Great for young families - 3/10/2022

Lived here for a year and it’s not perfect but it’s constantly improving now (areas redevloped, more businesses, job growth). Cost of living is great compared to everywhere else right now. Job market is hiring like crazy. Has great pockets and a lot of potential. Some poor areas but overall low crime. On the come up.

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RVA is the place to be - 10/25/2021

We love Richmond so much that when we talk about where we'd like to live if we could live anywhere in the US, we always come back to RVA. We live in the city proper in a quiet, affordable, diverse, walkable neighborhood with almost zero crime. The climate is fine - we have 72 degree sunny, low-humidity days a lot when we enjoy dining outdoors with a few of the many craft beers made here in Richmond at wonderful local restaurants staffed by other amazing Richmonders who make incredible food. There are hot muggy days and cold dry days and days in between, but overall, it's very temperate. Richmond has accessible outdoor activities like Class I - IV whitewater on the James River and mountain biking trails within the city limits, beautiful parks and places like Maymont to enjoy birdwatching or have a picnic. Take a hike around Belle Isle to watch all these activities, and bring your dog because it's a very dog-friendly town with an amazing group of people running the "City Pound" (Richmond Animal Care and Control, check them on FB or Insta). Outdoor life is popular in RVA with many street bike routes, and running groups abound. Increasing risk of fire or diminishing water resources like in the west aren't an issue here. Likewise, Richmond isn't at risk of losing shoreline due to rising sea levels. We do get the occasional hurricane which takes out power for a lot of people due to the above-ground electric lines for a day or two, but the power company is working to bury lines in areas where people are most affected. There are some great public and private school options in RVA and the surrounding counties. Our now-grown kids live with their mom in another state (an ex) but visit occasionally and have loved Passages, an outdoor summer camp where they learned to climb/ride/kayak. Proximity to the mountains, the Atlantic ocean, and Washington DC is great too - all are 1.5 hours away with many more options within a 4 hour drive. Is it perfect? By no means, but in our little corner, it's pretty great - good enough for us to want to call it home forever. about us: ~50 wm he/him/his, moved here in 2009 ~55 wf she/her/hers, moved here in 1998 allies/anti-racists who understand our privilege and work to increase diversity and equity

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It's cool for what it is - 8/3/2021

I'm an out-of-towner but am coming up on 1 year in Richmond. I would summarize it this way: the best thing and the worst thing about Richmond is its location. I'll get to the city itself and its pros and cons but I think its location plays a huge factor in its identity (or possibly its lack of one). It's situated in eastern central Virginia, about 2 hours or so south of DC. It's great that Richmond is located so close to the big Eastern cities like DC, Baltimore, New York, etc. But it's also very much in the SHADOW of DC. A lot of people are either retiring from there or are moving to there. It seems like one big stepping stone. I think a lot of places are like that, so RVA's not unique in that respect. So now that we've gotten that out of the way, as far as stepping stones go, you could do a lot worse. It has incredible history and neighborhoods...if you can afford them. The good thing about Richmond is that even if you have to live in a more run-down neighborhood, a cool place is a quick bus ride or bike ride down the street. VMFA is truly world class, I love that museum. It's also one of the best food cities I've ever lived in. On the other hand, because of its proximity to DC, Richmond just...lacks a certain something. It doesn't feel complete. I really don't know how to describe it. I love it for its walkability (in the city proper, anyway), but I also miss the monumentality of bigger cities. It has no pro sports teams, and the amateur ones they do have leave me scratching my head (Flying Squirrels? Really? That's the best name you could come up with?). I'm not even a pro sports fan, I just think it's a big part of forging an IDENTITY. I think I like areas of Richmond (The Fan, the area around Monroe Park) because they remind me of OTHER cities I wish I could afford. All this to say, I do like Richmond, but I think it's only because it's the best I can afford.

