Ladysmith Village

Located in Caroline County, Ruther Glen, Virginia, is about 30 miles north of Richmond and about 30 miles south of Fredericksburg along the Interstate 95 corridor. D.R. Horton’s Ruther Glen, Virginia homes for sale offer residents a peaceful lifestyle while maintaining the convenience of city life. Many of our communities in and around Ruther Glen come with additional amenities to enjoy, and all of our new construction homes offer spacious open floorplans and smart home technology.

Why choose Ruther Glen, Virginia

Ruther Glen and Caroline County have a rich agricultural heritage, and today, farms in Ruther Glen and the surrounding area still operate, sell fresh food to residents, and host community events. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the charm of local festivals, fairs, and many scenic trails and wildlife reserves. Thanks to the town’s location at the intersection of I-95 and Route 207, residents also have easy access to the outdoor recreation opportunities and urban amenities of Richmond and Fredericksburg. The slower pace of Ruther Glen’s country environment with easy access to the city makes Ruther Glen a great place to call home.

Community life in Ruther Glen, VA

Ruther Glen is a small-town community with strong ties to the surrounding area. As part of Caroline County, Ruther Glen residents partner with neighboring towns to host and enjoy local events throughout the year. The State Fair of Virginia is hosted just fifteen minutes away in Doswell at the Meadow Event Park, a historic venue that was once the family horse farm that bred and trained the famous champion racehorse, Secretariat. Visitors to the park can enjoy the rich equine history with self-guided tours, but of course, those coming for the State Fair in late September and early October may well choose to focus on and enjoy the rides, live music, and family-friendly attractions, including animal shows, petting zoos, and educational displays.

The town hosts neighboring communities each summer for the Caroline County Agricultural Fair. This annual fair includes animal exhibits that showcase livestock from local farms, as well as competitions for produce and crafts. The fair also includes an Antique Tractor Show with categories for both farm tractors and their implements. This honors the area’s heritage and agricultural tradition, as Virginia farmers were on the cutting edge of tractor and implement development and innovation in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Fair-goers can learn all about Virginians’ contributions to farming, timber processing, and the area’s commerce at the Heritage Center on the fairgrounds. In addition to the agricultural displays, the fair offers rides, games, and food, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees of all ages to celebrate the area's rural heritage.

The area’s emphasis on local experiences and community extends beyond supporting agriculture at the various fairs throughout the year; residents enjoy gathering together at the Rt. 639 Farmer’s Market in Ruther Glen on Thursday evenings, June through September. The market features produce and art from local farmers and artisans, and the weekly event includes food trucks and kids' activities. Some farms in the area host their own events that go beyond selling meat, produce, or other goods. For example, Mount Olympus Farm, a family farm that specializes in berries, offers the opportunity for families to come and pick their own during the berry season.

Nearby Bowling Green, the county seat of Caroline County where Ruther Glen is located, offers a multitude of activities throughout the year. The Harvest Festival in Bowling Green celebrates fall with crafts, seasonal foods, games and contests, and family activities. The town closes Main Street to facilitate the crowds, and the event grows in popularity each year. Bowling Green also hosts a tree lighting ceremony to kick off the holiday season for Caroline County residents. The event is paired with performances by local artists and dancers, and community restaurants offer refreshments.

Ruther Glen and Caroline County offer many opportunities for locals to get together and get to know one another. The area’s events are always fun, but local organizations also facilitate group activities. The Caroline County Parks and Recreation Department coordinates sports leagues, fitness classes, and seasonal activities at county facilities for residents of all ages, including a club for those 55 and older. The Caroline Family YMCA also provides excellent programs that serve the community. One unique way the local YMCA serves the community is with its “Impact Programs.” These programs empower members of the community to live healthier lives and share a sense of social responsibility through a wide variety of activities, from sports lessons to general lifestyle education and safety. For example, the YMCA provides free swim lessons to second graders for a six-week period during the school year to promote safety and confidence in and around the water.

The Caroline County Library has multiple branches in the county and hosts weekly story times, book clubs, and craft workshops that bring residents together. The library is also a member of the Library Speakers Consortium, an organization that serves local libraries of all sizes and facilitates online or in-person talks with award-winning authors; library cardholders can register for events and submit questions to their favorite authors.

Outdoor fun in Ruther Glen, VA

Ruther Glen and the surrounding area are full of beautiful scenery, and residents appreciate the splendor and benefits of each of the four seasons. The area offers a variety of outdoor recreation and sporting events, making getting outside and active easy and accessible.

