Thoughts on Jackson Ward (Richmond: apartments, house, live)

[hgnmx]

I used to live in Jackson Ward and have never had a problem other than my neighbors car being broken into because he left a GPS in the windshield.

The area of jackson ward on Marshall or Clay (and even Leigh) street from Belvidere to about Adams is extremely safe. There's lots of VCU students on that section. I used to live outside of this frame actually and still found it to be safe.

[540_804]

Originally Posted by spencer114

I've been living in Jackson Ward for about 5 years now. I've never had any problems. I was expecting my truck to get broken into from time to time (happened about 2 times a year when I lived in Oregon Hill and about once every two years in the Fan) 0 times in 5 years. couldn't be happier with that!
I love my neighborhood. I live in the 300 block of west Marshall Street. The location is great for walking and the interstate access can't be beat. The neighbors (new and old alike) are friendly and interesting.

We live pretty close to each other..haha.

I really like the houses on the north side of that block. They're the ones that have a raised basement and walk-up front stoop/porch to the main entrance.

[540_804]

PS: In my original post (1st page) I mentioned Clay and Leigh Streets by name; I actually meant Clay and Marshall streets.

[xGrendelx]

Thanks for the advice, guys. Much appreciated!

[spencer114]

540-804... I live in one of those houses.

[OldCavalier]

It is fairly ease to get a concealed gun permit in Virginia. Take a course and go to your courthouse. Then you will be ready for the City downtown. There has been a lot of publicity about new restaurants and art galleries on Broad St. between Belvidere and East 5th St., but it is still in a marginal area. We would not live there. Violence is random, even accidental to periferal people. Walk on Broad between Adams and 9th St. both in the day and after supper. It may be your goal to be politically correct, but that will not help you on a slab at the morgue.

[spencer114]

I'd rather live my life than worry about random crime. But then again, I'd rather work for a paycheck than play the lottery. Odds are just as good that I'd win the lottery as being the victim of a random act of violence. I'd just as soon be on a slab than live in fear of my neighbors and I figure its all a wash in the long run. Murder is higher in the city, traffic fatalities are higher in the counties. Either way you die. Might as well not get fat and paranoid while hiding out in the suburbs.

[Charlesaf3]

ignore OldCavalier - I think the last time he visited the city was 30 years ago. His opinions might have been accurate back then, sure aren't now.

Look for the blog "I could go on and on" by a young female reporter who lives in, and apparently loves, Jackson Ward. It's worth reading.

That said, Jackson Ward wouldn't be my first choice of neighborhoods in the city to live in. Wouldn't be the last either though - the housing stock is lovely, and the location is really convenient

[leavethiscity]

I am looking at an apartment in JW and wanted an update on the neighborhood.
I am 30, female - lived in many urban areas. Is this area still 'up and coming' or ' artsy established' at this point - 3 years on from the original post.
Thanks!

[dapeaz]

I agree that you should be fine if you're careful about what block you choose. And you'll possibly be near Black Sheep, one of the best restaurants in the city!