Family of Diversity seeking a welcoming neighborhood (Richmond, Petersburg: fit in, real estate)

[trixieintransit]

Hi everyone! Hubbie is getting a transfer to Richmond and this will be our first relocation as a family. My husband and I recently adopted our first child who is not of the same racial heritage. In addition we are an interfaith family. We are looking for a neighborhood where diversity exists but that is safe, in a good educational district, and priced under $350K. I have read most of the posts about the school system but nothing was mentioned with regard to diversity in the neighborhoods. Can anyone speak to that point? Thanks and have a great weekend!!

[EricD]

If you're willing to live about 30 miles north of Richmond, the community I live in is very diverse. There are several mixed race families, all different religions, and just different people all around. There's white, black, latino, asian, everything... I've seen black/latino families, asian/black, white/black, white/asian... did I miss a combination? lol

Of course, probably about 50% of the community is white, so it's not entirely 100% diverse... but as far as communities go, this is one of the most diverse I have seen in the area.

Homes are mostly from the mid-200's to the mid-300's. (Some homes sell for over half a million)

The middle and high schools don't have the best reputation, but if your adopted kid is going to be elementary school aged, they'll love the new Elementary school, which is located within the community. It was $20 million to build and is state-of-the-art. The community center is being built, and will open this summer.

Check out the website:

Ladysmith Village Welcome

And let me know if you have any questions.

[n8vRVAer]

Originally Posted by trixieintransit

Hi everyone! Hubbie is getting a transfer to Richmond and this will be our first relocation as a family. My husband and I recently adopted our first child who is not of the same racial heritage. In addition we are an interfaith family. We are looking for a neighborhood where diversity exists but that is safe, in a good educational district, and priced under $350K. I have read most of the posts about the school system but nothing was mentioned with regard to diversity in the neighborhoods. Can anyone speak to that point? Thanks and have a great weekend!!

One word: BELLEVUE

Located in the northern part of Richmond, it's a fun, hip, diversity-friendly neighborhood with a strong sense of community. The nearby Holton Elementary is filled with children from all kinds of ethnic backgrounds. Also, located on MacArthur Ave. is a centralized strip mall with a coffeeshop, family-owned cafe, yoga studio, bookstore, and a wine shop. Bellevue reminds me of a grown-up "Sesame Street", if that makes any sense.

The homes range from roughly $200-300K, and are loaded with period character. A lot of my friends (late 20s, early 30s) who live there LOVE the area, and say that it's the only neighborhood outside of Downtown Richmond they would ever consider, because it's so warm and welcoming to all walks of life.

Speaking as a person of color who has lived in many parts of the world and doesn't fit into the "mainstream" category, trust me: you won't be sorry you moved there... good luck!

Bellevue

[n8vRVAer]

Adding to say that you may also want to take a peek at the Forest Hill area in southern Richmond. It's also a bastion of diversity, but I'm not sure about their school system.

Richmond News, Local Sports, Entertainment & Richmond Community Events | RVANews

[fjennell]

you will be fine anywhere in the surrounding richmond area.

[MacDoc451]

If your willing to consider South of Richmond, the Petersburg area has many great neighborhoods, near the 85/95 interchange. We moved to Northern Dinwiddie Co., just outside of Petersburg. The real estate is very reasonable, and the school districts are pretty darned good!
We have a child, an adopted child, and sponsor a foriegn exchange student (HS age). We are readily accepted in our neighborhood, and have no problems. The kids all get along well with the locality, as well as, in the schools!!

Feel free to email me, if you wish!

[PickPatrick]

I agree with the previous posts - Richmond is a very welcoming place and you will find diverse areas throughout......Bellevue, Woodland Heights, Westover Hills, Forest Hill, Museum Area ...the list goes on and on. I think you will be pleased as you explore the possibilities here! Welcome to Richmond :-)

[SnowCrazy]

You may have already relocated, but my West End neighborhood is quite diverse and although it is new construction, well priced under $300,000. In about 20 houses, I would say there are about 2 or 3 Asian families, 2 or 3 Hispanic families, 1 or 2 multi-racial families, 5-6 African-American families, and the rest are white. We are a multi-cultural family as well, and the neighborhood diversity is appreciated.

[2VAWEGO]

Is there anything in your neighborhood $200,000 or less? We are a biracial family seeking a diverse neighborhood in mid 2009.