Another relocation question... (Richmond, Chester, Short Pump: to rent, lofts, house)

[richmondpics]

Originally Posted by sls76

Some people are urban dwellers and the West End isn't going to appeal to them.

Yes, and these urban dwellers don't walk around waiting to be raped and/or stabbed as some have suggested. Awful representation.

[ronyusa]

Uggh sorry that post was over the top I got carried away, I need to do a better job of hiding my disapproval of Shockoe Bottom, but as sls76 pointed out too there are questionable pockets of areas in Shockoe Bottom. I had a coworker who had some unpleasant experience (and so did I when I first moved to Richmond in 2005) so obviously I have some very legitimate beef with that place and wouldn't recommend to anyone. What I said earlier might have come out a bit melodramatic and hyperbolic but a lot of it is also true and you all know it!

[ronyusa]

Nope wasn't suggesting that at all, but I realize my wording was a bit melodramatic, sorry about that.

Originally Posted by richmondpics

Yes, and these urban dwellers don't walk around waiting to be raped and/or stabbed as some have suggested.

[brocco]

yea ive lived in shockoe bottom for a few months now and haven't experienced anything you've mentioned except hearing a few annoying drunkies outside here and there. i love being so close to the river, restaurants, and walking/biking areas. my apt complex has a basement garage and is pretty secure in general which is nice. i don't go to the "clubs", though. they do seem kinda sketchy. i prefer to sit my happy drunk ass down at a bar like the ones on 17th-18th st.

[richmondpics]

Originally Posted by ronyusa

I had a coworker who had some unpleasant experience (and so did I when I first moved to Richmond in 2005) so obviously I have some very legitimate beef with that place and wouldn't recommend to anyone. What I said earlier might have come out a bit melodramatic and hyperbolic but a lot of it is also true and you all know it!

It's okay to prefer living in another part of town, just no need to bash a part of town you don't like with unwarranted hyperbole. Major crime in Shockoe Bottom dropped by more than 50% between when you arrived in 2005 and 2010, according to the RPD. That's pretty significant.

Shockoe Bottom is an urban neighborhood with a nightlife component. If the OP is looking for something suburban, then Shockoe Bottom isn't it.

[KileyGirl80]

There are so many mixed opinions on Shockoe Bottom, it's very interesting. I definitely don't want to be close to any clubs or anything that can attract "bad" crowds but from searching I do like the apartments in that area, it's more of my style compared to those I've seen in West End/Short pump area. A few of my co-workers have suggested Chesterfield and Midlothian, any opinions on those areas and how the commute would be? Hopefully, I'll take a few days next month to look at these different areas.

[sls76]

Originally Posted by KileyGirl80

There are so many mixed opinions on Shockoe Bottom, it's very interesting. I definitely don't want to be close to any clubs or anything that can attract "bad" crowds but from searching I do like the apartments in that area, it's more of my style compared to those I've seen in West End/Short pump area. A few of my co-workers have suggested Chesterfield and Midlothian, any opinions on those areas and how the commute would be? Hopefully, I'll take a few days next month to look at these different areas.

Midlothian / Chesterfield are interchangeable with Short Pump (garden style apartments). My sister lives in Shockoe Bottom in a very cool loft-style apartment and loves it (not near clubs, has nice restaurants by her and parks in a secured garage). I don't mind visiting her, but can't imagine living there. She likes Short Pump for shopping, but would be miserable living there. To each her own, I guess : )

[ronyusa]

Have you looked into the Rockett's Landing area?

- Rocketts Landing - Richmond, Virginia

Search for "Rockett's" on Richmond Craigslist - richmond apts/housing for rent classifieds - craigslist

[ronyusa]

And if you are still looking for clean-cut, suburban living, then "Crowne Village at Swift Creek" in Midlothian/Chesterfield is definitely worth a look. Luxurious upscale apartments off of Hull Street (further out West from VA medical Center, so it will be a nice commute for you too and very safe place). I love their location and the upscale well-maintainted build/facilities:

Crowne Village at Swift Creek: Midlothian, Virginia's Finest in Luxury Apartment Living

[KileyGirl80]

sls76, what area is that your sister lives? You don't have to share the actually apartment name but I'm curious to know what streets I should be looking, since the ones I've looked at seems to be close to clubs.

Rony, thanks for sharing the link, nice apartments.