Richmond, Virginia: Capitol of the South
Richmond, Virginia is an independent city and capitol of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is located in the Piedmont region of Virginia at the waterfalls that block further passage up the James River. Richmond has approximately 200,000 residents, more than half of whom belong to a visible minority, with the most represented ethnic group being African American. The city was named after its British counterpart, which is now part of London, on account of the views of the James and Thames rivers being so similar. Richmond is often known as the Capitol of the South because it served as the capitol of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
Over the years Richmond, VA has supported itself through a variety of industries, most notably tobacco before the abolition of slavery. Modern Richmond's primary means of support are government, law, and banking as it is home to one of the twelve Federal Reserve banks. There are also a number of Fortune 500 companies with operations in the area, some prominent advertising firms, and several top rated universities and community colleges. Health care is also becoming a major player in the city's economy, as there are thirteen hospitals, a biotechnology park, and a medical school.
The city of Richmond, VA has an enormous amount of appeal to tourists and new residents alike because of its strong connection to the early history of the United States of America and the ill-fated Confederate States of America. The Civil and Revolutionary War battlefields in the area are the site of frequent re-enactments and monuments like the Museum of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis' Mansion and the Slave Trail draw thousands of visitors each year.
Neighborhoods and Home Styles in Richmond, VA
Despite the periods of strife Richmond has survived, including attacks by the British in the Revolutionary War and an attempted razing by retreating Confederate troops in the Civil War, Richmond's historic architecture is remarkably well preserved. In your search for a home or flat you'll find that Richmond is able to offer you the following architectural styles spread throughout its many historic and non-historic districts: Colonial, Cape Cod, American Four Square, Spanish, Georgian, Queen Anne, Italianate, Arts and Crafts, Tudor Revival, Romanesque, Beaux-Arts, Art Deco, Gothic, Jacobean, and of course modern.
Richmond, VA also has a variety of neighborhoods, so you're sure to find one to suit your lifestyle. Westover Hills features a suburban feel and views of the James River. Tobacco Row and Manchester offer a trendy slum feel with its warehouses converted to lofts and restaurants. Oregon Hill is a great place for working class families and students looking for cheap apartments. Highland Park and the Fan District are noted for their large quantities of Victorian architecture. Jackson Ward is the historic center of black business initiatives. Byrd Park is known for its row houses. The Canal Walk project on the riverfront has created a trendy upscale neighborhood of fashionable shops, restaurants and condos.
With all this history you would expect living in Richmond, Virginia to be expensive, but the cost of living is only 88.8, less than the U.S. average of 100. The average single family home sells for around $264,000 while condos and townhouses are in the $224,000 to $457,000 range. The average monthly rent is about $750.
Contact me Brian Rettman, your Richmond, VA Licensed Real Estate Broker
