please help me! moving from NJ to VA VERY soon (Richmond: low income, apartments)

[lisah0822]

we are moving november 1st to richmond. so far we have found a place that looks decent, and was hoping i could get some opionions.

The Shannon Townhomes
764 Windomere Ave
Richmond, VA 23227 -2957

Ive been looking in Henrico county because i heard the schools are good (i have an 8yr old special needs child, and a 3 yr old)

but i have no idea whatso ever what areas are nice, not too citish, and low crime.

i also found this place
View Bramblewood Estates Apartments For Rent in Richmond, Virginia - ForRent.com

but that is located in chesterfield county, and i dont know how schooling is there....any advice?

we need to be semi near glen allen (husband is transferring to job there), but noticed glen allen is a little out of our price range.

Thank you so much for any advice u may have!!!

Lisa

[VA Yankee]

lisah0822

Welcome to Virginia! I looked at a map for those 2 complexes, the first off Azalea Ave has some nice communities but the adjoining street Chamberlin is not the best area to be around. The second south of the rivah as we say I am unfamiliar with. Glenn Alan is not a town just a postal area that encompasses most of northern Henrico County even from Ashland Va it's only 15 minutes or so to get there depending where in Glenn Alan he will be working.

You mentioned having a special needs child, Richmond City Schools do not have a strong reputation in the area. You might want to look into Henrico or Hanover to see which system best meets your childs needs then start looking at housing. Even in Henrico there are affordable complexes even in the west end.

Overall you should find your daily costs (gas, food, utilities) are much lower than NJ and our rush hour is nothing. If you can come down and see for yourself would really be best.

Good luck!

[lisah0822]

thanks for responding. his office is located at 10365 Cedar Lane,Glen Allen, VA .
can i ask why chamberlin street is not very good to be around? Is there area near any "ghetto" or crime area?
Do you know what specific towns are good to look in?
im super excited about the move, but scared because its happening soooo fast, lol. ive lived in NJ since i was 5 (i'm 28 now)
Thanks again!!!

[VA Yankee]

Originally Posted by lisah0822

thanks for responding. his office is located at 10365 Cedar Lane,Glen Allen, VA .
can i ask why chamberlin street is not very good to be around? Is there area near any "ghetto" or crime area?
Do you know what specific towns are good to look in?
im super excited about the move, but scared because its happening soooo fast, lol. ive lived in NJ since i was 5 (i'm 28 now)
Thanks again!!!

Hello again, I know exactly where he will be working, it's actually in Hanover County not Henrico County. I am from NY so I can think of all the NJ Stereotype jokes..just kidding.

Chamberlin & Azalea avenue area contains a high percentage of low income housing. Crime stats should be available online through the Henrico or City of Richmond police sites. A realtor once told me if it looks good during the day go to a convience store at night to see what it really looks like. I wouldn't go to a store in this area at night......

Unlike up north Henrico is incorporated as a county, there are no legal towns in the county. Glenn Allan is simply an area of the county but if you say Glenn Allan or Sandston or Innsbrook etc everyone know where you mean. Hanover County where your husband will work is the same way except they have one incorporated town, Ashland.

Both Henrico and Hanover have excellent school facilities and should be able to meet your childs special needs. That said I would look in Henrico west of Brook Road for an apartment in your price range. Hanover will have less rental options but you never know

If I knew what area of NJ your in I might be able to draw some parralels.

[lisah0822]

currently i live in East Windsor, NJ central jersey(about 20min north of trenton). nice area, but damn expesive. for a SMALL 2br apt we pay 1030.
and i guarantee all your nj stereotype jokes are true LOL

i actually found a couple of apartments in hanover county that seem nice.

Ashland Towne Square
204 Kings Arms Street
Ashland, VA 23005

and

Hunter's Woods
7438 Tack Room Drive
Mechanicsville
Richmond, VA 23111 -1952

do you know anything about these places or area?
i will be looking at the police sites to try to find more info as well.

thanks!!

[SmokeyBong420]

So many people from New Jersey moving here i've noticed... wonder why that is. walking around campus i see at least 3 NJ license plates per day

[VA Yankee]

Originally Posted by lisah0822

currently i live in East Windsor, NJ central jersey(about 20min north of trenton). nice area, but damn expesive. for a SMALL 2br apt we pay 1030.
and i guarantee all your nj stereotype jokes are true LOL

i actually found a couple of apartments in hanover county that seem nice.

Ashland Towne Square
204 Kings Arms Street
Ashland, VA 23005

and

Hunter's Woods
7438 Tack Room Drive
Mechanicsville
Richmond, VA 23111 -1952

do you know anything about these places or area?
i will be looking at the police sites to try to find more info as well.

thanks!!

Good Morning,

The Ashland complex you mentioned appears nice but may contain subsidized housing. The second complex appears nice but I am unsure about the area at night. To give you a distance perspective look in Henrico County at Springfield Rd and Hungry Road. That location is maybe 15 minutes from your husbands job. There are several nice comlexes in that area, good schools, convienient shopping (everything).

From what you mentioned your NJ rent is these should seem quite resonable. Utility rates run much lower here and water/sewage/trash should be provided by the complex. Many are all electric but alot have gas heat.

If you can get away you should really come down for a weekend once you see it .

[lisah0822]

thanks va yankee!!! i just did a search for subsidized housing, and the ashland zip code doesnt even show up for having S.H., so i'm guessing thats a good thing? The ashland townhomes is currently the place i have my heart set on. i spoke with a very nice lady from the apartments, and she said that the area is very good, and the schools are great (although she may just be trying to sell me, LOL).
we are going there Oct 10th, but i'm scared the one's i find and like, will be taken (the 3br's).
I'm debating on putting a downpayment for the ashland one, to hold it (which would be returned if we choose not to move there) but then we have a $50 app fee for me and my b/f. so if we decide NOT to go with that one, we are screwed outta $100.

too much to do, and too little time :-(

you have been very helpful, and i really really appreciate it. :-)

[VA Yankee]

Glad you found what you like. The schools are excelllant and the apartments appear nice. With you coming down early to look remember if it looks good at 1:00 in the afternoon revisit it at 7:00pm when everyone is home.

Best of luck on your move and Welcome to Virginia.....