moving to va (Richmond, Chester, Matoaca: high crime, homes, neighborhoods)

[juanita lopes]

This is a new beginning for me. I have never moved out of state. I'm moving to VA from Massachusetts in time for the new school year 2007-2008. Which is a good county to move to. I am considering Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Richmond. For a newcomer what would be my greatest happiness in any one of these counties. Where will i be most happy. I have children and want them to be able to enjoy their neighborhood.

I Need lots of help with suggestions on schools. Im looking at the chesterfield county schools. Which ones are good and which are not. Im looking for both middle and high schools. I heard Matoaca and L.C. Byrd are good schools. Im concerned if I move to a county I will not be able to get the school of my choice. How do I go about getting the school im considering. Is chesterfield very far from richmond. I have family there.
Thanks
Juanita

[disselk]

Hi, we recently moved to Chesterfield county from out of state. The best Chesterfield HS's as commonly accepted are James River, Cosby (brand new this year - where our daughter goes), Clover Hill (not sure how redistricting is changing that school with opening of Cosby this year so watch out), and Midlothian. You want to stay north in Chesterfield County. In Richmond, being "south of the (James) River" is like living on the wrong side of town if you are a native Richmonder. But ignore those folks. THe perception goes back decades and just self-serving to the folks in Richmond's high crime West End who have elevated home prices beyond belief. Chesterfield County is pretty newly developed, roads/interstates are new. There can be conjestion but nothing like up north. Property taxes are low, no local tax, and we feel safe in the area at any time. There aren't many parks (we came from a couple of places along the line with excellent parks and zoo's) but there are many planned communities with family ammenities galore. We live in Wood Lake - we have six pools, it's on a 1700 acre lake, there are 12 miles of paved trails including tunnels under the main roads so kids don't have to cross the streets. The association has events and classes and groups of all sorts. Schools were built right into the neighborhood. Good junior highs (middle schools) are Swift Creek, Midlothian, not sure of too many others. We have an 8th and 11th graders and are very satisifed with the schools. We were spoiled too having come from all private schools. You won't find many of those in Chesterfield. You do have to drive to find decent shopping - that's a bummer and the restaurants are all chains pretty much. I suppose over time as the area ages/develops entrepreneurs will start opening up more unique eateries. Oh, wildlife is abundant in the area too. We see deer frequently and all sorts wildlife in the area and even our yard. Everyone has their likes/dislikes. It's all relative to where you lived before and what you like to do. You've got to look at your own quality of life/enjoyment factors, cost and long term forecast for the area. Richmond area is always rated highly and the forecasts are great for the area according to the news. Good luck.

[Late_April]

If you are seriously considering Richmond I think you might want to do some more research online. If I had children it is one of the last places I would ever consider moving. Unless you have money and can afford a higher quality of living, look elsewhere.

[meplus3]

I lived in Richmond for many years and I have lived
on the southside...by the veterans hospital....in Chesterfield...by the courthouse...by the mall and
the west end...off parham rd....also by the mall and
gayton crossing...I left before any of my kids reached school age . The schools are very crowded...and so are the neighborhoods...I can't see over paying for a house...just to look out my window and straight through my neighbors

[jim32554]

Juanita, since you mentioned that you have family in the Richmond area, have you spoken to them to ask their opinions on where they think you should go? How did you come up with Chesterfield? What about a job? how are the prospects for you? and what are the price ranges of the homes in the areas you mentioned? How far from Richmond are you willing to live? an hour, 2 hours?

[stagemahem]

Personally I remember hearing gunshots out my window growing up. From what the news says it's not much better now. Richmond had it's first murder of the year a few days ago and they were really happy that they went this long.

Henrico is known for it's school systems in fact they were the first in the state to supply all their students with laptops.

Chesterfield is nice, but getting very crowded.

Just my opinion

[sallybell]

to all those who said richmond is "dangerous"- you are idiots. it can be dangerous, but like everywhere else in the whole world it depends on where you live. certain areas of the city are not good i will admit, but i never plan on living there. i wouldn't want to live around hull street road for example in the city limits. but the counties? they are fine and very family oriented.

my suggestion to all of you thinking of moving to ric is to do your research. go online to sites like this and post your messages. that's why sites like this exist.

both chesterfield and henrico counties are nice and i am sure you won't be hearing gunshots. give me a break.

[juanita lopes]

Thank you for your input. It is great to hear good things about Chesterfield. This is where i have narrowed my search down for housing and schools. All the info that i have come across has been good.
Juanita

Originally Posted by sallybell

to all those who said richmond is "dangerous"- you are idiots. it can be dangerous, but like everywhere else in the whole world it depends on where you live. certain areas of the city are not good i will admit, but i never plan on living there. i wouldn't want to live around hull street road for example in the city limits. but the counties? they are fine and very family oriented.

my suggestion to all of you thinking of moving to ric is to do your research. go online to sites like this and post your messages. that's why sites like this exist.

both chesterfield and henrico counties are nice and i am sure you won't be hearing gunshots. give me a break.