The Fan or Glen Allen area? (Richmond, Short Pump: real estate, crime, houses)

[rosette8]

My husband and I are thinking about moving to the area. He is considering a new job in Richmond which would relocate us from Up-state New York.

My husband and I are in our early 40's and we have 4 kids in elementary school. We are very social people. We love to go out with and especially without the kids. I am very involved in my fitness (running, tennis, crew, hiking, anything new, etc...) It is my therapy having so many kids so close in age!

We are trying to zero in on an area that might be good for us when we come down and look the area over. Two areas jump out: The Fan and Glen Allen (short pump I think?) Any feedback???

Thanks for any info.

[ClarkStreetKid]

Considering the kids and from the lifestyle you're describing the Glen Allen/Short Pump area is what you want.

[bpellis]

I think Glen Allen would be the best fit for your family. There are a lot of very good schools there, about any shopping you can imagine, fitness clubs, very nice neighborhoods, parks. And you can also be in the city in 15 minutes if you wanted to go downtown to eat or to the river.

I personally love the fan, but to have young kids there is tough, as its an urban living as well as mostly populated by college kids.

Now further out of the fan, as you get closer to the west end of richmond, the monument avenue area is very nice, but real estate seems to be pretty pricey there.

[mrstewart]

have you considered the glen burnie area of Richmond? It is still in the city, but you would have a yard, sidewalks, parks and very close to great shopping. Good luck.

[VA Yankee]

I like the Fan and it's eclecticness but with the school situation you would be better off in the suburbs.

[Georgia]

I lived in Glen Allen from 1993-1996 and enjoyed it very much. Lived off Hungary Road before Staples Mill.

My wife and I are trying to get back to the area. It has been 10 years since I have last seen the area. Can you tell me how it has progressed, regressed, etc., blunt opinion appreciated.

I'm thinking no matter what I hear it cannot be as bad as the direction the Atlanta area is taking.

Thanks

[ClarkStreetKid]

You got a new Ukrop's on Staples Mill, a new school and more houses. The area has grown a lot, but I still enjoy it.

[Anders15]

Glen Allen, The Fan is more of a mature vibe.. and is not really safe. Let's not even get into the Richmond school systems

[aschenputtel]

Originally Posted by rosette8

My husband and I are thinking about moving to the area. He is considering a new job in Richmond which would relocate us from Up-state New York.

My husband and I are in our early 40's and we have 4 kids in elementary school. We are very social people. We love to go out with and especially without the kids. I am very involved in my fitness (running, tennis, crew, hiking, anything new, etc...) It is my therapy having so many kids so close in age!

We are trying to zero in on an area that might be good for us when we come down and look the area over. Two areas jump out: The Fan and Glen Allen (short pump I think?) Any feedback???

Thanks for any info.

You will know within days of moving to Richmond that Glen Allen is a much better choice. The Fan is nice to ride through in the daylight hours, if you want to look at the monuments. Try watching the crime reports or daily news online for Richmond. That will make your decision easier.

[aschenputtel]

Originally Posted by Georgia

I lived in Glen Allen from 1993-1996 and enjoyed it very much. Lived off Hungary Road before Staples Mill.

My wife and I are trying to get back to the area. It has been 10 years since I have last seen the area. Can you tell me how it has progressed, regressed, etc., blunt opinion appreciated.

I'm thinking no matter what I hear it cannot be as bad as the direction the Atlanta area is taking.

Thanks

Short Pump/Glen Allen is beautiful now. It has almost everything you could want right there. It is known as one of the best areas of Richmond. I was in Atlanta recently....I prefer Short Pump.