5 Reasons People REGRET Moving to Richmond, Virginia

After living here for a few months, here are some of my cons of moving to Richmond, Virginia. ✨I'm on Instagram: / laurenzray
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Richmond, Virginia RVA Richmond Vlog Richmond Virginia Pros & Cons of Richmond Virginia

[@LaurenZRay]

Anyone moving to Richmond, Virginia in 2024?

[@kieracarpenter7909]

Me and my partner are planning to make the move to Richmond from Chicago come May. And I've been so nervous about the change of pace. These videos are so helpful as we also can't decide where's the perfect spot to purchase/rent a home. Glad to see your excitement for the city.

[@LaurenZRay]

@@kieracarpenter7909 you are going to love it! I hear May is a magical time in Richmond as well! Spring is gorgeous. I’m grew up in Indiana near Chicago & I see a lot of similarities here in Richmond of the Midwest. People are kind, talk a lot & there is a laid back vibe. Is there any other videos you’d like to see me make to help with your move? ☺️

[@Tenniciawhite]

im from there i lived in westend

[@LaurenZRay]

@@Tenniciawhite I love it over there!!

[@kieracarpenter7909]

@@LaurenZRay Thanks so much for sharing this!! The biggest challenge I'm running into is not knowing which neighborhood to move to. It would be so helpful to see neighborhood tours. Also, I think it could be cool to see a video of hang out spots not to miss. I would love to know where to meet people and build community. Thank you for making videos on RVA!

[@thekingbdon]

Born/raised in here, bought a house, and don't plan to leave any time soon! I grew up in Byrd Park and I think it's one of the most underrated neighborhoods in the City.

[@LaurenZRay]

I love that spot! We have friends who live there. I’ve been dying to go play some tennis. 🎾

[@cherylmontcrief7600]

Thanks for sharing.

[@LewisNelson]

I lived in a redone historic four square in Brookland Park neighborhood and love it- I return often to check up on my old friends!

[@LaurenZRay]

That’s awesome!!

[@TruthSeeker434]

Churchill isn the same. Gentrification has taken over. Breaks my heart when I roll through the old neighborhood and see things I never thought possible.. some call it progress. Yeah right!

[@aaronsaunders8475]

Northside and Lakeside are a great happy medium for price and still being super close to everything. No longer walking to everything, but a short drive or bike ride to be anywhere.

[@LaurenZRay]

Oh love this tip! Thanks for sharing!!

[@jaamalboyd6200]

Good area is Chesterfield Courthouse rd ,Huguenot into the city through Cary st ....

[@tanandya99]

I've lived in Richmond mostly my whole life and I like to call the historic homes /apartments with the crazy layouts "very Richmond". You will really find the most bizarre layouts, bathrooms connected in weird areas and don't get me started on the kitchens mostly old, tiny, and random, refrigerators wedged in a corner, washer and dryers in them lol dont get me wrong, it adds to the "Richmond vibe" that becomes it, and you know us Richmonders are going to put plants everywhere and make it a moment. Richmond is a great place for creatives.

[@LaurenZRay]

Oh my gosh I love this! I saw a staircase that led from a bathroom down to the hallway and was like wtf haha. I love it so much! I love being here. 😍

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

Its kind of hard to be "creative" when you're destroying public art and tearing everything down , but aside from that, there is nothing "Richmond" left. It's a very ugly modern looking city now in complete decay. I used to be proud of Richmond, now I am ashamed. I tell people I'm from some place else, if anyone asks.

[@nicholasyamasaki4177]

I just moved to Rocketts Landing. I really love the neighborhood and it’s so close to the city right along the river. The only downside is the traffic can be quite heavy going into the city! Other than that it’s been a dream! Highly recommend for anyone looking to move to Richmond!

[@LaurenZRay]

Great tip!! Rockets landing sounds so perfect, especially during the summer! 😍

[@jasonfarmer6152]

Plan on moving next year from South Florida. Can't wait

[@LaurenZRay]

You’ll love it! Slightly colder than Florida though. But it’s an awesome city!

[@AnnC3932]

I live in Carytown, a popular area near City Stadium. I have been here for years. Our house was built in 1924. All the homes here are old but updated and modern. Nice video, thanks for uploading.

[@LaurenZRay]

I love Carytown! Always something fun to do 😍

[@sunshineatheart2065]

Hi Lauren! Do you still enjoy your move to Richmond? Greetings from Austria (just came back from Florida)🤗

[@LaurenZRay]

I’m absolutely obsessed still!! Haha. The Christmas activities here are amazing too 😍🎄. How was Florida?

