Future retirees looking for diversity in Richmond suburbs from NOVA. (Chester: for sale, condos)

[KLA60]

My husband and I live in NOVA and love it, however we will need to downsize (spend less on housing) for retirement in a few years. We want to stay in VA, however, we are concerned about finding a friendly and diverse community similar to the one we live in now.
We're looking for a modest single family home in a neighborhood with walking paths, shopping and not too far from cultural venues such as art shows, etc.
Our budget is quite modest, but I see a lot for sale in our range in North Chesterfield, Midlothian and once in a while, Bon Aire.
Over the years, we've visited other southern (less urban) areas of our state that would seem nice until you noticed confederate flags flying on the front porch. We are a mixed race couple, with an even more diverse group of adult kids and their spouses so that all together, we would do a good job of representing half the United Nations.
Any suggestions?

[mpier015]

Originally Posted by KLA60

My husband and I live in NOVA and love it, however we will need to downsize (spend less on housing) for retirement in a few years. We want to stay in VA, however, we are concerned about finding a friendly and diverse community similar to the one we live in now.
We're looking for a modest single family home in a neighborhood with walking paths, shopping and not too far from cultural venues such as art shows, etc.
Our budget is quite modest, but I see a lot for sale in our range in North Chesterfield, Midlothian and once in a while, Bon Aire.
Over the years, we've visited other southern (less urban) areas of our state that would seem nice until you noticed confederate flags flying on the front porch. We are a mixed race couple, with an even more diverse group of adult kids and their spouses so that all together, we would do a good job of representing half the United Nations.
Any suggestions?

What style neighborhood are you looking for and whats the price range? Bon Air, Midlothian, Near West End, Glen Allen, Libbie Mill, Lakeside, Dumbarton could all do.

[KLA60]

We’re open to anything, but really like a wooded lot. No townhomes or condos. We want to spend around $250k for a 3 bd 2 ba, prefer a garage or workspace. A ranch would probably best to age into.

[mpier015]

Originally Posted by KLA60

We’re open to anything, but really like a wooded lot. No townhomes or condos. We want to spend around $250k for a 3 bd 2 ba, prefer a garage or workspace. A ranch would probably best to age into.

I think that you would like the Bon Air area. It would hit most of your marks, if not all.

[webster]

Finding a ranch is hard to do, but they are out there; they aren't being built much anymore. Check out zip code 23229,, 23238 and that area; $250 might be pushing it though. My niece and her wife live there and frankly nobody cares about a lesbian couple. The Confederate thing is there I suppose, but its not like it was and most folks in VA are not from here anymore. You will find prices drop on the southside of the James River. Once you reach Chesterfield they really start to drop. Be sure to find out if the house uses a well and septic tank; most don't, but some still do. Also, if you like gas heat, ask to be sure its there. The connection to my niece's stops before it reaches her house.

[KLA60]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[cbl1]

I wouldn't worry about some confederate flags in Chesterfield. For the most part its kinda a southern thing not showing the residence are racist. I don't believe you will find any race issues.

Yes Bon Air and maybe something near Midlothian village. It also gets much less expensive going down hull street - closer to amelia the cheaper.

[virgo]

Hello.

(1) For single level homes, I do this type of search: single story homes XXXXX (the Xs stand for the zip code). I put in the zip code 23114 for Midlothian, and realtor.com showed 101 homes.

(2) For single level homes in Bon Air, I typed this: single story homes Bon Air, VA (realtor.com showed 17 homes).

Hope this helps. Good luck.