Moving From D.C or Northern Virginia

A seamless blend of rich heritage and modern affluence makes Richmond one of the most desirable relocation destinations in Virginia. You’ll find everything you need for a happy and fulfilling life in this city, no matter whether you’re moving here for a new job, opening a business, retiring, or changing scenery. Here’s a comprehensive guide to getting started in Richmond.

Living in Richmond

Its population is primarily made up of young professionals, although the median age is 33.4 years old. In particular, college students fill the city from September to May. Among residents 25 and older, more than one third have at least a bachelor’s degree. There is generally a warm welcome for new residents, regardless of their backgrounds. Richmond has a strong sense of southern hospitality, especially among the older residents.

As well as providing a healthy living environment, Richmond offers a variety of recreational activities. In addition to advanced medical facilities, specialist hospitals and clinics, and assisted living communities, it offers a wide range of services to meet the health care needs of people of all ages. As a result, it offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including parks, trails, and natural spots. There are 78 percent of adults who do physical activities during their leisure time, 70 percent who have a healthy weight, and 76 percent who do not smoke. There are also many health-food stores and restaurants that serve locally sourced food in the city, which promotes healthy eating.

Richmond is also an excellent place for raising a family. You’ll have no trouble finding a school that fits the needs and preferences of your children since there are a wide range of public and private schools available. Moreover, the city has a variety of family-friendly attractions, from museums to amusement parks, to keep your family entertained and educated. Your children’s creative development can be influenced by a vibrant art scene and many cultural events.

Transportation in Richmond

Richmond’s excellent public transportation system makes getting around easy. Using the Greater Richmond Transit Company’s bus service, you can travel within the city and its surrounding area. Bus lines operated by this company operate throughout Richmond, along with Henrico and Chesterfield counties.

A major Greyhound Lines hub is also located in Richmond. Washington, D.C., Raleigh, New York City, and other cities are served by the intercity bus company from its terminal on North Boulevard. It takes about 7.5 hours to travel directly to New York City. Within walking distance of Main Street Station, Megabus offers curbside service. It offers direct bus service to Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Hampton Roads, Raleigh, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.

Richmond is one of the least congested major cities in the country, so it is a great place to drive if you plan on doing so. There is a significant reduction in commute times in the city compared to the national average of 26.4 minutes per commute. A major advantage of Richmond is its excellent location within Virginia’s transportation system. The city is situated at the intersection of Interstate 95 north-south and Interstate 64 east-west. From Virginia-North Carolina’s border to Washington, D.C., Interstate 95 runs northward, and Interstate 64 runs east to Chesapeake, Virginia, and west to Charlottesville, Virginia. 

There are also two railroad stations in Richmond that offer regular Amtrak passenger service to Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia. Richmond’s busiest rail station is the suburban Staples Mill Road Station. Located on a major freight line, it provides train services to many destinations south of the city, such as Raleigh, Durham, Savannah, and Williamsburg. There is only one railway station within the city limits, the historic Main Street Station. In addition to Amtrak, only Newport News and Williamsburg are served by trains.

Greater Richmond is served primarily by the Richmond International Airport. With about 4 million passengers a year, it is the third busiest airport in Virginia, located about 7 miles southeast of Richmond. In addition to domestic flights, many airlines offer international connections to major airports in the South, Midwest, and Northeast. JetBlue Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines are among the top airlines at this airport.

Dining in Richmond

Richmond has become a top foodie destination in Virginia over the past few years. A variety of culinary options is available at the city’s restaurants, including traditional Southern comfort foods and creative fusion dishes. Here are some of Richmond’s best restaurants:

Southbound

Located on Stony Point Road, Southbound serves delicious Southern cuisine, distinctive wines, and tasty cocktails. Southbound is led by Chef Lee Gregory and Chef Joe Sparatta, who create healthy, flavorful dishes using locally sourced ingredients. On the menu, you’ll find smoked chicken wings, a house-made basket, orecchiette with butter-poached shrimps and preserved lemon, and a candy bar dessert. Sticky buns and soft pretzels are also favorites at this restaurant.

The Roosevelt

Richmond’s Roosevelt is a great place to try local cuisine. This restaurant features delectable Southern dishes with a creative twist and great attention to detail, managed by three-time James Beard award winner Lee Gregory. There are a number of things you should try at this restaurant, including chicken liver toast, braised pork cheeks with cheese grits, Brussels sprouts with red wine jus, and crude with chorizo vinaigrette, puffed rice, and pickled jalapenos. A bacon hollandaise omelet is a great brunch choice. A charming ambience and antique furniture set in a historic building make this restaurant a memorable dining experience.

Lehja

Experience an exotic dining experience at Lehja if you’re feeling adventurous. You can experience the culinary riches of different regions of India at this restaurant. Among the best menu items are the coconut curry scallops, the garlic naan, and the Lahori lamb shank. Brunch offers a good-value three-course meal that features a fun take on chicken and waffles. Lehja also offers Indian wines, one of the few in the country.

Sen Organic

This tranquil oasis offers healthy, refreshing meals right in the middle of bustling Carytown. At Sen Organic, you’ll find innovative Franco-Indochinese dishes in an airy, relaxed environment. There is a menu that caters to different appetites and allergies without sacrificing art, taste, or texture. Take a group of friends there and order mushroom trigon, salted duck egg, Buddha bowl salad, calamari saute, beet quail pot, and gluten-free pho. Try the natural ca phe sua da phin Vietnam, a delicious slow-motion pour-over coffee.

Concluding Thoughts

Moving from the Northern Virginia/D.C. area to Richmond is often a very easy transition. Many people enjoy the cultural and dining experiences Richmond has to offer, without the heavy congestion that comes with the Washington, D.C. metro area.

If you are considering moving to the Richmond area, give me a call at (804) 551-1868 to review options, or discuss any questions you may have.