Living in Bon Air? (Richmond, Chester: how much, homes, neighborhood)

[sami718]

Hi all!

I am looking to live around buford near jahnke. I believe this is considered Bon Air.

We have 3 kids, one that will attend a private school in that area. My husband will work at VCU downtown. I wondered if you can tell me some info on the following:

1. Is this a good neighborhood? Diverse? Safe?
2. What is commute like from Bon Air to Downtown?
3. How much are the tolls if you have Smart Tag?
4. Would it be better to live up further near 64? Is that a toll road too?
5. What is available in terms of shopping in this area? Malls, supermarkets?
6. If you had a choice, would you prefer Bon Air, Midlothian, or Glen Allen?

Thanks for any and all help!

[jhrichmond]

Bon Air is a good neighborhood. Diverse. Relatively safe (Not sure of statistics, but I would guess Midlothian has less crime). Older homes with character. Bon Air to downtown is a quick commute, about 15 minutes, depending on where in Bon Air and where downtown. Tolls are the same price with or without Smart Tag. 64 is not a toll road. There are a lot of shopping centers nearby. Stony Point mall is close for upscale shopping or Chesterfield Towne Center for lower end shops. People here do grocery shopping at Ukrops for specialty items. We also have Kroger and Food Lion. There is a Wal Mart, Target, and Lowes at Chippenham and Forest Hill.
Being a Realtor, I can't really say where I'd rather live.

[richmondpics]

With Smart Tag I believe there is a 10% discount on tolls at Richmond Metropolitan Authority toll plazas. The commute from Bon Air to VCU will be quick if you take Jahnke to Powhite Pkwy to the Downtown Expressway... likely not more than 15 minutes from driveway to parking space.

[jhrichmond]

Originally Posted by richmondpics

With Smart Tag I believe there is a 10% discount on tolls at Richmond Metropolitan Authority toll plazas. The commute from Bon Air to VCU will be quick if you take Jahnke to Powhite Pkwy to the Downtown Expressway... likely not more than 15 minutes from driveway to parking space.

I had no idea about the 10% discount. With 288, I very rarely use Powhite anymore.

[Richmond Transplant]

Bon Air and Midlothian are almost the same, and commuting from either is fine. You'll soon get used to all the driving that people do! We started off in Woodlake and are now in Salisbury (both officially Midlothian) but far prefer the central nature of Salisbury.

The toll roads are fine... just get the smart tag if you are using Powhite regularly. And there are tons of shops, malls etc around.

Good luck!