Suburbs Near Richmond (Windsor, Short Pump: to rent, insurance, house)

[htlong]

try mechanicsville,the property taxes in richmond are too high

[Jmier7]

My company wants me to relocate to Richmond.
I'm an empty nester, and prefer the city vs suburb.
However I would like to live in a house in a neighborhood vs a condo downtown. My house is within 10 min walking distance to just about everything, incl resturants, bars, post office, etc. and is also a great 'walking' neighborhood. I guess I might be spoiled a little.
I will probably rent a house first before buying again.
Are there any neighborhoods like that in Richmond?
Please help!

[richmondpics]

Try the Fan, West of the Boulevard, and maybe Oregon Hill neighborhoods.

I'd highly recommend the first two. I think you'd be impressed. Also, if you are working downtown, your commute would be mere minutes.

[Jmier7]

I won't be commuting, I have a home office, and will be leaving for field work after the major commute is over.
My concern is that the area (the Fan) is congested, and noisy. There is an area in Portland called 'the Pearl district', which sounds the same. It's great, it's hip, walk to everything, however, the traffic and parking is really bad, and you can't really move around that well.
I would like to live in a neighborhood of detached homes, however near shopping (non-mall), but away from the major hustle and bustle of the city.
Is the Fan district like that? or is it more congested, as 'the Pearl?

[htlong]

you will like the fan, carytown has all of the shops(non mall) one could want, they are fixed up really nice and it is a joy to just walk through carytown it is so pleasant. i would say the fan is your destination!

[Jmier7]

htlong-
So there is parking in the fan? And the houses are detached? I'm sorry, but I used to live in a very crowded city with houses backed up right against each other, where you could hear your next door neighbors tv in their bedroom when you went to bed. I couldn't do that anymore!
One issue with the parking is that I own a new car, and the company also provides a vehicle, this means that I will have two to park. If there are restrictions, it will mean a hassle. Now, I can park both in my long driveway.
Sorry for all of the questions, but i'm over here on in the northwest and cant easily drive to Richmond.
Jamier

[richmondpics]

You might like the area around what's called Libby and Grove. The houses are detached with small yards and lots of character. Here's a link. These neighborhoods put you about 10 minutes from downtown, sometimes less.
http://www.richmondgov.com/departmen...e/westend.aspx

What's the price range? Also, it may be harder to find rental properties in these neighborhoods. At the intersection of Libby and Grove, there is a nice collection of shops, restaurants, and even a small grocery market ...Joe's Market ...and the area's arts movie theater, the Westhampton.

Oh, and parking wouldn't be a problem.

[dizliz0925]

This is some great info.
My wife and I are looking to relocate to the Richmond area.
Currently, we live in N Florida, in a historic district and the Fan and other areas near there sound similarly to where we live.

What are the proce ranges for say a 3/2 1700 sf bungalow?

Ant word on Catholic schools in the area? Neither of us are Catholic, but the school system down here is horrible, so we planned on CAtholic School, which is well above average.

Thanks.
-Dean

[Jmier7]

richmondpics
Thanks for the info. Acutally, I'll be renting first, then seeing just where the new job will lead me. If I was in the market to buy it would be in the 300-400k range max. I'm not sure of just what a dollar will buy, that's why I'll rent first.
So is the west end quiet being so close to downtown? I wanted to rent a house because of the usual 'stuff' I own, and space I need (I'm pulling out the entitlement card here).
Hey, do people brew beer there???? are there brew suppliers?? you know grains, hops, yeast etc??
Thanks
Jamier

[richmondpics]

The West End (within the city limits) that I mentioned near Libby and Grove and the Country Club of Virginia is definitely quiet. I think you'd be able to find some homes in that area with your price range, but I haven't checked or anything. It's also near some very expensive areas like Windsor Farms, but don't let that discourage you.

Brewing as in home brewing? I think some people do it. I went to a beer festival last summer where they had vendors selling kits, grains/hops/yeast, etc... I think you'd be able to find something along those lines. There's also two great microbreweries in town: Legend Brewing Co. and Richbrau Brewing Company. Also, Capital Ale House (downtown) has around 50 beers on tap and over 200 bottled brews at any given time. They rotate and the beer menu changes daily. Really great place if you're into hard to find beers. There are also several beer festivals a year, even a 5k beer run