relocating to Richmond from Florida (Chester, Glen Allen: real estate, crime, house)

[bluefog]

Hi Everyone,
I am looking to relocate to Richmond, with my wife and two kids (12/13 yoa). I am seeking information about where the best school districts are located. I have one starting high school and one going into the 8th grade. I have never been to Richmond and am looking for the Nirvana location, if it can be found.
Thanks,
Joe

[sls76]

In Henrico County, you want to be assigned to Deep Run or Godwin High Schools. I believe the middle schools that feed into those high schools are Short Pump and Pocahontas. Chesterfield County also has some great options, but I'm not familiar with their schools. If you're looking on a real estate website, you want the part of zip code 23059 that feeds into Deep Run High and I believe all of 23233 would feed into one of those high schools. There may be other zip codes that also feed into Godwin.

[bluefog]

Thanks for the information! I am going to look up those zip codes for the best school options. As may understand the schools are the driving force behind my area selection. Thanks, again!

[sls76]

Originally Posted by bluefog

Thanks for the information! I am going to look up those zip codes for the best school options. As may understand the schools are the driving force behind my area selection. Thanks, again!

I definitely understand. We chose the elementary school first and then found a house when we moved back to Richmond last year.

[bluefog]

Hi,
Do you have any insight and thoughts on the community of Glen Allen? It seems rather nice and just far enough out of the city for a decent commute. I am looking for a safe and well maintained area for me and my family.
Thanks!

[sls76]

We live in Glen Allen. Glen Allen has some parts that are not assigned to the best schools though, so that's where you want to make sure the high school assignment is Deep Run if that's a concern for you (it was for us). Glen Allen is safe and convenient. In ten minutes I can be to almost any store I regularly shop at. Some people will say this area is congested, but I don't see it. I grew up in the suburbs of NYC and have lived in Northern Virginia and Chicago (city and suburbs) though, so I probably have a high tolerance for traffic and I am able to hit the stores during non-peak times because I stay at home. I'm not sure what you're used to, but the drawback for me is that the lots are generally small, it's pricey and there are a lot of vinyl boxes/cookie cutter subdivisions. Education is our family's top priority, so I'm learning to deal with these issues. If you're looking for a large pool neighborhood, I'd recommend Twin Hickory or Wyndham (or Grey Oaks which is newer but has few homes under $500k compared to the other two). There are also lots of smaller subdivisions without pools to look at.

[bluefog]

Thanks again for your help and insight! I will look at the communities you mentioned, as well!
Again, the school system is our main concern, so I appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks!

[ellieb128]

I'll put in a plug for Chesterfield specifically James River and Midlothian High Schools. GREAT schools and great neighborhoods. We looked all over the west end, specifically around Deep Run but we wanted a little land (acre). The zip codes 23113 and 23114 would be great places to look.

[PaliBoy20]

I live in 23114, graduated Midlothian High School in '06, sister graduated there in '09, and I have another 8 year old sister attending Watkins Elementary. Great area for schools. When we relocated here from TN, it was between the Deep Run High district and Midlothian High district, we chose Midlothian. Just the overall feel was better. Now, granted, at that time, Deep Run High was so new that they didn't have seniors yet, lol. But yes, as stated above, James River and Midlothian are among the top in the country and are the most notable in the Chesterfield area. The crime is quite low as well and you are no further than 20-25 minutes from anything around here whether it be Henrico, Richmond city, 288, Powhite, etc.

[onevthoki]

I'll also plug Chesterfield County and their school system. But I also think that as a whole, you will not go wrong with either Chesterfield or Henrico. And while many talk about picking their homes based on a certain school assignment, please be aware that redistricting DOES occur here, and make sure you are happy with all of the area schools in the event the home you purchase does get redistricted.

Good luck with your research and move!