5 Popular Richmond Neighborhoods For Black Families, Young Professionals & Singles – Virginia
Considering a move to a city as old and as vibrant as Richmond can be both exciting and intimidating. I’ll go over some of the best Richmond neighborhoods for Black families and young Black professionals, and Black singles. Then you can make the right decision as you make your home in this historic river city!
Contents
3 Best Richmond Suburbs for Black Families
Bon Air
People from the neighborhood say that it feels like a small town, but you have all the amenities that Richmond has to offer close by. Bon Air is known for being a racially and economically diverse place where neighborhood kids play together.
A lot of Bon Air has been established since the late 19th century and is considered part of the historic district. There are newer parts of the neighborhood as well. The median price of a house is $241,000, and rent averages $1,381.
Things to Do
For the family who loves the outdoors, check out Bon Air. There are lots of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and watersports nearby. You have your choice of grocery stores and shopping, as well as coffee shops and restaurants.
On a rainy day take the kids to the local pinball arcade or Sky Zone Trampoline Park. There’s also a go-kart track and minigolf in the area, and Huguenot Park has a wonderful playground and space to run around.
Schools
There are a handful of public elementary, middle, and high schools in Bon Air. Generally, Virginia Public Schools get high ratings. You also have local childcare centers. There are also a private middle school and a Catholic K-8 school.
Crime Rate
Families who hope to make Bon Air home will know that the crime rate in the area is 18% lower than the national average.
Jobs and Travel
Part of the appeal of living in Bon Air is its secluded feel while still being local to both Richmond and Chesterfield. For those in the medical field, there’s the local CJW Medical Center.
Tuckahoe
The picture of suburban life is what you’ll find in this Richmond neighborhood. This is a friendly area with a very diverse population. There’s most likely something here that will check all the boxes on your list for a place to live in Richmond. The median price of a home here is $313,300, while rent averages $1,160.
Things to Do
In shopping centers all over Tuckahoe, you’ll find family-friendly attractions and all your shopping needs. Check out the Deep Run Park and Recreation Center. It has soccer fields, walking trails, and a playground.
Tuckahoe gets its namesake from originally being the location of the Tuckahoe Plantation, which among other things was known for being Thomas Jefferson’s boyhood home. Take the family for a tour of the beautiful grounds and learn about the enslaved and indigenous people who inhabited the area.
Schools
This Richmond neighborhood is in a highly rated district that’s known for its attentive teachers. Families may be interested to know that Tuckahoe is home to The Collegiate School, a prestigious K-12 prep school. There’s also the University of Richmond to the east.
Crime Rate
Tuckahoe’s crime rate is a peaceful 32% lower than the national average, making this a great place to raise a family.
Jobs and Travel
You’ll have a convenient commute to downtown Richmond from here. This is also a bustling community with several business complexes in the area, and you’re next to the University of Richmond.
Glen Allen
If your budget allows it, look at this large affluent neighborhood. Being a warm, friendly community, you’ll stay busy with local events and activities. The median price for homes in the area is $241,500. Rent averages $1,336.
Things to Do
Besides offering all the conveniences of a busy suburban area, such as a variety of big-name shopping centers and all the local services, there are lots of family-friendly dining options. Get a babysitter and check out the Intermission Beer Company.
Glen Allen has several locations for outdoor activities, like the NorthStar Stables for horseback riding, a golf course, rec centers, and ball fields, as well as a large park on the north side of the area. It has a playground and historical museum that shares the almost 300-year-old history of the park. Make sure to see what events are going on at the Culture Art Center, as well.
Schools
Families may consider moving to Glen Allen for the area’s reputation for having such a high number of highest-ranking public schools in the state of Virginia. You also have a selection of private nurseries and preschools, and a private grade school.
Crime Rate
Crime rates in Glen Allen are 22% lower than the national average.
Jobs and Travel
In this northside suburb, you are conveniently located at the intersection of I-295, I-95, and US-1. This allows for an easy commute to Richmond and any of the surrounding towns.
2 Best Richmond Neighborhoods for Black Singles & Young Black Professionals
Woodland Heights
This is one of the top Richmond suburbs for black singles and young black professionals. Just across the river from downtown Richmond is Woodland Heights. This is a great choice for young Black professionals who want to live close to downtown without the high prices. Singles looking for a laid-back suburb will enjoy it here. The median house price for this specific area is $237,407. Rent averages $1,274.
Things to Do
If you’re up for lots of outdoor recreational activities, Woodland Heights is surrounded by parks. Hike Reedy Creek Trail. Go canoeing, kayaking, or fishing in Forest Hill Park and Canoe Run Park. Play a game of ball and skateboard at Carter Jones Park.
While there isn’t much else to do in the neighborhood, adjacent neighborhood Old Town Manchester offers several places to eat, grab a pint of beer, and meet people.
Crime Rate
Those who live alone should be aware that crime rates are 61% higher than the national average. Depending on what you’re willing to look past, this will impact your choice to make Woodland Heights your home.
Jobs and Travel
This is the definition of a sleepy neighborhood. There isn’t much work in the area, but you are just a bridge away from the Capital District and Richmond’s City Center.
The Museum District
For the young Black professional or single who enjoys good architecture, fine art, and choice of coffee shops, this is the place to be. Walk down tree-lined streets past old Victorian homes and admire the colorful circa-1920s row houses. The median house price here is $371,296. Most people in the area rent, with the average cost being $1,151.
Things to Do
The Museum District is also considered the Upper Fan, and you benefit from the amenities in that neighborhood when you live here. The Museum District itself offers the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Virginia Museum of Culture and History.
Not too far away, you have your choice of shopping, food, coffee shops, bars, and live music. There are quite a few brewing companies in the area. Nearby is Virginia Commonwealth University, which attracts a largely younger crowd to the area.
Crime Rate
A reason to consider this area might be the lower crime rate at 17% lower than the national average.
Jobs and Travel
You’re central to major access roads, Virginia Commonwealth University, and a short commute to downtown Richmond.
Is Richmond Safe?
You can rest well knowing that Virginia’s violent crime rate is almost half of the national average. The state rates 208 on a scale of 1200. In terms of peacefulness, Virginia rates 2.48 on a scale of 4.5. This puts the state at the more peaceful end of the scale in relation to other states.
What Is Richmond’s Demographic?
Richmond is known for having a large Black/African American community, making up the majority (47%) of recorded residents. The ages of those in Richmond are balanced, with the largest population being 25–34-year-olds at 21%. Fifty-three percent of residents identify as women compared to 47% of men.
Best Richmond Neighborhoods For Black People, Conclusion
There are understandably a lot of things to think about when it comes to making Richmond your next home. Location, crime rates, and your wants and needs for your family and yourself should all be deciding factors. Hopefully, this information will help you decide if Richmond is right for you!
