Living in Richmond: A Guide for New Residents
With its diverse housing options, strong communities, and excellent amenities, Richmond, VA has been attracting new residents nationwide. If you’re among those who opted to (wisely) invest in Richmond, VA real estate, here’s a quick guide on what to expect when living in the River City.
Richmond VA has an affordable cost of living. Living in Richmond, VA is relatively affordable compared to many other East Coast cities. Housing costs, in Richmond, VA, for instance, remain reasonable compared to larger metropolitan areas despite having increased over time. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare expenses are generally in line with or slightly below the national average. The city’s affordability, combined with its amenities and stable job market, makes it an attractive option for young professionals and families alike.
Richmond, VA is home to top schools. Families who move to the River City will find Richmond’s mix of public, private, and charter schools more than meet high expectations. Richmond Public Schools serve the city, with some institutions like Open High School and Richmond Community High School standing out for their excellence in education. Those who wish to pursue higher education can choose between Virginia Commonwealth University, a major public research institution, and the University of Richmond, a highly regarded university.
Richmond, VA has a vibrant dining and shopping scene. If one of your pleasures is eating out, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants in Richmond, with the city having gained recognition for its diverse and innovative culinary landscape. Local favorites include Lehja Restaurant, which serves mouthwatering Indian food; Brenner Pass, which has an Alpine-inspired menu; and Alewife, which is all about sustainable Mid-Atlantic seafood. Of course, these are just a few options, and you’ll have a fun time discovering other great restaurants.
If you enjoy a drink, Richmond’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, with numerous local breweries and cideries scattered throughout the city. These breweries often do more than just serve beer, they’ll proudly show you the process that makes their beers and will often make it a point to create a great bar environment for you to enjoy your drink.
When it comes to shopping, residents can choose between Carytown, a vibrant shopping district that offers a mix of local boutiques, restaurants, and the historic Byrd Theatre. There’s Short Pump Town Center, which provides a comprehensive outdoor mall experience; and several farmers’ markets, which showcase local produce and artisanal products.
Richmond, VA has an efficient transportation system. While many residents rely on cars for daily commutes, efforts are being made to further improve public transportation and walkability, particularly in the downtown area. This said, getting around Richmond is easy with the city. There’s a bus system operated by the GRTC Transit System, which includes the Pulse, a rapid transit bus line connecting key areas of the city. For cyclists, Richmond has been improving its bike infrastructure, with dedicated lanes and the Virginia Capital Trail offering a scenic route to Williamsburg.
For those needing to travel between states and internationally, Richmond International Airport is located just east of the city.
If you’re considering moving to Richmond, VA, don’t hesitate to give The Poore Team a call.
Reach out to us today to learn more about the finest homes for sale in Richmond, VA, and how we can help you every step of the way, from your home search to moving in. Call us at 804.567.9250 or leave a message here to get started.