Midlothian. (Richmond, Alexandria, Chester: custom home, neighborhoods, to buy)

[MRB86]

Hello,

My husband and I are entertaining the idea of trying to relocate to Richmond after his deployment. We're NoVa natives and tired of the hustle and bustle up here. We currently own a $380K townhouse with a teeny yard and no privacy, so we are desperate for a change. My husband's sister and her family relocated from Alexandria down to Ashland and they love it.

We have our eyes on Midlothian. We have a two and four year. A potential move is still a ways off -- so we're just information-gathering. Can anyone recommend some neighborhoods in Midlothian that would allow us to own a half an acre of land in the low-mid $300 price range? With good schools to boot? Is that possible? If not in Midlothian, is there anywhere else you could recommend?

Also, are there local Farmer's Markets? I prefer to buy organic/local foods as much as possible.

Thanks for any info!

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by MRB86

A potential move is still a ways off -- so we're just information-gathering. Can anyone recommend some neighborhoods in Midlothian that would allow us to own a half an acre of land in the low-mid $300 price range? With good schools to boot? Is that possible? If not in Midlothian, is there anywhere else you could recommend?

Also, are there local Farmer's Markets? I prefer to buy organic/local foods as much as possible.

Sure, the older neighborhoods have acreage. A search on Realtor turned up 56 properties priced under $340K. A couple of neighborhood names: Salisbury and Briarwood.

I'll give you a couple of MLS numbers to check out: 1518599 (a white colonial built in 84 of .89 acres) and 1520506 (a brick colonial on Salisbury Road built in 66 on .93 acres). Realtor does not pull the school ratings, but I would be confident about sending my kids to Midlothian Middle and High Schools. They are rated 9 and 8 of 10 respectively at Greatschool.com. Bettie Weaver Elementary is rated a 10 of 10.

The supermarket chains carry some organic produce and some meat. IDK about a farmer's market, but I ran across this seasonal, farm-to-table restaurant recently: http://theurbanfarmhouse.net/ There is also a grass-fed beef ranch in nearby Manakin-Sabot: http://www.brookviewfarm.com/search/label/home

[ellieb128]

If you keep your eye out you can find 80s era homes in the Robious Road Corridor for that price. There are a couple available now. You'd be looking at either Bettie Weaver or Robious ES, both are excellent. Salisbury and Powderham have larger lots, close to an acre.

There is a farmers market located at The Great Big Greenhouse at the intersection of Robious Rd and Huguenot on Thursdays. The big one is the one at Forest Hill Park on Saturday mornings. GrowRVA - Farmers markets in Richmond Virginia

[MRB86]

Thank you! Wow. I've been checking out some Salisbury lots. They're perfect. :-) Blows my mind that you can get so much more for the money in Midlothian compared to NoVa.

[sls76]

Originally Posted by MRB86

Thank you! Wow. I've been checking out some Salisbury lots. They're perfect. :-) Blows my mind that you can get so much more for the money in Midlothian compared to NoVa.

QoL is so much higher. Trade off is lower wages and much smaller, less diverse labor market.

[snatale1]

Originally Posted by sls76

QoL is so much higher. Trade off is lower wages and much smaller, less diverse labor market.

The lower wages aren't really a trade off in most cases, I moved here from Boston, I make less money as far as straight #'s go, but after the COL adjustment I actually make more. Then of course their's the QoL aspect, weather and sanity.

[sls76]

Originally Posted by snatale1

The lower wages aren't really a trade off in most cases, I moved here from Boston, I make less money as far as straight #'s go, but after the COL adjustment I actually make more. Then of course their's the QoL aspect, weather and sanity.

It really varies significantly and depends on occupation and industry. I work with data and on average purchasing power is higher in the DC MSA than in the Richmond MSA (meaning even after you adjust for the cost of living they make more). Of course then you throw in shorter commutes, fewer obnoxious people, etc. and we come out ahead

[ocngypz]

Specific subdivisions: Riverton, River Oaks, Powderham... sometimes Salisbury...but will probably need some updating.

You could buy brandy new, but you'd have to give up lot size.

[cb at sea]

Midlothian and North Chesterfield are both lovely....lots of shopping and during the week, nowhere near as much traffic as you're used to up north!

[Surfinjosh]

I am moving to Midlothian in the next 6 months so I will let you know. My wife is all about building a custom home by John Houston. Depending on the SQ Footage they are well within that range. Coming from California I am amazed at what you get for your money. Nothing is "Builder Basic" it is all custom. I can't wait to get the heck out of California!! Although I will miss my Giants and the weather I am ready to get back to my roots..