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Fun while young but ba while trying to start a fam - 7/4/2021

I've lived in Richmond for almost 5 years and have lots to say about the overall experience. My girlfriend and I have been together for most of it and we are in an interracial relationship. She is first generation African and Im White but more on that dynamic later. The pros of living in Richmond are undoubtedly the beauty of the architecture and historic nature of homes, the park system, easy access to the James river and the food which is great. We have truly enjoyed the river here as it's clean enough to swim in and the rapids are great especially if you enjoy float trips. There are tons of places to go and enjoy the nature but it can get crowded sometimes if you don't know where to look. We're typically able to find nice places to enjoy the trails and river on a regular basis without a problem. The cons of living in Richmond are undoubtedly the people. We have come to call this city the 'city that never grows up'. Even people in their late 30s are basically just adult college students who use lots of drugs and have no sense of ambition or self development. The racial aspect of Richmond is very negative. Now don't get me wrong, we meet great and exceptional people from all walks of life, but that is not to say that there are people who are less than desirable here. There is A LOT of racial tension here. We struggle to even go to the store together without getting nasty looks from what I would call black rednecks. I've been threatened by a man while in Kroger who was an employee, bucked at, people have said we're "disgusting", shook their heads and said "what a shame". My significant other has been told she is a "wannabe white bitch", Uncle Tom and race traitor. She's been told to "stay with her own kind" by men when they find out she's with a white guy. There is a strong pressure on her to reject being exceptional and successful. This is a very inhospitable place to people who are persons of color and politically moderate or conservative. We are solidly centrist/conservative millennials who are methodical in our planning for the future and our lives. We do not feel welcomed. There is a strong sense of clickishness in all communities. We struggled to form relationships at the dog park with a group that met there everyday. The group consisted mostly of white "progressives" who didn't like our dog because we were thinking of keeping him in tact. I also suspect they picked up on the fact that we're centrists who don't conform to their progressive puritanicalism. We have however had very good luck with people who were newcomers to the city. All in all Richmond is a wonderful place for a young person to find themselves but raise a family? No, don't even think about it. Richmond has this trashy and naive nature to it which I don't see leaving anytime soon. Definitely come visit, see how you like it, but for us, were off to a new place to raise a family no doubt.

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Used to be a good, safe place - 6/15/2021

Been here for over 9 years. Was on the upswing. Now it is full of vandalism, broken store windows and open crime. Not a place for a family. Has crude obsenities painted on most streets.

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its fun but kinda scary - 3/5/2019

born and raised here. it's alright. the scenery and shops are nice but it isn't very safe. very fun place to be though. we have a lot of festivals.

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Richmond - 6/5/2018

I have lived all over the country and Richmond is definitely one of the nicer places. There are political differences, cultural differences, ethnic differences, etc. but the people are tolerant, respectful and accepting.

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Born and raised here, getting the hell out!! - 4/25/2018

A woman just punched from behind a deaf and partially blind grocery store worker in Midlothian because she didn't respond to her asking where an item is. That pretty much sums up the entirety of Richmond. Oh yeah and if you happen to live in a nice area, don't worry. You live 15mins from at least two ghettos. Terrible poverty rate. Non-existent economy. Nothing to do. Climate is miserable. Unless you binge drink and cheat on your significant other, you don't belong in Richmond. Take it from someone who was born and raised here, STAY AWAY. I'm getting the F out and never coming back.

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Wonderful City to live in - 10/6/2017

Richmond is a city with lots of trees and history. It has the amenities of a big city great restaurants, lots of microbreweries and music! If you enjoy hiking and biking go to Belle Isle, Browns Island or the Capital Trail. Carytown has a plethora of local shops and restaurants. I've met lots of people from DC, Boston, NY, and Chicago that moved here and they all love it. If you're new to the city join one of the many "meet-up" groups. I've been fortunate to meet lots of newbies here too. If you want to live not far from the mountains or beaches in an affordable East Coast City, Richmond IS THE PLACE!! Also the job market is pretty good too!

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Worst Place I've ever lived - hands down - 7/31/2017

Wow! I am so happy to see the reviews of other people and how consistent we all are!!! Richmond Virginia is the worst place I've ever lived. I've met more unhappy people here than anywhere I've ever lived. I lived in NY, TX, OK, FL and have never had so much trouble making friends as I have here. Clickish to the point where EVERY SINGLE thing you want to do is by invitation only. Want to run with a group? Got to join it, can't join it? Well clearly you don't know anyone in the group. Want to ride your bicycle? Lot of that here - forget it! You'll be on your own even if you meet a group to start. Want to meet people? The only people that will talk to you are people who moved here from somewhere else. And they will ALL be consistent: I thought the place improved from when I moved here. BUT if you have kids in school, young kids, you will get a nice group of friends over time because school, soccer and sports tend to bring people together whether they want to be or not. If you are single, divorced, or older and married with no kids - unless you really need that job I suggest you move someplace else. This is a very unfriendly and unwelcoming place. I've been here 2.5 years.

