INSIDE For local gardeners, fall season a fine time to plant new crops > page 5
Volume 66 Number 35 • Sept. 9, 2021
Casey tapped as county Christmas Mother for 2021
$106K
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Annual income a family needs in order to afford the median home for sale on the market in Goochland
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9% Percentage of people employed in the county who also live here. The majority of employees commute
According to study released by Housing GVA, affording housing in Goochland remains out of reach for many By Roslyn Ryan Editor
O
f all the things that come to mind when discussing what it’s like to live in Goochland County — safety, tranquility, good schools, rural charm — there is at least one word that doesn’t seem to get mentioned quite as often: affordability. To be certain, there are plenty of Goochland residents for whom homeownership does not impose an undue burden. But to the those who are considered cost burdened when it comes to owning or renting a home in Goochland — meaning that they spend 30 percent or more of their income on housing costs — affording to
live here can prove far more challenging. According to a study recently conducted by the research group HDAdvisors, the median home price in Goochland County in 2020 was $421,795, the highest in the Richmond region and higher than a number of Northern Virginia counties such as Albemarle and Prince William. And while more affordable options can be found in the western portion of the county, current housing trends in Goochland have done little to help alleviate the housing challenges facing many current residents as well as those hoping to live here in the future. The HDAdvisors study was undertaken at the bequest of the Housing GVA Steering see Housing > 4
1 in 3 Number of seniors living alone who are considered cost burdened, meaning they spend at least 30 percent of their income on housing
38% Percentage of black households in Goochland County considered to be cost burdened Source: 2021 study by HDAdvisors
Contributed report
The Goochland Christmas Mother Association has announced that Ann O. Casey has been selected to serve as Christmas Mother for the 2021 campaign. A long time Goochland resident and volunteer, Casey is committed to serving her community. “I am honored to be asked to serve as Christmas Mother this year,” Casey shared. “I have volunteered with this organization for many years and it is such is such a worthy cause. And of course, I love to think of the smiles we put on children’s CASEY faces!” Casey’s joy in helping children smile stems from a lifelong dedication teaching. Of first see Casey > page 4
Looking for a new job? Goochland is now hiring Contributed report
Looking for a new adventure? A new career opportunity? Goochland County will be holding a job fair on Saturday, September 18th to recruit for multiple full and part time positions. The job fair will occur from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sept. 18 at the Goochland County Administration Building located at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, in Goochland. Individuals are encouraged to bring a resume and will have the opportunity to meet with County Department staff. In addition, on-site interviews will be available for select positions. Goochland County is currently hiring for a varisee Job fair > 13