House for "young professional" in quiet area (Richmond: townhome, crawl space)

[niju321]

Considering moving to Richmond for a job opportunity--would be working at VCU. Ideally would commute around 20 minutes but could consider a little longer drive for the right area. I don't think I would have any school-age children for the next 8-10 years--but if the appropriate school district would make a difference in preservation of property value I would want to add that to my list (would hopefully live in this home for ~10 years before growing). I have lived in a succession of medium-sized cities (currently in the Research Triangle area of NC).

I'm looking for a safe, quiet, friendly neighborhood. Prefer ~3 bedrooms, but would definitely prefer a free-standing house, maybe a townhome if I have to. Budget ~$250-300k (would rather spend less but may have some flexibility on the top end for a compelling find, especially a newer home with hopefully lower maintenance needs--I would prefer not to go for a "fixer-upper"). I am a foodie and availability of nice/interesting places to eat would be a plus but I don't mind driving--I would prioritize peace and quiet with good amenities (parks, grocery, Target/Costco, etc) over a shorter commute or more trendy area.

Thanks for your help! Hope to call you neighbors soon

[mpier015]

Do you prefer city or suburb? If suburb then I would look at Glen Allen, really all of western Henrico County, Midlothian, and maybe Mechanicsville. If you want city then I would say Museum District, Bon Air, Cary Town/The Fan, Westover Hills. Glen Allen/Western Henrico would probably meet all of your requirements.

Edit: I just read the title and realized that you were requesting quiet. Perhaps you can check out Goochland. Mechanicsville may also be a good option for quiet.

https://www.goochlandva.us/

[cbl1]

I'm thinking Westover Hills / Stratford Hills as far as stand alone house and quiet but very few newer homes. Fits all your other requirements of Target / location / amenities.

I know there were some new build homes around Huguenot and Chippenham parkway that would be quiet areas and easy few minute drive to most everything.

Near west end Richmond probably find some as well - but with your budget you will get a lot more for your money and a little more privacy southside of river

[niju321]

Thanks for your replies! Will definitely look at the areas you mentioned. Yes, probably suburb for me...
Am I being unrealistic with my conservative budget?

[italianbella]

I'd be looking in the Midlothian & Henrico counties

[cbl1]

No - $250-$300k is not unreasonable a budget. I would look to Chesterfield County or Mechanicsville to maximize what you get for your budget.

[niju321]

Took a look around yesterday--great city! Short Pump is very nice but may be too expensive for me, maybe I will be able to find a little older home. Will have to check out Mechanicsville and Chesterfield County on my next visit. Thanks again for your suggestions.

[ny_guy]

Originally Posted by niju321

Took a look around yesterday--great city! Short Pump is very nice but may be too expensive for me, maybe I will be able to find a little older home. Will have to check out Mechanicsville and Chesterfield County on my next visit. Thanks again for your suggestions.

I have friends in the area bounded by Three Chopt, Pemberton, Gaskins and Quioccasin, and I really like their area. They're close to Short Pump and other West End shopping, there should be some homes in your price range with good yards, the houses are a pretty decent size, and the neighborhood seems very friendly. They also commute to VCU and I think the commute is usually under 30 mins even with traffic.

[niju321]

Originally Posted by ny_guy

I have friends in the area bounded by Three Chopt, Pemberton, Gaskins and Quioccasin, and I really like their area. They're close to Short Pump and other West End shopping, there should be some homes in your price range with good yards, the houses are a pretty decent size, and the neighborhood seems very friendly. They also commute to VCU and I think the commute is usually under 30 mins even with traffic.

This sounds like my kind of area! Will check it out on my next visit to the area. Thanks for your help!

[niju321]

Thanks to all who have replied so far. Not sure whether I should make a separate thread for this, but as I have looked at some housing listings, I have noticed a couple of features I am not used to--crawl spaces and electric heat.

With regards to crawl space: how big of a deal is this? I had some concerns that if my furnace or sump pump went out, I'd have a harder time dealing with it in a crawl space versus having a basement.

With regards to electric heat: what does this mean for utility costs? what about if the home has a heat pump? I will ask about overall utility prices for the homes I visit, but if electric heat is going to cost me substantially more I would rather save time and avoid it.