Which Richmond Neighborhood Fits You?

As the capital of Virginia and one of the most notably historic cities in the United States, Richmond has something to offer everyone. From history buffs who will love exploring the city’s monuments and historical structures to arts and culture enthusiasts who will enjoy stopping into the museums and galleries in the Museum District, residents of Richmond apartments never get bored. If you’re searching for apartments for rent in Richmond, here are some great neighborhoods to check out.

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Downtown
Downtown Richmond offers residents of Richmond apartments a unique mix of retail, commercial and residential development while paying homage to its historic past, making it an area of the city where you can truly live, work and play.
• The River District is home to Richmond’s 1.25-mile innovative Canal Walk, a popular tourist destination that meanders along the banks of the Haxall Canal and the James River and Kanawha Canal.
• The Jackson Ward neighborhood is a historically black neighborhood that was once known as the “Harlem of the South.” This lively part of town was once frequented by notable musicians like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole and James Brown. You’ll also find several historic buildings here, like the Hippodrome Theatre and the Maggie L. Walker House.
• Court End is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Richmond, home to such historical structures as the John Marshall House, the Museum of the Confederacy and the Virginia State Capitol.

Central
Central Richmond includes some of the city’s most well-known attractions, including Hollywood Cemetery, several universities and the Carytown shopping district. It is truly the heart of the city, and those who live in Richmond apartments in this neighborhood can look forward to a dynamic mix of students, young professionals, artists and musicians.
• Just west of downtown Richmond, The Fan, named because of the way its streets fan out at an angle, is comprised of 85 blocks of beautiful and unique town houses. The campus of Virginia Commonwealth University is located in this neighborhood.
• The budding Museum District hosts events like the First Fridays Artwalk and Broad Appétit. This neighborhood also contains one of the city’s largest collections of early 20th century architecture, with 22 properties being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

East End
Richmond’s birthplace can be found in the East End, where residents enjoy historical attractions, the beauty of parks and fresh air and a family-friendly environment.
• True to its name, Church Hill is home to many churches, the most famous of which is St. John’s Episcopal, which was the site of Patrick Henry’s inspirational speech. As Richmond’s first historic district, this neighborhood includes many of the original 32 blocks of the town that were set in place in 1737.
• The Fulton neighborhood is tucked along the banks of Gillies Creek and overlooks downtown and the old Manchester docks. You’ll find a wide variety of architectural styles, from Cape Cod to Craftsman bungalows and everything in between. Richmond apartments in this neighborhood are close to the National Cemetery and Powhatan Hill Park, which offers views of the rest of the city.

West End
Life in the West End is a perfect combination of the excitement of the city coupled with the comforts of life in the suburbs. Historic tree-lined streets give way to quaint boutiques and world class dining destinations in this neighborhood that has its own distinct character.
• Windsor Farms is home to two of Richmond’s most famous historical attractions: the Virginia House and Agecroft Hall, both of which are English manor houses that were physically transported to the state and are now open to the public.
• Westhampton is known for its quiet streets and stately homes. Residents love exploring The Avenues, the neighborhood’s premier shopping district which features a great mix of boutiques and local cafes.

Northside
Despite being so close to the buzz of downtown, Northside neighborhoods possess an impressive amount of tranquil green space, making it the perfect place to settle down for some peace and quiet in your Richmond apartment after a long workday.
• The Ginter Park neighborhood spans 21 blocks and was one of Richmond’s first planned developments. Known as the “Queen of the Suburbs,” it was incorporated into the city in 1914 and still remains a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Bellevue architecture is some of the most varied in the city, ranging from Italianate to Spanish to American Four Square. Residents unwind and stay fit at the beautiful Joseph Bryan park, an expansive green space complete with walking trails, lakes and tons of natural beauty.

Southside
The Southside of Richmond is known for its natural beauty as well as its quiet atmosphere and well-kept homes. The area is quiet and cozy, with many shady parks where residents of Richmond apartments go to unwind and get some exercise.
• Named for the Westover Plantation on the James River, home of William Byrd, the founder of Richmond, Westover Hills is a quiet neighborhood characterized by its winding, tree-lined streets and friendly residents.
• The Fawnbrook neighborhood blends the spirit of old Richmond with new, modern sensibilities in its architecture and amenities. The expansive Pocosham Park is located just south of this neighborhood, offering a peaceful environment complete with walking trails.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/traveler1116