Varina vs. Chesterfield? (Norfolk, Richmond: middle-class, house, schools)

[rinibean]

Hello, we are relocating to Richmond soon. We are house hunting from a distance right now. My husband will travel the state, so we are looking for housing with easy access to interstates. We are looking at 275K-300K for housing. We are leaning towards the Varina area because of access to 64, my husband will be heading to VA beach/Norfolk often. Chesterfield is the next option. The West End is too far for us and we would get less house for the money.

Just interested in hearing opinions on Varina vs. Chesterfield? I am a stay at home mom, so we're wanting to live in a planned community, hopefully with recreation and pool. Shopping within 15-20 minutes at most. I want to live in an area with mostly middle-class folks where I feel safe letting the kids do a little roaming as they get older and I feel ok going to the stores at night. Schools are important also, though ours are still a couple years away.

We don't go out much cause of the kids, so primary entertainment will likely be recreation for kids, church, basic stuff.

I'm especially interested in hearing more about Varina. What is it like? Is there shopping? Is it on its way up or down?

Thanks!