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Joseph Woods

June 5, 2024

Living in Bellwood VA | What to Know Before Moving to Bellwood

Last Updated On: 15th January 2026, 11:00 pm

Living in Bellwood VA should ring your bell! The Bellwood community gets its name from Bellwood, a plantation established in 1619. The Bellwood plantation became a headquarters for Confederate generals during the Civil War, and it remained a prominent farm until 1941. The U.S. Army bought the plantation and land surrounding it to construct the Richmond Quartermaster Depot, now known as the Defense Supply Center, Richmond. The Bellwood community grew and expanded around the Defense Supply Center. Bellwood is now best known for the Defense Supply Center, with many military families living in the community. It's a nice place to live with a quaint atmosphere, family-friendly attractions, and spacious homes for sale. But before you start moving to Bellwood Virginia, you need to learn about this kid-friendly census-designated community. Here's what you should know about Bellwood Virginia.

Where Is Bellwood VA?

Bellwood is in Chesterfield County, inside the Richmond metropolitan area. Bellwood is a suburb of Richmond VA, though Bellwood does not border Richmond. The suburb of Richmond VA does border Bensley and Chester. It is 9.8 miles from Bellwood VA to Richmond VA. Bellwood is a mostly urbanized community with no major geographic features. The community is just west of the James River, but it does not border the river directly. The Defense Supply Center takes most of the area in western Bellwood, with southern and eastern Bellwood containing residential and commercial sectors. Residents living in Bellwood VA do not have direct access to the Richmond public transit system. Most residents use their cars to get around and start moving to Bellwood Virginia. US Route 1 runs through the center of Bellwood and provides direct access to cities near Richmond. Interstate 95 forms the eastern border of Bellwood. The streets are walkable, and the residential areas are compact enough that you can visit homes and attractions easily. Bellwood has a low bike score, though you can bike to nearby parks and good schools in the community.

Bellwood Population and Demographics

The total population of Bellwood is 7,678, up by 20.9% since 2010. Bellwood is one of the fastest growing communities in Chesterfield County, with its population growth outpacing the county's growth by five percentage points. The Bellwood population density is 1,324.5 people per square mile, nearly twice the countywide density. Notable people from Bellwood and the surrounding area include Vince Gilligan, Penn Badgley, and Doug Chapman. Bellwood demographics include:

52.7% female, 47.3% male
Median age: 32.8
Racial and ethnic composition: 42.0% White (33.0% non-Hispanic), 36.6% Black or African American, 23.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% two or more races, 1.5% Asian, 0.3% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Median household income: $50,231 (roughly 60% of the state median)
Educational attainment: 75.6% of residents living in Bellwood VA older than 25 have graduated high school, 13.6% have a bachelor's degree
Foreign-born population: 14.1%

Bellwood is one of the most diverse communities in Chesterfield County. The community has higher rates of Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino residents than Chesterfield County and Richmond. Over 100 residents were born in Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Bellwood is also one of the youngest Virginia communities, with a median age nearly six years lower than the state median. 23% of residents are under the age of 18, and 41% are under the age of 30. Here are Bellwood's latest crime rates:

Overall crime rate: 2,309 offenses per 100,000 people (41.7% lower than the Richmond crime rate, 19.6% higher than the Virginia average, 0.6% lower than the national average)
Violent crime rate: 280 crimes per 100,000 residents (19.7% higher than the state rate, 24.3% lower than the national rate)
Property crime rate: 2,029 offenses per 100,000 residents (19.6% higher than the state rate, 3.8% higher than the national rate)

The Chesterfield County Police Department provides law enforcement services to all residents living in Bellwood VA. The department employs over 500 sworn Chesterfield police officers.

Cost of Living in Bellwood

Bellwood cost of living statistics can be hard to find, so you can use Richmond cost of living statistics to estimate the cost of living in Bellwood VA. The Richmond cost of living index is 96.1, meaning items in the Richmond area cost 3.9% less than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Chesterfield County would need to earn $113,837 a year to cover the cost of living in the county. Child care is the largest expense, costing $23,364 a year, so singles and couples without children can enjoy an affordable lifestyle in Bellwood. Many people are moving to Bellwood Virginia, from Richmond to save money on their cost of living. Bellwood VA real estate is very affordable, though the market is small. According to Redfin, the median cost of Bellwood homes for sale is $287,500, with a median cost per square foot of $224. The median cost has risen by 20.5% since 2023. According to RentCafe, the average cost of Bellwood apartments is $1,194 a month.

Typical Bellwood* Living Expenses

1 pound of apples: $2.34
12 regular eggs: $3.30
1 pound of onions: $1.30
1 gallon of gasoline: $3.40
Average Bellwood* utilities per month: $156.36
1 pair of jeans: $41.77

Source: Numbeo *Expenses actually for Richmond

Bellwood Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Bellwood

Bellwood does not have any formal neighborhoods due to its small size. The Bellwood VA real estate market is small and not very competitive. Only 54 Bellwood homes for sale were sold in 2023, all single-family homes, not condos or townhouses. Most homes for sale are located in southern Bellwood, close to the border with Chester. Most homes were built after 1950, and they have small floor plans, with less than 2,000 square feet. However, some homes have up to four bedrooms, accommodating large families and providing room for guests. Homes have amenities like recessed lights, French doors, and kitchen backsplashes. Winchester Greens is the only notable complex for Bellwood apartments. The complex provides income-restricted two and three-bedroom units for less than $1,500 a month. There are very few homes for rent in the community, though units occasionally come on the market.

