Moving to Richmond area need advice (Mechanicsville, Chester: sales, real estate, rent)

[cryschap]

First I want to say we are southerners at heart. We were in FL and truly happy and got tossed in Pittsburgh PA and that was a NIGHTMARE! I am terrified that things could be worse or as bad but trying to look to the brightside. So that said when giving me advice help me find somewhere not infiltrated with rude displaced yankees that will do nothing but make fun of my accent and look at us like we have no right being there. Not to offend anyone just wanted to help you understand what I want.

My husband will be working in North Richmond off East Parham Rd. He doesnt want a brutal commute but 30 min isnt too bad. I dont want to be like it was in PA where there is 2 feet between the houses, I want some yard for my kids to play. I also want decent schools.

As for cost $1100 or less for preferably 4 bedrooms or 3 and a decent size living room. I want things like the grocery store and walmart convenient I dont want to drive an hour to get milk if I need it. And easy access to the main highways or interstate.


I was thinking Mechanicsville, (i doubt i pronounce it right lol) or maybe down in Chester.

Sorry if It seems like I'm asking alot, but I thought (esp after reading other posts) that I should be thorough. Also we dont plan to spend the rest of our lives in VA. As soon as an equal or better position is available at my hubbys companyt in central FL we're back there. So I'm probally not so into high schools or buying a house. Oh and I am expecting a child in winter, how are the hospitals and doctors? Any recommendations Thanks in advance, I appreciate it!

[fjennell]

If you can find something in that price range with that may bedrooms...IMO all of the surrounding areas of Richmond are nice and you will get that southern feel as far as peoples attitudes go. I moved from Henrico County (west end of Richmond) to Northern VA and boy is it a BIG difference in attitudes! The areas you mentioned as well as Henrico, Glen Allen, Ashland, Hanover, etc. all great places. The commute may play a factor in exactly which area you choose but the schools should be fine in all of those - the only other thing you will need to look into is some areas have a lot less shopping than others. If you are fine with a Walmart or grocery store near but can deal with a mall being a few more minutes out then you should be ok in all of the areas.

[mondayem]

You are going to have a very very hard time finding the size house you are looking for for the rent you are looking for. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Not only have I lived in Richmond my whole live, I'm a Sales Coordinator and property manager for a major residential developer so I know this city like the back of my hand. The only way is to go out to Hanover, mechanicsville, or chester where it gets country. However, it will feel rural and not a neighborhood feel for your kids. And even then, the the house might have space, but it will probably be old. Based on what you want, Innsbrook sounds the best because they have big yards and TONS of kids. People have been trying to sell there like crazy, so you might be able to get a deal on a desperate seller. Also, the schools in insbrook are the best in Richmond other than a few in Midlothian. I would contact a real estate firm and sometimes for a couple hundred dollar fee they can find you what you want for a rental. And given what you want, I would definetely go this route. Best of Luck.

[smokecitytdi]

I just got back to the "burg" from another trip to Short Pump. I'm not sure of the pricing, but I can tell you it's everything the burg should be. Clean, growing economy, loads of professional people, new... did I mention clean... My friend has a 4 bedroom home off of Pump Road. Nice new homes, tree lined level lots, quiet, close to shopping, some traffic but not congested, near I 64.

I find it humorous you felt like an outsider. I've lived in Pittsburgh for 15 years and grew up 45 minutes away and I'm still treated as an outsider. I was even told at my company, my position should be for Pittsburghers only!!!! And they wonder why the population continues to leave...