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Real Estate & Homes in Richmond - Richmond Information
Richmond
Background
Richmond is the capital city of Virginia. The city slogan, “Easy to Love” speaks to the strong community feel among residents and the architectural charm evident in the cobble-stoned streets and brick buildings. At a glance, one would not assume that the city and surrounding area are home to over a million people. Indeed, few residents live within the city-proper district. Yet, the city has continued to grow into a thriving economic powerhouse for young families and businesses and has become the 46th largest metro area in the nation.
History
Beginning in 1697, Richmond, Virginia has been growing and innovating for nearly 400 years old. It has one of the oldest and richest histories of any city in the United States, rivaled closely by nearby historical hub, Jamestown. The city itself was founded when explorers traveled up the river from Jamestown as far as they could venture in their boats until they hit rapids. There, at what is now known as Rockett’s Landing, the explorers established what would be one of the first cities in the New World. Richmond quickly grew into an industrial powerhouse. Homes and churches were erected atop Richmond’s many hills, above the flood-line from the river. The now-famous St. John’s Church was established atop of Churchill, just above Rockett’s landing. You might recognize St. John’s church not only as being one of the oldest churches in the nation, but also as being the speaking ground for Patrick Henry’s “Give me Liberty or give me Death” speech. Because of its central location, canals and industry, Richmond grew to be the Capital of the Confederacy. It was home to many Confederate generals, including Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Memorial Statues to the former leaders now stand on Richmond’s famous Monument Avenue, the only road in the United States designated as a historical landmark. Before being burned to the ground just after the civil war, Richmond’s Tredeggar Iron Works was the most productive iron shops in the whole US, producing guns and iron parts for soldiers and machinery. Richmond’s history is peppered with stories of invention and takes of historical grandeur. It boasts of famous natives such as Maggie Walker, the first African American female bank president and Bo Jangles. Such companies as Pepsi Cola and Philip Morris sprung from its economy. Still today, Richmond remains a creative nexus for invention and entrepreneurship, being home to the nation’s finest forensic lab and cutting edge bioresearch park.
Fast Facts
City population: 195,300
Richmond Metropolitan surrounding area: 1,149,900
State Nick Name: Old Dominion
Size: 60.1 square miles
Median Household Income: $29,444
Average Annual Rainfall: 44.07 inches
Average Annual Snowfall: 13.7 inches annually
Average Temperature on January: 35.7 degrees
Average Temperature in July: 78.0 degrees
Community
One thing all native Richmonders have in common is their sense of community and pride. Indeed, Richmond is a city teaming with families that have been around for centuries – many times still living in the same family homestead. In recent decades, however, the cities population has become majority import – meaning many young people and families are taking advantage of the thriving economy and relocated to the metropolitan area.
For being a mid-sized city, the community-oriented event offerings are tremendous and closely rival those of its mid-sized-city counterparts such as Austin, TX and San Francisco, CA. On the weekends, Richmonders tend to head to the many local parks, ranked as some of the nation’s finest. There, they picnic; play sports or take in a free live concert. The suburban school districts are touted as some of the best in the nation. Henrico, located within the Richmond metropolitan area, was the first school district in the nation to give computers to every pupil.
What’s more, Richmonders are noted to be friendly and welcoming to one another. Indeed, it’s rare for one of them not to hold the door for the person behind them. Richmond truly is a metropolitan area with the added benefit of fine southern charm.
