Moving to Richmond Area - Need Help Deciding Where to Live!

I've lived a few very different areas and there are many areas that are nice with good schools. First, the far west end is sort of a mini northern VA. It's one of the more expensive areas, good schools, good shopping, but a lot of people. And people who are not necessarily from the area. Faster pace and great neighborhoods.

Hanover (north) area has terrific schools and has more of a rural sort of feel. There are some well planned communities and some that have a lot more land. Still close to downtown, but doesn't feel like it.

Chesterfield (south) is Large! You would want to look on the west part of Chesterfield, close to 288. There are about 4 really good highschools to focus your search around. There are some planned communities (ie with home owners, playgrounds and pools) and a lot of variety in the size and kinds of neighborhoods. This area feels a bit more 'southern'. It's growing quickly, so a lot fo people are from VA but a lot of people move here (especially from the far west end). You can get a bit more house for your money and it's a little slower pace. Plenty of your staple stores and a quick trip up 288 to get to Short Pump.

We chose to move to Chesterfield from the Far West End because of the amount of house for your money and I've loved it the most. People here open doors for you, talk to you in grocery stores and seem to be the most friendly. Although I've loved everywhere I've lived, this is my favorite.

Any of these areas can get you downtown in15-20 minutes. I hope you love Richmond, I know so many people who are surprised at how much they love it. It has a lot to offer and there are so many things to do. Good luck house hunting!

K.

My husband, our now three year old daughter and I moved to the Richmond area from NW Indiana. We lived in the West End while looking for a house to buy. I think I walked into over 80 homes before I found the one that we wanted. We purchased in Hampton Park in Chesterfield out Hull Street (Rt. 360). It's a little further out from the city than I originally wanted, but it is a wonderful neighborhood in a GREAT school district. We were willing to make the trade-off for the schools. The neighborhood is fantastic with lots of children. Wanda Huggins was our realtor and she is fantastic with whom to work! She's with Long & Foster on Midlothian Turnpike. Feel free to contact me if you would like more information. Good luck. I've lived in seven states from California to Virginia, so I understand moving!

I have lived in Richmond my whole life - specifically, Chesterfield County. There are many many great neighborhoods and the school system is wonderful (I attended the schools). I would check out the western part of the county - west of Route 288. My husband, son and I live in this part of the county and love it. Great established neighborhoods but also they are some new subdivisions being built in your price range. Also, my son is almost 4 and attends a wonderful preschool in the western part of Chesterfield County (Open Arms Christian Child Development Center).

Good luck in your move and I wish all the best to your father!

I live in the Far West End of Richmond in Millstone which is near Wyndham. Wyndham can be really pricey but Millstone is much more reasonable and I know for a fact there are several houses for sale right now and at least one is a desperation sale (they are offering to rent the house and/or sell it). The schools here are the best. The elementary school (Shady Grove Elem) is literally in the neighborhood and loads of kids walk to school each morning. We have tot lots, the playgrounds and track at the school, a swim and racquet club, nice landscaping, etc. It's a bit cookie cutter but SO worth it for the excellent schools. If you look up the SOL scores, you will see Shady Grove Elem, Short Pump Middle and Deep Run High at the top! Also, we are a 5 minute drive to a mall, movie theater, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, a Children's Museum (just opening), a farmer's market...the list goes on! It might be tight but I think in this economy your budget is doable and you will get a lot of home and ammenities for your $. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions even if it's just "where is the grocery store?"

RICHMOND!! Yay :) We have lived everywhere from Church Hill in the heart of Richmond, and now we currently live by the James River. I LOVE our sleepy little family oriented neighborhood, and there are a ton of houses for sale. There is a lot of 'old money' in our neighborhood, but everyone is VERY polite and neighborly. The only thing that sucks is city taxes, but with the governments new homebuyers credits, things are GOOD. This isn't a stamped out neighborhood, every house and property is beautiful and unique in it's own special way. The public schools are some of the best... I have a preschooler and a kindergartener, and I am sooo amazed at how much better they are doing than at their old private school! Please feel free to send me a message if you'd like more info... I'd say from my neighborhood, it would take you about 15 minutes to get to MCV. Very sorry to hear about your father, he is in my thoughts and prayers! OH I can also recommend a very good realtor if you need one... he recently helped 2 families, close friends of ours, move to the area, one family from TN and one from FL... Let me know honey! Best wishes :)

Sorry to hear about your dad, but the timing is good in terms of moving and buying a home. I live in the far west end and would not live anywhere else. We have an award winning school system and Short Pump Mall!!! Seriously, I live in Twin Hickory across from Deep Run High School and Twin Hickory Elementary. There are several daycare and preschool options right in the neighborhood including the Primrose School and the Goddard School. Twin Hickory is a planned community with pools, walking trails, lit streets, community events, etc. There is currently a house in my neighborhood that has been on the market for awhile and is selling for less than what it is worth. A great deal for the right purchaser. I am a realtor and know a good deal when I see it. I've even thought about buying it myself since I think it's worth more than the asking price. Anyway, just my opinion, but if you'd like some assistance, I'd be glad to help you. My name is C. and you can reach me at ###-###-####. Good luck.