Areas and suburbs of Richmond

The best places to live in Richmond

The best areas and suburbs to live in Richmond can vary tremendously. Relocating to a new city can be daunting, and your smooth transition into your new surroundings largely depends on the neighbourhood you choose to settle in. Richmond offers a wide variety of neighbourhoods, each with a unique character and charm. We encourage you to do a thorough recce before deciding where to live.

Richmond consists of five distinct districts: Downtown, East End, North Side, Southside and West End, with each made up of several neighbourhoods. We’ve listed some popular areas and suburbs in Richmond below.

Trendy neighbourhoods in Richmond

Scott’s Addition

Scott’s Addition in Richmond is a lively historic bohemian neighbourhood and one of the city’s fastest-growing areas. You’ll find a variety of rowhouses, condos and modern apartments bolstered by a thriving creative industry of design, marketing and art spaces.

Recent zoning changes emphasising Transit-Oriented Development and mixed-use projects have helped diversify housing here, encouraging high-density developments that combine work, play and leisure. It’s a treasure trove of breweries, distilleries and converted warehouse lofts, ideal if you want a place brimming with opportunity and cultural flair.

Lifestyle in Richmond

Manchester

Manchester in Richmond is just south of the James River, popular with professionals working in tech, marketing and the arts. If you live here, you’ll enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation along the river and a vibrant, creative atmosphere amid urban living.

There’s an ever-growing focus on improving transport infrastructure in these parts, including adding pavements and enhancing pedestrian safety. The city is also championing initiatives that support local art and tech communities, such as proposals to create Richmond’s first public art park under the Manchester Bridge.

Short Pump

Short Pump in Richmond is a firm favourite across all demographics, set apart by its mix of older and modern homes, rowhouses and apartments. You’ll still find the perks of high-end shopping and dining, and Short Pump Town Center frequently hosts community-focused activities. It’s a spot that balances suburban comfort with a lively social scene, especially if you have kids.

Getting around in Richmond

Downtown

Downtown Richmond is perfect if you want to be right in the middle of everything. The district is on an upswing, with technology firms, creative agencies and boutique retail giving the area a fresher, more energetic feel. This shift diversifies the local economy and draws a younger crowd, transforming Downtown into a dynamic urban hotspot.

The Broad Street corridor is especially popular if you crave walkable access to high-rise apartments, funky industrial lofts and new developments. Richmond’s Department of Planning and Development Review aims to strike a balance between modern living and historical preservation. You’ll see a unique blend of centuries-old architecture and contemporary design. It’s an exciting place to call home, with restaurants, galleries and theatres practically on your doorstep.

Family-friendly neighbourhoods in Richmond

Lakeside

Lakeside in Richmond’s Henrico County is a brilliant choice if you have a family and fancy plenty of green space. Housing here tends to be spacious single-family homes with big lawns and garages. Local festivals, art fairs and community gatherings are frequent, so you’ll have many chances to meet neighbours and get involved in wholesome family fun. Despite its laid-back suburban feel, Lakeside is only minutes from central Richmond, making it a lovely mix of convenience and tranquillity.

Chimborazo

Chimborazo in Richmond oozes charm and boasts breathtaking views of the James River. It’s part of the Oakwood-Chimborazo Historic District, featuring 19th- and early 20th-century brick homes in styles from Late Victorian to Colonial Revival. Restoration projects have introduced shade trees, improved seating and fresh flower beds to Chimborazo Park, ensuring the neighbourhood’s historical vibe remains front and centre.

Families can join local community groups, such as the Friends of Chimborazo Park, or potter about in the community garden near the playground. You’ll find lovely spots like Libby Hill Park nearby, as well as some relaxed cafés and pubs along Broad Street. Schools in the area also have a good reputation, making Chimborazo a welcoming option if you’re after history, greenery and a sense of community.

Schools in Richmond

Wakefield

Wakefield near Richmond sits about an hour southeast if you’re seeking respite from the city hustle. Proximity to Virginia’s coastline promotes local tourism, with easy access to beaches and maritime activities adding an extra dash of outdoor fun. That coastal link has shaped the area’s development, making it attractive for families craving space and sea air.

The town features roomy properties with large yards, while local amenities include family-oriented fitness centres and daycare options. Quaint shops and friendly faces give Wakefield its small-town charm, and parents appreciate the slower pace and strong community spirit. It’s an appealing spot if you prize open space and easy weekend escapes to the shore.