Attractions
Located midway between New York and Florida on I-95, Richmond is a popular settling point for families interested in taking advantage of both worlds. Within two hours by car, residents will find themselves in Washington, DC, Virginia Beach, historic Williamsburg or the Blueridge Mountains. With so much diversity and opportunity, it’s no wonder that Richmond is a booming urban area. Check out a few of the attractions within the city itself:
Byrd Park: Byrd Park is one of the oldest and most beautiful urban parks in the nation, comparable in size to Manhattan’s Central Park. The outdoor-lover’s Mecca is complete with three man-made lakes, tennis courts, little-league baseball fields, mountain biking trails, a dog park, a Vita course and a World War One soldiers monumental tower known as the Carillon. The Park is also the former playing-ground for tennis legend Arthur Ashe, who grew up on the same tennis courts that still exist today. During the week, bikers, walkers and joggers enjoy hitting the pavement for an early-morning or afternoon work out. Family’s fill the Little League stands for an evening filled with the nation’s favorite sport. Couples lay out on picnic blankets and friends toss a Frisbee in the acres of grass. Cars are prohibited in the Park on Sundays, as the roads are restricted to strollers and joggers.
Each Fourth of July, the Park lawns are filled with thousands of on-lookers as the city’s biggest fireworks show takes to the skies from the Carillon.
Maymont: Maymont is the former country home of the Dooley’s, a Victorian urban family. The mansion itself, still fondly called “The Dooley Mansion,” sits atop the highest hill amid the acres of rolling land. From its perch, visitors to the mansion have a straight view to the river and biking trails on the opposite side. Park visitors enjoy walking through the petting zoo (complete with Bears and a summertime hayride) and nature center. Those daring to take to the hills are free to stroll through the Japanese Gardens, Italian Gardens and Bamboo Forest. They can also get a taste of Victorian life by taking a spin on a horse and carriage.
Byrd Theater: Byrd Theater is one of the most historic theaters in the nation – complete with a Wurlitzer Organ that is played before each show on Saturdays. The single-screen theater still has the original seats in the orchestra and balcony and is graced with a crystal chandelier. Rumor also has it that the Byrd Theater was the first theater in the nation to serve popcorn. Students love attending movies at the Byrd, as prices per show still remain low at $1.99. What’s more: each Saturday night, the Byrd draws a large crowd of usually high-schools students to the “Mid Night Movie”, which is always a revival of a 1980s classic, such as “Goonies” or “Princess Pride.”
Kings Dominion: King’s Dominion is a popular theme park, complete with cutting-edge roller coasters for the older kids, a Nickelodeon Kids Park and a slippery water park for the hot days. The Park is open from Spring to Fall and is staffed by a mixed of local high school students and International students who spend a summer in the area.
Monument Avenue: Monument Avenue is the only street in the nation that’s considered to be a national Landmark. The road, which dissects the northern half of the city, proudly displays a monument of a fallen Confederate General at each intersection. Recently added to the row of tributes is a statue of Richmond-native, Arthur Ashe.
Oregon Hill: Oregon Hill is one of the only working class neighborhoods still remaining virtually unchanged. Indeed, some of the older houses still do not have running water or electricity. Developers have recently bought up land on the outskirts of the Hill and are building luxury condos, but the neighborhood itself remains a strong American gem and is resistant to change.
St. John’s Church/Churchill: St. John’s Church is one of the oldest in the nation and is the site of Patrick Henry’s famous speech. From the top of the Hill, Richmonders can tour historic houses, walk gas-lit cobblestone streets and take in the best vista of the whole city.
Hollywood Cemetary: Hollywood cemetery houses the remains of over a dozen US presidents and has some of the most beautiful headstones and statues of any cemetery in the nation. Visitors enjoy taking ghost tours of the cemetery or just walking the hills, which overlook the James River Rapids.
Medical College of Virginia: The Medical College of Virginia is a pioneering research facility and is the site of the world’s first in vitro fertilization. The newest addition, the Massey Cancer Center, is one of the finest cancer facilities in the nation.
Tredeggar Iron Works: Perhaps one of the most historic factories in the nation, Tredeggar Iron Works is responsible for making guns and machinery until the turn of the century. The Works are adjacent to the river and canal, making water transportation to and from the facilities quick and easy. Now, the Works are used primarily for banquets and a weekly citywide concert known as Friday Cheers.
