Anyone live in the Richmond, VA area?

[onomatopoeia]

DH's company has been doing a lot of work down there recently, and there may be an opportunity for us to transfer at some point in the next year or so.  Do you like it?  Good schools would be essential, any areas to stay away from?  What about the suburbs/surrounding locations (south-ish) commutable to Richmond?  We are pretty outdoorsy, fwiw.  

I know it's a really general question, but we're just in the "would we consider it stage" right now and I have no experience with the state at all.  We are in MA now, I have a great job and we like our current town, but it would be a great opportunity for DH and I'd love a better COL.  Thanks!

[Jalapeñomel]

Everyone i know that lives there, loves it.

[verycontrary247]

My sister lives there and loves it. I'm about an hour and 45 minutes away.

[tracita]

I do! I'm from Northern VA and moved here about 13 years ago when DH and I got engaged. He's from here.

It can be a hard place to immerse yourself in as a newcomer. There are a lot of people who grew up here, and never left and have the same friends from when they were kids. On the other hand, there are a good number of transplants too, especially from NJ for some reason. It is a great place to live and to raise a family. The James River runs right through the city and it is great for hanging out, kayaking, fishing, picnics, etc. There is an awesome botanical garden and Maymont, which is a garden/zoo/awesome place. There's a decent children's museum, which now has 3 locations, a science museum, and the VA Museum of Fine Arts which gets a lot of the major traveling exhibits. Lots of country clubs too, for those with the money.

VCU and the University of Richmond are here so you get a good college town vibe too. 

The schools in Henrico, Hanover, and Chesterfield county are generally considered to be the best in the area. Public schools within the city limits are improving but not great. Chesterfield is on the "south side" of the river. Henrico is the "west end" and Hanover is "north side". There are many incredible private schools as well.

Honestly, I wasn't thrilled when I first moved here. It is very southern and generally very conservative, but there are pockets of liberals, especially in Henrico and the city. I love it here now and don't think we'll move away unless we have to. There are a million festivals throughout the year - Watermelon festival, Greek festival, Vegetarian festival, Jazz Fest, just to name a few.

PM me if you have specific questions. I've lived in the city, Henrico and Hanover, but DH refuses to 'cross the river' to south side. It's a Richmond thing. LOL

[onomatopoeia]

Thanks ladies! tracita, I may pm you in the future with more questions, that was really helpful. Despite everything that ties us here (work, DH's parents, my kids' lives) I've never really felt "at home" here. (I'm a transplant to MA myself). I know it's not just about me obviously, but I'm actually excited about the opportunity. We'll see!

[sydney02]

City of Richmond has lots of natives. West of the city is a lot of old money who can be very "We've lived here our whole lives"

Henrico county (north of the river) and Midlothian (south of the river) is full of transplants. Tons of new housing of all sizes.
I love Short Pump area best. People bitch about it because it's all new and brings lots of traffic but the shopping rocks.

[lolobeth802]

We lived in Short Pump for 3 years, which is the west end of Richmond. It's suburbia at its best (and worst), with lots of great shopping. We hated it, but DH was not happy with his job and we lived in a very "keeping up with the jones" neighborhood. Of all the "friends" we made there, we only keep in touch with 2 families. The public schools are excellent though and my favorite episcopal church ever was there. I agree, that the old money peeps aren't fond of transplants and racial divides were evident. I didn't feel the downtown was very culturally rich and it seemed mostly corporate. Our experience probably wasn't typical, because it seems most of the people who live there absolutely love it.

[fivechickens]

My dad lives there part time (Yorktown, the other times). He has lived in Virginia for 30+ years and loves it. It is a beautiful state.

[sydney02]

Apr 20, 2015 6:11:26 GMT -5 lolobeth802 said:

We lived in Short Pump for 3 years, which is the west end of Richmond. It's suburbia at its best (and worst), with lots of great shopping. We hated it, but DH was not happy with his job and we lived in a very "keeping up with the jones" neighborhood. Of all the "friends" we made there, we only keep in touch with 2 families. The public schools are excellent though and my favorite episcopal church ever was there. I agree, that the old money peeps aren't fond of transplants and racial divides were evident. I didn't feel the downtown was very culturally rich and it seemed mostly corporate. Our experience probably wasn't typical, because it seems most of the people who live there absolutely love it.

