Moving to Richmond - 8/13/2007

I will be moving to Richmond in September for a new job and found a really nice apartment near the Church Hill/Shockoe Bottom area. I was there for a weekend and really enjoyed my time especially downtown. I was just wondering from anyone living downtown if the area that I will be living in a fairly safe place. Will I be able to walk alone at night to the local grocery without being harassed? If it is not as safe then I have a back up apartment in the West End. Any help would be great!

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Historic City - 8/12/2007

Supposedly has more historic homes registered in the federal registry of historic homes than any city in the country. Beautiful West End.

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The eptiome of Southern charm and Sophistication.. - 6/30/2007

Whoever said Richmonders lack Southern hospitality must not know much about the South. While there are more people from the outside, Richmond abounds with great elegance and a charming mix of people. The architecture of Richmond is without match. You can stroll down Monument Ave and enjoy the magnolia and dogwood trees and get a bite to eat at one of Richmond's outstanding restaurants serving southern gourmet cuisine. The Jefferson Hotel beckons guest to a bygone Era of grand hotels. Richmond has an Old South and veranda feel that you just won't get in Atlanta or Nashville or other "New South" cities. While Richmond has its charm, its not without progress. There is much to do in Richmond, be it museums, art galleries, or some of the hip shops in Carytown. Richmond is the epitome of an Old South city if ever there was one.

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Cost of living - 6/17/2007

Very reasobale cost of living

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VERY BORING PLACE and PEOPLE! - 6/16/2007

This is quite an odd phenomenon I'm about to address here, but since making it public to quite a few people, I've discovered that I'm not out of my mind and other people have noticed and felt the exact same thing about the people here. Richmond is not a happening place as far as recreation. But my biggest problem are it's people. I can do with minimal recreation as long as there's people to hang out with and go do things with, but there isn't. They are extremely boring here. I've lived here for 10 years and I'm going insane at the lack of people who actually want to do something other than go to clubs and bars at night. A move is long over-due and if anyone can recommend a good place for me that's at the beach, very little racial tension (that means no miami, FL), and the people are generally very outgoing and spontanious and alive, please let me know!. I plan to move by the end of this year. But through my ten year experience in this place, not one person I've met is adventurous or outgoing or spontaneous. I've made many friends but not a damn one of them is actually "living" life. Every single one of them was born here and wants to die here and has no desire to go further than OBX for vacation, or some other part of the US, maybe even Mexico which is a big whoopdy-doo in my opinion. (I've been to and lived in multiple countries by the way, I'm also a Scuba Diver and plan on getting my Hang Gliding certification this year, and I speak German.) There is no passion for life amongst these people. If I could just find that in them, I might stay. But seriously, I can't find anyone who just wants to take day-trips on the weekend to some place, visit the caves 3 hours away, or D.C., or the mountains, or kayak down the river, that is in my age group (i'm 28), it doesn't count if your 40 or 50 and do these things because we wouldn't hang out together. People my age are hanging out in the clubs and bars on the weekends and that's really all they do and want to do. Everytime I go out with my friends, guess where they wanna go or what they wanna do? Bars and clubs and that's it. Everytime I suggest going to do something else, the mentality I get is "Oh yeah that sounds awesome, I'm definetly up for that." But what happens when I say "You wanna go now?" or "You wanna do it this saturday?", the response is always some poor excuse for not going, or "nah I'm not up for it right now, how bout we get lunch or a movie instead?". This place is full of people with

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Richmond, a very pretty city, lot of things to do - 6/15/2007

Richmond is full of history and a nice mix of modern structures and we love it here. Crime is not that bad, and it basically happens in certain areas, mainly in public housing complexes. Commutes from Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, and New Kent counties are a breeze. Traffic is nothing compared to DC, VA Beach, and Norfolk. Housing is pretty affordable, the job market is good and on the upswing and the people are generally friendly. Excellent place to raise a family, a big city feel, and lots of things to do, especially outdoor activities. The James River and park system are second to none. Dining and shopping are great. Areas outside of the city have the large chain restaurants and stores. Downtown and other areas of the city such as Carytown have many mom and pop and local excellent restaurants for dining. Richmond is a very pretty and cool city.

