Richmond from a different perspective (Oakton, Fairfax: transplants, condo, how much)

[runnergrl]

About 20 yrs ago...as newly weds, my husband and I moved to Richmond for his job. We lived in near Chesterfield...or near midlothian rd. I worked at the Thalheimers at the nearby mall and eventually at Chippenham medical center in the business office. We did all the novelty stuff when we moved there...going downtown...the tobacco company...shocko slip...and overall was depressing for us as young couple. Nothing to do...we had a hard time finding others like us (transplants). The locals seemed backwards or ina time warp. OUr favorite thing was driving up to DC...where after about a yr in Richmond we relocated there...and wow!!! we loved Nova....it was thriving, cultured and exciting for a young couple. We never looked back at Richmond...lol

Now we want to move back east....and would love to go back to Nova....however the industry in which my husband works....most the jobs are in Richmond....and now, we have a family and neighborhoods and schools are important....I just wonder can I see Richmond from a different perspective after 20 yrs ago? I am thinking it will still be the same...even from a different perspective.

[PickPatrick]

Twenty years brings alot of changes not only to individuals and their perspectives but also to Richmond. Richmond never was or will ever be a NOVA - but changed has progressed significantly over the years - Thalhimers has given way to Center Stage and Miller & Rhoads is a condo/hotel complex... come back for a visit and see where we are in 2009. In the meantime, check out:

YouTube - River City (Richmond, VA)


PS, I think Richmond is an outstanding place to raise a family!

[whynot?]

I'd suggest coming back for a visit. Most of my Richmond experience more or less parallels yours: I lived in DC/NoVa and had a second home here that I commuted back-and-forth from. Richmond (the whole area) has really changed quite a bit in the past 20 years: downtown has been revitalized somewhat, better and more savvy restaurants, and a sort of quiet change for the better in the arts, etc. There are MANY more transplants that have really changed the feel of almost every area I spend time in -- socially, culturally, and economically.

That said, it's not exactly "vibrant" in a NoVa way. In fact, I'd guess many people move here to avoid or escape the faster pace and random jumble of Northern Virginia. (Northern Virginia has changed/grown a lot, too, if you haven't been there recently. It's expanded its boundaries considerably to the west.) There are plenty of people in the Richmond area who embrace the changes and plenty who still wish it was the 50s. The area offers a strong sense of place, a reasonably stable job market, affordable living, relatively quick commutes, and good schools and helathcare -- that's nearly irresistible for a lot of folks.

I miss a lot about DC, but I'm older and have come to enjoy the pace of Richmond even though there are things that just drive me nuts. DC's still only a couple of hours away and Richmond does seem to be opening up a little. Since you've lived here before, a few days should tell you whether it's changed enough for you. I wouldn't compare it to LA, though.

Best of luck.

[runnergrl]

whynot,

I detest CA culture....I am not comparing the two...for there would be NO comparison, I know. I want out of here faster than anything cause 4 yrs here is 4 yrs too long. I dont want my children growing up in this culture.

I am a deep southern gal(ga native) who longs for southern culture, the respect and kindness extended even to strangers, people who still go to church on Sundays, etc....but can be open to the vitality that Nova offers. Thank you very much for your insight....believe me it is helpful. I will look into it more. Any recs on the prospering burbs....good schools and the like? Where would I find the transplanted families who love tradition, connections and enjoy somewhat of a vibe? lol

[RVA-Jsn20]

You want to be in the West End / Glen Allen / Short Pump / Midlo

None of those really existed 20 years ago and are just what you're looking for

[runnergrl]

thanks!

[whynot?]

Originally Posted by RVA-Jsn20

You want to be in the West End / Glen Allen / Short Pump / Midlo

None of those really existed 20 years ago and are just what you're looking for

I agree. Unless you want a less suburban existence. In any case, there are TONS of previous threads here that discuss schools and neighborhoods. You might want to start there (via the search feature), then ask specific questions.

[Blueice1]

I grew up and lived in Fairfax county , and little while in Warrenton - 34+ years....we now live in charlottesville, but spend alot of time over in richmond (mostly b/c of hockey)

We left Nova in 2002....it was horrible then and its way worse now....we go back up there a lot for family, hockey and CAPS games....Sunday afternoon....2pm and Rt 66 is a parking lot.

If you are talking schools and safe areas, there's only a handful that I'd consider (many NOVA folks will argue this point, but compared to Cville and even richmond, its mute IMO) Oakton and Vienna - north or west, have fantastic schools. less crime...it'll also cost you $$$ for a decent rambler, on a nice lot, you are looking at 500K to start...thats a farmette in richmond !! lol

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/gisapps...024x768#police

Click on the police incidents on the bottom, after saying you read the blah blah, and you can put in any address, change it to 1 sq mile - you can also navigate this site to look how much a house was last sold for.....:^)

Also - as much as I wished it wasn't so, Rt 95 to and from Dc is a nightmare...one day 1.5 hrs , the next 4 hours

We do a lot and like concerts, rests, and rarely "sit still" - Cville has a little, but we just have to drive to get there...its worth the trade off for quality of life and for the kids IMO

[runnergrl]

Blueice,

thanks for that perspective....that is so funny about the traffic in Nova....it was bad 18 yrs ago!! especially anything on 66....but I do remember the congestion on the secondary streets in Fairfax during high volume times. To think it could be even worse now....wow! and it certainly is a factor when the husband/father is dealing with it more. Right now my husband travels 80 round trip into LA....and it is wearing on him. Even though I remember how exciting the Nova area was, I do believe the traffic issue would get old very quickly!! That would definitely be a factor in us making that choice. family life is important and goes by way too quickly when the kids are still growing up. Richmond would be a better fit from that perspective.

I wonder are the Amtraks utilized well in getting to and from Richmond to Nova instead of the hwy?

[whynot?]

Originally Posted by runnergrl

. . . I wonder are the Amtraks utilized well in getting to and from Richmond to Nova instead of the hwy?

I tried that many, many times when I used to commute. The trains in both directions seemed to have nearly constant delays, making point-to-point travel on a schedule impossible. They may have improved in the past few years, but Amtrak doesn't seem to consider their routes south of DC as "commuter" service. (Much better service going north, from DC to NY or Boston.)

If you're serious about going by train, you can check the train you're interested in here: Amtrak Train Status History - Check On time performance and Amtrak Delays Just pick number for the train you'd take from Amtrak's schedule, then go to this site to see the delay pattern for the past three weeks.

Best of luck.