Rockett’s Landing: Rockett’s Landing is the site where early explorers first entered into the city to establish it. The Landing is positioned at the base of the rapids, making it impossible for boats to travel down the James River beyond the city limits. Rockett’s is also the former home of the Annibelle Lee riverboat, named after Richmonder Edgar Alan Poe’s famous poem.
Science Museum of Virginia/Imax Theater: The Science Museum is housed in an old railroad station and, as such, still has the old railroad tracks cutting through the grounds. Complete with an extensive hands-on exhibit for children and Richmond’s only Imax Theater, the Science Museum is a destination for local families on the weekends.
Carytown: Carytown is Richmond’s most famous shopping district. Located on the west end of town, Carytown takes up a dozen city blocks with boutique shopping and fine dining. Rain or shine, Richmonders enjoy hitting the streets for one-of-a-kind treasures that can’t be found elsewhere.
Valentine History Museum: Richmond’s Valentine History Museum holds the second largest costume collection in the nation, beat out only by the MET in New York City. Housed in a historic home bordering the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, the museum holds artifacts from Richmond’s history – including the then controversial first pant suit worn by a woman at the turn of the century.
Arts & Culture
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts holds and extensive collection of modern art, French Art, Egyptian Art and Asian Art. With a sizeable donation by Sidney and Frances Lewis (also Richmonders) the VMFA has built a collection that rivals any major museum in the world. The museum also provides classes and workshops on art, art history and writing.
Broad Street Galleries and Manchester Galleries: Richmond is home to many artists. Its two art districts: Broad Street and Manchester, are gallery rivals, each competing for the best artists and buyers. During the winter months, the Broad Street artists host Artwalk; in which every local gallery opens its doors as more than 20,000 Richmonders take to the streets to view the work. The Manchester District is made up of warehouse artist studios and galleries and is considered to be the more Soho-esque of the Richmond art scene. Each Third Thursday during the winter months is dedicated to the Manchester artists’ gallery tour.
Sports & Recreation
Richmond is home to three major professional sports teams: the Richmond Braves (baseball), Richmond Renegades (ice hockey) and Richmond Kickers (soccer.) Richmonders take to the River like fish to the water. Indeed, Richmond is the only city in the world with Class 5 rapids within the city limits. During the summer months, they enjoy swimming through the James River Rapids, accessible from Belle Isle, an island in the middle of the river within the city limit. As one of the nation’s most outdoor cities, Richmonders spend much of their time kayaking, rafting, canoeing, boating and fishing. Richmonders love to host a good race. Each year, they are home to the internationally acclaimed Richmond Marathon, also named the “Friendliest Marathon in the country.” Each year in June Richmond is host to the Nissan X-Terra races, which lays out a course along and in the river. Muddy Buddies is a popular team race involving a muddy course for mountain bikers and runners. The X Games have also found a sometime home in Richmond.
Education
Award-winning public schools: Each locality in the Greater Richmond City limits has it’s own public school system, making up a total of 173 public schools. In 2003, three Greater Richmond elementary schools won recognition as No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools.
Private Schools: There are 60 private and parochial schools in the Greater Richmond area. 19 schools in the Richmond area, including public schools, achieved Blue Ribbon Status in the program that began in 1982. In addition some Richmond’s private schools offer the International Baccalaureate programs.
Higher Education: Richmond is home to nine higher education institutions including University of Richmond, Virginia State University, Randolph Macon College, Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Union University. Nearly 60,000 students attend these institutes. Richmond is also home to the University of Richmond’s Law School and Virginia Commonwealth University’s award-winning Medical College of Virginia.
Community Colleges: Richmond has two outstanding community colleges offering AS and AAS degrees: J. Sargeant Reynolds and John Tyler Community College. In addition to their dynamic courses, these colleges will also customize programs for large companies in order to provide customized training to employees.
Vocational Programs: There are four vocational/technical centers in Richmond educating nearly 150,000 students.
