Private schools, and living north v. south of the River (Richmond: houses, neighborhoods)

[SittingOnACactus]

We are relocating to Richmond from Arizona and have two young kids that we hope to send to private school (Collegiate, St. Catherine's, St. Christopher's, Steward, etc.). We've been looking at houses as far north as Wyndham/Glen Allen, and as far south as Hallsley, as well as in the River and Robious Road corridors and everywhere in between. We're flexible, and do love the houses in Tarrington/Hallsley in particular. However we've received mixed messages as to whether there's still a stigma to living "south of the river," particularly within the private schools. Will our kids find it harder to make friends if they are outside the immediate River Road area, or perhaps Glen Allen/Short Pump? Is the "south side" looked down upon, despite the fact that the neighborhoods we're looking at are just as nice as those on the north side? Is there anything else we should know about in considering neighborhoods, when it comes to the private school community? Thanks so much!

[ettagrl]

Noooooooo!!! If you find a home you love, go for it! Each of those schools has kids from both sides of the River. I've heard that old stigma too, and it's just silly. We live close to the Saints, but picked Steward, and socialize with families from all over. I know families at all three schools who live on the south side! PM me if I can help at all - we looked at all three schools, and I liked each one for very different reasons. Just a matter of best fit!

[Charlesaf3]

There is not a stigma, per se, more of a joke, but it will be a less usual choice. You will find people will rarely go to your house, and kids will be travelling to social stuff etc. etc. Hallsley, practically speaking, is absurdly far away from the City, and further from the saints etc. You will hate life within months. Tarrington will be much better in that respect.

[cbl1]

There are a good number of kids in my neighborhood Tarrington that go to private school. They seem to have no troubles at all. Many on southside do go to those schools and Trinity (which is south of the River itself nearby).


The whole southside thing was when all of these neighborhoods didn't exist.

[VA Yankee]

For what you will potentially be spending for these private schools and your worried about "a stigma to living "south of the river" ? What is your concern that you child will be teased about it. Live where you like and have your child attend where you choose...

[kevinm]

I lived "south of the river" and attended "Gill School" back in the 1970s. I don't know what happened to it.