Two 20-somethings moving to Richmond (Washington: apartment complex, for rent, insurance)

[sminerva21]

Hi everyone,

My boyfriend and I currently live in the Hudson Valley, about an hour north of Manhattan. We're in our early 20s and are sick of paying an arm and a leg for renting a semi-crappy apartment just to be kind of near the city (especially because we're not able to save anything for our future this way). Manhattan is a dream locale for us, but we want to move somewhere where we can have a semi-urban setting, but be able to save some bucks in the meantime (and maybe relax a little after being in the harried world of New Yorkers for so long!). We are seriously considering moving to Richmond. My boyfriend has some relatives who live there and they said it's a great place for people in their 20s, especially if you live in the West side. We're planning on visiting before we move next year, but does anyone have any thoughts on our move? Basically, we don't want to be in a Hicksville-type setting, but have beaches and fun in the sun be a car drive away. We would move into an apartment complex, and culture, history and plentiful shopping is ideal for me! Any advice or impressions on the city, especially job growth and annual salaries would be helpful. We're both in Marketing/PR. He's going to want to stay in that field, but I'm open to anything in Communications or even broadening my career in catering/event planning.

Thanks!

[ggreen]

This is a great place for young people who like the outdoors, low-key fun, music, history, easy weekend trips (beach/mountains/DC museums all 2 hours or less) and non-pretentiousness. Hot spots for people your age are the Fan and Carytown. Coffee shops, bookstores, cool shops, interesting architecture. A mini version of what you might have in NY. There are several "luxury-type" apartments in the West End if that's what you're looking for, and all different kinds of housing options. Everything in Richmond is about 15 minutes from anything. There is a shortage of skilled workers now and the unemployment rate is extremely low -- get a copy of the local newspaper, the Times-Dispatch (or you can view it online at www.timesdispatch.com) to take a look. You'll be impressed. Housing has jumped lately, but you'll find it a steal compared to where you are. Wages can be low compared to NY, but the tax structure, insurance, etc. are too. You mentioned a place to "slow down for a while and get ahead." You'll find that here. Also check out richmond.com to see about entertainment, restaurants. We moved here from extremely pricey Sonoma County, CA 3 years ago and love it. Richmond has been very very good to us!
Visiting for a feel of the place is a great way to go.
Good luck!

[sminerva21]

Hey, thanks so much for all that info! That does help a lot to know that we'll be looking into a place that seems a little like home, but has the advantages of a little southern hospitality and charm. This makes me feel much better ... thanks again.

[ggreen]

You're quite welcome!
Best of luck to you both!

[delmarva]

Richmond is a great place to live if you can deal with the violent teenage (and pre-teen) youth gangs. Most Richmonders who live in the city accept it as a way of lfe. Nobody is real concerned--even the city government. On the 4th of July, a youth gang attacked and robbed a group of people watching the city's annual fireworks display. Hours later, young man was shot in the head in the Fan District--the 4th violent crime reported in that area that night. Most of the thugs and crackheads come from the remaining housing projects. The Mayor should declare a "crime" state of emergency--like the Mayor of Washington, DC did last week? What a shame!

[htlong]

hey i just stay out of the city...most of the larger citys have trouble with gangs . richmond has been run by some pretty lberal,and shady councilman and mayors/city managers. but i feel the calvary has come to the rescue with doug wilder as mayor ...just give him time and i bet he cleans up dodge! right now hes cleaning up the govt depts, ie:school board, city council and their budget..or as it would seem their personal play money! he has a lot to do but he will get it done!