Can I be nosy and ask which church? We go to Saint Stephens which I absolutely love but I'm always open to visiting other churches.

I agree that there is a lot of keeping up with the Jones in the new subdivisions but I've found that a lot in other places I've lived. It seems like along with low crime, good schools and transplants comes a lot of "Jones" mentality. 

And I agree also that if you hate your job, it's very hard to like an area. My husband used to work for a company he loathed when we first moved here. He found a new job and that changed immensely. 

[lolobeth802]

sydney02

Of course! Christ Church Episcopal. The pastors were Paul and Hillary, though I think Hillary may have moved on. They were wonderful. It's the perfect mix of contemporary and traditional/high church with great small groups and service opportunities, etc.
I totally agree with your theory on that mentally as well and I do know that I generalized somewhat and that RVA still has much to offer

[sydney02]

Okay I know right where that church is. My problem with church is that I loathe getting up Sunday mornings and found St. Stephens because they have evening service *lazy*

I do think Richmond and its metro area is overall a pretty cool place. And we're getting Wegman's! (swoon)

But in many ways it has a bit of an identity crisis. For people up north it can be a bit too southern and stuck in the Civil War. For people down south, they see it as very northern as it looks more like a mini Baltimore or DC than it does a southern city like Charlotte, New Orleans, Atlanta or Charleston.

I think that overall it's a place that someone can move to an fit in. OP, stay around Henrico/Short pump or Midlothian and you'll be fine. Don't move to the boonies like I did wanting more house for your money. We're selling now and looking at losing a shitload of money

[vagrrrl]

I grew up in Charlottesville, moved around/lived in the SF Bay Area for 15 years and then moved to Richmond. Honestly, I don't love it but then again, I went and "turned liberal" while living in CA. Richmond, in particular, is very "closed" and it can be difficult to find like-minded people if you're not conservative, Christian and white (we're the latter but not the former and he's Jewish to my Episcopalian). We live in the far West end, which makes that even more difficult but have recently (the last year or two) found groups that are interested in social justice causes. My husband and I have lots of varied interests and VA is really beautiful but we get really tired of the political f**kery that goes on in the General Assembly. If you have kids, there's lots to do here and I agree with the poster who said to stay near Short Pump or Midlothian (as in don't go further out than those two communities). There's all kinds of housing in all price ranges and the schools districts are pretty good.

[onomatopoeia]

Apr 20, 2015 13:35:37 GMT -5 vagrrrl said:

I grew up in Charlottesville, moved around/lived in the SF Bay Area for 15 years and then moved to Richmond. Honestly, I don't love it but then again, I went and "turned liberal" while living in CA. Richmond, in particular, is very "closed" and it can be difficult to find like-minded people if you're not conservative, Christian and white (we're the latter but not the former and he's Jewish to my Episcopalian). We live in the far West end, which makes that even more difficult but have recently (the last year or two) found groups that are interested in social justice causes. My husband and I have lots of varied interests and VA is really beautiful but we get really tired of the political f**kery that goes on in the General Assembly. If you have kids, there's lots to do here and I agree with the poster who said to stay near Short Pump or Midlothian (as in don't go further out than those two communities). There's all kinds of housing in all price ranges and the schools districts are pretty good.

Thanks, the political/social atmosphere was something I was curious about.  I'm non-religious and pretty liberal - things that work in MA, but might make it feel a bit hard to fit in in other states, KWIM?   

sydney02, that's funny you mention staying out of the boonies.  DH would like nothing more than to move there (not necessarily in VA, but anywhere).  I grew up in the sticks and while I do appreciate certain things about it, I don't want to live there again lol.  Plus my career is pretty state-specific and if we move there I'm anticipating that it might take me a while to get a job.  I'm thinking it would make more sense to sat closer to Richmond anyway.

