Relocating to Richmond from CT - HELP! (where to stay, apartment)

[KatrinkaButtlin]

Sorry to post yet another relocation thread, but I think every situation is different.

So here's my story - I'm a 23 year old woman from Fairfield County, CT. I'm fairly average for up here, with a good education, well-spoken and well-read, if not a little too old for my age.

I am relocating to Shockoe Bottom the last week in May. I have many questions, though I'll only list a few here (unless someone can answer if I'll be happy). I am moving in with my cousin (25 year old woman), so I will have some guidance, but I really need some advice that isn't coming from family - ie: misguided attempts at trying to keep me in the Northeast.

1 - I'm currently looking for a job down there (preferably within Richmond), but I'm finding it difficult to get my foot in the door because I haven't actually moved yet. Does anyone have any advice on job searching in Richmond? I'm completely at a loss because the city is so foreign to me This is the most pressing of issues because, while I have money saved up, I will be paying rent/car insurance/etc without income for as long as it takes to find a job.

2 - Another issue that I've been worrying about is the fact that I have no friends in the area. I've never had a hard time making friends, but I'd really like to have a good idea of where to go or where to stay away from. Are there certain areas where young professionals hang out? I'm not a student, and it's been a while since I've gone out drinking for the hell of it, so I'd really like to meet people with more refined interests.

3 - We are moving to Tobacco Row; we've already signed the papers and everything, so that's no longer an issue, but is there anything that I should know about the area? My cousin really wanted to move there because that's where she hangs out and many of her friends live in the neighborhood, but again, it's unfamiliar territory for me.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to moving, but terrified at the same time. I really hope some people can give me a hand here. Thanks in advance!

[brocco]

i think you're in a good area of richmond for what you're looking for. from my observation many people living in shockoe bottom are either med/dental students or young professionals like yourself. i live in the bottom and my parking lot is usually pretty empty from 8am-6pm (the few times i am home during that time to notice it). when you get closer to vcu you have to deal with all the rowdy undergrads. i'm sure you're aware but vcu is not a particularly prestigious university unless you're going for art or music so being well-educated you may not want to deal with that crowd. shockoe bottom may be a little to close too the "hood" for your taste if you go the other direction, but i've learned to just avoid going that way and haven't had any problems. you'll find out very quickly where that is lol- dont go too far northeast of your apartment. there's lots of shopping in richmond and especially in the west end. i'm usually culture-shocked when i go to other places and there aren't 4 huge malls and 20 walmarts within a 30 minute drive haha.

as far as job searching have you tried putting your new address on your resume? i think the economy is pretty healthy here. i found a "good" job within about two months of searching last year and my boyfriend was able to find an "okay" job within a few weeks when he moved in with me in feb. it depends on your field, though, of course. i am your age but i prefer keep to myself most of the time so i don't have much advice for socializing. there are some decent hang out spots in the bottom. avoid the "clubs" (sounds like you would anyway) and head for the bars and restaurants. you're right by the river which is awesome. i like biking or walking to belle isle. maybe join a runners or bikers club to meet people if you're into that sort of thing.

[KatrinkaButtlin]

Do you have any advice on where to look for a job? I've been trying the usual Careerbuilder, Monster, etc, but without knowing the area it's difficult to know what legitimate and what isn't. Are there any local outlets I can try?

As for socially, you hit it right on the head. Clubs aren't for me - bars are more my style. I'm laid back, and having to be "on" all the time at a club isn't my thing. Are there any bars that are known to be good?

[ronyusa]

What profession are you in? What is your experience level, salary expectation etc.? Job sites rarely have any legitimate positions posted anymore, why don't you try to make some appointsments with local headhunters that specialize in your line of work. Also go to the websites of companies in Richmond area that specialize in your field and apply online through their websites. Lot of the HR folks start their candidate search by looking at their applicant pool that applied through their website!

