Lainek

Your Guide to the World

Highland Springs, VA

Highland Springs is a historic unincorporated community and census-designated place in Henrico County, Virginia, founded in the 1890s as a streetcar suburb of nearby Richmond.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the community is Highland Springs. It is a census-designated place (CDP) located in Henrico County, in the state of Virginia, United States. It is not an incorporated town or city, but rather an unincorporated area that is governed as part of Henrico County. Henrico County is known for its excellent public schools and as a major suburban and residential area forming part of the Richmond Metropolitan area .

Historical Names and Nicknames

Highland Springs has no widely known historical names or nicknames, but the origin of its name is well-documented. The community was named by its founder, Edmund Sewell Read, for its elevated site and the several natural springs scattered throughout the area. An 1891 advertisement pitched it as "one of the highest, healthiest, pleasantest places near Richmond," which could be seen as an early unofficial slogan .

Date of Foundation and Age

Highland Springs was founded in the 1890s by Edmund Sewell Read, a businessman from Boston who came to Virginia seeking a suitable climate for his ailing wife. He purchased a 1,000-acre tract of land and began developing it as a streetcar suburb along the new Seven Pines Railway line. The community is, therefore, approximately 130 years old .

Geographical Position and Coordinates

Highland Springs is located in eastern Henrico County, Virginia, at the geographic coordinates 37°32′44″N 77°19′43″W. It is situated approximately 4.3 miles (7 km) east of the state capital, Richmond. The center of the community lies at an elevation of 171 feet (52 m) above sea level. It is a suburban community located on the coastal plain, with small water features including several natural springs .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Highland Springs is primarily a residential suburb and a historic commuter town. Its original function was as a streetcar suburb for workers in Richmond, and it continues to serve as a bedroom community for the larger city. Its economy is closely tied to Henrico County and the Richmond metropolitan area, with major employers in the region including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Anthem (Blue Cross Blue Shield), and Bank of America. Key industries for residents include retail trade, healthcare, and accommodation and food services .

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Highland Springs was 16,604, a steady increase from 15,711 in 2010. It is classified as a small community or large town. The demographic makeup in 2020 was 69.1% Black or African American, 22.4% White, and 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. The median age is 38.5 years .

"Visiting Card" of the City (In Brief)

Highland Springs is a historically rich streetcar suburb that offers a quiet, affordable alternative to city life while being minutes away from Richmond. Its identity is rooted in its late 19th-century planned grid of streets named after plants, its historic district listed on the National Register, and its strong sense of community anchored by local spots like the Henrico Theatre and The Springs Recreation Center.

Geography

Water Objects

While Highland Springs is not located on a major river or lake, it is characterized by the natural springs from which it derives its name. According to its National Register nomination, "several abundant springs" are scattered throughout the area, with a few serving as the focal point for small parks within the community . The CDP also contains a small amount of water area—about 0.35 square miles (0.9 km²)—which accounts for roughly 4% of its total land area .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Highland Springs has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen Climate Classification system. This climate is characterized by hot, muggy summers and generally mild to cool winters with occasional snowfall .

Average Temperatures by Month

Temperatures vary significantly between seasons. The hottest month is July, with an average high of 89°F (32°C) and an average low of 70°F (21°C). The coldest month is January, with an average high of 48°F (9°C) and an average low of 30°F (-1°C). Over the course of the year, temperatures typically range from 30°F to 89°F, though they can occasionally drop to 17°F (-8°C) or rise above 96°F (36°C) .

Precipitation and Humidity

Highland Springs receives significant rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of about 44-50 inches (1120-1260 mm) . The wettest months tend to be August and October, while February is typically the driest . The summer months are notably muggy due to high humidity. The community also sees an average annual snowfall of about 10 inches (25 cm), with most snow falling between December and February .

Sunny Days and UV Index

Residents and visitors enjoy approximately 204 sunny days per year . The sunniest months are June, July, and August, which average nearly 11 hours of sunshine per day. The UV index is highest in May, July, and August, reaching a "Very High" level of 10, necessitating sun protection .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Highland Springs for warm-weather activities are from late May to late June and from mid-August to early October .

Landmarks

Highland Springs Historic District

The most significant landmark is the Highland Springs Historic District, which was added to the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places in 2017-2018. This district covers a roughly 60-block area and over 1,000 contributing properties, showcasing the community's origins as a planned 1890s streetcar suburb. It features a distinguished collection of architecture from the 1890s to the 1960s, including modest working-class homes alongside more sophisticated Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman styles. The district also includes key institutional buildings like the Art Deco Henrico Theater .

The Henrico Theatre

Located within the historic district, the Henrico Theatre is a notable Art Deco-style building that has long served as a community hub. It is a key non-residential structure contributing to the historic character of Highland Springs .

Founder's Home

The large brick home of Edmund Sewell Read, the founder of Highland Springs, still stands on the south side of Nine Mile Road between Grove and Holly Avenues. It is a tangible link to the community's origins. Today, the building is used as a medical office complex .

The Springs Recreation Center

Known locally as the heart of Highland Springs, The Springs Recreation Center (also called the Highland Springs Recreation Center) is a major focal point for the community. Located at 302 Lee Ave, it offers amenities such as picnic tables, pavilions, and pickleball courts .

Nearby Landmarks

Due to its proximity to Richmond, several major attractions are just minutes away. These include the Richmond National Battlefield Park, which preserves sites from the Civil War, and the Dabbs House Museum, which served as a headquarters for Confederate Generals during the war and is now a museum .

Transport

Main Airports of the City and Region

Highland Springs is served by Richmond International Airport (RIC). It is located just 3.6 miles from the community, making it exceptionally convenient for residents and visitors .

