Strengths of Hanover County, Virginia
Location
Residents here get the best of both worlds. Hanover County prides itself on maintaining its rural roots and offering residents a laid-back lifestyle, while its close proximity to Downtown Richmond provides convenient access urban amenities such as upscale shops, fine dining, museums, galleries and other attractions.
Interstate access
Hanover has prime access to Interstates 95 and 295, which have 125,000 vehicles/day and 92,500 vehicles/day, respectively. There is an extensive network of commuter and freight rail lines. The County is served by a regional airport and is in close proximity to Richmond International Airport.
Strong, well-run local government
Hanover County’s Triple-AAA rating, which Hanover first achieved in 2010, highlights the County’s strong and conservative financial management, a diverse tax base and strategic economic development efforts. Only 12 states, 53 counties and 35 cities in the U.S. have earned a AAA bond rating from all three major rating agencies.
Low taxes
Hanover continues to have the lowest real estate tax rate ($0.81) in the region. There is no business license tax (except for contractors), a distinct advantage for Hanover businesses.
Stable workforce
Virginia is a right-to-work state. There are low levels of unionization and union election activity in the County and state.
Quality public schools
Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS), the 15th largest of the 131 school divisions in Virginia, is an award-winning school division that serves approximately 17,000 students in Pre-K–12 across 24 schools. These include 14 elementary, four middle, and four high schools, as well as one trade and technology and one alternative education school. Ten schools have earned Blue Ribbon School of Excellence awards. The rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is offered at all four high schools.
Achievements:
- Hanover has the highest percentage of schools accredited by the Virginia Department of Education in the Richmond area.
- HCPS students earned the highest pass rate in math and tied for the highest pass rate in science among the 15 largest school divisions in Virginia.
- HCPS has the third-highest on-time graduation rate and the fourth-lowest dropout rate among the 15 largest school divisions in Virginia.
- Ten Hanover schools have earned Blue Ribbon School of Excellence awards.
- HCPS employs 94 national board certified teachers and administrators.
- HCPS has 98 different career and technical education offerings including classes at The Hanover Center for Trades and Technology and The Specialty Center at Hanover High School.
- In 2016, HCPS launched the Hanover Regional Governor’s School for Career and Technical Advancement, the first of its kind in the nation.
High quality of life
Hanover has been recognized by Forbes, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Money magazine and the American City Business Journals for its superior quality of life.
Environmental stewardship
Hanover County is home to a thriving agricultural industry and a rural conversation program.
Recognition for Hanover County, Virginia
- Forbes.com has ranked Virginia in the top ten every year since 2006.
- Forbes ranked Hanover County as No.7 in the “Best Places for Business and Careers” and No.10 in the “Best Places to Get Ahead.”
- Hanover was recognized as one of the “100 Best Communities for Young People” America’s Promise Alliance in 2007 and 2008.
- Bloomberg BusinessWeek has identified Hanover County as a “Top Place to Raise Children”
- Hanover community Ashland took top honors, as it was named the “Best Place to Raise Children” in Virginia.
- Mechanicsville, another community in Hanover County, was named runner-up.
- In July 2009, Money Magazine named Mechanicsville as one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live,” based on economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and sense of community in the area.
- American City Business Journals ranked Hanover County among the top 50 localities in the United States for quality of life.
- In 2014, Movoto.com named Ashland one of the “10 Best Small Towns in America” based on tax rates, quality of life, total amenities, weather, crime rate, unemployment, and commute time.
- Hanover County was named one of the top “10 Best Counties to Live In Virginia” by HomeSnacks.net in 2018.
