Should we move closer to the city? Bored of suburbia.

[ledsric]

I just re-read some of the conversation above, and let me assure you, it's safe. In my opinion, there is so much fear of the unknown, and those people who site "safety" as their main reason for fleeing our cities and settling down in the suburbs are simply misinformed. Frankly, the biggest threat I typically face is that my street-parked car might get smashed up by someone driving too fast. Would I trade that threat just so I can have my own driveway? No way.

And like you said to MrsStewart, yes, I do think that folks in the city tend to be more into the cultural institutions and to supporting some of their local businesses. Our church is right in our neighborhood and affords us many many opportunities to be involved both in the non-profit world and in various social situations. We walk down to the VMFA to peek at a few paintings and grab some lunch. We walk to the Byrd theatre for an inexpensive movie. We drive a mile to get to the theater and a great dinner out. We go down to VCU for the Richmond Forum.

I could go on and on ... sorry. Feel free to DM if you want more perspective!!

[4sankofa]

I understand what you are saying. Even though Chesterfield is only across the bridge - once you cross the bridge - you are really in another world - Chesterfield built too many suburbs too fast without the other cultural stuff - they have some parks , movie theaters, and shopping ou have to come but not much more. You have to come across the bridge to get the other stuff and that can be draining after you worked all day.

There are burbs on the city side of the river that would suit you better - for some folks quality of life is more than just living in a cookie cutter neighborhood - that's like living in a bowl while the world goes on around you

[PickPatrick]

ledsric -- I share your enthusiasm!! The key words are Vibrant and Convenient -- while the city is not for everyone, for those that want an urban home it is a pretty darn great one!

[AMProf]

About a year ago we started contenplating our move back to Richmond and were in a dilemma like yours.....we wanted city living but we're public school types and just couldn't handle the risk and uncertainty of Richmond public schools (elementary in the city appears to be fine but few people we talked to kept their kids in the Richmond public schools at the middle and high school levels...unless it was Govenor's school or some other type of creative, but uncertain, option). We opted to go JUST over the county line in the Westham/UR area (near corner of Patterson and Three Chopt). It has been a great decision. Small lots, older homes, close knit community feel. A LOT of people in the neighborhood who used to live in the city but then moved here when their kids hit school age. Great public schools, BTW. You can't really walk to restaurants but the options around the Village shopping center or near Libbie and Grove are a very short car ride.

[Charlesaf3]

suburbia is boring. I live with my wife and daughter in the fan. It really is better.

Moving from one part of perfectly fine suburbia to another part of perfectly fine suburbia would miss the point a bit...

Downside of living in the city? Schools past elementary... To my mind private school is a small price to pay to avoid the burbs

[Mark.rva]

My wife, son and myself live near Forest Hill. We love being so close to the Farmers Market, Local Restaurants, and still always having a place to park our car. There is a home for sale right around the corner from us. Private Message me and I can send you the details, would fit a family of 6 perfectly!!

[AJNEOA]

Originally Posted by Charlesaf3

suburbia is boring. I live with my wife and daughter in the fan. It really is better.

Moving from one part of perfectly fine suburbia to another part of perfectly fine suburbia would miss the point a bit...

Downside of living in the city? Schools past elementary... To my mind private school is a small price to pay to avoid the burbs

Agreed. Not that suburbia is all bad, it's just not for me. I find most of suburbia the same, so a move is pointless.

Living in the city, and being able to park the car for at least the weekend is very nice. I also like being able to walk to the museums, parks, or catch the bus to downtown (5 min ride). Much better than a car-centric life IMHO.

Also, I find that people that live in the burbs can be very scared of the city. I'm speaking from my personal experiences. People at work who live in the burbs always talk about how violent the city is. They don't seem to realize that most crime is localized to specific areas (e.g. projects). Then when I tell them that, I commonly hear them say they haven't been into the city for years!

[Charlesaf3]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

Also, I find that people that live in the burbs can be very scared of the city. I'm speaking from my personal experiences. People at work who live in the burbs always talk about how violent the city is. They don't seem to realize that most crime is localized to specific areas (e.g. projects). Then when I tell them that, I commonly hear them say they haven't been into the city for years!

This is SO true. The Fan and west is basically as safe as suburbia. Yet somehow there seems to be this bizarre perception that its crime ridden.

I do confess I still use my car, even though there's often no need. Its just so easy - ironically, though unsurprisingly if you think about, the city is actually much easier to drive in. All the traffic is in the burbs where people are forced into their cars for everything