[sydney02]

Stay out of the boonies if you are even a smidge liberal and not religious. The city of Richmond leans Dem. The suburbs lean conservative but still there are a decent mix of people. Once you are past Henrico or Chesterfield county it quickly becomes gun country, as in you'd think that gun rights are the only issue we face as a nation right now. They've built lots of new homes out here and continue building but every person I know whose bought a house has lost money on it when they moved. So my advice would be if you buy, plan on staying a good 10 years and don't plan on making a lot of money in the sell, if you make any at all.
At least for us the money we are losing is everything we've done remodeling. We aren't upside down on our mortgage. Our house was built in the 80s though. My neighbors on the same street bought their houses brand new in 2007 and they are a good 50k upside down right now, if not more.

I can't wait to get out the country. I feel like I'm in civilization as soon as I hit Short Pump. I'm sure this is clouding my view of why I think it's so fabulous while so many others hate it.

[craftyone]

I live in the West End (short pump). We move from more the northside of town a few years ago for the schools. I wouldn't say that all of Henrico Schools are great. East end/North side of Henrico is okay, but not great. If you pick the West End, Deep Run and Godwin HS are good locations and easy commute via either 64 or 295. Chesterfield has also decent schools, but again they are more of a commute to downtown via the Powhite which is a toll road. I would look at more of the Midlothian/288 area. I've lived in Mechanicsville, 295/route 1 area, and SHort pump. I prefer short pump for the shopping, access to my husbands job (he also commutes to Charlottesville a couple days a week), and the schools.

I've never felt out of place. At least in Short Pump, I feel like most of the people are from other places than here. I don't feel like we've lost money in any of our house selling and we currently live in a good community that sells within a month or two or rents out quickly. Our community I feel is more kid centered and I don't see much of the older money/uptight, but more of soccer mom.

Hanover and parts of Henrico (and out side of town) are definitely "don't tread on me" areas, but you do have other parts that are more liberal.

We also like that we are 2 hours from the Mountains, 2 hours from DC, and 2 hours from the Beach.

[sydney02]

Apr 20, 2015 15:08:47 GMT -5 craftyone said:

I live in the West End (short pump). We move from more the northside of town a few years ago for the schools. I wouldn't say that all of Henrico Schools are great. East end/North side of Henrico is okay, but not great. If you pick the West End, Deep Run and Godwin HS are good locations and easy commute via either 64 or 295. Chesterfield has also decent schools, but again they are more of a commute to downtown via the Powhite which is a toll road. I would look at more of the Midlothian/288 area. I've lived in Mechanicsville, 295/route 1 area, and SHort pump. I prefer short pump for the shopping, access to my husbands job (he also commutes to Charlottesville a couple days a week), and the schools.

I've never felt out of place. At least in Short Pump, I feel like most of the people are from other places than here. I don't feel like we've lost money in any of our house selling and we currently live in a good community that sells within a month or two or rents out quickly. Our community I feel is more kid centered and I don't see much of the older money/uptight, but more of soccer mom.

Hanover and parts of Henrico (and out side of town) are definitely "don't tread on me" areas, but you do have other parts that are more liberal.

We also like that we are 2 hours from the Mountains, 2 hours from DC, and 2 hours from the Beach.

I should clarify I meant purchasing a house out in the country vs the suburbs. The suburbs seem to be doing well. When you get into the country, west of 288, there are a ton of subdivions that have been started and never finished. Everyone I know who bought a new home out here is underwater still from the housing crash. We are getting out with only losing our renovation money because we bought a house built in the 80s. The new homes they are trying to sell are these huge mcmansions on 2 acre parcels. Those homes are very overpriced for the area and anyone who buys one should plan on staying a long time. I don't know what it is but when we were looking to buy a few years ago in Powhatan/Goochland/Hanover county, we came across tons of subdivisions that had like 20 lots cleared and maybe 4 homes sold. You can look at those same subdivisions now and it hasn't changed. They've built a couple more homes and there are tons of empty lots. Tilman's Farm is a huge neighborhood not far from me and a couple of their homes went to auction. 

Anyway... that's just a caution for looking at moving west of 288. Just be careful because a lot of people move here from up north and prices seem so low. But if they go to sell they find they are quickly underwater.  Absolutely don't move west of 522! Think dueling banjos. 


The Richmond suburbs are great though. That's where we are heading to as soon as we unload this money pit. 

[BunnyMacDougal]

Favorite place I've ever lived hands down.   I grew up there and it only gets more wonderful as the years go by.  South does have a lot of places to be outdoorsy with your property but not too far from the city and "stuff".