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Richmond is Lovely City, Crime and Traffic are not - 6/15/2007

Look, I have lived here since graduating from college in 97 and I must say that Richmond is lovely and a terrific city. Since I have been here, almost 85% of all violent crime has happened in or near the public housing complexes within the city. There has not be a single act of violent crime in my neighborhood since I moved here, but there have been about seven total burglaries that I know of in my neighborhood, which can be expected in any city. If you look at the crime numbers this year to through June 15, 2007, citywide, violent crime is down 68% as compared to this time last year and crime overall is down 49%. Every city has its high crime pockets, but it seems as if Mayor Wilder has made many great strides at keeping his promise to reduce crime citywide. The roads are not in horrible shape. Many of the roads in the historical areas of Richmond are paved with either stone or brick. There will never be changes to those roads. Also, traffic on 95 is not horrible. The only time it backs up is during a major accident or when there is road construction. If want to consider a 5 minute delay during rush hour horrible, then it is what it is. The construction on the 95 and 64 merge is not ridiculous, as stated, by another poster, they are making significant improvements to the road and merge. People in Richmond are nice and my family and I have never ran into any problems. Overall Richmond is a lovely city, historic, and experiencing a boom and renaissance after years of crime and decay. New office towers and condos are being constructed downtown, Shockoe is becoming safer with improvements, renovations, and the construction of condos, lofts, and apartments in that area and it has become Richmond's fastest growing and a popular area for young professionals, college grads, and college students. Several large companies have relocated to the city and Richmond in a great location to other cities and it is easy to get to the airport, only minutes from downtown Richmond, and it is growing which I would say is a plus.

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Not Impressed w/Richmond In General - 6/13/2007

I recently moved away from Richmond after living in Shockoe Bottom for 2 yrs. My husband & I lived in two of the renovated tobacco bldgs along the James River. I loved the 2nd bldng apt and the ammenities within walking distance. But that was the extent of my love for Richmond. The roads are in horrible shape. Someone before mentioned that traffic wasn't bad, did u ever drive on 95? The construction on the 95/64 merge is ridiculous. I'm not sure who is on the planning board, but that needs to be addressed. Crime is rampant. Driveby shootings and gang activity abound in Richmond. Most of the people I worked with were quite nice. But as a TN gal, I didn't feel a bit of Southern hospitality. When you walk into a store, the employees barely speak. And being southern, I would say "hi" or make a nice comment, sometimes just smile, and more often than not I was met with a hateful look or just nothing at all. I would imagine the high crime rates in Richmond account for a lack of trust. Overall, the city is great, the residents are not so much. I would imagine someone from the north would find it a charming area, but come a little more south. You'll find everyone a little more friendly.

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I love it here - 6/13/2007

I am not a native Richmonder, just a transplant from Baltimore County, Maryland, but I love this city. I moved here several years ago, and there have been so many good changes. We currently live in the Church Hill neighborhood of the city and I love the brick and stone streets and the old houses and the vibe the neighborhood has. It is diverse, but over the past few years, more middle to high income families, young professionals, and VCU graduate students have been moving into the area. As some posters have stated, the city is growing, the cost of living is low as compared to DC, Baltimore, and the Virginia Beach area, and Richmond is located a short drive away from DC, the mountains, and the beach. The people are friendly, gas is about 30 cents cheaper here than in Maryland, there is no traffic (the only traffic that you will find will be along parts of Broad St downtown and if there are accidents on 95 and 64, that's it), the city is family and kid friendly, the city's parks are nice, the school system is vastly being improved, and there jobs that really pay well. Several Fortune 500 companies call the city home, and I happen to work for one of them. There always is something to do. Shockoe Bottom and Shockoe Slip are major entertainment districts on the edge of downtown and has many restaurants and bars with beautiful views. Richmond has changed a lot since I arrived and I love it.

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You love this city? - 6/11/2007

City of Richmond,Virginia growing fast imagine this Friendly people and Hight paid job,Great companies,low cost of living, and very calm city at night.Not jam traffic in the morning.Great system in public transportation.Easy to the airport and 95/64Hyw 2hr from D.C. easy to go to the East and deep south. come to this city of Richmond and you going to lover.

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Canoeing & Kayaking - 6/2/2007

Great access to the river & this river is close by.

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Growing and Improving Economy and Diversity - 5/30/2007

My husband and family have only lived in Richmond for 5 years and we can see many positive changes within this city. Being northern transplants we were surprised how welcoming the city truly is. The city itself has many beautiful neighborhoods with a lot of character and has improved a lot since our arrival. The downtown section of the city is growing rapidly and the cost of living is a huge benefit as many houses are affordable and prices on goods such as groceries are way cheaper than in New York. Some cool things about Richmond are: it is easy to get from one point of the city to another, it is easy to get to the airport and the airport now offers more flights, there is not much traffic, its location to the beaches, I-95, Washington, DC, and the mountains, the city's park system, shopping in Henrico and Chesterfield Counties, its growing, and it is family orientated. Some things the city can improve: the public school system, get rid of the toll roads, and opening a new downtown arena and new baseball stadium for the Braves, have non-smoking sections in restaurants, and annex more land to become even bigger.