[@sunshineatheart2065]

@@LaurenZRay Florida was great (2. time within 10 years)! Wonderful people, great freshly cooked food (Versailles, Miami, Robbie's of Islamorada, Mrs. Mac's Kitchen, Key Largo). I looooved my Key lime pie! Happy Holidays to you & your loved ones!😗

[@LaurenZRay]

@@sunshineatheart2065 key lime pie is the best!! Thank you. You too! 💚🎄

[@corvusheller328]

I'd rather live in Richmond the the crap hole of New England I used to live in

[@PraveenSriram]

You gained a brand new subscriber

[@LaurenZRay]

So happy to have you here! Welcome! 💚

[@danielbrandl630]

Make that two!

[@LaurenZRay]

@@danielbrandl630 welcome! So glad you’re here!!💚

[@renobronson9033]

I remember the following about Richmond: 1) When the Nickel Bridge cost a dime. 2) The Virginia State Fair being held off Laburnum Ave.- along with watching the fireworks from my 2nd floor bedroom window. 3) The Azalea Mall (off Azalea Ave) and the Cloverleaf Mall (Junction of US 60 and Chippenham Parkway) along with the Willow Lawn Mall before it's uniqueness was destroyed. 4) The Tobacco Festival Parade (held in October)over the Boulevard Bridge(near Greyhound Bus Station). 5) Attending a concert at the Scottish Rite Temple. 6) The large rifle that used to hang on the west side of a building along 14th St. 7) The city skyline before the James Monroe Building was constructed. 8) The large warehouses that used to be in Shockoe Bottom(the streets went under them) and the tobacco aroma that permeated this same area in the '60s and 70s. 9) Bill's Barbecue Restaurants..they were everywhere. 10) Eating at Dunn's Bar-B-Cue on Mechanicsville Turnpike. 11) The Burger Chef restaurant on Nine Mile Rd.(across street from Eastgate Mall). 12) Best Products..there was a big store across US 60 from Cloverleaf Mall. 13) Shopping at the Sears store in Eastgate Mall..late '60s. 14) The following drive-in theaters.(one off US 60 and E. Belt Blvd and the other at Southside Plaza). Richmond Virginia...What a wonderful place for a child in the '60s.

[@LaurenZRay]

Wow what a different time! Do you still have pictures from then as well?

[@MYJ61]

I’m a native Richmonder, and I miss those things too. ❤

[@sarahwimmer2952]

I’ve lived in Richmond for 2 years & live right by the tolls. But see, the thing is, I NEVER TAKE THEM. it’s almost like any navigation app doesn’t have the feature to avoid tolls 😂 there’s almost nowhere in Richmond where you HAVE to take tolls 😂😂😂

[@LaurenZRay]

Very true! For some reason they always creep up on me 😂😂

[@Little.Hikers.Explore]

Had no idea about the tolls!!! That's not something you see here on the West Coast so it's good to know! And yikes about the mosquitoes 😭😭😭 that's no fun!

[@LaurenZRay]

Aha so true! The mosquitos & tolls aren’t in SoCal so it is adjustment for us for sure! Haha

[@MYJ61]

I may be mistaken, but the scenes you listed as Manchester looked more like Westover Hills to me. Manchester is on the South side of the Manchester Bridge, with Westover Hills being on the South side of the Boulevard or “Nickel” Bridge. Way back when, it was a nickel, but much more now. Welcome to Richmond. ❤

[@LaurenZRay]

Thank you for clarification! You are correct, a lot of it is Westover Hills. You’ve got a great eye!

[@_Easy1]

The biggest reason why I regret moving to Richmond is the horribly currupt city Mayor. So strange, no one seems to support him. Everyone says Richmond used to be so nice, but, there's been serious neglect and decline over the last 4 years.

[@troywilliams8659]

So true,dead on the money

[@judithmurphy419]

I have a doggie day care business. Do lots of people own dogs???

[@LaurenZRay]

Almost everyone has a pet it seems. Dogs & cats. But yes, I see a lot of dogs here.

