What cities are most like Richmond, but on a bigger scale? (crime rate, neighborhoods)

[AllTheWayToMemphis]

Just wondering, as this question occurred to me lately while I was driving through Church Hill.

I like Richmond. I really do. I like the Southern architecture, the distinct neighborhoods, the history, the scenery (overlooking downtown from certain places in Church Hill is still amazing), the mild weather, the fact that it's decently-sized without having much traffic, the community activism, Carytown, the surprising amount of good restaurants, etc.

However, I've lived here all my life and I'm really itching to go. Plus, some of the things I don't like about Richmond are starting to irritate me: the people (everyone seems to be extremely yuppie [most of the bars and clubs here cater to this crowd] or extremely hip [PBR, fixed gear bikes, etc.] with very little in-between; the suburbs; the lack of great record stores, book stores, nightlife, etc. (which is expected for a city this size).

Basically, I really like the city itself, but I want to be somewhere else for a while. While I may end up moving somewhere completely different (as I've written about before, I really liked Salt Lake City while I was there), I think I would be most "at home" in a place with a similar feel to Richmond. I would like to be somewhere a bit bigger, however.

Does anywhere else have a good mix of the things I DO like Richmond, on a larger scale (maybe with more arts, culture, nightlife, etc)? Thanks!

[Nebat]

I always thought Baltimore was similar to Richmond, just a million or so people bigger metro. The downtowns have similar height buildings, Balto just has a few more a bit taller. Terrible crime rate though. Much bigger cities: Philadelphia, Boston, New York(much, much bigger) Most people will disagree with me, but the reason I thought of these is they are all about the same age as Richmond, with old historic neighborhoods, Revolutionary War history, and the old gritty city feel. These cities will have everything Richmond has plus pro sports and world class museums and shopping. Much more international diversity as well. Pittsburgh would be another good option, as it is about the same or cheaper in cost of living. I've been to every one of these cities except Boston and thought Richmond held some similarities with all of them.

[Anders15]

Raleigh has always seemed like a bigger, cleaner and more modern Richmond. Not sure how true my assumptions are though.

[Anders15]

Raleigh has always seemed like a bigger, cleaner and more modern Richmond. Not sure how correct my assumptions are though.

[jesrush]

I second the Baltimore suggestion. It's a little grittier and less friendly--but its kind of a supersized version of Richmond.

[vman650]

You may want to consider Atlanta. It is southern with a good number of older buildings and a long history. It is certainly bigger and more diversified. You will in all likelihood be able to find what you are looking for there in terms of nightlife, book and record stores and the kind of people you feel most comfortable with. Air Tran runs specials all the time to Atlanta and you may want to try spending a weekend there. Good luck in your quest. Perhaps you may come back to Richmond some day, it really is a pretty nice place to live despite all of its shortcomings and problems.

[ramblin man]

Mayberry.

Just kidding. I always though Charlotte and Raleigh were similar to Richmond when I visited them. Charleston maybe. Atlanta as well.