12 Standout Areas to Consider If You’re Moving to Richmond
Moving to Richmond but not sure where to start?
You’re not alone — choosing the right neighborhood can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re relocating. Richmond and the surrounding metro area offer a huge range of options — and it’s hard to know where to begin.
This list includes a mix of neighborhoods and nearby towns, all popular with people relocating to the area. Whether you're drawn to city life, small-town charm, or space to spread out, this guide will give you a head start.
Forest Hill
Porches, parks, and laid-back local charm.
Just south of the James River, Forest Hill is a leafy neighborhood where Saturdays mean walking to the farmers market and evenings are spent on front porches. It feels like a village tucked into the city — quiet, connected, and full of personality.
Snapshot:
Vibe: Residential and relaxed with strong local pride
Great for: Buyers who want charm, space, and greenery
Housing: Early 20th-century bungalows and foursquares on larger lots
Access: 10–15 mins to downtown; near river trails; car-friendly
Local highlights: Forest Hill Park, Little Nickel, The Veil Brewing, Sunday farmers market
Church Hill
Rich history meets skyline views and brunch heaven.
As one of Richmond’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods, Church Hill combines cobblestone charm with a modern food scene. Its hilltop location gives you unbeatable views — and a real sense of place.
Snapshot:
Vibe: Historic, walkable, energetic
Great for: Lovers of character homes and neighborhood dining
Housing: Restored 1800s row houses, modern infill, and some new construction
Access: Walkable blocks, close to parks and downtown access
Local highlights: Libby Hill Park, Chimbarozo Park, The Roosevelt, Sub Rosa Bakery, Union Market
Mechanicsville
Suburban ease with a quiet country feel.
Located in Hanover County just outside Richmond, Mechanicsville offers a mix of long-established neighborhoods, new construction, and rural stretches with room to grow. It’s a laid-back, accessible community with deep local roots — where independent businesses thrive and neighbors still know each other by name.
Snapshot:
Vibe: Traditional and peaceful with a rural edge
Great for: Buyers seeking land, space, or new construction
Housing: Brick ranchers, colonials, and new builds on larger lots
Access: 15–20 mins to downtown via 64 or 360; car-friendly
Local highlights: The Local Cup, Giovanni’s, Pole Green Park, Cold Harbor Battlefield trails
Scott’s Addition
Where breweries meet industrial chic.
Once a warehouse district, Scott’s Addition has transformed into one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. It’s walkable, packed with breweries, and constantly evolving — ideal for those craving a city lifestyle.
Snapshot:
Vibe: Urban, industrial, energetic
Great for: Loft-lovers, renters, foodies
Housing: Converted warehouses, mid-rise apartments, few single-family options
Access: Central location, Pulse line access, near highways
Local highlights: Ardent Craft Ales, River City Roll, Blanchard’s Coffee, Moore Street Café
Short Pump
Suburban convenience with everything close by.
Located in western Henrico, Short Pump offers newer housing, shopping hubs, and modern amenities. It's known for large planned communities and proximity to everyday essentials.
Snapshot:
Vibe: Suburban, polished, well-developed
Great for: Buyers looking for modern homes and convenience
Housing: Newer construction, townhomes, and master-planned neighborhoods
Access: 20–25 mins to downtown via I-64; car essential
Local highlights: Short Pump Town Center, Deep Run Park, shopping and dining options
Museum District
One of Richmond’s most beloved, walkable neighborhoods.
A quieter neighbor to The Fan, the Museum District offers elegant homes, walkable streets, and instant access to cultural institutions, local cafés, and small businesses. Anchored by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, it’s a neighborhood where art and architecture meet everyday living.
Snapshot:
Vibe: Timeless, vibrant, walkable
Great for: Buyers drawn to architecture, culture, and convenience
Housing: Historic brick rowhouses, condos, and apartments
Access: Walkable to Carytown, VMFA, and more; street parking
Local highlights: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Carytown shops, neighborhood cafes
Three Chopt
Elegant, established, and well-connected.
Set in Richmond’s West End, Three Chopt features manicured lots, stately homes, and close proximity to downtown and River Road. It has a timeless, quiet feel that appeals to those looking for privacy and space.
Snapshot:
Vibe: Upscale, classic, low-key
Great for: Buyers seeking larger homes and quiet streets
Housing: Traditional homes with spacious yards and mature landscaping
Access: Quick access to River Road, I-64, and the city core
Local highlights: Country Club of Virginia, Westhampton Shops, Lemaire.
Glen Allen
Suburban living with big amenities.
Located in Henrico County, Glen Allen blends established communities, shopping centers, and large green spaces. It’s a popular area for buyers who want newer homes and easy highway access.
Snapshot:
Vibe: Clean, comfortable, community-focused
Great for: Buyers looking for space and newer development
Housing: Mix of new builds, townhomes, and traditional single-family homes
Access: Near I-295 and I-95, ~25 mins to downtown
Local highlights: Crump Park, Henrico Sports and Events Center, public green spaces
Ashland
Small-town charm with a creative streak.
Just north of Richmond, Ashland blends a walkable downtown, historic homes, and trains running through the center of town. It offers an artsy, community-driven lifestyle that feels miles away — even though it isn’t.
Snapshot:
Vibe: Quirky, close-knit, creative
Great for: Buyers looking for charm, character, and community
Housing: Historic homes, cottages, and new in-town development
Access: Amtrak station, I-95 access, 20–30 mins to Richmond
Local highlights: Ashland Theatre, The Caboose, walkable downtown core, home of Secretariat
Bon Air
A classic suburb with deep roots.
Located just southwest of the city, Bon Air was originally developed in the late 1800s as a summer retreat for Richmonders. Today, it’s a relaxed residential neighborhood with tall trees, a variety of home styles, and a strong sense of community. You’ll find character without the chaos, along with local businesses, parks, and quiet streets.
Snapshot:
Vibe: Established, relaxed, quietly eclectic
Great for: Buyers looking for space, character, and a strong neighborhood feel
Housing: Victorians, ranchers, colonials, and new builds
Access: ~15–20 minutes to downtown via Powhite Parkway or Midlothian Turnpike
Local highlights: Joe’s Inn, Larus Park, Community amenities, neighborhood events
Woodland Heights
Craftsman charm meets outdoor lifestyle.
This historic neighborhood hugs the river and boasts proximity to parks, trails, and Forest Hill gems. Its early-1900s homes and leafy streets attract those who want nature close and charm everywhere.
Snapshot:
Vibe: Friendly, artistic, nature-focused
Great for: Buyers who want city access with backyard serenity
Housing: Craftsman-style homes, many with porches and preserved details
Access: Minutes to downtown; close to James River Park System
Local highlights: Laura Lee’s, Belle Isle trails, Forest Hill Park nearby
The Fan
Richmond’s heart — and heartthrob.
This historic grid of tree-lined streets and colorful rowhouses defines Richmond’s urban charm. Packed with restaurants, shops, and parks, it’s a walkable favorite that never goes out of style.
Snapshot:
Vibe: Lively, diverse, historic
Great for: Anyone who wants a classic city feel with walkability
Housing: Rowhouses and converted duplexes with rich architectural detail
Access: Walkable to Carytown, VCU, and local dining
Local highlights: Kuba Kuba, Strawberry Street Market, Meadow Park, Early Bird Biscuit Co