Family Moving to Richmond Area. Schools? Crime? Housing? (Chester, Glen Allen: crime rates, townhouse)

[rminion]

We have 3 boys and will be relocating to the Richmond Area (within 30 minutes or so). We've been researching online and are worried about Crime, Schools, and Housing Cost. We're looking for homes in the Low to Mid-200's.

[consideringamove]

I'm making the move right now, too. My husband's there now, the kids & I are still in MI. From what I'm told, Midlothian and Glen Allen are nice areas that you can find something in your price range.

[PickPatrick]

Price wise I donot think you will have an issue. I suggest you focus on school areas that may best serve your family. Each county has extensive webpages on their schools, programs, etc. Look at Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover counties for starters.

[camrynh]

Yes, price wise you should be fine, but you won't get a McMansion in your price range. A pp mentioned Midlothian -- there are some new developments and resales in the low to mid-200's with 4 bedrooms in the 2000 sq ft range. With few exceptions, Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover all have great schools. The bulk of the crime issues in Richmond are in the city itself. You can't completely escape it, but in the counties the crime rates are lower. I lived in Richmond city for a year and my DH and I had our car stolen from our townhouse parking lot 3 times. We moved to Chesterfield county, where we lived for 9 years. The only crime that ever occurred was that some kids switched our license plate with a car a few streets over.

[rminion]

Thank you. I've read that Midlothian is a good area and my job will be close. What about Short Pump? I've seen it brought up a couple times.
Also, Richmond's violent crime rating is a 7 out of 10. What areas should we avoid?
Thanks in advance!

[camrynh]

Short Pump is a great area, too. Don't know as much about it, but I believe you'll get more housing bang for your buck in Chesterfield county. Both areas have a lot of shopping/restaurants/entertainment close by, so there's plenty to do. Both get a decent amount of traffic at rush hour, too!

I'd say, having worked in downtown Richmond for a number of years that you're generally safe anywhere during the day. There isn't a lot to offer in downtown though, but there are plenty of good restaurants in areas of Richmond like the Fan, Museum District, that kind of thing. Cary Street has some nice restaurants and cute boutique shopping.

I, personally, would avoid living in Richmond city. Many people who do send their kids to private schools, the public schools just don't seem to be on par with those in the surrounding counties.