Differences between Richmond suburbs north and south of the James (Chester: neighborhoods, school districts)

[JayJayCB]

I'm simply asking out of curiosity, as I'm planning on possibly moving to Richmond although it'll be a few years from now (either 2019 or possibly 2020 at the latest). Is there a drastic difference between Richmond's suburbs? For example, differences between Midlothian or Chester and Short Pump? Is it more desirable to live north of the James? I'll be moving from the Raleigh/Durham area. For those who are familiar with both areas, are there any Richmond suburbs that are similar to northern Wake Co, NC suburbs (north of 540, Falls Lake). Or is this a case where all the suburbs are practically the same?

[cbl1]

Well depends on what you mean by desirable - they are different areas.


Your running the spectrum traversed by Rt. 288 going from I-64/I-295 at the far North West of Richmond down through Midlothian to chester at the far South / Central side of the city.


Short Pump - North of River far west end I would say. Centered really around the large retail area that is Short Pump on Broad street. Lots of name brand stores and restaurants. Traffic can get a bit congested (not like DC bad but on the bad side for Richmond). If working toward downtown it can back up a bit during the rush hours coming to this part.


Midlothian - a little more suburbia even then Short Pump. Two primary areas - Robious Road/Midlothian Turnpike region anchored by Chesterfield towne center. Hull Street Rd. area (more full blown strip mall suburbia). Hull street also traffic can be on the bad side for Richmond. Toll Roads save you time coming from downtown but can make it fairly quick commuting. Housing prices tend to be a bit cheaper then the Short Pump area in general.


Chester - more rural suburbia / countryside. Chester is a bit small town mixed in. Housing prices tend to be much cheaper then Short Pump or Midlothian. Major corridor to downtown is I-95 vs. toll roads (Midlothian) and I-64 (Short Pump).


If you talk a little more about what your looking for we can help you narrow it down a bit.

[murksiderock]

No real difference amongst the inner-ring suburbs. I'd consider Short Pump and Midlothian inner-ring...

[anitaLwilliamson]

It also depends on if school districts are priority for you. That will help you narrow down which neighborhoods are more attractive to you.

[JayJayCB]

Which suburb is the most liberal? Henrico County in general, I guess?

[JayJayCB]

I'd like to look into an area that is suburban, but isn't terribly far from downtown and I-95. I always enjoy visiting neighborhoods like the Fan but I don't think I'd want to live in the vicinity of downtown. It would also be nice to have relatively quick access to I-95 in order to reach D.C. (for whatever reason) and to visit family down in the Research Triangle of NC, but this isn't that important. Most importantly, I'd like an area that is liberal and diverse. However, I know this will be more difficult to come across in suburbia.

Again, I don't think I will move to Virginia until 2019 or so. Perhaps 2022 at the latest, to be completely honest. I won't rule out looking into NOVA, maybe areas further out like Sterling. At the same time, I'm just curious and want to gain some info sooner than later.

[cbl1]

I'm not sure what you are looking for in the liberal context.


Richmonds suburbs can be very diverse.


Your probably wanting more close west end (think River Road type city area). I'd look around the area of University of Richmond heading from there up toward Libbie / Patterson Rd. area.

[snatale1]

Originally Posted by JayJayCB

Which suburb is the most liberal? Henrico County in general, I guess?

Henrico has everybody

[JayJayCB]

Are some suburbs more progressive than others? I noticed Chesterfield Co went for Trump although it was close.

I think western Henrico might be worth looking into.

[GoingBackEast]

Hey, we are relocating from the triangle nc (political refugees?) to Stratford Hills area in Richmond. Very near Pony Pasture (James River) yet we walk to some great eating venues etc. More like Manhattan than the Triangle. South of the James. Short drive to VA Museum and downtown without the congestion. Our realtor found us a progressive enclave. Depends on what you are looking for. PM me if you'd like more info.