Considering moving to Richmond? With a sturdy job market, affordable housing, and plenty of entertainment options, River City is one of the best places to live in Virginia for singles and young professionals. Check out our list of the best neighborhoods in Richmond for singles and young professionals!
Church Hill
Photo via @christianbrockrva
- Home Price: $258,120 median purchase price; $1,138 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 52% of Richmond neighborhoods
For one of the most well-rounded neighborhoods in Richmond, give Church Hill a shot. Neighboring Downtown Richmond to the east, Church Hill is a hit with singles and young professionals due to its prime location and affordable living. Whether you’re looking for short-term living or to purchase a home in Richmond, Church Hill provides a plethora of options—you’ll find a number of affordable apartments and condos, as well as plenty of townhouses and Queen Anne-style homes. Plus, you’ll be challenged to run out of fun things to do, as the neighborhood is full of great Richmond restaurants, bars, and historical landmarks!
Things to Do in Church Hill
Tour the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, which displays amazing photos and memorabilia from Poe’s life. Explore exhibits and attend events to learn more about the Holocaust and how Eastern Europe’s governments were affected at the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Do some vintage shopping at Dear Neighbor, a hip local women’s boutique that’s great for fashion and gifts. Kick off your weekend with an espresso and Salami and Cheese Croissants, Lamb Borek, or Pain au Chocolats from Sub Rosa Bakery. Grab Italian takeout like Eggplant Parmigiana, Roasted Chicken, and Meat Lasagna from 8-1/2. Go on a date to The Roosevelt, a chic American restaurant that offers some of Virginia’s best wines to go alongside their scrumptious Seven Hills Double Cheeseburger, Smoked Garnet Yam, and Seared Scallops. Or chill on the patio and order a craft beer with The BBQ Burger, Cocoa Crusted Pork Loin, or Fish & Chips at Patrick Henry’s Pub and Grill.
The Fan District
Photo via @17apart
- Home Price: $383,990 median purchase price; $1,090 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 57% of Richmond neighborhoods
Just west of Monroe Ward lies The Fan District, aptly named for the neighborhood’s shape, which mimics that of a fan. Although the area is a bit more expensive than similar areas, the Richmond neighborhood more than makes up for the extra cost with amenities. Home to Virginia Commonwealth University, The Fan District is ripe with cool restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques for Richmond singles and young professionals to enjoy. And while there are ample apartment choices, The Fan District is known for its gorgeous Queen Anne-style homes, making it a great neighborhood for those wanting to purchase Richmond real estate.
Things to Do in The Fan District
Dive into The Fan District’s gorgeous architecture and visit historic buildings such as the Renaissance Revival-style Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Immerse yourself in amazing shows like Hip Hop Nutcracker, Wicked or Hamilton at the Altria Theater. Root on Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division I NCAA teams in sports like baseball, lacrosse, or field hockey, and more! Kickstart your day with a fresh-brewed Honduran Fair Trade Organic, Columbian Vintage, or Rostov’s Select coffee or a flavored tea creation at Rostov’s Coffee and Tea. Dine on a Roast Pork Omelet, Shrimp Enchilado, or Arroz con Pollo at Kuba Kuba. Celebrate a special occasion with dinner and drinks at Heritage, a Contemporary American joint with handcrafted cocktails such as the Pass-Sussubio and dishes like the Tuna Tartare, Moulard Duck Breast, and Local Rockfish. Or head out to Joe’s Inn to try house specialties like Spaghetti A La Greek, Eggplant Parmigiana, or Homemade Lasagna.
Monroe Ward
Photo via @raise_the_roof_richmond
- Home Price: $241,650 median purchase price; $1,050 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 24% of Richmond neighborhoods
Looking to be in the middle of the action? Monroe Ward might be your next landing spot! Acting as the central hub of Downtown Richmond, Monroe Ward is considered the second-most walkable neighborhood in the city, making it ideal for singles and young professionals who want to live in Richmond within walking distance of the area’s restaurants and bars. Housing options in Monroe Ward are plentiful, as you’ll find a number of affordable Richmond apartments and condos, as well as a handful of two-story brick townhomes mixed in.
