Church Hill Area - Any opinions on the safety? (Richmond: crime, houses)

[tevili]

Hi - I may soon be moving to Richmond for a job opportunity. Visited Richmond a couple of weeks ago and had a few days to look around the area. The Church Hill area seemed very nice, but I've heard some conflicting opinions as to the area's safety. (No children yet - so no issues regarding school district, etc.) Any advice?

Thanks!

[Paul Hammond]

Church Hill is like many neighborhoods that have been rescued from the ashes. It is spectacular and exciting while existing within blocks of hardcore ghetto, no offense intended. Home values have skyrocketed in recent decades and urban renewal continues unabated. It is possibly the most historic neighborhood in Richmond and all of the US. I lived there briefly and go there often. You will find coffeehouses, parks, restaurants and some of the most breathtaking views in the city, just be wise and forewarned. You must watch your step and use common sense.

Check Church Hill Peoples News for further info.

[Mom21]

Oh my, Churchill! I grew up there and still have fond memories. I know that Churchill is suppose to be the ghetto but I think I can honestly say I knew Churchill from age 5 until 2004, when my Mom died and we sold her house, and I never, ever felt unsafe there. I think we lived in Paradise in the middle of the ghetto! My 85 year old Auntie still lives there and has never complained about feeling unsafe.

[Paul Hammond]

It is by no means a ghetto. Home values range upwards to 1/2 million, sometimes more, but it is cheek by jowel with some tough neighborhoods and has the occasional random act of violence.

The good news is crime is dropping and we have an excellent police chief, in not an excellent mayor.

[tevili]

Thanks for the replies - your comments are very similar to the others that I've heard. Several blocks within Church Hill were gorgeous - and I enjoyed walking to a fantastic coffee house while I visited (buzzys beans??). But, it does seem like the area borders some very rough neighborhoods! I definitely am going to consider it if we do make the move.

Any other advice re: church hill would be great!

[Paul Hammond]

There are many other urban neighborhoods to choose from, Carey, The Fan, The Museum District. There are other quieter neighborhoods to choose from, The Near West End, Stratford Hills, Bryan Park area. Lakeside is fast becoming a neighborhood of choice, quiet. walkable and new shops opening all the time.

All Things Richmond

[wenzit420]

just stay away from the letter streets and dont go much higher than the 20's blocks...

[FLBoy123]

Um....Church Hill. NO don't go there. Ghetto as hell. THEY are trying to make it better and it is kinda I guess. Ok no I wouldn't honestly live there if you gave a place to me. It is just still to crime infested and dangerous. There are a whole lot of other places. I don't mean to put it down but I am concerned about other people's safety and will not lie. Stay away!!! I hear the name Church Hill on the news allll the time. SO no find another place.

[Paul Hammond]

"Church Hill. Ghetto as hell"

OK, this is racist crock, untrue and bigoted. New businesses are opening there every month. It has the most spectacular views in Richmond, the circle of prosperity is growing, nearby Tobacco Row is booming and just east and south of there Rockett's Landing, is on the rise, approximately 1 Billion dollars investment, but other than he is right.

[richmondpics]

Church Hill near St. John's, St. Patrick's, Libby Hill Park, etc isn't bad at all... it's very convenient to the grocery store and there are some fantastic hilltop parks around. The part of "Church Hill" which is still an area of transition is further north. And then there's Union Hill, comparable to Church Hill near St. John's, which people often lob in as part of Church Hill.

Not to mention, the news often incorrectly describes areas. The Fan is not downtown. Highland Park is not downtown. Highland Park - Southern Tip is not downtown. Fulton is not Church Hill. etc etc etc. However, the news often incorrectly describes them this way.