Richmond area.... (Petersburg, Chester: section 8, apartments, rentals)

[Potter82]

I wrote another post on here about moving to Petersburg. My husband may be getting a job in Petersburg and the houses are cheaper, but I want to get some info on Richmond. I was born and raised in Baltimore. I grew up in relatively safe neighborhoods until I became an adult. Then, I had a drug dealer selling drugs on my steps and after I moved from that neighborhood she was wanted for murder. So, I am familiar with crime and feeling unsafe, but I also realize that when you live near a big city, crime is part of the whole package.
My questions is what are the good neighborhoods in Richmond. My husband and I don't like the suburbs and don't want to live in fabricated communities. We enjoy "city life"...living near stuff to do (restaurants, bars, movies, etc). We also value character and charm in a home. So, if anyone can recommend a reasonably safe "fun" neighborhood in the Richmond area that would be great. Thanks!

[Anders15]

As usual, your options are Carrytown and Shockoe Bottom. Living there (in the City of Richmond) is expensive though.

[richmondpics]

I'd highly recommend a visit.

Church Hill, The Fan District, and the Museum District / Carytown sound like pretty decent options for you. Depending on price and other factors others could include the area near Libbie and Grove (and Patterson), Westover Hills, Woodland Heights could work as well.

Richmond is blessed with many historic neighborhoods full of character. It's second only to St. Louis for use of historic tax credits for adaptive re-use and historic rehab projects.

Here's a link to details on some of the historic districts in Richmond, including some mentioned above and more.
http://www.historicrichmond.com/historicareas.html

There are some neat parts of Petersburg, but it's a very small place.

[Potter82]

Originally Posted by richmondpics

I'd highly recommend a visit.

Church Hill, The Fan District, and the Museum District / Carytown sound like pretty decent options for you. Depending on price and other factors others could include the area near Libbie and Grove (and Patterson), Westover Hills, Woodland Heights could work as well.

Richmond is blessed with many historic neighborhoods full of character. It's second only to St. Louis for use of historic tax credits for adaptive re-use and historic rehab projects.

Here's a link to details on some of the historic districts in Richmond, including some mentioned above and more.
Historic Richmond Foundation | Historic Areas

There are some neat parts of Petersburg, but it's a very small place.

What parts of Petersburg are you referring to? I, personally, don't care too much where we live as long as it's fairly safe, but my husband has his mind set on Petersburg. So, that is our first choice. If I get enough negative info about Petersburg, then I am definitely going to refuse to live there.

[richmondpics]

I think Olde Towne is neat. I haven't really ventured around Petersburg too much other than that.

This could be a good resource
Petersburg People’s News - Petersburg, Virginia

[luis84]

Carytown would be a good option. If you are looking for a 2BR apartment, you can find a decently nice one for about 1100 a month, don't expect good off-street parking in carytown though, do expect a beautiful area thats well worth the few inconviences of living there...

Check craigslist.com goto richmond and check rentals, it will give you a good idea.

[POTEflores]

Does anyone know anything about Hildreth ST, near Fairfield ave. I am looking to buy a house in the area. Thank you.

[AllTheWayToMemphis]

Where are you coming from, and do you need section 8 housing? Have you visited Richmond yet at all?

Fairfield Avenue is a VERY rough area of Richmond; I wouldn't consider it unless you're used to high crime areas or unless you need section 8 housing. Even then, you can probably find safer section 8.

I'm not saying you'll get shot and killed just sitting in your house or going out to your car, but there will definitely be some shady people around.

[Anders15]

NO. DO NOT LIVE ANY WHERE NEAR FAIRFIELD AVE. I was renting there for about 3-4 years ONLY because I was stuck in a rut. You WILL be killed there and I'm not joking or anything. I was renting in the apartments there about two years ago I think it's called Andover's Place now. That is a HORRIBLE location I do not see why that area is not closed down, condemned and then burned. Everything from cockroaches to police sirens and gunshots. I can't tell you how many times I could not even get into the complex because it was police taped off. Then you get farther down the street and oh my god.. you would be safer buck naked in new york.

In Richmond you get what you pay for. There are exceptions but usually if you see a entire community of cheap housing there is something wrong. Also living in the city is higher than the counties. Please look some where else if you can, there are plenty of cheap but still safer houses in Chesterfield and Midlothian.. or even Henrico.