Posted on by Andy Lopez

Best Places to Live in Richmond, VA

Welcome to living in Richmond! This vibrant city is chock full of exciting sites, history and Southern charm. Many people living in and around Richmond find it a more affordable alternative to Washington, D.C. and its immediate suburbs. Whether Richmond’s recreational opportunities or storied history whets your appetite, RVA is sure to delight anyone moving to the city. The River City was named #46 in the best 100 places to live in 2019 by Livability.com.

If you’re considering a move to Richmond, here are the top 4 areas to consider:

  • Short Pump
Photo courtesy of Short Pump Town Center

Located on the edge of Richmond, Short Pump was once just a crossroads that historic people passed through. Now, many people in Richmond consider this an excellent place to live and play. One big draw is the Short Pump Town Center, an open-air shopping mall. This area is filled with leafy neighborhoods, enjoys low crime rates and has some beautiful parks, soccer fields and a dog park.

  • The Fan District
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

If you want to be right near the heart of downtown, the Fan District is for you. It was named The Fan because of the way the streets fan out westward. This neighborhood is located right next to Virginia Commonwealth University and a short distance from the James River. This area is also known for its unique 19th century architecture. Many families live in these unique and historic brick homes and townhouses.

  • Bon Air
Photo courtesy of Bon Air United Methodist Church

Once a Victorian resort town, Bon Air now beckons many families and retirees. Many structures in the town are on the National Register of Historic Places. Bon Air sits higher along the James River than Richmond, and Victorian residents of Richmond escaped to the town during the summer months for the clean air. Today, the town is a less-than-15-minute drive from the city and offers leafy neighborhoods and sprawling parks.

  • The Museum District
Photo courtesy of MuseumDistrict.org

Back in the heart of the city, The Museum District has all the culture you could want right at your fingertips. With Monument Avenue running right through the neighborhood, stroll to all the nearby museums, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Many homes in the area are similar to the Fan District style of Victorian rowhouses. In addition to the charming architecture and easy access to museums, the neighborhood is incredibly walkable and filled with restaurants and bars.

  • Scott’s Addition
Photo courtesy of ScottsAddition.com

One of Richmond’s fastest growing neighborhoods, this national historic district is known for its breweries, cideries and distilleries. Scott’s Addition is known as the. “booziest” neighborhood in Richmond! It has great access to the interstate, a movie theater and the Diamond nearby.

  • Lakeside
Photo courtesy of Google Earth

This neighborhood is a great place for young families. It’s located in Henrico County, but is very close to downtown Richmond. In addition to its proximity to downtown, it also houses the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and Bryant Park.

So, if you’re looking to move to any one of these fine areas, choose the best local movers in Richmond, like My Guys Moving & Storage or On the Fly Moving Guys.