Always wanted to live in a small town full of Southern hospitality? You should consider moving to Beaverdam, Virginia. Beaverdam is a small unincorporated community in central Virginia offering a laidback lifestyle. Named after the many beaver dams in the area, Beaverdam is known for being home to Scotchtown, the former residence of founding father Patrick Henry. Although never officially incorporated, settlement in the area dates back to the 17th Century, and multiple locations in town are on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Beaverdam is a good place to live, offering residents minimal crime and pastoral beauty.
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Where Is Beaverdam, Virginia?
Beaverdam is located in Hanover County, in central Virginia, on the outskirts of the Richmond metropolitan area. Although it’s a rural community that is fairly isolated from other cities, a few other incorporated communities are nearby, including Bumpass, Montpelier, Partlow, Chilesburg, and Cedar Fork. It’s also close to Lake Anna.
Beaverdam is about 39 miles or a 45-minute drive from Richmond.
Beaverdam Population & Demographics
The population of the entire Beaverdam district is 15,299, according to the 2020 census, and the population density is 79.6 residents per square mile. Several famous residents have lived in Beaverdam, including founding father Patrick Henry, lawyer and writer Thomas Nelson Page, and Racing Hall of Fame jockey Ted Atkinson.
Other Beaverdam Demographics
- The population is evenly split between 50% and 50% female.
- The median age is 42.6 years old.
- The ethnic and racial breakdown is 84% White, 10% Black or African American, 4% Hispanic, and 2% two or more races.
- The median household income is $99,813, which is 25% higher than the rest of the state.
- About 92.7% of residents have at least a high school diploma, while 41.6% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The foreign-born population is 3.4%.
Beaverdam is a very safe place to live, and crime is minimal. The total crime rate is 1203 per 100,000 residents, which means it’s safer than 92% of other cities in the US. The violent crime rate is 104 per 100,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 479 per 100,000 residents, which means it is very safe. The Hanover County Sheriff patrols the community and employs 242 sworn officers and civilians.
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Cost of Living in Beaverdam
The cost of living may be a significant concern if you’re planning on moving to Beaverdam. The cost of living in Richmond and the Beaverdam district is reasonably affordable compared to the national average. The cost of living index for the Richmond metropolitan area is 96.1, which indicates that it’s 3.9% more affordable than the rest of the US. The cost of living index is a value used to compare the affordability of a particular area to the rest of the United States, which is represented by 100.
According to the Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute, the average family of four, including two adults and two children, would need to make about $92,073 per year to afford to live in Hanover County.
Typical Beaverdam Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20
- Cappuccino: $4.94
- Bottle of Coke: $2.32
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.41
- Loaf of bread: $2.30
- 12 eggs: $4.09
- 1 pound of chicken: $3.24
- 1 pound of beef: $5.37
- 1 pound of apples: $2.44
- 1 pound of white rice: $1.39
- Average Beaverdam utilities per month: $449
*numbers reflect the general Richmond area but will be similar in Beaverdam
Source: Numbeo
The Beaverdam VA real estate market is also relatively affordable. According to US Census data, the median listing price of homes for sale in Beaverdam VA is $334,600. The average price per square foot of homes for sale in Hanover County is $218.
About 99% of all Beaverdam real estate is single-family homes, and only 10% of residents are tenants, which means there isn’t much to offer renters. But, if you aren’t ready to buy a home in Virginia, you will find other rental opportunities in the rest of Hanover County. Rent prices range from about $1000 to $2600 for a two-bedroom apartment.
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Beaverdam Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Beaverdam
Beaverdam is a quiet, rural community that is mostly farmland. However, there are several highly desirable neighborhoods to choose from if you’re thinking of moving to Beaverdam.
Although you will find prime Beaverdam VA real estate anywhere, the most desirable homes are usually found in the west, while the most affordable are in the southwest. Here are a few of the best places to live in Beaverdam.
Parsons Ridge – A Quiet, Family-Friendly Beaverdam Neighborhood
Located in south Beaverdam, Parsons Ridge is a peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood of luxury homes ranging in price from about $350,000 to $500,000.
Little River Estates – A Gorgeous Community on Little River
Little River Estates is a neighborhood in southeast Beaverdam, named after Little River, which runs along the backend of the community. The neighborhood offers spacious single-family homes ranging in price from $420,000 to $1.2 million.
River Run Estates – A Peaceful Neighborhood in Southeast Beaverdam
Also located in southeast Beaverdam is River Run Estates, a laid back neighborhood of modest residences offering good schools, friendly neighbors, and home prices starting around $300,000.
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Beaverdam VA Weather & Climate
According to the Koppen climate classification system, Beaverdam has a humid subtropical climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures range from the mid-80s in the summer to the mid-30s in the winter. The hottest weather in Beaverdam VA is July, which has an average high temperature of 87°F and the coldest month is typically January, which features a low of 25°F. The Beaverdam VA weather forecast often includes a fair amount of precipitation as well, with an average of 44 inches of rain and 14 inches of snow per year. So pack rain boots and an umbrella if you plan on moving to Beaverdam.
