Moving to Richmond? Virginia’s state capital offers safe communities, budget-friendly housing options, a strong job market, and an eclectic arts and culture scene. Here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods in River City to check out!
Bellevue
- Home Price: $270,133 median home price; $1,141 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 76% of Richmond neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located on the city’s north end, Bellevue is one of the most eclectic neighborhoods in Richmond. From the iconic Bellevue Arch at the neighborhood entrance, to the new retail shops and restaurants just a quick walk or bike ride away, Bellevue offers a mix of both past and present. Housing options in this Richmond neighborhood range from Colonial Revival and Tudor-style houses, to affordable apartments and condos. Bellevue residents wanting to get involved can get to know their neighbors by participating in community events like Bellevue Porchella, organized by the Bellevue Civic Association. And with easy access to I-95, it’s just a quick ten-minute commute for residents heading to Downtown!
Things to Do in Bellevue
Stroll through the Azalea Gardens, head to the year-round farmers market, or walk along one of the many trails at Bryan Park. Practice downward dog and other yoga positions at True North Yoga & Wellness—or play basketball or sign up for an arts class at Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Community Center. Stop by for French Toast, Blueberry Pancakes, or a Tuna Melt at Dot’s Back Inn—which has even been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives! Order a Portobello Mushroom Burger, Steak & Cheese Sandwich, or the Northside Chicken Carbonara at Northside Grille. Try Mediterranean favorites like Pork Souvlaki, the Adana Kebab, or the Greek Pasta at Demi’s Mediterranean Kitchen. Or satisfy your tastebuds at an authentic Italian restaurant in Richmond with dishes like Shrimp Scampi and Eggplant Parmesan and a huge selection of wines at Enoteca Sogno.
Byrd Park
Photo via @heather_tricoli
- Home Price: $216,600 median home price, $1,141 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 51% of Richmond neighborhoods
- Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Byrd Park is an ideal neighborhood for people of any age looking for an affordable place to live near Downtown Richmond. Just north of the James River, this primarily residential Richmond neighborhood offers quaint cottages, brick rowhouses, Colonial and Craftsman-style homes, and new construction just minutes away from the city center. Residents can enjoy waterfront activities like fishing or boating at the neighborhood’s many nearby lakes. This historic district is also home to William Byrd Park, a public green space with over 200 acres that allows locals to stay active and enjoy the outdoors right in their own backyard!
Things to Do in Byrd Park
Spend time outside playing a game of tennis with friends, paddle-boating at Fountain Lake, or walking the trails at William Byrd Park. Spend a peaceful day fishing at Swan Lake. Admire works of art from over 350 artists at the annual arts and craft show Arts in the Park. Grab your lawn chair and catch outdoor concerts and theatre performances at the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater. View fish and turtles in the aquarium in The Robins Nature Center and meet friendly farm animals like goats, roosters, and sheep at Maymont Farm. Pick up a Chai Tea Latte or Thai Coffee and a Lox Bagel at Lamplighter Coffee Roasters. Order a Greek Salad Sandwich or Lentil Burger with a Turkish Delight for dessert at vegan-friendly restaurant, Fresca on Addison. Or pick up delicious desserts like Salted Chocolate Caramel Cake, Lemon Bars, or Key Lime Pie from Shyndigz.
The Fan District
- Home Price: $383,990 median home price; $1,090 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 57% of Richmond neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families
Nicknamed “The Fan” by locals, The Fan District is a picturesque Richmond neighborhood bordering the Museum District that’s full of trendy restaurants, cafes, and lively bars. Along with its gorgeous Queen Anne and Colonial-Revival homes, this vibrant community is home to top-rated colleges like Virginia Commonwealth University, ideal for singles and young professionals looking to pursue higher education or a career in academia. The Fan District Association also puts on several annual events that bring the community together, including Easter on Parade, the Fan Arts Stroll, and the Monument Avenue 10K—which brings community to this safe Richmond neighborhood.