Festivals
National Folk Festival: Richmond is the new 3-year home to the National Folk Festival, an annual October event that expects to draw over 100,000 visitors from around the world.
Friday Cheers: This free outdoor music event takes place every Friday evening in the summer along the river at Tredeggar Iron Works. Over 7,000 people fill the grounds to listen to the internationally based bands that come to play.
Fridays at Sunset: This is also an outdoor event each Friday during the summer, bringing in big name singers for low-cost tickets to the public.
Innsbrook After Hours: Each summer Wednesday, national performers entertain to an audience of thousands in this business park outdoor arena.
Arts in the Park: an annual event in Byrd Park that draws thousands of people to the park to browse and purchase artwork from local and national artists.
Easter on Parade: Each Easter, Richmonders flood Monument Avenue for a parade and Easter bonnet show. Over 10,000 are expected each year.
Earth Day Festival: Every spring, Mayo Island is flooded with music lovers looking for a day of entertainment. The Earth Day festival is a full-day event that brings in multiple bands on multiple stages. Attendees bring blankets and chairs to lay out for a day in the sun and good music.
Beer and Seafood Festival: This Brown’s Island event is a mid-summer sweet spot for Richmonders looking to see and be seen. The year and Seafood Festival, limited to those over 21 years of age, draws up to 10,000 seafood lovers who partake in the goods from dozens of local breweries.
Shockoe Tomato and Brunswich Stew Festival: These two festivals are Richmond favorites. They take place in historic Shockoe Bottom at the 17 Street Farmer’s Market. Each brings a crowd of thousands.
Watermelon Festival: This annual Carytown festival is the only event of the year that closes Carytown to anything but pedestrian traffic. Storeowners and local vendors set up shop on the pavement and pass out bowls full of watermelon to up to 15,000 passers-by.
Dining
Per capita, Richmond has more restaurants than most other cities. The choices are diverse – from Thai to American, you can get what you’re looking for in Richmond. Within the city limits, there are four locations that are popular dining stops:
Shockoe Slip: “The Slip” is a cobble stone street with fancy hotels and boutiques lining either side. High-end food and Asian restaurants are a popular choice here, as well as Richmond’s most pricey hotel.
The Fan: The Fan is the popular residential district that extends from the city proper. Practically each block has some sort of town-house-style, tin-roof restaurant specializing in your choice of Cuban, Ethiopian, Asian, French, Mexican, American or other tasty food. Most Fan residents have a favorite restaurant that they frequent and are known there by name.
Shockoe Bottom: Shockoe Bottom is known as the nightclub spot in Richmond. During dining hours, diners can choose from a mix of Southern, Mexican, Japanese or diner-style cuisine. At night, the tables go away and the dancing begins. If you’re looking for a good beer and evening of dancing, “The Bottom:” is the Richmond spot for you.
Carytown: This popular shopping district has stores and restaurants that straddle Cary Street, a major artery into the city. Dining options are also diverse and abundant. Shoppers enjoy having a quick bite or a lazy lunch at one on one of the many outdoor patios. Most establishments close early, as this district is not known to be a late-night entertainment venue.
Economy
Richmond’s economy is driven by business and innovation. Richmond is the birthplace of the Eskimo Pie, Pepsi and Philip Morris. Forbes Magazine ranked Richmond as the 10th best place for business in 2004. Inc Magazine ranked it number 17 of America’s top 25 metro areas to start a business. Richmond is home to 12 Fortune 1000 companies and six fortune 500 companies including Dominion Resources, Circuit City Stores, Performance Food Groups, Brink’s, CarMax, Ownes + Minor. In 2005, Forbes Magazine again praised Richmond’s business community – naming it “One of the nation’s 20 best places for business and careers” and rated it 14th among the 150 largest metro areas. Also in 2005, Expansion Magazine rated Richmond 13th of “America's 50 Hottest Cities” for business expansions and relocations. According to the magazine, Richmond is also a four-star community for business quality of life.
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