Downtown Richmond / Jackson Ward (real estate, rental, loft)

[nermar1]

Hello! I spent the last hour or so reading several of the posts to see what I can learn about the city I will soon call home. I read some posts related to the Downtown revitalization, but only one person referenced the downtown area closest to where I hope to enter contract soon for housing.

Can anyone offer opinions, facts, random thoughts on the area of Jackson Ward that is closest to downtown? (Please excuse my naivete of the neighborhood boundaries.) I'm most interested in the surrounding area near Adams and Marshall Streets.

Offer as much insight as you can as far as neighborhood demographics, real estate development / appreciation, safety (i.e., can I feel safe walking the area at night?), rent ranges for the area - ex. single family rental versus renting rooms within a single family (3 Bd / 2.5 ba), etc.

Also can anyone explain the difference between finding a roommate and renting rooms? My realtor keeps on saying how I can rent rooms (like I'm a boarding house), but I would prefer a roommate. Also can anyone recommend sources to find reliable and financially responsibile professionals in need of housing? As I would like a roommate (maybe 2) as of September 1st.

Finally, does anyone know of parking options and amenities (grocery, dry cleaner, yoga studio, etc.) in the same area?

Thanks in advance!
nermar1

[WanderVA]

Jackson Ward is an historically African-American neighborhood that has a very strong history. It used to be known as the Harlem of the South because its vibrant community. It has since fallen on harder times but is in the process of reinventing itself, much like many other areas of the city. You will be closer into downtown than most other neighborhoods mentioned on here (the Fan, Museum District, etc.). Some new restaurants have popped up in Jackson Ward (Croakers Spot, a coffee shop, and one new place who's name escapes me at the moment). Other forms of nightlife are not readily available in the neighborhood but you are close to everything else.

Not sure what the whole 'renting rooms' comment is - finding a roommate most likely won't be too difficult. Craigslist is probably the best place to find one here.

You will not be far (within a few miles) of major groceries, home improvement stores, arts, entertainment, Carytown, VCU, coffee shops, music halls, museums, and many many restaurants of all types.

Jackson Ward is a very historic and lovely neighborhood. It's still a little rough around the edges so don't expect suburban living. If you like city living, you have most likely made a good choice.

[WanderVA]

Oh yeah, the best yoga deal in town is to join Gold's Gym ($29/month) and take the yoga classes at no extra charge. Private yoga studies seem to be all over, but they are more expensive.

[richmondpics]

The changes in Jackson Ward in the past 5 years alone have been stunning. It's becoming a very diverse neighborhood and gentrifying quickly. Old homes are being fixed up, more restaurants and art galleries are opening up, and even things like a very old car dealership (Emrick Flats) and a former bank HQ (2C Condos) are being converted into very trendy loft condos. There are several urban infill projects (such as Jackson Commons) filling in the "missing teeth" in Jackson Ward with architecture that blends into the existing fabric. It still has some grit, some blight, etc, but it is improving quickly. I personally wouldn't wander north of I-95/64 into North Jackson Ward where Gilpin Court is located (rough housing project), but the area you mention should certainly be better. There's a very popular event called First Fridays Artwalk steps from where you're looking to buy that brings thousands of folks down to the galleries and restaurants nearby. Also, for yoga, there's a YMCA a few blocks south which may be convenient to you, though the Gold's Gym suggestion certainly isn't a bad one. Good luck!

[4hite]

You have chosen a great place to live. The Jackson Ward area is one of the main focuses in terms of revitalization in the city. You are within walking distance of just about everthing from groceries to fitness. Soon we will have a movie complex within blocks of were you are. As for roomates, check with VCU or MCV. I am sure you want have any trouble finding GOOD mates. Contratulations and Welcome Home. God Bless