move downtown or Glen Allen?

[RVA-Jsn20]

Originally Posted by tewhann

I too am a SWF. I wouldn't live downtown or in the fan again for anything. Way too much crime.

The west end is great! Lots to do right there and a short ride into downtown if you want it.

What kinds of crime have you experienced first hand living downtown? Just curious.

[tewhann]

1. Murder 2 streets over
2. Heard gun shots of unspecified location several times
3. Neighbor got robbed
4. Several cars got broken into & things stolen

I also experienced a homeless person on my front porch.

That is just my own personal experience living there for 3 years.

I have a good friend who lives in the GOOD part of Church Hill who has also experienced a good deal of crime. Rapes are not at all uncommon in the lovely little park just two blocks from her house. Cars get their windows smashed in. There was a drive by. Other things I can't think of right now.

I also have a friend who lives in the fan. She too has had the pleasure of having her car window smashed. She hates to go out at night b/c of the people on the street.

Now, I know there are plenty of people who this stuff doesn't bother. Great for them.

But, as a SWF, it just doesn't work for me.

[allim79]

Thanks for all the replies. I was in town today and looked at a few of the lofts, but I really like the area around that I am assuming is the Museum District near Carytown. After looking at the map again, I don't think I quite got to the West End, but I hope to check the area out tomorrow. I do like the charm of the older homes and hopefully will be able to find the right fit if I end up here. I appreciate all the insight!

[aandb]

Hi. I am also wondering about the glen allen area and henrico county in general. what school districts are the best around richmond? how's the reputation of henrico county. i'm looking at the area around glen allen hs, byrd middle, twin hickory elementary and crestview elementary because of a potential job. is this generally a safe area? nice area to live? i'd appreciate any advice.

[RVA-Jsn20]

Originally Posted by aandb

Hi. I am also wondering about the glen allen area and henrico county in general. what school districts are the best around richmond? how's the reputation of henrico county. i'm looking at the area around glen allen hs, byrd middle, twin hickory elementary and crestview elementary because of a potential job. is this generally a safe area? nice area to live? i'd appreciate any advice.

very safe and very nice area. everything you could possibly need/want is within a few minutes drive. schools are outstanding and the west end as a whole has a great reputation in the area and even people from other parts of the state go to shop there. However, it is very congested and expensive.

[rvasonicbloom]

Check out a place called The Estates at Horsepen. It's considered the West End, but it's pretty close to the fan and downtown.

[EricB4]

You should find all of those amenities downtown at one of the renovated lofts apartments minus the free parking. Parking anywhere in the city is a little tight and unless you want to park on the street, you will probably have to pay each month. I like living downtown, it's nice to be able to walk to places. It's probably more dangerous than living in the West End, but there are plenty of SWF's who live downtown and a number of apt's to choose from. Send me a msg if you want some recommendations.

[jdaddy1]

I currently live downtown after a few months in the Fan. It is living downtown. If you get off street parking your car is fine and for the most part people leave you alone. You will quickly learn where you can go and not got. This is coming from a guy though. My girlfriend hasn't had any problems at all but like any city you take precautions after 8 PM.

[OldCavalier]

SWF go to suburban Henrico in West End. It has it all. At least go there first before getting involved in the "iffy" places within City Richmond. Say no to downtown, not safe. Neither is Church Hill, Northside or Manchester. Interesting that you are moving to Richmond, we are moving to Charleston.