Oh my gosh, do it.

[BunnyMacDougal]

Apr 20, 2015 16:10:18 GMT -5 sydney02 said:

Apr 20, 2015 15:08:47 GMT -5 craftyone said:

I live in the West End (short pump). We move from more the northside of town a few years ago for the schools. I wouldn't say that all of Henrico Schools are great. East end/North side of Henrico is okay, but not great. If you pick the West End, Deep Run and Godwin HS are good locations and easy commute via either 64 or 295. Chesterfield has also decent schools, but again they are more of a commute to downtown via the Powhite which is a toll road. I would look at more of the Midlothian/288 area. I've lived in Mechanicsville, 295/route 1 area, and SHort pump. I prefer short pump for the shopping, access to my husbands job (he also commutes to Charlottesville a couple days a week), and the schools.

I've never felt out of place. At least in Short Pump, I feel like most of the people are from other places than here. I don't feel like we've lost money in any of our house selling and we currently live in a good community that sells within a month or two or rents out quickly. Our community I feel is more kid centered and I don't see much of the older money/uptight, but more of soccer mom.

Hanover and parts of Henrico (and out side of town) are definitely "don't tread on me" areas, but you do have other parts that are more liberal.

We also like that we are 2 hours from the Mountains, 2 hours from DC, and 2 hours from the Beach.

I should clarify I meant purchasing a house out in the country vs the suburbs. The suburbs seem to be doing well. When you get into the country, west of 288, there are a ton of subdivions that have been started and never finished. Everyone I know who bought a new home out here is underwater still from the housing crash. We are getting out with only losing our renovation money because we bought a house built in the 80s. The new homes they are trying to sell are these huge mcmansions on 2 acre parcels. Those homes are very overpriced for the area and anyone who buys one should plan on staying a long time. I don't know what it is but when we were looking to buy a few years ago in Powhatan/Goochland/Hanover county, we came across tons of subdivisions that had like 20 lots cleared and maybe 4 homes sold. You can look at those same subdivisions now and it hasn't changed. They've built a couple more homes and there are tons of empty lots. Tilman's Farm is a huge neighborhood not far from me and a couple of their homes went to auction. 

Anyway... that's just a caution for looking at moving west of 288. Just be careful because a lot of people move here from up north and prices seem so low. But if they go to sell they find they are quickly underwater.  Absolutely don't move west of 522! Think dueling banjos. 


The Richmond suburbs are great though. That's where we are heading to as soon as we unload this money pit. 

Definitely not west.  Goochland and Crozier are fun to visit and seem attractive to buy ...  don't.    Short Pump used to be awesome, but now its my least favorite part of the entire area.  Too congested and full of chain crap for my tastes.  If that is what you're into, it is clean and new and has everything you'd want.

I really would suggest just south of the river.  That area has gotten so nice since I lived there.



Absolute favorite (without the outdoorsy aspect) is the fan/uptown area.   SO many rich experiences to be had there.  So many little awesome places to discover and then frequent.  If you visit to check it out, eat at Kuba Kuba and Can Can.  Then go see a movie at the Westhampton.   They'll convince you to stay!  

[craftyone]

@bunnymacdougal I don't think Short pump is all that congested. Sure it can be during Christmas going to the mall, but I've lived here for 15 years and waiting 2 minutes to get through the traffic is not that much. I actually rarely think Richmond traffic is all that bad.

[BunnyMacDougal]

Apr 21, 2015 20:01:10 GMT -5 craftyone said:

@bunnymacdougal I don't think Short pump is all that congested. Sure it can be during Christmas going to the mall, but I've lived here for 15 years and waiting 2 minutes to get through the traffic is not that much. I actually rarely think Richmond traffic is all that bad.

I will say that I'm not a big fan of malls in general.  

That would definitely be bias against Short Pump for me.  That Barnes and Noble is where I studied for the MCAT.  Nightly, for months.  Now I can't imagine trying to hear myself think in there....H and I were in there about a year ago and couldn't even discuss books on the shelves because of the people wedging between us and the noise.  And it was 8pm on a Saturday (we were waiting for our movie time to start).  That was prime study time back in the day!  Nobody wanting to be seen at the *book store* ....

I'm an old curmudgeon!