Areas and suburbs of Richmond

The best places to live in Richmond

Relocating to a new city can be daunting, and a smooth transition into the new surroundings largely depends on the neighbourhood new arrivals choose to settle in. Richmond offers a wide variety of neighbourhoods, each with unique character and charm. We encourage newcomers to do a thorough recce before picking one.

Richmond consists of five distinct districts: Downtown, East End, North Side, Southside and West End, with each made up of several neighbourhoods.

We have listed the most popular areas and suburbs in Richmond below.

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Trendy neighbourhoods in Richmond

Scott's Addition

A lively historic Bohemian district, Scott's Addition is one of Richmond's trendiest and fastest-growing neighbourhoods, known for its slew of lifestyle amenities, such as breweries, distilleries and vibrant eateries. Scott's Addition boasts a mix of rowhouses, condos and modern apartments popular with young creative professionals thanks to the various advertising agencies, marketing firms and film studios present in the area.

Manchester

Located south of the James River, Manchester is a bicycle-friendly area popular among young professionals, particularly techies and artists. The housing here consists mainly of apartments and single-family homes, and combines all the amenities of urban living with easy access to outdoor river-based activities and the midtown area. Nearby Brown's Island and Belle's Island are also fun spots to explore.

Short Pump

The affluent suburb of Short Pump is a firm favourite across all demographics. It's a mix of residential and commercial properties, with older and modern single-family homes, apartments and rowhouses. Residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and shopping options, which include the famous West Broad Village and Short Pump Town Center, an open-air mall with high-end stores and boutiques. Short Pump residents also have a very short commute, and those with kids will have a wide selection of schools.

Downtown

Newcomers who want to be right in the mix should set their sights on Downtown Richmond. The area is amid a dramatic upswing, and the Broad Street corridor, in particular, is highly sought-after. Accommodation here consists of high-rise apartments, condos and funky industrial lofts. There also isn't a shortage of amenities, with a host of excellent restaurants, galleries and theatres on their doorstep.

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Family-friendly neighbourhoods in Richmond

Lakeside

Lakeside is located in Henrico Country, north of the city, and is an ideal area for families. Bordered by Joseph Bryan Park and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Lakeside offers plenty of opportunities for joggers, strollers and picnickers to enjoy nature. With so much space and greenery, newcomers to Lakeside may be surprised that it is mere minutes from the city. Housing mainly consists of spacious single-family homes, many complete with big lawns and garages.

Chimborazo

Chimborazo oozes charm and offers spectacular views of the James River. The neighbourhood is part of the Oakwood-Chimborazo Historic District. Indeed, history buffs will be excited to learn that Chimborazo boasts numerous 19th- and early 20th-century brick homes ranging from Late Victorian to Queen Anne and Colonial Revival. Families will love exploring Libby Hill Park, while Broad Street has great eateries, coffee shops and pubs. Parents will be pleased to know that the area has plenty of good schools too.

Wakefield

A little further afield, but with an abundance of space and greenery, Wakefield lies about an hour southeast of Richmond and is perfect for families looking to avoid the city bustle. Besides the spacious homes and yards, Wakefield offers quick access to Virginia Beach and a great selection of schools, restaurants and quaint shops with lots of small-town charm.