Locations / Henrico County / Varina, VA
Custom Home Builder in Varina, VA
Eastern Henrico — rolling ground, James River frontage and open space, without leaving the county or its services.
Why Varina
Why Build in Varina?
Varina is the rural half of Henrico. It is where you go for James River properties and a slower pace while keeping county schools, county permitting and a genuinely short drive to Downtown.
- 01
River Land Inside the County Line
For those seeking James River properties and a more rural feel without leaving the county. Rolling hills, proximity to Dorey Park and easy access to the Virginia Capital Trail — the combination does not exist anywhere else in Henrico.
- 02
Open Space and Agriculture
Vast open spaces, working agriculture and a slower pace than the rest of the county. Varina retains its rural spaciousness even as development moves east.
- 03
County Services, Rural Setting
This is the practical argument for Varina over a truly rural county: you get land and quiet while staying on Henrico’s tax rate, Henrico’s schools and Henrico’s permitting process.
- 04
Henrico’s Tax Rate
Henrico’s real estate tax rate is $0.83 per $100 of assessed value (2026) — competitive with surrounding jurisdictions and one reason the county remains attractive for families maximising a building budget.
- 05
Twenty Minutes to Downtown
10–20 minutes to Downtown Richmond from nearly every Henrico neighbourhood, with direct access to I-64 and I-295. Even from Varina in the east, the commute rarely exceeds 30 minutes.
- 06
Outdoors on the Doorstep
Dorey Park, the Virginia Capital Trail and the river itself. The trail alone changes how people use the area — it runs all the way from Richmond to Jamestown.
The Varina Lifestyle
Rolling Ground and the River
Varina is the part of Henrico most people never drive through. It is agricultural, quiet and shaped by the James, with historic sites and conservation land scattered along the river.
Weekends here look like Dorey Park, the Capital Trail, and the water. Local markets rather than shopping centres. The area is evolving — development is moving east — but it keeps its spaciousness.
On a rural Henrico lot, the site work conversation matters as much as the plan. Slope, access and where the utilities run decide more about the budget than the square footage does.
Where We Build
Where We Build in Varina
River properties, open land, and the rest of the county.
James River
River & Waterfront Land
Eastern Henrico
River-adjacent parcels are the reason most people look here. They also carry the most site complexity — grading, access and setbacks. We walk the land before you commit.
Build on Your Lot
Open & Rural Parcels
Varina and east
Room to spread out with county services still in place. You bring the land; we handle design, site work, Henrico permitting and construction.
The Wider County
Henrico County
Tuckahoe, Glen Allen and the West End
Varina is the county’s rural east. Henrico also covers West End infill in Tuckahoe and larger parcels around [Glen Allen](/glen-allen) — see the whole county.
Explore →Frequently Asked Questions
Building in Varina — Common Questions
Where is Varina?+
Varina is the eastern, rural district of Henrico County, along the James River south-east of Downtown Richmond. It is not a separate town — permitting, schools and tax rates are all Henrico.
How far is Varina from Downtown Richmond?+
10–20 minutes to Downtown from nearly every Henrico neighbourhood, and the commute rarely exceeds 30 minutes even from Varina in the east, thanks to I-64 and I-295.
Can I build on land I already own in Varina?+
Yes — it is a large part of what we do. Build on Your Lot covers design, site work, county permitting and construction. If you are still looking at a parcel in Varina, book a free lot walk first and we will tell you what it will actually take to build on it.
What is the real estate tax rate?+
Henrico’s real estate tax rate is $0.83 per $100 of assessed value (2026) — one reason the county stays attractive for families looking to maximise a building budget.
Are Varina lots on public water and sewer?+
It depends where in the district you are. Varina is rural enough that some parcels are well-and-septic while others are on county utilities — it is one of the first things we check on a lot walk, because it changes both budget and schedule.
How long does a Varina custom build take?+
Most Henrico custom builds take 10–14 months from contract to move-in. Infill and teardown projects add one to two months. You get a detailed timeline before construction begins.
Take the Next Step
Talk With Us
Book 15 minutes to answer your home building, financing, or land search questions.
Walk Your Lot
We walk the property with you and flag access, soil, septic, and build constraints.
Plan Your Build
Two ways to get your bearings before you talk to anyone.
Have a question?
What would you like to know about building in Varina?