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White Trash Capitol - 4/24/2017

The local people in Richmond are a special breed. Rude, arrogant, antagonistic, entitled, stupid, and just all around low-lifes. Socio-economic factors don't alter the aforementioned. I've lived in lots of places where people are noted for being obnoxious. SF, NYC/NJ, Miami to name a few. But none hold a candle to this special southern hell mouth. I remember Shelley Winters playing the villainess matriarch of the Gorgon family in 'Pete's Dragon' when I was a kid. They were a vulgar, primitive, repulsive bunch who would skin alive their own families with the glee of opening a Christmas gift. That was for dramatic effect in fiction. The people here are the modern day equivalent in reality. There's an innate mean ugliness in these people. It can be almost funny and sad to witness. I'm in a special position where I don't rely on locals for socializing or business so for me it's probably a much milder experience. But still. Even having to stand in a line or ride an elevator with these people makes a person cringe. There's an exhausting sense of second hand embarrassment for people who are too mean and stupid to have shame. Having said all that it's relatively cheap and convenient to live in Schockoe Bottom. I have lots of beautiful places to jog and can mostly avoid interacting with locals except for running errands occasionally. But be forewarned before moving here. You'll need to live a pretty cloistered or isolated/sheltered life to retain any semblance of discernment, intellect, sanity, or humanity.

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Not the friendliest city - 12/28/2016

I have lived just outside of Richmond for 2 years now. Since I work from home I have done everything to meet people including joining several Meet-Up groups. Most of those groups have been established long enough to create “clicks” within the group. I joined a New-to-Richmond group and everyone there had been a member for years and didn’t feel the need to reach out or interact with the new comers they just wanted someone to have happy hour with and they only at a bar which is a hard place to get to know people in my opinion. My neighborhood is beautiful but I’ve been told that the people who live out there want their privacy and I was told this by my neighbors! (I live on a 1 acre lot). I moved to VA from Colorado and was told by my extended TX family that Colorado had rude people, well they haven’t seen anything until they see the people of Richmond. On the good side, the price of a nice home is reasonable, schools are great, history is everywhere and the area is beautiful. So, if you don’t require human interaction, Richmond could be the place for you.

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Nothing good - 7/12/2016

I never had a negative a word to say about Virginia since I moved here 13 years ago, until this last year when I moved to Richmond. In a nutshell; rude and mean people, dirty and lots of crime. Basically nothing to be jealous from Miami, NY or LAX.

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2015 - Negative vibes and a culture of mediocrity - 2/6/2016

I've lived in Richmond for 7 months now after being forced to move here from Dallas-Fort Worth due to health issues. Before that, I lived in Los Angeles-Orange County for 5 years, and I was raised in southeast Michigan (Flint and Detroit). I am trying to be fair with the following review, though it may not seem like it. I really wanted to like Richmond. Within the first three days Richmond struck me as a southern Detroit without the cosmopolitan benefits and amenities of the Detroit metro area, and this view has only been solidified the longer I stay. The impression I get is that the city feels like an old, run down dollar store where a couple aisles sell fine rugs and Patek Philippe watches on shelves made of oak and stone, and one aisle sells craft beer. I wish I could say that the city was as vibrant or energetic as it is sometimes advertised to be, but it's not. There are fancy historical buildings and some new things, but I feel like there is a culture of mediocrity, complacency, and apathy. On top of this, the city is gritty, spooky, and tough feeling, and this provides some excitement for suburban young people who want to "make a difference." The combination of complacency and toughness is very unnerving to me, and it reminds me of someone who is repressed -- someone who wants to just BUST OUT but feels trapped. I am generally a vibrant, outspoken person, but I feel like it's been beaten out of me here. It's hard to describe.

