would you live in Richmond, VA?

[Anonymous]

one of us can work remotely with very occasional trips into DC. other would work in a state agency in Richmond. two kids, upper elementary school. we are liberal academic types, from west coast and NYC originally but in dc for a long time. a big pro for us would be housing affordability (bigger house plus good public schools in henrico), less traffic, downsides are--being further from friends, not as many cultural activities, not sure how southern/conservative richmond is.

[Anonymous]

I think yes. I came up with theory that small cities are made cool if there is an art school. I never lived there, but spent a lot of time years ago when my closest friend lived there. I noted great restaurants, fun bars, nice boutiques ... just way fewer than you find in a bigger city. I love the St James River!! There are nice hikes along, and nice enough to wade in the summer. I think the city has its racist symbols, but are being challenged.

I don't know anything about the schools or raising kids.

[Anonymous]

I have friends whose 20-something kids live in Richmond, and both they and their kids love it. It's an inexpensive small city with institutes of higher education and a thriving arts community.

We loved it so much when we went down for our nieces graduation from VCU that we planned to take the kids down for a long weekend. Then Covid blew everything up.

[Anonymous]

We moved to RVA two years ago. The city is extremely liberal and Henrico county is more liberal than Virginia overall - I think it went D+7 in 2016.

[Anonymous]

We love Richmond. Lived in the Fan for years and considering moving back while it’s still affordable. There has been a lot of gentrification in the past few decades which has pluses and minuses. Unsure of current school system.

[Anonymous]

Not a chance. Richmond is the seat of power in VA and while Northern VA is liberal, the rest of the state is not. Like most areas, some schools are good and some are not, but it is all about the cohort (your neighbors and friends and your kids neighbors and friends). Too many not wearing masks right now, too many Trump supporters, and none of the things that make this area great.

[Anonymous]

I'm from Hanover Co outside of Richmond and I'm also a Liberal. In the city is where our people reside- The Fan, Museum District etc.

There is a very active art and cultural scene that grows out of VCU. (GWAR Bar anyone??) The food and craft beer there is amazing.

Avoid the bland burbs and Southside. We are considering moving back if DH can stay remote.

[Anonymous]

Pls note that they are taking down the Confederate Monuments!
Read "Style Weekly" if you want to get some idea of what life is like.

[Anonymous]

Henrico, yes. Chesterfield, no.

I grew up in Chesterfield and it’s still quite republican. Most of my liberal friends who didn’t move away moved to Henrico. Keep in mind that while traffic is better, it’s not nonexistent (pre Covid) so still don’t live too far from work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not a chance. Richmond is the seat of power in VA and while Northern VA is liberal, the rest of the state is not. Like most areas, some schools are good and some are not, but it is all about the cohort (your neighbors and friends and your kids neighbors and friends). Too many not wearing masks right now, too many Trump supporters, and none of the things that make this area great.

You sound ignorant.

I grew up in NoVa and have lived in Richmond as an adult. Would move back to Richmond in a heartbeat. Can’t even stand to visit NoVa.

[Anonymous]

Richmonder here! I live in the fan love it here! It’s a great place to live

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Henrico, yes. Chesterfield, no.

I grew up in Chesterfield and it’s still quite republican. Most of my liberal friends who didn’t move away moved to Henrico. Keep in mind that while traffic is better, it’s not nonexistent (pre Covid) so still don’t live too far from work.

+1, I lived in Chesterfield & couldn’t wait to bet back to NoVa.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a chance. Richmond is the seat of power in VA and while Northern VA is liberal, the rest of the state is not. Like most areas, some schools are good and some are not, but it is all about the cohort (your neighbors and friends and your kids neighbors and friends). Too many not wearing masks right now, too many Trump supporters, and none of the things that make this area great.

You sound ignorant.

I grew up in NoVa and have lived in Richmond as an adult. Would move back to Richmond in a heartbeat. Can’t even stand to visit NoVa.

Convincing argument you have there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a chance. Richmond is the seat of power in VA and while Northern VA is liberal, the rest of the state is not. Like most areas, some schools are good and some are not, but it is all about the cohort (your neighbors and friends and your kids neighbors and friends). Too many not wearing masks right now, too many Trump supporters, and none of the things that make this area great.

You sound ignorant.

I grew up in NoVa and have lived in Richmond as an adult. Would move back to Richmond in a heartbeat. Can’t even stand to visit NoVa.

Convincing argument you have there.

It wasn’t an argument, it was a direct answer to the OP’s question.

[Anonymous]

I went to college there, it’s fun. I’d move back there if I could.

For kids, Maymont is awesome. It’s a huge place with gardens, ponds, animals, tons of room to run around and wear them out.

Lots of cool day trips within driving distance - kings dominion, the eastern shore, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg (if you’re into that sort of thing).