Richmond, VA Reviews

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. Read More

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 Read More

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 Read More

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 Read More

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. Read More

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 Read More

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. Read More

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 Read More

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 Read More

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 Read More