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Ha - 12/16/2015

ha

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Terrible Place to Live - 11/11/2015

Hands down this is one of the worst places I've ever lived or even visited. There is nothing to do here, the people are not friendly and the endless number of transient street beggars is unsettling. The cost of living here is about the same as it is everywhere. The restaurants are moderate to expensive and the quality of food served is mostly hit or miss no matter where you go. The area boasts craft beers so if you want some expensive terrible tasting beer that leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth this is the place to be. In downtown you are confronted with after hours adults on skateboards. Yes, I said adults. If you like to walk along the river good luck stepping over dog poop and garbage. A Saturday visit to the river brings a smile to your face if you find tattooed overweight people with body piercing funny. There is no place here to get a good haircut and most of the women cutting hair look like the women you see walking around the river - which is not funny. While there are many people riding bikes I'd say they are either doing it to show they can do it or they can't afford a car. Biking is dangerous and while you can join the meet up groups and RABA you will be on your own unless you are part of their clicks. The capitol to capitol trail connects Richmond to Jamestown and if you enjoy riding on a sterile extra wide sidewalk with no place of significance to stop for 53 miles then you will have fun on the trail. If you have to locate here for work and have kids make sure to review schools and neighborhoods. Both are spotty at best. The downtown area hosts VCU University and it is conveniently located across from a park settled by homeless people and vagrants. Richmond is truly a great place to leave.

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Richmond - 7/24/2014

I live in the western suburbs of Richmond, and the quality of life here is excellent. In the past I've lived in Boston -- a great and exciting city; and I've lived in southern N.H. -- a wonderful place to reside; and Richmond holds it's own with those places in terms of quality of life. I love nature and history, and for a nature/history lover Richmond is fantastic. Within easy driving distance of Richmond are some of the most interesting Civil War battlefields in the country; you've got old historic plantation houses along the James River; you've got Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown (North America's oldest English settlement); and Yorktown (where the Revolutionary War was decided.) You've also got numerous fine universities and many non-historical attractions. These include the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains; Busch Gardens and King's Dominion; Virginia Beach, and great walking/biking kayaking opportunities along the James River and elsewhere. The western suburbs of Richmond are a safe and peaceful place to live --especially for a nature and history lover.

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Richmond has really gone down hill - 2/18/2014

I used to live in Richmond early 2000's, recently returned, and absolutely HATE it. This place was a far cry from decent before, but was mildly tolerable, not any more, it's really gone south, and although there is a large white pride community, there is no "southern" pride. Pretty much every day, in my observation, people around here are rude, and I don't mean just ignore you rude, but go-out-of-their-way to be jerks kind of rude. It's jaw dropping to me how ridiculous the general population of this place comes off. If they aren't rude, they are complete idiots, which I suspect is the result of years of horrible public education finally catching up. Then you have the highest level of frustration with the people around here, the combination of the two, rude and stupid. Don't DARE walk your dog around here, most streets don't have sidewalks and you take your life in your own hands because people are too self-absorbed to give a millimeter, they will not slow down and they will not move over or yield to a pedestrian. In fact it seems more like they feel accosted that you would dare walk your dog in their neighborhood, literally, as if they own the street. The drivers in this place are just unfathomable, really, it's just amazing to me how poor people drive here, and have ZERO regard for anyone else on the road. They simply refuse to acknowledge there's even anyone else on the road but themselves, absolutely amazing. I've never lived anywhere filled with so many "jerk" people in my life, it's boggling to the mind. I don't know what it is with people around here, the water, the pollution, the economic stagnation, the list could go on forever; but this place is a dump, it's filled with really crappy people, and I wouldn't have come back here if I had a clue, and it's all I can do to get out of here as fast as I can. People always tout the activities around here, which would be great if it wasn't for having to deal with all the jerks everywhere you go, the river would be nice if you didn't have to deal with street gangs and the parks would be nice if again, it weren't full of bums and gangs. Pretty much what used to be fun around here just isn't worth it because the general people you have to deal with where ever you go just takes the fun out of it. I'm not kidding, people are really stupid and real jerks around here, don't waste your time with this crap hole place, it's not what it seems in any regard. Oh, and for all the dang stores and malls, there's NO specialty stores, like oh, a decent electronics store, or computer store. Everything in Richmond is big box, corporate chain, same ol' same ol' run of the mill stores, and lots of them. This whole place feels like one big Walmart. Actually, it feels more like a Dollar Store, and the education system is the 7-11. Pathetic, dirty, rude, and stagnant, that's Richmond.

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Be very careful.. - 1/28/2014

High street crime (assault, muggings, rape). Be very careful not to walk alone in most areas and never at night. Pay more for a safe area to live especially if white. Not the best place for SWF's. Lots of anger and hatred for whites. Just be careful.

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Be Very Careful - 1/28/2014

Be very cautious around Richmond. High crime with exceptionally high assault and rape occurrences. Stay in safe places and do not walk alone at night anywhere. Not a good place for SWF's.

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