Richmond Neighborhoods (apartments, rentals, loft)

[Kayak_Diva]

Hi All,

I am moving to Richmond this June and will be working at VCU/MCV medical center. I heard that the museum district and fan areas are nice places to get a cool unique apartment. I know where the fan is but where is the "museum district"? If anyone has other suggestions where a 40-something single professional to live would be greatly appreciated. I am looking for an apt rental for the first year until I figure out where I want to buy at.

Lastly, sorry for the silly question but I was wondering what this "steam-heat" is that I keep seeing posted in apt complex ads?

Thanks so much everyone!

-Becca

[PBC4130]

Originally Posted by Kayak_Diva

Hi All,

I am moving to Richmond this June and will be working at VCU/MCV medical center. I heard that the museum district and fan areas are nice places to get a cool unique apartment. I know where the fan is but where is the "museum district"? If anyone has other suggestions where a 40-something single professional to live would be greatly appreciated. I am looking for an apt rental for the first year until I figure out where I want to buy at.

Lastly, sorry for the silly question but I was wondering what this "steam-heat" is that I keep seeing posted in apt complex ads?

Thanks so much everyone!

-Becca

First off, do you want to be able to walk or bike to work? Or are you going to drive?

It really depends on what youre looking for. The Fan has a huge variety of living situations. Some blocks have barely any rentals and its mostly families and two blocks down its all college student party houses.

The museum district is nice, heres a map: Museum District Association

Personally, if I was working at MCV, was single in my 40's I would look at a nice studio or 1br in the slip or the bottom for temporary living. Its generally within walking distance to work, the slip and the bottom have some very nice highish end restaurants and bars, usually a slightly older crowd. Though you do get more of the "weekend warriors" coming into the city for Tiki Bob's, Tobacco Company, and Have a Nice Day.

I personally love the Fan and I dont want to turn you off from it but while youre getting adjusted to the city it might be nice to be really close to work and survey your options from there.

Oh, and steam heat, not 100% sure but I believe they mean heat by radiator, not central heating, common in older buildings. I could be wrong though.

[geoamyk]

DEFINATELY check out the Tobacco Row Apartments, Shockoe Slip, River City Loft Apartments. (between downtown and the James River)

[lordinateur]

I live in the Fan. My downstairs neighbors walk to VCU Medical every day. The bus runs East-West, as well.

Steam heat refers to the heating systems that use a boiler in the basement to boil water into vapor, which rises up pipes into radiators (heavy, hollow metal coils). The radiator heats up the room, the water condenses and flows back down the pipe to repeat the process. Usually pretty effective. Sometimes a radiator will get off balance and you may hear a bang as cooler water on the way down runs into hot steam on the way up. If so, you may need to put some coins under the radiator leg to get the balance correct.

[Kayak_Diva]

Thanks Everyone for your great suggestions! I really appreciate it.

Cheers,

Becca