New Construction Spotlight: Where to Build in New Kent, Williamsburg, Richmond & the Peninsula
"If you have been thinking about new construction, there has never been a better time to explore what is being built across Central Virginia and the Peninsula. From the vineyard-lined countryside of New Kent to the tree-lined streets of Chesterfield's master-planned communities, builders are delivering some genuinely exciting options right now. I walk model homes, review builder contracts, and track incentives across the region every week — so let me save you some time and share what I am seeing."
— Shannon Russell, MRP
Whether you are a military family PCS-ing to the Hampton Roads area, a first-time buyer looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle, or a move-up buyer who wants modern floor plans and builder warranties, new construction deserves a serious look. The Richmond metro and surrounding communities are experiencing a genuine building boom, with production builders and custom builders alike expanding into counties that five years ago had very few options.
In this guide, I am going to walk you through the communities and builders that are most active right now — organized by county — and share the kind of on-the-ground details that only come from visiting model homes, talking to site superintendents, and helping buyers navigate builder contracts every week. Think of this as your cheat sheet for where to start looking.
New Kent County: Where Rural Charm Meets Modern Living
New Kent County is one of the most exciting stories in Central Virginia real estate right now. Situated between Richmond and Williamsburg along the Route 249 and I-64 corridor, it offers a rare combination of larger homesites, rural character, and surprisingly convenient commute times. For military families heading to Fort Eustis, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, or the Newport News Shipyard, New Kent delivers a country-living lifestyle with a Peninsula commute that often runs 25–35 minutes — and the scenery along the way is hard to beat.
Viniterra
This is the community that put New Kent on the new-construction map. Viniterra is a master-planned development centered around a vineyard and winery setting, with a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and active adult options. StyleCraft Homes and other builders have been active here, offering floor plans that range from the low $300s to the $500s-plus depending on lot and finish selections. The community features walking trails, a clubhouse, and that rolling-hills Virginia backdrop that makes coming home feel like a mini-vacation. It is an especially popular choice for buyers who want space without being remote — you are still just a few minutes from the New Kent Winn-Dex and restaurants along Route 249.
The Groves at New Kent
An active-adult community designed for buyers 55 and over who want single-level living with low-maintenance yards and a welcoming social environment. This is a growing niche in New Kent — many of my clients who are relocating for a military PCS want to set their parents up in a nearby community where they can enjoy retirement while still being close to family. The Groves delivers on that perfectly.
Patriots Landing, Rock Creek Villas & Maidstone Village
These communities round out the New Kent new-construction landscape with a mix of single-family homes and villa-style options. Main Street Homes and Lifestyle Home Builders have been active in this area, and what I like about these developments is the variety — you can find everything from cozy three-bedroom plans to larger homes with finished basements and three-car garages. Prices tend to sit comfortably in the mid-range, making New Kent an accessible option for families who want new construction without the higher price tags of Henrico or western Chesterfield.
Charles City County & West Point: Custom Builds on Acreage
If New Kent is the master-planned side of the Peninsula, Charles City and West Point are where buyers go when they want space. These counties remain some of the most rural in the region, with deep historical roots and a pace of life that feels miles away from the city — even though Richmond is about 30 minutes west and Williamsburg is about 25 minutes east.
Charles City County
New construction in Charles City is characterized by individual subdivisions and custom-build opportunities rather than large-scale developments. Builders like Birchwood Homes and Balducci Builders are active here, working with buyers on semi-custom and fully custom homes. If you have ever dreamed of a home on two or five or ten acres with a long driveway, mature trees, and absolutely no HOA restrictions — Charles City is where you find that. These are the kind of lots where you build a home that lasts for generations.
For Peninsula military families, Charles City is an under-the-radar commuter option. A drive from Charles City to Fort Eustis or Newport News Shipyard runs about 20–30 minutes, and you get a dramatically different quality of life — quiet roads, wide-open skies, and neighbors who know your name.
West Point
West Point sits at the confluence of the York and Mattaponi Rivers, giving it one of the most picturesque settings in the state. It is a small town with big character — a walkable Main Street, a strong sense of community, and growing residential development on the outskirts. D.R. Horton and several local builders have been active in the broader West Point area, offering new-construction homes at price points that are often lower than comparable homes in New Kent or James City County.
For families who love the idea of small-town Virginia with easy access to both Richmond and Williamsburg, West Point hits a sweet spot. The town hosts community events throughout the year — the West Point Farmers Market on Saturday mornings and the annual Fall Fest are local favorites that give you an instant sense of belonging.
James City County & Williamsburg: The Peninsula's Hottest Builder Market
If you are stationed at any of the Peninsula bases — Fort Eustis, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, USCG Training Center Yorktown, or Langley Air Force Base — James City County and the Williamsburg area should be at the top of your new-construction shortlist. This is where the most builder activity on the Peninsula is happening, and the options range from affordable starter homes to resort-style living.