The North Anna Battlefield Park in Hanover County is about 10 miles from Ruther Glen and is designated as a Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. The park offers over six miles of trails looping through wooded terrain, some of which feature historical markers. The park is home to a variety of birds and wildlife, including common species of woodpeckers and blue jays, and seasonal birds, including the Scarlet Tanager, Yellow Warbler, the yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Spotted Sandpipers. Birders can also drive about an hour to Caledon State Park for seasonal tours of the American bald eagle habitat, which is one of the highest populations of the eagles on the East Coast. While there is somewhat limited access to the eagle habitat to protect the birds, the park’s trails are open all year, and there is a visitor center that features information and facts about the bald eagles that is open from October through March.

Ruther Glen is also the home of the Robert W. Duncan Wildlife Management Area. The 1300+ acre area is made up of forest and wetland and is home to a variety of game and fish. The area includes three miles along the Mattaponi River, which is a local favorite for canoeing and kayaking. Those with a Virginia hunting, trapping, or fishing license can take advantage of the easy access to the area and enjoy their outdoor pursuits. Birders and wildlife enthusiasts also enjoy visiting the area to take in nature. Another option for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and exploring the Mattaponi River is the Mattaponi Wildlife Management Area, located about 12 miles from Ruther Glen.

Residents can drive about 30 miles to Lake Anna State Park to enjoy additional opportunities for camping, hiking, boating, swimming, and fishing. The park has over fifteen miles of trails that range from 52 to 521 feet in elevation gain. The park also offers guided hikes and strolls focused on education; topics vary but may include a focus on snakes, spring birds, or even the skill of nature journaling.

It’s easy to get away and enjoy the green in Ruther Glen. In addition to the many parks and wildlife reserves nearby, the Mattaponi Springs Golf Club is a par-72 course focused on providing a quality experience for golfers at all levels. The course was designed to complement and embrace the terrain of the countryside, creating both a beautiful and unique golfing experience. The Club offers more than a beautiful course. With a practice facility and on-site restaurant, golfers can retreat into the game and the beauty of the club itself.

Many parks and trails in the area allow bikes, and cyclists can also enjoy the scenery along a beautiful route through portions of Caroline and Hanover counties while supporting a good cause. The annual Tour de Midnight is an event sponsored by Midnight Brewery that raises money for the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia. The main location’s starting point is Rockville, less than an hour from Ruther Glen, and there are additional satellite locations in Vienna and Williamsburg, giving cyclists options for routes and views on their ride.

Racing and automotive sports are also popular in the area, as Dominion Raceway is about 16 miles north. The raceway hosts NASCAR and Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) races and events, as well as amateur road course events and street racing. With three motorsports tracks, an on-site restaurant, and an outdoor concert venue, there are always events to enjoy at the raceway. Motoring enthusiasts can also join the drivers' club to race their own cars on the track.

Businesses and economics in Ruther Glen, VA

While many locals commute to Fredericksburg or Richmond for employment, there are major employers in both the city of Ruther Glen and Caroline County. W.T Jones & Sons Inc. and JH Knighton Lumber Company are top timber and wood producers in the area, and both are headquartered in Ruther Glen. Fort Walker is a U.S. Army training facility that provides both military and civilian employment opportunities across its 76,000-acre facility fifteen miles from Ruther Glen. The Caroline County government also maintains a substantial workforce serving the area's residents, and the Caroline County Public Schools are one of the county’s largest employers. The Caroline County Department of Economic Development aims to bring in new businesses and help current ones with programs and resources.

Within approximately 25 miles, there are several additional significant employers. The Hanover County Public School system and Kings Dominion amusement park in Doswell employ hundreds of seasonal and year-round staff. Residents can also find work at several distribution centers that operate along the I-95 corridor near Ruther Glen, including the CVS distribution facility.

What makes Ruther Glen a great place to live

Ruther Glen provides a peaceful home life with easy access to city amenities. With options at local farms for pick-your-own-produce, a variety of waterways, and outdoor sporting venues ranging from golf to automotive racing, locals can always find an adventure or two–or enjoy the peace and quiet at a beautiful nearby park or wildlife reserve.

Ruther Glen’s location between Richmond and Fredericksburg makes it convenient to enjoy or commute to these larger cities, opening the door for diverse employment opportunities or entertainment without having to sacrifice a quiet home life. The ability to enjoy the best of both country and city living attracts people of all ages. Families are drawn to Ruther Glen’s family-focused events and community. Professionals appreciate Ruther Glen’s reasonable commute times to nearby cities and the balance provided by a quiet country retreat. Retirees can enjoy the area's natural beauty in all four seasons, the variety of local events all year, and programs for older adults.

New construction Ruther Glen

D.R. Horton's Ruther Glen Virginia homes for sale are great for people at any stage of life. With access to job opportunities, good schools, and many activities and conveniences, D.R. Horton communities in Ruther Glen offer something for everyone. Browse our new houses for sale in Ruther Glen, VA, or visit our model homes today.