Things to Do in Beaverdam
Beaverdam is mainly a small, rural community, and you won’t find much action and excitement. However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely without any local attractions. Residents will find a few options for shopping along Beaverdam Road, such as the Great and Mighty Things Thrift Shop of the Beaverdam Quick Stop. But for more brand-name retailers, you’ll have to head into Richmond. Here are a few of the top Beaverdam attractions.
Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown
Scotchtown is a historic home owned by founding father Patrick Henry from 1771 to 1778. The residence is now a museum and historic site included in the National Register of Historic Places and makes a great field trip or weekend outing with the family.
16120 Chiswell Ln, Beaverdam, VA 23015 (804) 227-3500
Ashland Berry Farm
The Ashland Berry Farm is a local farm, owned and operated by the husband and wife team Ken and Lynne Gustafson, that offers tours, hay rides, pumpkin picking, petting zoos, and other fun community events throughout the year.
12607 Old Ridge Rd, Beaverdam, VA 23015 (804) 227-3601
Beaverdam Depot
The Beaverdam Depot is a historic railway depot built in the early 19th Century that became a strategic transportation hub during the Civil War. Today, it’s run by the Association for the Preservation of the Beaverdam Depot, which also hosts community events at the site, such as bake sales and holiday parties.
16199 Beaverdam School Rd, Beaverdam, VA 23015 (804) 449-6158
Additional Attractions Near Beaverdam
Although there are no public parks in Beaverdam, there are a few in the area that are maintained by the Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department. If you’re looking for something else fun to do in Beaverdam, you can check out their community events calendar.
Beaverdam Restaurants
Although not known for its world-famous culinary scene, you will find a few restaurants in Beaverdam and the surrounding areas serving comfort food in a relaxed community-oriented atmosphere.
Boonedocks Seafood
Boondocks Seafood is the best restaurant in Beaverdam for fresh seafood, offering generous portions and interesting menu items like frog legs and Alaskan king crab.
19249 Partlow Rd, Beaverdam, VA 23015 (804) 537-0797
Portofino Italian Restaurant
Located in the adjacent community of Montpellier, Portofino is a family-oriented Italian restaurant serving classic dishes like shrimp fra diavolo and linguini marinara.
16618 Mountain Rd, Montpelier, VA 23192 (804) 883-7700
Tavern on the Trail
Tavern on the Trail is a restaurant and catering hall in Mineral, VA, with a cozy, inviting atmosphere serving home-cooked menu items, baked goods, and cocktails.
81 Tavern Rd, Mineral, VA 23117 (540) 872-7245
Jobs in Beaverdam
The economy in Beaverdam is primarily dominated by manufacturing, retail, education, and healthcare. Most Hanover County residents are employed in management, sales, or office and administrative support occupations.
The largest employers in Hanover County VA are:
- Hanover County School Board
- Amazon Fulfillment Services
- Bon Secours Health Systems
- Kings Dominion
- Hanover County Government
Because Beaverdam is a small unincorporated community, most employment opportunities are in the surrounding areas, and many residents even commute to Richmond for work. But residents will still find plenty of high-paying jobs in Beaverdam and adjacent communities, ranging from engineering technician to warehouse associate.
Beaverdam Schools
Beaverdam is part of the Hanover County Public School System, which serves 17,000 students across 26 schools. Hanover County has some of the highest-ranked public schools in Virginia and is considered within the 90th percentile of districts in the state in terms of graduation rates and test scores.
The only school in Beaverdam is Beaverdam Elementary School, which offers PK-5th grade and ranks highly in reading and math proficiency. According to US News and World Report, Beaverdam Elementary has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, and 87% of students scored at or above proficiency in English and 77% in math.
There are no private schools in Beaverdam, but students can attend the Piedmont Christian School in Bumpass or The Carmel School in Ruther Glen.
Residents can head to the Montpelier Branch of the Pamunkey Regional Library System or the Ladysmith Branch of the Caroline Library System for public libraries.
Beaverdam Statistics & Information
- Beaverdam, VA: Hanover
- Beaverdam, VA zip code: 23015
- Beaverdam, VA area codes: 804
- Beaverdam, VA elevation: 285 ft
- Beaverdam, VA time zone: East Standart Time (EST)
- Beaverdam’s closest airport: The closest airport to Beaverdam is Richmond International Airport (RIC), which is 38 miles away.
Beaverdam, VA Map
Whenever you plan on moving to this picturesque, rural paradise, trust our team of dedicated Beaverdam movers to help make your journey simple and straightforward. Call 804-836-4954 today for a free, personalized moving quote.
