Quality Of Life
New Kent County epitomizes the advantages a rural community offers its residents -- clean air and water, abundant outdoor recreation, a low crime rate, low taxes, and friendly, industrious people.
Homes & Land
New Kent residents enjoy a high quality of life in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. Five Lakes, built around Brookwoods Golf Club in Quinton, until recently was the largest residential subdivision in the county.
Today, Planned Unit Developments like Patriots Landing and Brickshire, built around the Brickshire Golf Club are in high demand because of their quality and amenities. Also in high demand isOakmont Villas. This extraordinary community is being built around portions of The Traditions at Royal New Kent Golf Club.
New Kent Village, scheduled to began construction in 2008 features two distinct sections of homesites. There are also opportunities to build or buy homes on one or more acres. And horses can be kept in residential areas on as few as three acres if subdivision covenants don´t prohibit it.
New Kent Vineyards
New home construction has begun on the Arbors at New Kent Vineyards and in 2009, Viniterra, a luxury homes community will begin construction around the New Kent Winery and a new Reese Jones Golf Course which will open for play in the spring of 2009. K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at New Kent Vineyards, an active adult community, are now selling homes.
Houses of Worship
Most religions have worship facilities through the region.
Banking
Most major U.S. and a number of regional banks serve the region.
Heritage Public Library
Heritage Public Library in Providence Forge serves New Kent residents. The collection includes books, movies, and audio tapes. Eight computers with Internet are available to library cardholders. The library is open 9 to 8 Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 9 to 5:30 Wednesday and Friday and 9 to 2 on Saturday.
Public Schools
Because New Kent County is one of the fastest growing communities in Virginia, the school system is preparing to meet the challenges by expanding and renovating its facilities. In 2005, a new classroom wing and multi-purpose room were added to the New Kent Elementary School. G. W. Watkins Elementary School was expanded and completely remodeled in 2007. Both schools now serve grades K-5.
Recently opened in 2008, New Kent High School has a capacity for 1,400 students. The old high school has become a middle school, and the previous middle school will serve a variety of community needs.
All New Kent County Public Schools have full state accreditation and serve a student body that excels both in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities.
- University of Richmond
- Randolph Macon University
- Norfolk State University
- Richard Bland College
- Regent University
- Hampton University
- Virginia State University
- Virginia Union University
- Rappahannock Community College
- Thomas Nelson Community College
- John Tyler Community College
- J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
- Eastern Virginia Medical School
- Christopher Newport University
- The College of William and Mary
- Virginia Commonwealth University
Higher Education
Within an easy commute of New Kent County are four community colleges and fourteen universities:
- Events like; the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, festivals at Rockahock Campground, fly-ins at New Kent Airport, and the Annual Harvest Festival.
- Hiking, bird watching, and nature trails are available at Cumberland Marsh Reserve, Wahrani Nature Trails, and the New Kent Forestry Center.
- Camping, boating, and fishing atat Rockahock Campground and Ed Allen’s Campground.
- Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, waterskiing and other watersports on the surrounding rivers, Chickahominy, Pamunkey, and York, three of the state´s most pristine waterways.
- Bicyclists can enjoy mountainbike trails and beautiful roadways.
- Award winning golf courses, The Traditions at Royal New Kent and Brickshire. New Kent Vineyards’, Reese Jones golf course will open for limited play in 2009.
- Horse enthusiasts can enjoy a leisurely ride or take lessons at a local stable.
Parks and Recreation
The New Kent County Parks and Recreation Department offers year-round organized recreational opportunities individuals and families of all ages including: youth classes and sports leagues, adult classes and sports leagues, and trips to area attractions
Area Activities
No matter what your interest is, you can enjoy active and passive recreation at its finest in New Kent County, Virginia!
- 44 tie-down areas
- Airplane hangars for rent
- 24-hour self-serve 100LL fuel.
Aviation – New Kent County Airport – W96
Airport Services
Private, commercial and corporate pilots enjoy using New Kent County Airport, W96, which boasts a 3,600 by 75 foot lighted, paved runway and parallel taxiway. Just less than 10 miles from Richmond International Airport, W96 is located near Colonial Downs, New Kent Vineyards and all four golf courses. (By calling ahead the airport personnel can, in most cases, arrange transportation.)
Sheriff’s Office
The New Kent County Sheriff’s Office ranks among the best in the nation. The Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge (12 First Place Titles 12-years running) and the National Law Enforcement Challenge (6 First Place Titles) are but two of the awards recognizing their hard work and dedication. In 2003, they received State Accreditation through the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission and in 2007, became the first and only law enforcement agency in the state to receive a perfect assessment.
Making New Kent Safe
While the Sheriff’s Office currently offers over 20 community service programs to the county citizens and the Deputies are friends and neighbors, their ultimate job is to make the county a safer place to live and raise a family. And New Kent is safe. It enjoys a crime clearance rate that has been above the state average for the past 10 years.
Fire and Rescue
The New Kent County Fire-Rescue provides emergency services to the citizens and businesses of New Kent County. A combination of volunteer and career members, firefighters and EMS providers staff a total of three stations across the county. In addition to routine calls the organization is equipped with several specialty units that allow the department to help mitigate water rescues, flammable fuel fires and natural disasters.
EMS Training & Life Safety
In addition to the operational division the department is also supported by EMS, Training and Life Safety. The EMS division works directly with the county operational medical director to assure the most advanced life saving skills and equipment. The training division´s focus is to provide local training to all members of the organization. The life safety division works directly with businesses and provides educational opportunities to the community on safety.