Things to Do in Monroe Ward
Spend a day touring the Virginia State Capital, a gorgeous National Historic Landmark that’s been in use since 1788. Check out 100,000 Civil War military artifacts at the American Civil War Museum. Take in a Richmond Ballet or Richmond Symphony performance at Carpenter Theatre in the Dominion Energy Center. Meet up with your friends for a Fillmore Frittata, Pan Roasted Salmon Fillet, or Corned Beef Hash at Perly’s Restaurant & Delicatessen. Take your date out for a romantic dinner and drinks at one of the best restaurants in Richmond and share a toast over a Lemaire “Barnyard” Burger, Saffron Campanelle, and Ancho Chili-Rubbed Salmon from Lemaire. Grab a midweek meal like the Blistered Shishitos, Bavarian Style Warm Pretzel, and Cheese Pizza with a cold beer at Triple Crossing Brewing. Head out with your friends for a night of drinks, dancing, and good food with the Barcode Burger, Grilled Chicken Wrap, or Classic BLT at LGBTQ bar, Barcode.
The Museum District
Photo via @christianbrockrva
- Home Price: $334,660 median purchase price; $984 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 72% of Richmond neighborhoods
For those looking for a relaxing neighborhood that still offers easy access to Downtown Richmond, opt for The Museum District—one of the best places to live in Richmond. Not only is this neighborhood attractive due to being more affordable than surrounding areas, but The Museum District is a huge draw for singles and young professionals who love art and history as well. In fact, The Museum District is home to 22 properties on Richmond’s historic landmark registrar! Housing options in The Museum District are abundant, too, as you’ll find a variety of unique apartments, townhomes, and traditional houses in this Richmond neighborhood.
Things to Do in The Museum District
Check out works from around the world and cool exhibits like A Closer Look and Words Matter at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Dig into Virginia’s history and culture with interesting exhibits like Founding Frenemies: Hamilton and the Virginians at the Virginia Historical Society, one of the top things to do in Richmond! Catch a new release or classic film at The Byrd Theatre. Venture over to nearby Carytown to spend a summer day at the Watermelon Festival, an annual favorite that has great food, drinks, and live music. Relax on a Saturday night with your friends and enjoy a fun bar atmosphere with karaoke, trivia nights, and great food like the Black and Blue Burger, Fajita Philly, or Traditional Club at Buddy’s! Order signature dishes like Salmon, Boneless Braised Short Ribs, or Fried Chicken at Lunch.Supper! Try entrees made with organic, all-natural, sustainable ingredients like the Mediterranean Turkey Burger, Shrimp al Fresco, and Crab Cakes at The Daily Kitchen & Bar. Or hang out on the patio with a cold beer like The Weapon, No More Flowers, or Bend at The Veil Brewing Company.
Woodland Heights
Photo via @srmf_real_estate
- Home Price: $203,825 median purchase price; $679 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of Richmond neighborhoods
Located across the James River just southwest of Downtown Richmond, Woodland Heights is a perfect Richmond neighborhood for those who want to avoid the city price tag but be near the action. In fact, the neighborhood’s housing costs are 5% lower than Richmond housing costs and the drive into Downtown Richmond takes less than ten minutes, making it a viable option for singles and young professionals living in Richmond. There are a number of affordable apartment complexes surrounding Woodland Heights, but if you’re patient, you can also find reasonably-priced Ranch-style and two-story homes on the market. Ideal for outdoor lovers, green space is abundant in Woodland Heights, with the 600-acre James River Park System taking center stage.
Things to Do in Woodland Heights
Watch local wildlife, brush up on your tennis skills, or bike down Reedy Creek Trail at Forest Hill Park. Meet some new people by taking your dog out for a walk or by joining a kickball league at Canoe Run Park. Pick up a treat for the office at WPA Southside Bakery, a locally-owned spot known for treats like the Egg and Cheese English Muffin, Toasted Biscuit, or Macarons. Head to the “best Jamaican restaurant in Richmond” and enjoy Oxtail, Red Snapper, Curried Goat Roti, and more at M&F Jamaican Cafe. Go out for dinner at Laura Lee’s, a New American eatery that features Seared Scallops, Rockfish, and Bistro Steak. Kick back with a cocktail at Thirsty’s Bar and Grill, a friendly New Orleans-themed bar offering tasty sandwiches like the BLT, Fried Shrimp Po’Boy, and Jambalaya. Or take a short drive to Ironclad Pizza Grill for The Deluxe, Chesapeake Bay, or the White Pizza.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
