Questions about living in Richmond

[W_HAMILTON]

Hi everybody!

This September, I'll be moving to Richmond for work, and hopefully I'll be a resident there for quite a long time :)

I am not familiar enough with the area to even begin searching for apartments. Could any of you help me out?

I plan to work in the city, at a location off of Virginia street. I am not familiar with what is considered "downtown," but it certainly seemed like right near the middle of everything.

I have a car, so I don't mind a commute -- as long as it's not excruciating! I am probably looking for no more than a 20-30 minute commute away from work.

Can you all give me some ideas of areas where I should look for apartements, and what areas I should stay away from? I'm not looking to live lavishly at all; I have quite a bit in student loans, and will be living by myself, so I'm not looking to impress anyone. But I would like a safe area to live.

Thanks!

[roaminronin]

1. You are in a good spot!

Either east ( Church Hill) or west ( Oregon Hill, the Fan, and Carytown) would be great close choices with lots of options and access to restaurants, art, and culture. Manchester to the south and Jackson Ward to the north are still a little dodgey, but up and coming. Richmond is a great biking and walking city. Many people move away, only to return again and again.

[W_HAMILTON]

2. Thanks for replying!

Do you think it would be best to live near the downtown area, or, since I can commute, live outside the city a bit?

I'm a home body, so I don't really go out all that much.

[roaminronin]

3. RVA

Since you prefer staying at home, I guess it really doesn't matter much. However, anything I have mentioned is less than 15 minutes from downtown. If you stay downtown, you will most likely either be on the east side of town in the converted warehouses (Rocketts Landing has nice condos right next to the river, but also next to the train tracks) or near Broad St. Every first Friday, there is a streetwide art festival with bands and gallery openings which is quite popular on Broad St. There are festivals most weekends either on Belle's Island or other venues downtown. If you are looking for something quieter, try the neighborhoods I previously mentioned or even farther out east (country) or west ( malls) of the city. Hope this helps!

[roaminronin]

4. RVA

Rather than an apartment, there are some really inexpensive duplex, roommate, or even single house rentals available for really cheap. Check out http://www.styleweekly.com for some idea of goings on and rentals in the area.

[W_HAMILTON]

6. Thanks for all your help, roaminronin!

I hope you post more than just helping me out :)

I wish I could fast forward a month or two so I could make my search a little more definite! But you've helped me get an idea of some good places to check out! Thanks again!

[jdm9955]

5. +1