schools once ranked slightly lower than its Chesterfield and Henrico counterparts, Hanover's test scores have reached and now surpass their larger neighboring school systems in many categories.

Hanover offers a broad array of housing options. In its concentrated areas, building styles are not unlike Chesterfield and Henrico, but available acreage creates many other options such as historic homes, farmettes, rural retreats, and country manors. All of this is atop the picturesque and rolling landscape of Hanover County. 

Hanover is a little bit country and a little bit suburban, creating a wonderful lifestyle choice.