Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Richmond

Virginia’s state capital is a great place to live, thanks to its budget-friendly housing, strong job market, and fun things to do. If you’re thinking about living in Richmond, check out these five best neighborhoods for safety and affordability!

• Bellevue
• Byrd Park
• Museum District
• Three Chopt
• Westover Hills

Bellevue

Photo via @kkrva

• Home Price: $270,133 median home price; $1,141 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of Richmond neighborhoods
• Perfect For: 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 that are a quick walk or bike ride away, residents can enjoy 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. And with easy access to I-95, residents get a quick ten-minute commute into Downtown!

Things to Do in Bellevue

Spend the day at Bryan Park, where you can tour the Azalea Gardens, visit the farmer’s market from May through November, or walk along one of the many trails. Attend a yoga class at True North Yoga & Wellness. Dig into classic brunch dishes such as Biscuits & Country Gravy or Huevos Rancheros with the family at Mill on MacArthur. Stop by Dots Back Inn—which has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives—for a cup of coffee, Blueberry Pancakes, or a Tuna Melt. Order a Portabella Mushroom Burger or Steak & Cheese Sandwich at Northside Grille. Try Mediterranean favorites like Tzatziki Dip, Pork Souvlaki, and Baklava at Demi’s Mediterranean Kitchen. Or satisfy your sweet tooth at Morsels with a Pecan Pie Bar, Red Velvet Brownie, or Nutter Butter Blondie.

Byrd Park

Photo via @heather_tricoli

• Home Price: $216,600 median home price, $1,141 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Richmond neighborhoods
• Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Byrd Park is an ideal neighborhood for people of all ages looking for an affordable place to live near Downtown Richmond. Just north of the James River, this cozy Richmond neighborhood offers quaint cottages, brick rowhouses, and new construction just minutes away from the city center. This historic district is also home to William Byrd Park, a nearly 200-acre public green space where locals can stay active and enjoy the outdoors right in their own backyard!

Things to Do in Byrd Park

Spend time outside at William Byrd Park playing tennis, walking trails, riding paddle boats at Fountain Lake, or picnicking at Swan Lake! Check out Arts in the Park, where you can buy works of art from national artists. Grab your lawn chair and head to Dogwood Dell Amphitheater for outdoor concerts and theatre performances. Become one with nature at Maymont Nature Center or visit the friendly farm animals at Maymont Farms. Shop local at Na Nin for vintage women’s clothing and accessories. Stop by Lamplighter Coffee for a latte or drip coffee and a bagel. Order fresh Pita and Hummus or a Kale Caesar Salad at vegan-friendly Fresca on Addison. Or pick up delicious desserts like Salted Chocolate Cake or Peanut Butter Pie from Shyndigz.

Museum District

Photo via @brinkleyrvarealty

• Home Price: $334,660 median home price; $984 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 76% of Richmond neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals

If you’re looking for one of the best neighborhoods for young professionals in Richmond, check out the Museum District. Just west of The Fan District, this lively neighborhood offers great walkability, six blocks of 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, the Museum District delivers! You can find everything from traditional Colonial rowhouses to Tuscan-style condos in this trendy neighborhood.

Things to Do in the Museum District

Visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to see nearly 50,000 works of art. Learn more about Virginia’s history, military influence, and more at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Take an abstract painting class, self-defense course, or sewing 101 at the Belmont Library. Start your morning with a fresh-pressed juice, an acai bowl, or a smoothie at North End Juice Co. Head to The Stables for date night, where you can enjoy a nice bottle of wine with hearty entrees like Shrimp & Grits or Fettuccini Bolognese. Try Sicilian-style pizzas such as the Belmont Supreme or Eggplant Siciliano at Belmont Pizza. Order a wine flight and an Antipasti Appetizer or a Charcuterie Board at Secco Wine Bar. Or sip on local craft beers while joining in for trivia and karaoke at Buddy’s.

Three Chopt

Photo via @coxrealestategroup

• Home Price: $433,900 median home price, $1,227 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Richmond neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Want some distance from the hustle and bustle of the city? Located on the western edge of the city, Three Chopt is a quiet residential area known for its charming Colonial-style cottages and top-rated schools like St. Christoper’s School, Saint Bridget School, and Three Chopt Elementary School. This is also a great place to settle down in Richmond for those who work in health care or education, as Three Chopt is a short drive away from St. Mary’s Hospital and University of Richmond.

Things to Do in Three Chopt

Join the Country Club of Virginia to play golf, go swimming, or use the fitness center. Spend the day hiking the trails and learning about native wildlife at Bandy Field. Support the University of Richmond Spiders athletic programs by attending games at Robins Center and Robins Stadium. Shop local at Libbie Market for a wide selection of produce, meats, and other essential goods. Stop by the Book People, where you can browse new and used books. Visit the Wooden Spoon Cafe & Cocktail Bar in the morning for a fresh cup of coffee and avocado toast—and swing by again for happy hour small bites and cocktails! Order sushi and dishes like Beef Teriyaki or Vegetable Tempura at Jing Sushi. Try homemade potato chips paired with the Ultimate BLT at The Continental. Or pick up cupcakes, cookies, and cinnamon rolls at Pearl’s Bake Shoppe.

Westover Hills

Photo via @ehstevens

• Home Price: $253,350 median home price; $669 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Richmond neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Families, retirees

Tucked along the southern bank of the James River, Westover Hills is a safe neighborhood with lots of charm. With large, spacious houses and tons of local green space, this is the perfect spot for families looking to raise a kids or those wanting to settle down for retirement in Richmond! 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

Hang out at Forest Hills Park, where you can spend the day walking, watching wildlife, and grabbing fresh fruits and veggies at South of the James Market. Go canoeing and fishing on the river or have a picnic with the family at James River Pony Pasture Rapids Park. Attend a Mario Kart Tournament or Toddler Storytime at Westover Hills Library. Play a game of golf, enjoy the swimming pool, or take a Zumba class at Willow Oaks Country Club. Enjoy a vacation-inspired meal at Little Nickel, which is known for its tropical drinks and Hawaiian Nachos. Grab Fish N’ Chips and a Guinness at O’Tooles, the oldest Irish Pub in Richmond. Or experience traditional Italian fare at Maldini’s Ristorante with dishes like Spaghetti Alla Carbonara and Fettuccini Alfredo.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes