Brandermill and Woodlake in Midlothian: Are these family oriented subdivisions? (Richmond: transplants, rental)

[sbmcpartlin]

We are looking to relocate to the Richmond area in the next 6 months or so. I thought I wanted to live in the Near West End with quick access to the city, however on my last scouting trip down to Richmond I came across Woodlake and Brandermill in Midlothian. It looks as if these subdivisions are really family friendly and offer a lot of outdoor amenities (trees, trails, pools, boating etc). What are peoples opinions of these two subdivisions?

We are originally from the mid-west and new england. My husband and I both work full time (our jobs allow us to work from home). We have one son who is 2 and will be looking to expand our family. We hope to find a community with other "transplants", families and working Moms.

[jkang]

Since you have kids, you might also want to consider schools. Chesterfield is cutting its budget significantly, and class size will be expanded to a maximum of 30.

Southside is also less diverse than the West End if that is important to you. A Japanese friend of mine was virtually excluded during Woodlake's Mother's Day activity several years ago.

[jhrichmond]

Brandermill and Woodlake are very family oriented.

[onevthoki]

I have kids in the Chesterfield County system and are very happy with the education they are receiving. I have one in elementary school and one in middle school. And I agree on the above post, those two communities are very active.

[sbmcpartlin]

Thanks so much for the feedback! We hope to rent in the area as we get the lay of the land so to speak. With all the outside amenities in these two communities we believe it'll be a bit easier to meet people. My husband and I both will be working from home.

Two more questions:
Is there shopping convenient to the area? Is everything in the area big box stores and chain restaurants? Living in DC we are used to some more unique shopping and eating options. I know taking the plunge and moving to the suburbs will change this some, but I am just curious if there are a few Mom and Pop type establishments in the area.

Seconldy, I would not enjoy living in a community that is not accepting to ALL. Do you believe the example listed about a Japanese woman being exluded from something is a fluke event or more of the norm for this area?

[Ford804]

I grew up in southside & lived in Woodlake for many years. They are both very family friendly & the schools are great.

Have you looked in the West End near Short Pump?
I now live near Deep Run Park and its wonderful. They have family events all the time, along with 2 ponds, playgrounds, miles of walking trails and a nature pavillion. The park is 167 arces. This area is amazing and not too expensive. Close enough to the city and far enough from the city

Short pump mall/ the area as a whole have enough shops & stores that you really dont need to go anywhere else.

zip code is 23233

[sbmcpartlin]

I did check out the short pump area. It looked super nice and mostly new. A part of me thinks I like the slightly older feel of the Midlothian area, but I think I will have to take a closer look at that Deep Run Park area. Thanks for the info!

[RVAtoCNC]

lived in woodlake for 1.5 years - just got TF'd to Raleigh, NC, but we are empty nesters, but still liked Woodlake, and it is extremely family oriented, but also with a mix of middle age and older folks for good measure. Our street had two oriental families and two black families, and the poster above insiinuating lack of diversity or discrimination is misinformed. As to shopping, I have NEVER lived anywhere (9 places, 4 states) where shopping and restauraunts were more convenient than when we lived in Woodlake. Schools for Woodlake are excellent. Probably the only thing I didn't like, and it was minor, is that due to the rolling terrain, the tall houses relatively close to the street, and or street sort of being in a hollow, sound echoed up and down the street - i.e. car doors, lawnmowers, basketballs, etc, but our refuge was the screen porch with the woods and stream out back

[MSbound]

My family is prepairing to move to the Southside area from out of state. Can anyone give us directions from major roads to these and other subdivisions you would recommend please. By the way, where is "short pump"? We are looking for an area with a great high school and hopefully walking trails and convenient to shopping like grocery store, Walmart and Target. we will traveling there soon to find temporary housing until we decide where to buy so if anyone can suggest rental properties in this area that would also be helpful.

[jhrichmond]

Both of these subdivisions are off Hull Street (Rt 360), near 288 (considered Midlothian). Follow 288 north about 15 minutes to West Broad and go East towards Richmond. This area is Short Pump. You'll see Short Pump Towne Center and tons of shopping, restaurants, etc.
Both areas have good schools and are convenient to everything you need.