Bellwood Weather and Climate

Bellwood has a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and freezing and snowy winters, similar to the Richmond climate. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 79 degrees and an average high of 89. The temperature declines steadily during the late summer and fall. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 38 degrees and an average low of 31. The Bellwood weather stays partly cloudy throughout the year, with roughly half of days being overcast or mostly cloudy. Bellwood receives 37.9 inches of rain and 11.8 inches of snow. The rain creates humidity throughout the summer, with over half of days in July feeling muggy and oppressive. Bellwood can experience severe thunderstorms and rainstorms, especially in the summer, so check the Bellwood VA weather forecast. October is the best month to visit Bellwood and enjoy Bellwood weather. October is the clearest month of the year, with 63% clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy days. The average temperature is 59 degrees while the average high of 70, so you can wear a light jacket and a long-sleeved shirt and remain comfortable. Peak foliage occurs in mid or late October, so you can visit nearby parks and coastal plains and enjoy beautiful fall colors.

Things to Do in Bellwood

Bellwood VA is full of unique things to do, including beautiful outdoor attractions and unique stores. Bellwood Flea Market is the top store in Bellwood, with hundreds of vendors offering new and used items at affordable prices. Tortilleria Mixteca Chesterfield is one of the top Hispanic grocery stores in Chesterfield County, and you can also order groceries at El Dorado Mini Market.

Drewry's Bluff and Fort Darling Battlefield at Richmond National Battlefield Park

Drewry's Bluff and Fort Darling Battlefield were the sites of Civil War battles in 1862 and 1864. The National Park Service preserves the battlegrounds as part of Richmond National Battlefield Park. You can visit the bluff and fort along scenic walking trails that provide beautiful views of the James River and coastal plains. Off Fort Darling Road, Richmond, VA, 23237, 804-226-1981

Holiday Bowl

Holiday Bowl is a bowling alley with 24 bowling lanes and a billiards room containing six pool tables. Holiday Bowl is a top venue for bowling and billiards tournaments in the Richmond area, and you can play rounds of bowling for just $5 on weekdays and weekends. 11400 Jefferson Davis Highway Service Road, Richmond, VA, 23237, 804-748-5635

First Tee Chesterfield

The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course is an 18-hole executive golf course with a par of 66. You can play a game of golf for just $32, and you can join several different golf leagues. 6736 Huntingcreek Drive, North Chesterfield, VA, 23237, 804-275-8050

Additional Things to Do in Bellwood VA

The Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department oversees public spaces in and around Bellwood. The department offers over 700 special programs and events for residents living in Bellwood VA; you can sign up for them using the Chesterfield County events calendar.

Bellwood VA Restaurants

Richmond cuisine is well known for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique dishes like salty ham biscuits. Bellwood VA restaurants are similarly diverse and flavorful, with culinary traditions from all over the world.

Mi Pueblito

Mi Pueblito is a casual Salvadorian restaurant well known for its pupusas, tacos, and pizzas. Most dishes cost less than $20, and you can order a range of fresh juices and South American drinks like horchata. 7411 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond, VA, 23237, 804-275-1614

Red House

Red House is a Chinese restaurant with an extensive menu of Chinese and American dishes. You can try out classics like beef and broccoli and General Gau's chicken, and you can order combination platters of chicken wings, fried fish, and fried rice. 9810 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond, VA, 23237, 804-271-1665

Half-Way House

The Half-Way House is an upscale American restaurant inside a historic tavern dating to 1760. You can order prime rib, seafood, and homemade desserts and enjoy the rustic and romantic ambiance. 10301 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond, VA, 23237, 804-275-1760

Bellwood Jobs

3,667 people have jobs in Bellwood, up by 54.7% since 2013. Retail trade, administrative and support services, and construction are the three largest job sectors in the community. The per capita income in Bellwood is $23,085. Most sectors in Bellwood have median earnings of over $50,000 a year, including administrative services and construction. Major employers in Bellwood include Chesterfield County Public Schools, Amazon, and the Department of Defense. You can apply for Bellwood jobs using Indeed, and you can apply for Chesterfield County jobs on the county government's website.

Bellwood Schools

High school students from Chesterfield County Public Schools graduating

Chesterfield County Public Schools serves all students living in Bellwood VA. Bellwood Elementary School is in southern Bellwood. Bellwood Elementary is one of the most diverse elementary schools in the Richmond area, with 49.7% of Bellwood Elementary students identifying as Hispanic or Latino and 26.6% identifying as Black or African American. Salem Church Middle School serves students in Bellwood, though it's located in North Chesterfield. The school employs 67 teachers, almost all of whom are professionally certified and have at least three years of experience. Salem Church Middle School students then attend Meadowbrook High School in North Chesterfield. Meadowbrook High School offers unique technical education programs, helping prepare talented students living in Bellwood VA for careers in healthcare and nursing. Bellwood is not home to any private schools or colleges. Bellwood does not contain a library; the closest one is Meadowdale Library in North Chesterfield, a branch of the Chesterfield County Public Library system.

Bellwood Statistics and Information

County: Chesterfield County
Bellwood area: 5.8 square miles
Bellwood zip code: 23237
Bellwood area code: 804
Bellwood elevation: 95 feet
Bellwood time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
Closest airport to Bellwood: Richmond International Airport (RIC), 12.4 miles away from Bellwood

Bellwood Map

You can find grocery stores, good schools, and parks using this map of Bellwood.

Living in Bellwood VA is great for kids and adults alike! Families will love the fun indoor and outdoor attractions and diverse and delicious restaurants. Retirees can enjoy the quaint atmosphere with great access to Richmond. You can figure out moving to Bellwood Virginia today – and we can help. On the Fly Moving Guys has the best Bellwood movers. Call 804-836-4954 for a free estimate now.