Things to Do in The Fan District
Take a stroll or go for a scenic jog at Monroe Park—the oldest park in Richmond, VA. Get tickets to a Broadway show like Hamilton or Les Miserables at the Altria Theater. Challenge the family to a game of soccer or basketball or take a dip in the pool at the Randolph Community Center. Take the little ones to explore interactive exhibits like the Living Tree House or Little Farm at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. Or go on a Guided Tour or check out the Mini Concert Series at the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design. Fill up on a Grilled Florentine Sandwich, a BLT, or a Cobb Salad at Garnett’s Cafe. Try savory dishes like a Cuban Sandwich, Turkey Press, or a Pesto Tomato Jack Melt for lunch at Kuba Kuba. Dine on Eggplant Parmigiana, a Meatball Sub, or a Crab Cake Sandwich at Joe’s Inn. Or grab a table on the patio and feast on a Cobb Salad, De Leon Burger, or Chicken Wings at Beauvine Burger Concept.
Museum District
Photo via @brinkleyrvarealty
- Home Price: $334,660 median home price; $984 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 72% of Richmond neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
If you’re looking for a safe, affordable neighborhood in Richmond that’s also great for young professionals, check out the Museum District. Just west of The Fan District, this lively RVA neighborhood is a hub for arts and culture. It offers great walkability, six blocks of world-class museums, and a large selection of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to keep you busy. Plus, if you’re looking for unique housing in Richmond, Museum District delivers! You can find everything from traditional Colonial rowhomes to Greek Revival and Tuscan condos in this trendy neighborhood.
Things to Do in the Museum District
See nearly 50,000 works of art or check out exhibitions like Love & Longing in Indian Painting and Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the history of the state—including its military influence, civil rights movements, and more—at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Take the little ones to educational events like Preschool Storytime, or join the Library Yarns group at Belmont Branch Library. Start your morning with a fresh-pressed Lady Madeline Juice, an Acai Bowl, or a Popeye Smoothie at North End Juice Co. Enjoy a nice bottle of wine with hearty entrees like Mid-Atlantic Catch or Slow Roasted Celery Root Steak for date night at The Stables. Try East Coast-influenced seafood dishes like Salmon Sashimi, Lobster Pasta, or Octopus at East Coast Provisions. Chow down on Sicilian-style pizzas like the Belmont Supreme, Buffalo Chicken, or Eggplant Siciliano at Belmont Pizzeria. Or sip local craft beers, a Black Cherry White Claw, or Guinness Stout while joining in for trivia and karaoke at Buddy’s Place.
Westover Hills
Photo via @ehstevens
- Home Price: $253,350 median home price; $669 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Richmond neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Tucked along the southern bank of the James River, Westover Hills is a safe neighborhood in Richmond with lots of charm. Large, spacious Colonial and Spanish-Revival houses are near tons of local green space, making Westover Hills a picturesque, safe area in Richmond for families or retirees! And while the neighborhood itself is rather suburban, the nearby outdoor recreation provides plenty of things to do for residents. To top it off, Westover Hills is also close to highly-rated schools like Westover Hills Elementary School, Patrick Henry School of Science & Arts, and Lynnhaven Academy.
Things to Do in Westover Hills
Pick up fresh fruits and veggies at the South of the James Farmers Market or spend the day walking and spotting wildlife at Forest Hill Park. Bring a canoe onto the river to fish or have a picnic with the family on the Pony Pasture at James River Park. Grab a Mystery Kit from the young adults section or participate in Toddler Time at the Westover Hills Library. Play a game of golf, enjoy the swimming pool, or take a Zumba class at Willow Oaks Country Club. Grab Irish Egg Rolls, Bangers and Mash, and a Guinness at O’Tooles—the oldest Irish pub in Richmond. Savor traditional Mexican dishes like a Carne Asada Quesadilla, Chesterfield Burrito, or Quesabirria Tacos at Y Tu Mama. Just outside the neighborhood, enjoy Hawaiian Nachos, Salt and Pepper Calamari, and iconic tropical drinks like the Moroccan Mama at Little Nickel. Or if you’re looking for a great place for dessert in Richmond, pick out sweet treats like Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes, Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies, or Shortbread Cookies at Tablespoons Bakery.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
