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Bon Air, VA

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Bon Air, VA

Bon Air is a census-designated place (CDP) in Chesterfield County, Virginia, United States. The population was 18,022 at the 2020 census. The community is considered a suburb of the independent city of Richmond in the Richmond-Petersburg region and is a part of the Southside neighborhoods. Originally developed as a resort, a central portion of Bon Air has been designated as a National Historic District with many structures of Victorian design from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its name means "good air," reflecting its role as a resort getaway that wealthy Richmonders enjoyed for its fresh air as opposed to the dirty air of Richmond's industrial downtown of the late 19th century.

Bon Air is located at 37°31′12″N 77°34′8″W (37.519947, −77.568768). The elevation is 328 feet (100 m). The community is located in the Eastern Standard time zone.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.36 square miles (21.64 km²), of which 8.32 square miles (21.56 km²) is land and 0.031 square miles (0.08 km²), or 0.38%, is water.

Just west of the fall line, which divides Virginia's Tidewater and Piedmont geological regions, the average elevation in the Bon Air area is approximately 200 feet (60 m) above sea level, which is significantly higher than most of Richmond, only 8 miles (13 km) to the east. The two branches of Powhite Creek originate nearby, which flows into the James River just upstream from downtown Richmond.

Before the advent of the 1877 resort in Bon Air, the area had some settlements. Brown Road and Belleau Drive each follow portions of the old Warwick Road that date back to the 18th-century Warwick plantation. The Bon Air area came to be known as Brown's Summit, probably named for the Brown family farm which was located near the southwest corner of the present-day intersection of Jahnke Road and Brown Road.

In the first half of the 18th century, Anderson Edwards owned a large plantation on the current site of Bon Air. He sold parts of it to Nathaniel and James Duval in 1840. The Duvals' two portions of Anderson Edwards' land would eventually comprise large parts of modern-day Bon Air.

The R&D railway came through the area around 1850, connecting Manchester to Robious and the Coal Mines. An 1864 map shows a small cluster of buildings labeled "Pawhite Stop" on the "Railroad to Coal Mines" line near the site of historic Bon Air village. Another Civil War era map shows an area owned by "Cogbill" which is in the vicinity of the area near Buford Road near current day Bon Air Elementary School and Grand Summit subdivision. Early maps also list a "Powhite Station" 1/2 mile east of Robiou's Station.

Health and wellness are integral to the Bon Air lifestyle. The community prioritizes the well-being of its residents with facilities such as Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health System and Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center. Experience therapeutic massage at Elements Massage. Discover personalized treatments to relieve stress, pain, and tension for a healthier body and mind. Restore balance and wellness at Massage Heights. Enjoy customized massages, skincare treatments, and aromatherapy for a rejuvenating experience. Unwind with massages and facials at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. Experience relaxation and skincare services in a tranquil spa environment. Discover the benefits of therapeutic massage at LaVida Massage of Fredericksburg. Experience customized treatments to improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being.

Top sites in Bon Air, VA are Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Midlothian Mines Park, and Science Museum of Virginia.

Population: 17,302 (2023). Elevation: 200 ft (61 m). Area: 8.3 sq mi (21.6 km²). ZIP code: 23235. Area code: 804.

FAQs

Is Bon Air, VA a good place to live?

Bon Air is in Chesterfield County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Living in Bon Air offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Bon Air, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

What are the demographics of Bon Air, VA?

Bon Air is a city located in Chesterfield County, Powhatan County, and Richmond City Virginia. Bon Air has a 2024 population of 17,305. Bon Air is currently declining at a rate of -0.42% annually and its population has decreased by -1.67% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 17,599 in 2020. White: 75.4% Black or African American: 14.31% Two or more races: 4.1%.

How did Bon Air, VA got its name?

The name 'Bon Air' means 'good air' as it was originally a resort getaway that offered wealthy Richmonders fresh, clean air in the late 1800s. Today, Bon Air is known for its historic and gorgeous Victorian homes and for being one of the best places to live in the state of Virginia. Bon Air’s history dates back to the 1870s when the area was created as a resort for Richmond’s wealthy to escape the crowded downtown area.

Sources

Chesterfield County

Wikipedia

On The Fly Moving Guys

World Population Review

Niche

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health System

Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center

Elements Massage

Massage Heights

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

LaVida Massage of Fredericksburg

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Midlothian Mines Park

Science Museum of Virginia

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.