Stonehouse & Surrounding Communities
The Stonehouse area of James City County is one of the most established new-construction corridors on the Peninsula. Ryan Homes offers Stonehouse Ranch and single-family plans here, while Kirbor Homes builds in the Mill Pond community. These neighborhoods feature wooded lots, community amenities, and proximity to the highly regarded Stonehouse Elementary and Toano Middle School feeder pattern. Prices range from the upper $200s to the $400s depending on the plan and lot premiums.
Colonial Heritage
This active-adult community has been a standout in James City County for years, and builders continue to add new phases and floor plans. Colonial Heritage is perfect for empty-nesters or military retirees who want a low-maintenance lifestyle with access to golf, walking trails, and a vibrant social calendar. It is tucked into a beautiful setting with the kind of mature landscaping that normally takes decades to achieve.
Fawncrest Estates & Lennar Communities
Lennar has been expanding its presence in the Greater Williamsburg area, and their Everything's Included® package model — where many upgrades like granite countertops, stainless appliances, and smart-home features come standard — appeals to buyers who want a turnkey experience. Fawncrest Estates and other Lennar communities in the area offer townhomes and single-family homes with competitive pricing.
Pro tip for military buyers: If you are PCS-ing to the Peninsula, remember that James City County offers a fantastic balance of commute convenience and lifestyle. A drive to Fort Eustis typically runs 20–30 minutes, and you are also close to Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry — weekends feel like living in a postcard.
Chesterfield County: The Region's Largest New Construction Playground
Chesterfield County continues to be the heavyweight of new construction in the greater Richmond metro. With a wide range of communities from entry-level to luxury, some of the best public schools in the region, and easy access to I-95 and I-295, it draws families from across the state. For military families heading to Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly Fort Lee), Chesterfield is often the first place I recommend looking.
Magnolia Green
One of the most well-known master-planned communities in the Richmond metro, Magnolia Green features a golf course, multiple pools, walking trails, and a mix of builders and price points. This community has been growing for years and continues to attract families who want resort-style amenities in a suburban setting. It sits in the southern part of Chesterfield with convenient access to Route 288 and I-95.
The Highlands, Charter Colony, Kinwick & Hallsley
These communities represent the breadth of what Chesterfield offers. The Highlands and Charter Colony are established neighborhoods with active new phases, while Kinwick and Hallsley bring newer product with contemporary floor plans. Price points vary widely — from the upper $200s in some townhome communities to the $600s and above for larger single-family homes on premium lots. This is a county where you can genuinely find something for every budget and lifestyle.
What I love about Chesterfield for my military clients is the schools. Chesterfield County Public Schools consistently ranks among the top districts in the Richmond metro, and the new-construction communities are often zoned for the newest and best-equipped schools. For families with school-age children, that alone can make the decision easy.
Hanover County & Mechanicsville: Space, Schools, and Steady Growth
Hanover County is one of those communities that consistently surprises people who have not spent much time there. It offers a quieter, more spacious lifestyle than Henrico or Chesterfield, with excellent schools and a real sense of community pride. And the new-construction market here is picking up noticeably.
Oak Crest Townhomes & Villetta Pointe
In Mechanicsville specifically, new developments are filling in nicely. Oak Crest Townhomes is a 55+ age-restricted community that has drawn strong interest from active adults and military retirees, while Villetta Pointe offers cottage-style single-family homes that are perfect for buyers who want a manageable footprint without sacrificing quality.
A Growing Pipeline
Hanover County approved roughly 1,273 new residential lots in 2025, signaling that builders see strong future demand here. That means more options are coming online over the next 12–18 months. If you are thinking about new construction in the Mechanicsville or broader Hanover area, getting in early on a new phase often means better lot selection and the ability to customize before the community fills in.
For military families, Hanover's location is a real asset. You are just 15–20 minutes north of downtown Richmond and within easy reach of Fort Gregg-Adams and Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR). The commute to the base from most Mechanicsville neighborhoods runs under 25 minutes, and you get significantly more home for your money compared to Chesterfield or Henrico.
Henrico County: Where Convenience Meets Quality
Henrico County sits in a sweet spot — close to everything, with a diverse range of new construction that spans from urban infill townhomes to suburban single-family homes on generous lots. The county's proximity to major employers, shopping, dining, and medical facilities makes it a perennially popular choice.
River Mill & HHHunt Developments
The River Mill master-planned community has been a standout in Henrico, offering a Certified Active RVA Development with a focus on sustainability and community design. HHHunt, one of Virginia's most established developers, continues to build across Henrico with projects like the Townes at Woodman. These communities bring the quality and thoughtfulness that HHHunt is known for — well-designed amenities, good architecture, and neighborhoods that age gracefully.
