where to go? (specifics inside ;) (Richmond, Franklin: real estate, apartments, leasing)

[myhusbandrocks.]

hello friends!

my husband and i are considering a move to the richmond area in a few months. we will be renting.

for starters, where is the SAFEST area to start looking? or is this not a concern? we are coming from the detroit area, so....always have to ask =) what is the cost to rent in any of these locations?

when it comes to renting, we may very well need month to month. is that even heard of/hard to find there?

other things of interest:

i am a vegan and would love to be near various restaurants and health food stores (or within reason) and possibly even obtain employment with a place like this. anything good in the area??

we're musicians, what's the scene like? is there one? if so, where is it most happening?

hm. metaphysical shops? independent bookstores? yoga studio?

so to wrap this up, safety comes first but to be able to live in a convenient location based on our interests would just be helpful

thank-you, kindly.

[sarahross]

You're pretty safe here as long as you stay clear of the North Side and the run down areas of south side and downtown.
If you're looking at something like apartmentguide.com, you'll probably be able to find places that specify optional month to month leasing options.
Personally, I would try to do at least a three month lease, and look on richmond.craigslist.org for people who possibly want to sub-lease.

With all that said, based on your interest in music and living animal cruelty free, used/independent bookstores, yoga & etc. I suggest the Carytown or Museum District areas. The rent may be higher, but like anything else you get what you pay for. These areas are surrounded by things you are interested in, all within walking distance. The Fan, Carytown & Museum District area is a historical section of Richmond, and filled with apartments & divided row-houses that have amazing style and charm.

I believe location to be the most important factor in dwelling. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. (I know this the hard way, renting a $625/month 1 bedroom apt on W.Franklin St where the noise was the least of my problems....oh the roaches!).

Great Vegan options all over the place. Ukrops has almost anything you would want. Panda-Veg is vegan chinese & japanese cuisine with excellent prices. Sticky Rice also has great options. (Lot's of restaurants here cater to animal lovers/not eaters so you won't have any trouble adjusting).

If you live anywhere near downtown or the fan/carytown/museum you're surrounded by music. styleweekly.com is the local entertainment/art/music/food guide. The art galleries here change their exhibits often & The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (I've been here two years, and the renovations still aren't complete), Belle/Brown Isle is great spring-fall. There's a dog park off Blvd. Yoga galore down here, all different types. Mostly reasonable pricing. Used & Ind. Bookstores on Main. Metaphysical shops The Guardian Dragon Metaphysical Shoppe and we have a Crystal Healing, Reiki, Shaman population. Two of my friends are heavily involved with all of these, and I'd be happy to pass along their email info if you have more specific questions.

Hope some of this helps. Richmond is a great place to live & I can't say enough great things about what it has to offer.

[myhusbandrocks.]

awe, thanks sarah!

anyone else??

=)

[Familyheart]

You guys sound like perfect candidates for the fan area. Very popular among the "artsy" crowd. Trust me I've lived here for many years and work in Real Estate here as well. There is even a place that sells all kinds of natural and organic food called Ellwood Thompsons. It's on Thompson Street. The fan is full of art and music events. Very cultural and historic. Can be pricy if you plan on buying. You can rent a flat (an apartment among many converted from older victorian style row houses) for a farely decent price. Most people that rent in the fan live in flats. You should check it out. I'm sure you will love it. The term "The Fan" refers to an area in the heart of Richmond City. Anyone here will know what you are talking about if you refer to it. Good Luck and God Bless!