Hipster cities: Austin's perspective on Richmond, VA? (live, better, crime)

[Tiger Beer]

Familiarity with Richmond, Virginia? Another hipster-oriented city? If so, I'm curious what you might have to say about it.

I'm personally interested in Richmond, Virginia. I used to think of it as just a city with a lot of crime. But, researching it more, it seems to have some great dense housing, a large college population, and a huge hipster scene. I'm not interested in hipsters exactly, but I do like the kinds of cities that hipsters are attracted to.

I'm curious from the Austin perspective, as I used to live in Portland, and loved the mentality of the people. Austin and Portland seem to attract the same kind of people. Plus, Austin is also considered southern, so it might illuminate Richmond in an entirely different way that people out on the West Coast might. So, Austinites, what do you think of Richmond, Virginia?

Positive or negative, it would all be interseting and informative. Even if you've only researched it, and never been there, that's alright as well. Even better if you have been there, or have lived, or considered living there though. But ANYTHING would be interesting.

[Shredding_Gnar78]

"hipster-oriented city" -a place filled with smelly idiots with no job skills

Marfa or Detroit.

HIPSTERS GTFO

[atxcio]

Well, been through there (all over the East Coast), and while Richmond may attract hipsters now... it's still got the same underlying East Coast culture, which is a negative to me. The people, the attitude, the work environment, the opportunities available... all very different feeling than any of the other places you describe. All of that may be fine if you are used to it, but I can't see it being attractive to someone from the West Coast or even Texas.

Yes, it does have some of the benefits of most east coast cities -- density, walkability, public transportation, varied geography. But honestly, if you are looking for an east coast hipster mecca, I'd go for Brooklyn or Hoboken. Those cities are definitely attractive to hipsters.

[fortwashingtonkid]

Originally Posted by atxcio

Well, been through there (all over the East Coast), and while Richmond may attract hipsters now... it's still got the same underlying East Coast culture, which is a negative to me. The people, the attitude, the work environment, the opportunities available... all very different feeling than any of the other places you describe. All of that may be fine if you are used to it, but I can't see it being attractive to someone from the West Coast or even Texas.

Yes, it does have some of the benefits of most east coast cities -- density, walkability, public transportation, varied geography. But honestly, if you are looking for an east coast hipster mecca, I'd go for Brooklyn or Hoboken. Those cities are definitely attractive to hipsters.

Richmond is pretty crappy (and violent).

Kills me that tiger beer wants to follow hipsters. But it makes sense as hipsters are merely followers themselves. Hipster is a negative connotation. It means you follow trends blindly and lost your soul somewhere along the way. It's a "look at me" narcissist thing. Nothing more. Be yourself.

Austin may have hipsters but don't let them fool you. This is a town ruled by the rich. There is really nothing liberal about Austin. Just another money mecca following ridiculous trends and losing it's identity (soul).

[Vuxa]

Richmond is no longer violent. The hipster scene is due to the highly liberal Virginia Commonwealth University. There is much emphasis on supporting local economy and businesses. The west end of Richmond has excellent public schools. The beach is only two hours east, while the country is even closer in the opposite direction. My grandfather was very involved in development of the James River waterfront, an attraction revered by locals and outsiders alike. Please don't come to live in Richmond. We don't want you here.

[Vuxa]

[quote=Vuxa;36206114]Richmond is no longer violent. The hipster scene is due to the highly liberal Virginia Commonwealth University. There is much emphasis on supporting local economy and businesses. The west end of Richmond has excellent public schools. The beach is only two hours east, while the country is even closer in the opposite direction. My grandfather was very involved in development of the James River waterfront, an attraction revered by locals and outsiders alike.

[TXEX06]

Good job quoting yourself man. No one cares about Richmond around here.

[Austinite101]

I'd go out on a limb and say that Richmond is a city that isn't at all on the minds of most Austinites and most would probably be indifferent anyways. Not saying Richmond is a bad city. It's just not among the cities that typically come up in conversation in the same way LA, Boston, or Portland do.

[Poquoson7]

....and no one cares about Tehas around here.....

[ViolentMimes]

Can the word hipster be banned from CD please??