Moving to Sockhoe? Questions. (Richmond, Arlington: apartments, for rent, co-ops)

[jean3122]

Hello I have a few questions about Richmond and I would love any advice!

I will be graduating from a college in NY this May and I have been applying to several jobs in Richmond. My college roommate is also moving down to Richmond for graduate studies. I have done some research and have found that the apartments are fairly cheap. I was told that Sockhoe Bottom is a nicer area.

The apartments that I have found are located on West Marshall Street, 2212-A14 Riverside Dr., and 603 A Westover Hills Blvd. Are these located in decent areas? And by that I mean, safer than other areas?

I know the obvious that you shouldn't walk alone at night and I have no clue why I would be out past 1 a.m. near nightclubs. Ha.

I am also wondering what the "normal" price for a one bedroom apartment would be. I've found prices at $625, $630, and $595. Naturally, I am suspicious since many other cities have extremely high rent prices even for a one bedroom. So I am wondering if these are legitimate. I found these places from this site: Apartments For Rent | Find the Best Apartment - ApartmentHomeLiving.com. (I am always suspicious when things seem to good to be true.)


Some other random questions:

1.) How is the arts scene? Are there places to take yoga, dance, and music classes? Is there a community theater?

2.) Are there organic food stores or co-ops or farmer's markets?

3.) Are there buses and taxis? If so, are there also "fake" ones like in NYC?

I have been to Arlington before and I LOVED it so I am excited at the possibility of moving to VA, but I also like to be realistic.


Thank you so much in advance!!

[sls76]

It's Shockoe Bottom. That is very cheap for an apartment in Shockoe Bottom. I would say $800-$900 is more typical. I've lived in Arlington and I don't think Richmond has much in common with it.

[brocco]

that is suspiciously cheap. i agree 800-900 is more normal. the 1 bdrms in my complex range from 900-1150- they are new and include all utilities but they are also a little bit too close to the questionable parts of town.

theres lots of artsy stuff as vcu is a huge arts/music school and theres a farmers market right in shockoe bottom. there are busses but i wouldnt ride them. there are taxis, but prob nowhere near as many as in nyc. ive never heard of a "fake" taxi, but again i dont ride taxis. i think most people have cars unless they're students or very poor

[ronyusa]

The Richmond Downtown/Shockoe crowd is surprisingly hip and artsy and you will probably enjoy living within the entire 3-4 mile gamut of the Fan to Shockoe area. However, outside of that, the greater Richmond area is very different from Northern Virginia/DC suburbs (although still much cheaper), so don't think of living in Richmond as a "substitute" to living in Arlington, but only if Richmond stands out to you on its own might (and I am not necessarily implying that it won't!). A recon trip is always a good idea before making a big move, and this is true regardless of where it is you are moving to!

Best wishes with your move.

Originally Posted by jean3122

I have been to Arlington before and I LOVED it so I am excited at the possibility of moving to VA, but I also like to be realistic.


Thank you so much in advance!!

[PickPatrick]

The addresses you provided ARE NOT in the bottom. That is why the prices are what they are...

[SparrowGirl]

He said Sock Ho.

*giggling*

[hgnmx]

Excellent catering!

[Charlesaf3]

I've lived in Arlington. I like Richmond better. You may, or may not.

Oragnic, Arts, buses taxis - yes. Organic and Arts excellent, buses and taxis less so.

One bedroom price is probably give or take 800. Much cheaper than that is likely to be for a reason. Richmond IS cheap though, if you come from most places north or on the west coast. Expensive probably if you are from the south.