Recommendation for older, modestly priced neighborhood? (Lexington, Richmond: apartments, condo, crime)

[lokicoyote1]

Hi!

I'm considering a move to Lexington area. I would be working down in Richmond with flexible commuting times and know that it's roughly 45 minutes. But, I want to live in an older suburb close to the city, with small homes in the 100K price range (if possible -- and I am handy). I would prefer a relatively safe and quiet area, but it doesn't have to be gate guarded and locked down. By older homes, I mean earlier than 1960 or so. I've seen some neighborhoods on the mls that seem to have a lot of small brick 3/1 ranches, and those are nice. I prefer even older neighborhoods, too. I guess I would like to be not too far from what seems to be called the Circle (is this the freeway) so that I can hop on 75 and get down to Richmond. I do not have kids, so school districts are not a concern. I do like access to interesting night life and cultural activities, parks, and restaurants.

Any neighborhood suggestions?

Thanks all!

[LEXpert]

Well, under $100k is hard in Lexington. There is a neighborhood called Kenwick that has some houses in the 3rd block that may fit your bill. That is probably the best area, but most of the houses I think will lack the charm that I imagine you want. It is located off of Richmond Rd near downtown.

Another area that has a good stock of older affordable houses is called "The Meadows". Most people on this forum will tell you to avoid that area. I am assuming that you know that any old neighborhood in this price range isn't going to full of white picket fences and lush green lawns with Range Rovers parked in the driveway. I find most people who are really into old houses are more into the house and/or neighborhood vibe than crime statistics, that is why I mention these two areas.

[lokicoyote1]

Those sound promising. What about Bryant Station area?

[lexingtongal]

There are a few areas off of Bryan Station that might fit your bill. The High Acres area comes to mind. Not huge homes but most are well maintained and were built in the early 1960's. If you had kids I would not recommend this area but since you don't I think it's a viable option. The front part of Deep Springs is still okay but gets dicier as you get toward the back of the subdivision around the Marietta Dr area. It's pretty rough around some of those apartments. Rookwood is a clean subdivision too but it might be a little higher priced.
imo I would look at the areas I mentioned as opposed to the Meadows area. I grew up on the north end and we even avoided that area. Just a little crustier mix of people.

[censusdata]

I'd avoid anything on the Northside unless it's a last resort - nothing personal but it runs from dicey to borderline dangerous.

Since you'll be commuting to Richmond I like the previous suggestion of the Kenwick Area - that's basically btw Walton Ave & Idle Hour Golf Course. The closer to the RR tracks the cheaper. I'd avoid anything on the other side of the tracks myself (that area seems to be going downhill).

The other safe area under $100,000 would be the Skycrest/ Picadome area, which is along the Harrdsburg Rd/ Clays Mill / Lane Allen Rd area. Most of the houses were built in the 1950s.

[lexingtongal]

The entire north side is not dangerous! Definitely not any more than the 300 blocks of Kenwick! I stand by the areas I mentioned and recommend taking a look at them and forming your own opinion.

[Wing Feathers]

Have you thought about a nice condo? You could get a great location and floorplan for under $100k Houses can be over-rated, especially at the peak of the season when you have to mow & weed that lawn every other day...

Originally Posted by censusdata

I'd avoid anything on the Northside

+1 Ghetto!

[Toria]

Originally Posted by censusdata

I'd avoid anything on the Northside unless it's a last resort - nothing personal but it runs from dicey to borderline dangerous.

yeah, those horse farms and that Lexington Country Club place are just really, really bad....

[lexingtongal]

One of the biggest reasons I recommended that area is that the homes are moderately priced and the interstate is 5 minutes away. You just take Bryan Station to Hume Rd to Winchester Rd and voila the interstate. No other area of town is quite so close, in the age and price range given.

[LEXpert]

Originally Posted by censusdata

I'd avoid anything on the Northside unless it's a last resort - nothing personal but it runs from dicey to borderline dangerous.

Since you'll be commuting to Richmond I like the previous suggestion of the Kenwick Area - that's basically btw Walton Ave & Idle Hour Golf Course. The closer to the RR tracks the cheaper. I'd avoid anything on the other side of the tracks myself (that area seems to be going downhill).

The other safe area under $100,000 would be the Skycrest/ Picadome area, which is along the Harrdsburg Rd/ Clays Mill / Lane Allen Rd area. Most of the houses were built in the 1950s.

I don't think you can get in these areas under $100k unless it is a distressed property. The ONLY houses in kenwick under $100k are in the 3rd block and waaaay in the back like on Marne.