Old Manchester versus Shockoe Bottom/Shockoe Slip (Richmond: apartments, transfer)

[Darin77]

I got a new job in the Richmond area and need advice on getting an apartment in Old Manchester versus Shockoe Bottom or Shockoe Slip. One apartment is on 1200 Semmes in Old Manchester and the other is at 15th and main in Shockoe Bottom. I will not be having a car right away and want to be near transit and in a safe and walkable community...at least near a grocery store. I have seen mixed reviews on both. I heard Shockoe Bottom can be a party area, loud, can have party traffic, parking is a problem and there is a train that runs near it. I do like quiet. On the other hand I hear Old Manchester can have some shady areas and have crime. My new job is near Hull street and 18th and I will be taking transit. Can anyone give me any recommendations. The apartments seem ridiculously high on both sides. Thanks.!

[richmondpics]

What's your budget and what do you look for in a neighborhood? I would see which transit lines get you to your job and back track to see what interesting areas are also on the same line (transfers aren't ideal).

[Darin77]

my budget is between 800 to 950. Safety is first on my list. I look for an area where I can get to the grocer and walkable. Also I want to be in a quiet area and quiet residents...I'm in my late 30s so I'm over the party scene.

[richmondpics]

I think an apartment in/near the Museum District/Carytown would be better. It would require a longer commute though.

[spencer114]

Well getting to a grocery store in Manchester would be more difficult. There is a full service grocery store in the Bottom at 25th and Main.

The apartment in Manchester is probably nicer, quieter and closer to work. There are a few small markets and convenience stores in Manchester and a Dollar Tree one block off of Semmes so your junk food and impulse buys will be easy.

[MandalayVA]

If you want quiet stay away from Shockoe Bottom and Slip. The Bottom in particular has a lot of bars and clubs and it can get very noisy, particularly on the weekends. I work in Old Manchester--I have a feeling the apartment building next door to my office is one of the places where you're looking--and while it's quiet there's not much there. You may want to consider Church Hill (warning: I live there so bias might come into play). If you look north of Broad Street you may find something within your price range, but don't go too far north because you start getting near crime. Church Hill is right above Shockoe Bottom so it's close to the Market mentioned above, plus there are a lot of cool restaurants and it's quiet.