Chesterfield County approved the planned community of Brandermill in 1974 and construction began in 1975. In 1977, Brandermill developers East West Partners (then known as "The Brandermill group") were recognized for their work when Brandermill was named "The Best Planned Community in America" by Better Homes and Gardens and the National Association of Home Builders. It was the first planned community in Chesterfield County. It has a golf course, a church, and 3 public schools adjacent to it: Swift Creek Elementary School, Swift Creek Middle School, and Clover Hill High School.
Notorious murderer John List was arrested while living in Brandermill.