Upscale Richmond Apartment/Loft (Laurel, Cana: apartments, rental, lofts)

[skifreak26]

Hi everyone, I'll be moving to Richmond (from Canada) in July along with my girlfriend for work. We'll only be staying a year, so we're looking to rent. We're both young professionals (doctor, accountant), looking for an apartment or loft with an upscale feel in a safe, clean environment, preferably no animals allowed. I've found a couple of places in Short Pump which seem like good spots (Flats, Madison Spring Oak, Reflections at West Creek), but they seem to be a little far from the Fan and Laurel where we'll be working.....how's the traffic? Anyhow, whatever advice would be greatly appreciated.

[sls76]

Any interest in living downtown? I've lived at Madison at Spring Oak (when it first opened in '02) and it's a typical garden style apartment. I'd only lived in high rises before and that was a big adjustment and noise was an issue. The other two are probably similar with the Flats being the newest. I know the Flats allows pets. People complain about Short Pump traffic. It's bad on the weekends, but it depends on your point of reference. I've lived in the suburbs of NYC, Northern Virginia, and Chicago so to me it is a non issue. All three are convenient to everyday shopping (grocery stores, big box stores, etc) and Short Pump Town Center which is a great outdoor mall.

I have a family member that lives in the Lucky Strike building in Shokoe Bottom and loves it. Whenever I visit her there seem to be a lot of young professionals. She looked at Pohlig Box factory too which is a very neat building.

[Intermestic]

SLS, can you suggest some places downtown as well?

[sls76]

Originally Posted by Intermestic

SLS, can you suggest some places downtown as well?

Honestly, I don't know downtown well. My sister moved here this fall and she is more of an urban dweller than I am and she did a lot of research and the only units she looked at were in Shokoe Bottom. I loved Pohlig Box Factory but there wasn't anything available that suited her needs. She looked at a ton of units in the River Lofts--some much nicer than others--and ended up falling in love with a unit in the Lucky Strike building. She seems quite content there. Other than that, I just am completely unfamiliar with downtown living.

[4sankofa]

Look at Rocketts Landing downtown near the river - there is also a great restaurant call Bookbinders which is located in a building downtown/slip area that has apartments & lofts in there

[Charlesaf3]

If you are worried about distance from the fan, why not live in it? It's a nice place to live.

[pondjc]

Look at riverside on the james (1101 Haxall Pt), they are private owned but usually some for rent. I'm a professional as well and looked at EVERY rental in downtown RIC before picking this place. It's walking distance to everything, SECURE GARAGED parking and some nice views.