Richmond 84 Exceptional
Richmond Livability #20 ranked city in Virginia#530 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Richmond

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Schools

    The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

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What's it like Living in Richmond?

Located in the state of Virginia, Richmond is a highly populated city with a population of 229,233 people. With a population density of 3,825 people per square mile, Richmond is well above the nation's average density level. Richmond is mostly populated by White (45%) and Black or African American (46%) ethnic groups. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Richmond, only 34% of the population is married.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Richmond is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Virginia, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Richmond and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, education, employment and other important metrics.

With a livability score of 84/100, Richmond is ranked #446 in the United States and #17 in Virginia. This is a fantastic score, as Richmond ranks well in multiple categories! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Richmond ranks well for cost of living (B+), education (A) and housing (B).

If you're considering living in Richmond, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Richmond provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Richmond: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Maymont, and The Museum of the Confederacy.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Richmond, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 67%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Richmond excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Richmond is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Richmond come in at $244,200, which is 1.7% lower than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Richmond, the home price to income ratio is 4.8, which is 26.3% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Richmond

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Richmond?

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Compare Richmond, VA Livability

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      Richmond transportation information

      Statistic Richmond Virginia National
      Average one way commute22min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work70.2%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.5%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit5.0%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.1%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.0%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home7.7%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Richmond, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).