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The worst place I have ever lived. - 3/13/2007

Came to Richmond from New York. By far the worst move. We were able to get an apartment in one day, however its in the "West End". Im still not sure of what all the hype is over living in the West End. It took us 6 months to find work out here. (Never had a problem before). Employers seem very unprofesional. If your looking to come here for business, not a good place. As far as housing... there is a company that owns a good chunk of real estate here in the West End. Many of our neighbors as well as us have noticed a gas odor. When they come out they say its sewage. Perhaps this is the reason for so many ill mannered people..? I dont know. There is a woman who is moving out of the apartment because she does not know what the odor is and doesnt want to risk it. Unfortunatly, she needs to brake her lease to do so as she was advised that taking this company to court will be like striking gold...far chance.As for the jobs. My husband and I must have interviewed with at least 200 employers between the two of us. Only to be told "we want you to come back for a second interview", and then nothing happens. Not sure home much we spent on gas driving to these interviews, the stress and the monies spent faxing resumes, but I'm confident it is close to the equalivant of my current salary alone. Not to mention we were able to keep up with the rent but at this time our gas bill is still at $1500.00. We didnt come here for a wellfare, or a hand out. We are two hard working people that have had one of the worst experiences ever. If your a materialistic person, like to play games, or know how to sweet talk your way, this might be the place for you. I would rather know at the end of the day that I expressed my feelings and did not have to lie about it.

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Smoke, Smoke Everywhere - 3/9/2007

I am still amazed that the capitol of VA is still allowing public smoking everywhere...........restaurants..........smoking sections.......as George Carlin once said "Having a smoking section in a restaurant is like having a peeing section in a pool" Lots to do here.... great restaurants, art & culture abound but the smoking policies prohibit attending......so much for that.......Philip Morris does have their national/world headquarters here..........what did I expect? The low cost of living does not make up for the backward health policies.

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Richmond - 12/11/2006

Richmond is not a bad place to live. I think there are better places out there if you can get enough information. Housing here is thru the roof there are no decent houses here under $250k anything less most of the time is a shack.

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A rapid Change - 11/21/2006

Its a growning city changing for the better

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Columbia, SC Is Similar & Offers a Good Alternativ - 11/19/2006

I've lived in Columbia, SC for 14 of the past 16 years. I've often considered Richmond, VA, but Columbia has grown on me and my family and without a doubt is heading in the right direction. Richmond and Columbia are very similar - state capitals, centrally located, with easy access to the mountains and the beach. Richmond has the advantage in weather, access to D.C. and a superior public university (U.VA), but I believe Columbia has a major advantage in that her citizens get along, meaning race relations are very good. As an example, an African-American female has twice been elected to one of the at-large city council seats, even though the majority of Columbia's citizens are white. The citizens have judged her based on her qualifications, as it should be. My family and I live close to downtown in one of Columbia's many beautiful neighborhoods. The quality of life is excellent! The citizens are friendly and the cost of living is very reasonable. The schools for which we are zoned are excellent, with the high school offering the I. B. curriculum. For the past 6 years, Columbia has seen increasing investments in her core areas. The Univ. of SC has begun developing its Innovista Campus (hydrogen fuel cell research, etc.) as well. Columbia has finally reached the point that people outside the state are taking notice. While Richmond is an excellent city, I believe Columbia has the advantage going forward.

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Considering Relocating to Richmond.. Some advice ? - 10/18/2006

Hi everyone, I have been keeping an eye on some of the recent posts in regards to Richmond. So far, it is above average in respect to how everyone views the city. That is a good start. My wife and I are now living in Glendale, Az (suburb of Phoenix) and we can not stand it at all. There are good and bad factors, but the bad outweighs the good by far in my opinion. The city is ful of transcients from all over the US and nobody seems to be friendly towards one another unless your in their clique of friends. My main concern is if this is a suitable place for a young, new family. We are just starting our family, and have a baby on the way. We want to get out of Phoenix, because as some of you may know, Phoenix and arizona are ranked dead last as far as education. I also would like to know about the housing prices, and the economy as far as jobs go. If anyone at all could inform me of some of these concerns that I am having, it would be greatly appreciated... Thank you

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thinking of moving to Richmond - 9/26/2006

we would be coming from Seattle, WA where housing pricing are too crazy for us. If anyone knows the Seattle area I would really appreciate some comparisons to Richmond or any other info that might be helpful. What are the people like, the drivers, jobs, etc.? Is there good coffee? Seattle is very liberal, so I'd be afraid to move some where that is homophobic or too religious/conservative.

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RICHMOND - 7/15/2006

I'M FROM DURHAM NC BUT MOVED TO RICHMOND THE CRIME IS LIGHT COMPARED TO RALEIGH/DURHAM AREA BUT I LIVE IN WEST HENRICO ITS SO PEACFUL SO FOR THOSE WHO LIVE IN RICHMOND GO TO WEST HENRICO TO AVOID THE CRIME BUT ITS MORE EXPENSIVE BUT THE I FELL SAFE CAUSE THE PO-PO DONT PLAY THERE

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