[brocco]

Originally Posted by KatrinkaButtlin

Do you have any advice on where to look for a job? I've been trying the usual Careerbuilder, Monster, etc, but without knowing the area it's difficult to know what legitimate and what isn't. Are there any local outlets I can try?

As for socially, you hit it right on the head. Clubs aren't for me - bars are more my style. I'm laid back, and having to be "on" all the time at a club isn't my thing. Are there any bars that are known to be good?

i used indeed when i job searched. i don't know of any local outlets, but googling companies located in richmond (or even using googlemaps and looking near where you live) and then going to the company websites to see if they have job postings could work. there is a claims law firm on 15th street that is always hiring temps for this or that random claim project if you need to get something fast. they don't pay amazingly well- 12-14/hr but it could be a start if you're desperate and don't wana stoop to retail or fast food or something.

ill leave the bar question for someone else since i dont have much experience there

[KatrinkaButtlin]

ronyusa - I'm currently a Marketing and Design Assistant at Fairway & Greene (golf apparel for country clubs). Marketing is an incredibly hard area to get work in because you have to know exactly where to look and especially to whom to talk - I'm experienced enough to get more than an entry-level position, though having no contacts down there is hurting my job search.

brocco - Can you give me the name of the firm? I don't know, but I've been searching so long, I feel like I need a fallback. I worked retail for many years and it's an option, but I'd really like to steer clear of it if I can.

[brocco]

Originally Posted by KatrinkaButtlin

ronyusa - I'm currently a Marketing and Design Assistant at Fairway & Greene (golf apparel for country clubs). Marketing is an incredibly hard area to get work in because you have to know exactly where to look and especially to whom to talk - I'm experienced enough to get more than an entry-level position, though having no contacts down there is hurting my job search.

brocco - Can you give me the name of the firm? I don't know, but I've been searching so long, I feel like I need a fallback. I worked retail for many years and it's an option, but I'd really like to steer clear of it if I can.

i sent you a message

[panasyncp17]

I moved down here from CT about a year and a half ago, I'm 24 and haven't really met any friends here yet lol. Probably more my fault than anything, the downtown bars I've been to were typically the drunken loud college crowd which I grew out of. I went to some bars in the west end area and they gave the "we have our group and don't talk to outsiders" vibe....Have yet to really find the middle ground.

[KatrinkaButtlin]

Where in CT were you? Is it drastically different from up here? Coming from a fellow CT-er, is it comparable?

[panasyncp17]

I grew up in Montville, in New London County. The town Mohegan Sun is in. For me, it's a lot different here just because there is a lot more things to do. Coming from a small town where the casino's were really the only option as far as things to do to an actual city was nice.

The food options are much better in Richmond I think, although I have yet to find a really good locally owned pizza place like CT has every couple miles. (Don't order a "grinder" here, you'll get looked at like an idiot) Also, Dunkin Donuts is scarce, I don't know if you're addicted to it like 95% of the north east is but you might have to settle for other coffee options.

Another difference is it seems racism is very much alive down here. My hometown was 97% white or something ridiculous like that so it was a bit of a culture shock when I moved down here. Not to offend anyone here but where I grew up there was no real cultural differences between races, (we've all heard the phrase "he's the whitest black guy") Everyone pretty much socialized with everyone. Down here there is a huge cultural difference, especially apparent if you go downtown on a Friday or Saturday night.

Be prepared to go insane while driving, I think the "in" thing to do here is everyone drive in all lanes at 5mph under the speed limit. If you're a stereotypical New England driver like I am (need to get in front of everyone no matter what) it will be frustrating.

There are no package stores, beer is sold at gas stations/grocery stores, etc. etc. Liquor at state run stores. And you can buy booze on Sunday!

It's not drastically different, but it's different enough where I can tell you it will take a few months to catch your bearings so to speak, and get used to the differences in culture, and overall way of life here.

Oh and its dirt cheap here compared to CT. Gas, cigarettes, taxes, rent, home prices, damn near everything.