Why Hanover
What Sets Hanover County Apart
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
A key asset of the Richmond region is its prime East Coast location along Interstate 95, the nation’s longest north–south highway, centrally located between Maine and Florida. Hanover County builds on this advantage with direct access to Interstates 95 and 295 and close proximity to Interstates 64 and 85. The County is further supported by an extensive network of commuter and freight rail lines, service from a regional airport, and convenient access to Richmond International Airport.
Strong, well-run local government
Hanover County holds an elite quadruple-AAA bond rating from all four major credit agencies (S&P, Moody’s, Fitch, Kroll), a rare distinction signifying exceptional financial strength, conservative management, and economic stability, allowing for lower borrowing costs for public projects and strengthening its reputation as a fiscally sound community within the Richmond region.
This “quad-AAA” designation places Hanover among only four counties nationwide to achieve this level of financial distinction. Henrico and Chesterfield counties have also earned quad-AAA ratings, making the Richmond area the first in the nation to receive this elite recognition and reinforcing its reputation for strong fiscal leadership.
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. The rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is offered at all four high schools.
hanover county public school Achievements:
- Highest percentage of schools accredited by the Virginia Department of Education in the Richmond area.
- Highest pass rate in math and tied for the highest pass rate in science among the 15 largest school divisions in Virginia.
- 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.
- 94 national board certified teachers and administrators.
- 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.