Boyd Homes & Pemberton Row
Boyd Homes continues to be active in Henrico, bringing well-priced new construction to a market where affordability is increasingly important. And on the affordability front, the Pemberton Row townhouse project by Center Creek Homes — supported by the Henrico Affordable Housing Trust Fund — is bringing quality entry-level ownership options to the market in 2026. This is exactly the kind of development that helps first-time buyers and young families get into homeownership.
Newport News: Steady Options on the Peninsula
Newport News rounds out the Peninsula picture with a steady stream of new construction, particularly along the southern and western portions of the city. This is where I see a lot of military families settle — especially those headed to Fort Eustis, Langley Air Force Base, or the Newport News Shipyard — because the commute is short, the price points are competitive, and the school options are solid.
Ryan Homes, D.R. Horton & Local Builders
Production builders like Ryan Homes and D.R. Horton maintain active communities in Newport News, alongside local builders like Custom Homes of Virginia and Bishard Homes. New-construction options range from townhomes in the upper $200s to single-family homes in the $350s–$500s range. The Kiln Creek area continues to be a popular location, with established neighborhood character and proximity to shopping, dining, and the Virginia Living Museum.
Major Military Investment
One exciting development for the Peninsula is the Navy's planned $400 million Huntington Hall redevelopment in downtown Newport News, which will deliver approximately 750 new housing units for sailors. While this is military housing rather than private market construction, it signals significant federal investment in the area and will free up demand in surrounding neighborhoods as sailors transition from older housing into the new facility.
What should every buyer know before signing a new-construction contract?
After helping dozens of buyers through the new-construction process, here are the things I make sure every client understands before they sign on the dotted line:
Bring an agent on your first visit
The builder's sales agent works for the builder. To have your own advocate, you need to register with your agent before or during your first visit to the sales office. Once registered, the builder covers my commission — so there is no cost to you. But if you show up alone first, adding representation later gets much more complicated.
Read the contract carefully
Builder contracts are very different from resale purchase agreements. They often include provisions around construction timelines, change-order fees, material substitutions, and builder warranties that you will not find in a standard purchase contract. I review every line with my buyers so there are no surprises.
Compare the builder's lender with outside options
Many builders offer closing cost credits, rate buydowns, or upgrade packages if you use their preferred lender. These incentives can be genuinely valuable — but always compare the rate and terms with at least two outside lenders to make sure the "deal" is actually saving you money. VA buyers in particular should compare the builder's offer with VA-specific lenders who may offer better rates or lower fees.
Do not skip the final walkthrough
Even in a brand-new home, the final walkthrough matters. We will go through the house room by room, test every fixture and appliance, check the paint and trim, and compile a punch list of anything that needs attention before closing. Builder warranties are there to protect you — but catching issues early is always better than discovering them after you move in.
Can I use my VA loan for new construction?
Absolutely. One of the most common questions I get from military buyers is whether their VA loan benefit works with new construction — and the answer is a confident yes. You can use your VA loan to purchase a newly built home, whether it is a spec home that is already complete, a home in progress, or a to-be-built home where you select your lot and floor plan.
A few things to keep in mind: VA appraisals on new-construction homes follow the same Minimum Property Requirements as resale homes, which means the home needs to be safe, sound, and structurally secure. With a reputable builder, this is rarely an issue — but it is one more reason to work with an experienced agent who knows what to look for. And with the 2026 VA loan limit of $832,750 for the Richmond metro area, you have substantial purchasing power for a new-construction home.
Let me help you find the right builder and community
New construction is one of those areas where having a knowledgeable agent makes a real difference. From comparing builders and floor plans to reviewing contracts and tracking incentives, there is a lot to manage — and the decisions you make early in the process have a big impact on your experience and your investment.
Whether you are looking at a master-planned community in New Kent, a custom home on acreage in Charles City, or a move-in-ready townhome in Chesterfield, I am here to guide you through every step. I visit model homes regularly, maintain relationships with builder representatives across the region, and bring the same dedication to every client — whether you are buying your first home or your fifth.
Visit my full New Construction page for more details on my services, or reach out directly to schedule a consultation. Let's find the right home — and the right builder — for your family.
Curious about New Kent? Visit my New Kent community guide at NewKent.shannonshomelist.com for the full scoop on neighborhoods, schools, events, and local favorites.
Shannon Russell
Military Relocation Professional (MRP) & Realtor®
Shannon helps military families, first-time home buyers, and local Virginia sellers navigate real estate transitions with clarity and confidence. As a specialist in new construction across Central Virginia and Hampton Roads, she brings firsthand knowledge of every active builder and community in the region.
Call Shannon today (804) 803-1080 or click "Get in Touch"
Thinking about new construction in Virginia? Let's connect.
From builder selection and contract review to design center appointments and the final walkthrough, I am here to make sure your new-construction experience is smooth, informed, and exciting.