Thinking of Moving to Richmond - good for young people? (Cana: houses, neighborhoods)

[kittygroomer]

After we're married, my soon to be husband and I were thinking of leaving Philadelphia and setting up our new life in VA. We are in our mid to late twenties.

After looking at the pictures, Richmond seems like an interesting place. Are the pictures deceiving?

What is the night life like - bars, clubs, music? Are there cute, single houses to buy with yards for gardens and animals? We are also vegetarian, are there options for us in that department?

Any of you guys who live in the Richmond area, can you let me know what direction I should be looking in?

[Anders15]

If you are talking about a 'college scene' nightlife you can forget about it.

You may find a few bars or clubs but they're nothing to get excited about, mostly restaurants. Even with that said Richmond is extremely self segregated so what style are you into or looking for?

Some listings here, not sure how up to date they are though:
List of clubs in Richmond

List of clubs in D.C.

More Richmond info here:
http://www2.richmond.com/home/
Venture Richmond
River District News - Richmond, Virginia
Shockoe Bottom Bars & Clubs in Arts & Entertainment on Citysearch[/quote]
http://richmond.citysearch.com/profi..._day_cafe.html

If you want a true party experience you will have to head to DC because for the most partying is taboo in Richmond as of late. Most people move here to retire and watch the leaves turn color on Monument Ave with their pets.

[mrstewart]

Yes, there are several places with small houses with yards for gardening and animals...try the Glenburnie area...

[ric75]

Well no offense to Anders but I wouldn't necessarily take the word of one of Richmond's most outspoken online malcontents. The art and music scene definitely trumps the nightlife "club" scene but that has more to do with Virginia's ABC laws than anything else. Richmond's best dance party is happening on a Tuesday night believe it or not but suggests there may be more options in the future. The best places for going out "club style" IMO are Bank and Vault, Lucky Buddha, The Tobacco Company, and the Hat Factory for RVAlution. In general though you're more likely to find good hole-in-the-wall bars tucked away into the neighborhoods than you are a true club scene. It wouldn't be difficult to find some good live music any night of the week at venues like The National, The Hat Factory, The Camel, Gallery 5, The Canal Club, The Triple, or Plaza Bowl to name a few. I don't think you would have much trouble as a vegetarian here either. Check out these links for a better glimpse of Richmond's scene and community news.

http://www.rvamag.com
Home
The Richmond Scene
Richmond Virginia Blogs on Art, Politics, News, & Life in Richmond - RVABlogs
http://www.rvanews.com
http://www.styleweekly.com

Good luck!

[kittygroomer]

I've heard a lot about The Fan area, is that an ideal spot for me in terms of having lots to do as a younger couple, but still getting a decent house with a yard. Or are there mostly row homes?

[mrstewart]

Originally Posted by kittygroomer

I've heard a lot about The Fan area, is that an ideal spot for me in terms of having lots to do as a younger couple, but still getting a decent house with a yard. Or are there mostly row homes?

I would seriously look in the Glenburnie area of town...still in Richmond proper, small brick homes built in the 30's and 40's with very manageable back yards, close enough to walk to shops and restaurants...great for small families or couples.

[Nebat]

Originally Posted by kittygroomer

I've heard a lot about The Fan area, is that an ideal spot for me in terms of having lots to do as a younger couple, but still getting a decent house with a yard. Or are there mostly row homes?

The Fan area might appeal to you. I've always thought of Richmond as a small version of Philadelphia, and the Fan might remind you a little of Society Hill or the Old City neighborhoods of Philly. Church Hill overlooking downtown Richmond might work too. And one benefit for you is that Richmond is just about 4 hours down 95, so visiting friends or family wouldn't be so bad. Of course you will have to deal with DC traffic which can easily add 2 or 3 hours on bad days, which there are many. Good luck!

[richmondpics]

How about a northside neighborhood like Bellevue?

[kittygroomer]

Originally Posted by mrstewart

I would seriously look in the Glenburnie area of town...still in Richmond proper, small brick homes built in the 30's and 40's with very manageable back yards, close enough to walk to shops and restaurants...great for small families or couples.

I've tried looking glenburnie up, but can't find anything, that's the name of the actual area?

[phoenixstarr91]

Well I'm a DJ and very into all that, and yeah there are dance parties every week. They are either at clubs or in warehouses. The warehouse raves can be a bit sketchy but they are fun! Usually they are in secret locations with an info line and details not released till like midnight. Personally I think its really annoying but thats common in the rave scene. Everyone will tell you Shockhoe Bottom for dance parties but no not really.

I would suggest the Fan for you. A lot of young people live there, most of them students at VCU or recent graduates