Daily Life

New Kent offers a fantastic selection of local restaurants and classic, nationwide staples. Whatever you’re craving, we’re sure to have the fix. However, if you’re looking for something we don’t have, you are sure to find it in either nearby Williamsburg or Richmond. For day-to-day needs, New Kent has four regional bank branches, a Farm Credit branch, grocery stores, pharmacies, dry cleaners, auto service, hardware stores, etc. Additionally, there are several child and/or adult day-care facilities, fitness centers, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, etc. Here, you can enjoy a rural lifestyle without sacrificing convenient access to basic needs.

New Kent’s commercial growth is concentrated around and near the four I-64 interchanges and along the Route 33 Industrial Corridor. The majority of its residential growth is taking place in planned unit developments.

However, all types of housing options are available. As it is in between two major Metropolitan Statistical Areas, New Kent continues to offer its residents the advantages of a rural community: clean air and water, abundant outdoor recreation, a low crime rate, low taxes and friendly people.

Neighborhoods and Planned Developments: 

Five Lakes is perhaps the most established residential subdivision in New Kent, built around Brookwoods Golf Club in Quinton. Numerous other cluster style residential developments are under construction in the rural parts of the county. At Exit 205, Patriots Landing and Rock Creek Villas (an active adult community) sit near more commercial development and lie closer to the city of Richmond than other parts of the county. At Exit 211, The Farms of New Kent host the Arbors and the Groves, another active adult community. More centrally, at Exit 214, we have Brickshire (built around Brickshire Golf Club) and Oakmont Villas and Townhomes (built around Royal New Kent’s Traditions Golf Club). 

No matter what your interest is, rest assured that you can find a multitude of activities to meet your needs in New Kent County! Read below to learn a bit more about what we have to offer and visit our tourism-focused website, Visit New Kent, to dive deeper into what our county offers or start planning your visit. 

Horse Racing and Betting: At Colonial Downs, Virginia’s only thoroughbred and parimutuel horse track, you can bet on historic horse racing, enjoy fine dining and scenic views, or try your luck at Rosie’s Gaming Emporium.  

Wineries: Four of Virginia’s best wineries are found in New Kent County soil. Find Gauthier Vineyard, Saude Creek Vineyard, Jolene Family Winery, and New Kent Winery across the county and often featured in our weekly events calendar. With four great options to choose from, we guarantee you can find something that piques your interest. 

Golf: Four golf courses can be found throughout our county, each with something unique to offer. These include: Brickshire Golf Club, Brookwoods Golf Club, The Club at Viniterra, and Royal New Kent

Camping, Boating, and Fishing: Experience the best camping trip at Ed Allen’s Campground, Riverside Camp and Marina, or Rockahock Campground. Go canoeing, kayaking, fishing or waterskiing on the surrounding rivers: Chickahominy, Pamunkey or York, three of Virginia’s most pristine waterways. We are also home to a beautiful selection of trails, parks, and nature preserves. 

Historical Landmarks: Calling all history buffs! New Kent County is home to a variety of historical landmarks like the New Kent Ordinary or St. Peter’s Church. Stop by and see where George Washington spent most of his time or visit the gravesite of Letitia Tyler (American First Lady). 

Cycling: New Kent County is a great place to cycle. We have six fully mapped and signed bike routes, ranging from 15 to 100 miles in length. And, conveniently, all begin from our Visitors and Commerce Center off of Vineyards Parkway! Navigate to “Cycling — Visit New Kent” (note that this will redirect you to our tourism website) to download printable route maps. 

New Kent County Public Schools Vision: Inspire, Engage, and Empower

All New Kent County schools have full state accreditation. With one high school, one middle school, and three elementary schools, New Kent County students excel both in the classroom and in the community. 48.8% of the class of 2025 graduated with an Advanced Diploma and 13.23% enrolled in dual enrollment courses. 

Bridging Communities is a local CTE (Career and Technical Center) and Governor’s STEM Academy that partners with Rappahannock Community College to provide dual enrollment, certifications, and industry credentialing options to students in the region. The program is designed to expand and adapt based on industry needs. Currently, Bridging Communities offers Advanced Programming and Coding, Diesel Technology, HVAC, Small Engine and Marine Technology, and much more. 

Additionally, Rappahannock Community College offers an Early College Academy which offers associate’s degrees to high school students. And, within an easy commute of New Kent County are four community colleges, one junior college, and thirteen universities. 

Learn more about New Kent County Public Schools’ mission, values, and initiatives through their website:   Home – New Kent County Public Schools.  

 

 

New Kent County’s Heritage Public Library proudly serves all its residents. The library system holds over 53,000 materials including books, audiobooks, DVDs, videos, music CDs, newspapers, and magazines. Print and electronic reference resources, faxing, internet, wifi, computer and internet training, and copy services are also available. 

Location: 7791 Invicta Lane, New Kent VA, 23124

Phone: 804-966-2480 

Website: Heritage Public Library 

This will redirect you to visitnewkent.com to view our monthly events calendar!

Events — Visit New Kent