Moving to Richmond area from CA (Fredericksburg, Glen Allen: crime, houses, neighborhoods)

[abelvaid]

We are planning to move to Richmond area from CA. I am from India and my wife is US born Mexican. We have 2 children 6 years old boy and 2 years old girl. We are worried about the diversity and racism at work and at school. Its a great opportunity for me to grow professionally. Please guide us. thanks.

[540_804]

I can't be 100% sure, of course, but there is a quite sizable Indian population in Richmond, and I don't think there is much of a problem with racism. Im African-American and I have quite a few Indian friends and I've never encountered much racism and they have never spoken to me about encountering any either. There are quite a few Indian doctors at VCUHealh Systems, and though I can't speak on their experience, I've never really heard of any instances of racism.

There's quite a bit of diversity from what I can see. Its probably important to note, however, that my experience is from the perspective of a university students so while there is a lot of diversity on campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods, the same level of diversity may not be present elsewhere in the city. Maybe another forum user can give some input.

[sls76]

There is a high concentration of Indian families in the Short Pump area, especially in the neighborhoods less than ten years old. I personally would not worry about racism, at least in this part of town.

ETA: I'm not sure if you're looking for a recommendation for a good public school for your 6 year old, but Twin Hickory and Colonial Trail are both excellent schools with fairly diverse student bodies.

[abelvaid]

We are looking to buy a house in Medlothian and my work is in Richmond and Fredricksburg. Is this a good place to live and commute and how about the schools?

[sls76]

Originally Posted by abelvaid

We are looking to buy a house in Medlothian and my work is in Richmond and Fredricksburg. Is this a good place to live and commute and how about the schools?

Any particular reason you choose Midlothian? The commute to Fredericksburg would be shorter from Glen Allen. Midlothian has a lot of great schools. I have no idea about diversity, but again I would guess that the newer neighborhoods (less than 10 years old) will be more diverse.

[jhall3131]

Midlothian is a great area when you consider schools, hospitals, sports activities, and closeness to shopping areas.

I am fixing up a home currently that has three large bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a wooded area close to an acre behind it.

[PaliBoy20]

I am Palestinian and live in Midlothian. I never really encountered any racism. Most of the people in the neighborhoods around here are pretty accepting and really nice. Has a lot of great schools (nationally ranked..James River, Midlothian of the most notable). A lot of activities and places to go to on Hull Street and Midlothian Turnpike..houses aren't overly expensive. Crime isn't as high as surrounding areas either. The commute to F'burg would be closer from Glen Allen but not TOO bad from Midlothian...and the commute to Richmond is a good 20 minutes or so (I do it everyday, not bad at all).

[TrinaLC]

There is a HUGE Indian community in Richmond. Google and you will find lots of resources. Every year it is the host to a gigantic festival Moderator cut: link removed, please read our terms of service

[PickPatrick]

you might also want to checkout: Greater Richmond Bengali Association

[TrinaLC]

Glen Allen would certainly be more convenient (closer to I95 and Frederickburg). Great schools, shopping, restaurants, movie theaters etc. Here's a bit of an offbeat suggestion if you are visiting the area: stop by the Malabar restaurant on Lauderdale Avenue - about a mile to the right south of where it ends on broad street (opposite the Short Pump mall). ( Moderator cut: link removed, please read our terms of service). The owner has lived in the area for at least a decade, and he, his staff and many Indian regulars would I am sure be more than happy to talk to you. (Even if you are not in the area, I bet they'd be happy to talk to you on the phone.)