Public Transportation System

Public transportation is provided by the GRTC Transit System, which serves Henrico County. The key routes for Highland Springs are bus lines 7A and 7B, which run along the main thoroughfares, including Nine Mile Road . The area is largely car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 14 out of 100 for a typical address, indicating that almost all errands require a car .

Main Highways

Highland Springs is located just off Nine Mile Road (State Route 33), which is its historic main street and connects the community directly to Richmond. It is also close to U.S. Route 60 and Interstate 64, providing easy access to the wider region, including the airport and other parts of Henrico County .

Sport and Sports Legends

The Legendary Atmosphere of Highland Springs Springers Football

While Highland Springs is a small community, it possesses a sporting atmosphere that rivals much larger places. The town is synonymous with its high school football team, the Highland Springs Springers. A visit to Victor W. Kreiter Stadium on a Friday night is described as "among the most intimidating assignments throughout Virginia" and an experience that feels "akin to a college football gameday" .

The stadium, which opened in 2021, features a synthetic turf field and raised stands that can seat thousands . However, the true legend of Springers football is the atmosphere created by the community. Hundreds of fans line the fences, food trucks pack the area, and the marching band and cheer team are top-notch . The air is filled with the sound of cowbells and chants like "You don't want to go to war with the Springers," reflecting a community that takes immense pride in its program . The Springers' championship pedigree makes a home game a major event, and their fanbase is known for traveling in force, creating a hostile environment even at away games, with memories of a sold-out game against a rival attracting an estimated 9,000 fans .

High School Athletics: A Community Hub

Beyond the football field, Highland Springs High School is an active hub for other sports. The school fields teams in various disciplines, including indoor track and field, with a busy schedule of invitationals and championship meets throughout the winter season . The school's athletic programs are a central part of the community's identity, drawing residents together to support their local teams.

For more casual recreation, the Highland Springs Community Center & Recreation Area serves as the town's hub for sports and leisure . Located on S. Ivy Avenue, the facility offers residents access to:

Universities and Educational Institutions

Nearby Universities and Colleges

Highland Springs itself is a residential community and does not host its own university or four-year college. However, its location just east of Richmond places it within a short drive of numerous higher education institutions . Students and residents have access to a wide range of colleges and universities within the Richmond metropolitan area.

The closest major university is Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) , located approximately 7 miles away in downtown Richmond, which is about a 13-15 minute drive . Other nearby institutions include J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, about 9.9 miles away, which serves as the closest community college option, and Virginia Union University . In total, there are 77 colleges within 100 miles of Highland Springs, offering extensive educational opportunities .

Local Schools

The community is served by Henrico County Public Schools. Key schools in the immediate area include Highland Springs High School, which serves grades 9-12 with an enrollment of over 2,000 students, and nearby middle and elementary schools .

Medical Facilities and Healthcare

Local Primary Care and Nearby Hospitals

Highland Springs provides local access to primary care services. Highland Springs Primary Care, located at 5 W Nine Mile Rd, offers family and internal medicine, providing everyday healthcare for residents . The practice accepts Medicare and Medicaid and is a local option for routine check-ups, physicals, and treating common illnesses .

For more comprehensive hospital services, residents are well-served by facilities in nearby Richmond. The closest is Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital, which is about 4.9 miles away, or an 8-minute drive from Highland Springs . Other nearby medical centers include Henrico Doctors' Hospital and VCU Medical Center, a major teaching hospital and Level 1 trauma center located in downtown Richmond, providing a full range of specialized care .

Mental Health Services

Residents also have access to mental health services in the area. Practices like Thriveworks offer therapy and psychiatry for Highland Springs residents, with options for both in-person and video visits . They provide counseling for individuals, couples, and families, and accept a variety of major insurance plans .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Classic American Eats and Community Fare

The culinary identity of Highland Springs is less about haute cuisine and more about classic American comfort food and the unique traditions of a passionate sports community.

Gameday Food Trucks and Community Cookouts The most distinctive culinary experience in Highland Springs is tied directly to its football culture. On game days at Victor W. Kreiter Stadium, the area transforms into a vibrant food festival. Food trucks line the area beside the school, serving up a variety of meals to the thousands of fans . This isn't just about convenience; it's a central part of the "community event" that makes a Springers football game legendary . The smells from these trucks, along with the cookouts in the parking lots, are as much a part of the atmosphere as the cowbells and the marching band.

Local Fast Food For everyday dining, Highland Springs features familiar American fast-food chains that serve as local gathering spots. A notable example is the Hardee's located at 1120 E Nine Mile Rd . Known for its breakfast, particularly its hand-rolled "Made From Scratch™ Biscuits™," it's a typical stop for a quick and tasty meal . The menu features classic items like the Big Chicken Fillet Sandwich, 1/3 Lb. Frisco Thickburger, and Beer Battered Onion Rings . Its hours extend late on weekends, catering to the local community .

Museums

Museums in the Area

Highland Springs itself is primarily a residential area and does not have its own museums. However, its proximity to Richmond means that a wealth of museums are just a short drive away .

For families, the Children's Museum of Richmond (CMoR) is a popular destination. Located in Richmond's Museum District, it offers engaging and educational activities for children of all ages, with various play stations and an outdoor play area .

For those interested in history, the Richmond area is home to numerous sites. Near Highland Springs, residents and visitors can explore the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and Chimborazo Park, which are about 11-12 minutes away by car . While no specific air museum is located in Highland Springs, a search for them brings up results in nearby Richmond, Hampton, and Norfolk, indicating that aviation enthusiasts have options within driving distance . The Henrico Theatre, a vintage venue in the area, also hosts arts programming and movie screenings, adding to the local cultural scene .

Discover new destinations