Have you always wanted to witness a pig race? Good news! Chesterfield County, where Rockwood is located, features pig races along with rides, deep fried foods and special exhibits during their county fair every August and September.
So tiny it doesn't even show up on many maps (seriously, Google pretends this place doesn't exist), Rockwood, VA is the type of small town in America's rugged Virginia wilderness that makes people dream of giving up the rat race to live somewhere beautiful and simple. Fortunately, you don't have to give up anything to live here; you just have to enjoy some peace and quiet. Located just outside of Richmond, Rockwood is rife with parks, reservoirs and ponds and small town charms (think local antique stores), all within close proximity to a big city and all its delicious options. Unlike many bitty census designated places, Rockwood provides easy access to highways and freeways, shopping centers and even an airport -- so much for giving up everything. But going under the radar does have one drawback: Yelp doesn't have a section for you. If you can shake off the pain of that realization, you'll quickly find that Rockwood's assortment of conveniences make it the perfect spot to move if you adore a modern country way of life, and you do, you definitely do.
Moving to Rockwood
Moving to a new city is always fraught with excitement and stress, but knowing in advance a little bit of the landscape of where you're headed can help soothe fried nerves tremendously. Here are some quick tips and a general outline of what to expect to help you make the right decisions when it comes time to sign your name on the dotted line, whether it's for a month-to-month lease or for a 30-year mortgage. You're so welcome.
Pushing Papers
The best way to eliminate stress from the house hunt is to be super organized from the beginning. Not sure what to have? No worries; it's pretty simple. Start by locating your ID -- it's probably in your purse or wallet. Next up, seek out a few recent pay stubs, usually three will do the trick, but it can't hurt to have more. Onto the big one: your credit report. This one will take a little more work than the other two, sure, but it's essential. You'll want to carefully pore over this document (or web page, whatever) and flush out any inaccuracies or incorrect info. People steal identities all the time (jerks). Don't let someone ruin your chances for happily ever after in the Rockwood rental market by being lazy about your credit score. The final piece of paper you'll need is a cashier's check. That little slip will cover a security deposit and first month's rent on your new place.
If by some stroke of bad luck or bad choices you don't have an overly impressive credit score, you can still make some headway with a discerning landlord. Seek out some highly respectable references that can sing your praises, and you just may land your dream home anyway.
Housing Landscape
You're probably aching to know what kind of a selection you can expect from the local housing market in Rockwood. After all, that is a far more interesting discussion than the perils of ID theft, right? Well, do you love homes with character, porches and sizable rooms? You're in luck; Rockwood has plenty just like that. Most homes were built between 1970 and 1990, but there are plenty of historic homes from before 1950. Of course, the older the home the smaller the square footage, generally speaking. So if you dream of walk-in closets you should aim for a house from the aughts -- don't worry; they have those too.
As for rental structures outside the single-family home style, you've got basically two options: small complexes with three or four units and big complexes with dozens. There isn't a ton of either in the CDP since this is primarily an owner's zone, but there are several facilities to check out. That said, you're gonna have a little bit of a rough time securing a place. The vacancy rate here is low for the nation, so expect to take a couple months waiting for an opening you love.
Neighborhoods in Rockwood
Rockwood doesn't have traditional neighborhoods like you find in big cities; this isn't New York City after all. But there are some differences from one area to another that can help you focus on the spot that offers all the things you need and nothing you don't. Whether you prefer easy highway access to more open land, there's a place for you here.
North of HWY 678: The trees, look at the trees! This is a very lush area with oodles of privacy. There's quick access to Highway 678 (duh) and 76 (which is a toll road). You've also got the Providence Golf Club on your side -- pretty sweet --and the Midlothian Turnpike. There's good shopping at the northeastern end of the town, which leaves you in comfort and quiet in your part. There isn't much in the way of apartment buildings here, but a rental house is doable.
South of HWY 678: You've got a lot more luck when it comes to apartments on this side, including Rockwood Park Apartments (guess what it's next to!) and Mallard Cove. As for fun stuff, you've got Gregory's Pond, Lower Beaver Pond and Upper Lake Bexley (hope you love the water). Highways 678 (again), 647 and 360 (Hull Street Road) are close, as is the Chippenham Parkway (150). Shops are at the northeast end here too, and so are the Cloverleaf Lake Townhouse Apartments.
Rockwood Recreation
Finding things to do in Rockwood will never be a difficult undertaking, and if you live for the weekend like most red-blooded humans do, you'll be delightfully surprised by all the options before you. Start by making the most of the glorious outdoors. Try a Riverfront Canal Walk in Richmond, or explore Ashland Berry Farm and take some goodies home with you. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a stunning must-see. If you've exhausted your tootsies, refresh your body and soul with a tipple from local Virginia wines. With so many museums, monuments, historical sites and tours available, Rockwood really offers the best. Once you've educated the mind, wearied the body and discovered the nation's history, head into town for a bite to eat and some socializing at one of the dozens of amazing eateries and bars.
Transportation
If you have your heart set on travelling the world by rail, steel yourself for bad news. You're going to need a car to get around Rockwood, and most of Chesterfield County too. Sure, there are a couple buses, but for the most part people here love their cars, and there are lots of highways and streets to get you where you need to go quickly and easily. You don't have much within walking distance of your home, unless you live really close to the shops, love walking really long distances or consider walking to your lawn "walkable." Just make sure your insurance is up to date when you get here.
