What's special
Swift creek reservoirWooded walking trailsPocket playgrounds
Where neighbors know each other

Woodlake, about 20 miles south of Downtown Richmond, Virginia, has a sense of community. Wooded walking trails connect the neighborhood,... kayaks float on Swift Creek Reservoir, kids hang out at the pool in the summer and nameplates adorn mailboxes. "As with many neighborhoods, Woodlake goes through cycles," says Barry Roach, Director of Communication and Outreach for the Woodlake Community Association. "About 10 years ago, this was a boomer neighborhood. Another generation has moved in, and there are tons of kids. If I had to guess, it's about two-thirds millennials and one-third boomers." With easy access to U.S. Interstate 288, locals can easily travel to Short Pump or Chesterfield County, but numerous community events throughout the year keep residents busy close to home. "You don't get bored in Woodlake unless you choose to," Roach says.

Swift Creek Reservoir and other neighborhood amenities

A 13-mile wooded trail system meanders through Woodlake. On warm summer days, teenagers walk from Swift Creek Reservoir or the pool to the nearby Lucky's gas station, where they cool down with sodas and snacks. Pocket playgrounds sit in the center of cul-de-sacs. Kids ride their bikes to friend's houses, and with the nearby Chesterfield Police Station, parents feel safe letting them go. There are two separate clubhouses here, each with its own outdoor pool and amenities. The Woodlake Swim & Racquet Club has clay tennis and pickleball courts, while The Aquatic & Fitness Center has a gym, two outdoor pools and an indoor pool. "We have a swim team the Woodlake Hurricanes that's very popular," Roach says. "We also partner with local competitive swim teams and local high schools who use the pools." But one of the biggest draws to Woodlake is Swift Creek Reservoir, which residents can access at East West Legacy Park. "It's a big deal," Roach explains. "It's a landmark feature of Woodlake." Here, locals kayak, pontoon or paddleboat; listen to live music at the amphitheater; or cast their lines into the water and fish. Read More