[@akaritakahashi7757]

Hola from Los Angeles! We came back from CDMX to potentially move to, but my bf and I are also thinking of Richmond-- will be visiting early next year to see the real deal:) How easy was the transition moving from LA to RVA (socially/culturally), what are the people like/how easy is to make friends there (I heard from my homie that they're super kind), and how would you compare your quality of life/stress levels to LA? Would love to hear your insights as a former Angeleno!

[@LaurenZRay]

From my own personal experience of living here the last 5 months 😜 coming from LA: 1. Yes people are extremely nice! 2. Socially - people here are way more laid back, laugh often & are very welcoming. 3. Culturally - again laid back, care less about: appearance, who they know & how far they are in their careers. 3. Quality of life increases 100000%. 4. Stress levels? For me I’ve become a new person, so much happier and cozier. There isn’t traffic like LA and everyone is so nice plus there is so much to do, they have everything & the food is amazing! I am obsessed and you should def visit & potentially move here. 😍

[@akaritakahashi7757]

@@LaurenZRayliterally sounds like what we’re looking for. We’re definitely coming to visit now✊🏼 We’re always looking forward to your RVA videos- please keep us salivating for more💖

[@LaurenZRay]

@@akaritakahashi7757 will do! This Sunday I’ve got the Top 10 Things to do during Xmas. 🎄✨

[@jcrain42]

@@akaritakahashi7757 I'm just reading this 3 weeks late. I'm a born and raised a Richmonder. If you love food, you have just found Shangri-La. Also, the craft beer scene..... amazing. Cheers! Welcome to the East Coast!

[@LaurenZRay]

Thank you!!@@jcrain42

[@pjkr123]

Are you really regretting your stay in Richmond, VA? Living here it's like a glimpse of a light in this void of existence.

[@LaurenZRay]

Don’t regret it at all. ☺️

[@Hokieashley]

Northside

[@LaurenZRay]

How’s the Northside? ☺️

[@RadarRider226]

I think that you covered some of the major hot points of Richmond. I grew up in Richmond, a child of the 70’s and a teen of the 80’s. Richmond since then, has really made some great improvements. The park systems, downtown Riverwalk, VMFA, etc. The drivers, OMG the drivers!! As a kid, my friends and I rode our bikes EVERYWHERE! We never worried about our safety and never had even close to an incident. The drivers in Richmond today are out of their minds! You wouldn’t catch me riding a bike like I used to in this city. Not for a million dollars. I value my life. Thankfully there are some nice bike trails both old and in development to enjoy. If you’re a commuter, BEWARE!

[@LaurenZRay]

I did notice that the driving was interesting! I definitely have to stay on my toes. That’s so cool you grew up there. I bet it’s changed so much.

[@RadarRider226]

@@LaurenZRay I met my wife in 1988, and joined the Coast Guard in 91’ (25 years). We lived in some great places. Baltimore, OBX, Seattle (Loved it!) to name a few. I wanted to stay in Seattle, but my wife has a huge family and really wanted to be closer to them, so we moved back to Richmond. Enjoyed many of the new things that Richmond has to offer, but the piss poor driving habits of Richmond are on another level! If my wife should ever get tired of my antics and kick me to the curb, I’m heading right back to Seattle! She’s put up with me for 34 years so, probably not gonna happen. 🫤

[@LaurenZRay]

@@RadarRider226 😜 Seattle is pretty awesome! And I love Olympic National park!🏞️

[@Classy4514]

Usually i hate the con videos of Richmond cus i moved to Richmond and i absolutely love it its the perfect city i will say your video was actually not bad Richmond is amazing ❤

[@LaurenZRay]

Hard to find cons. I love it here too!! 💚

[@reneecollin8825]

Born, raised and educated in RIC (and i 💖 it)! Yes it has "drama" like in other city, but I enjoy it. Its just funny to hear young "professionals" / transplants attempt to critque this city! They have no clue as to what, who, where, or when of this city - so plz be quiet, and just enjoy your time here, and move on to your next city (in a few years)! smh

[@mightythor-9286]

is it safe for lgbt individuals to move to?

[@LaurenZRay]

As I am not lgbt it would be a bit hard for me to answer this question fully, as I wouldn’t know from personal experience. I would say though that Richmond has many organizations & events, and a large community here. Here is a blog post from visit Richmond on some events: www.visitrichmondva.com/plan/itinerary-ideas/lgbtq/

[@judithmurphy419]

You can be Vegan in Richmond ?? Good Vegan Restaurants??

[@LaurenZRay]

We have some great ones! The best part about Richmond though is the fact that many non-vegan restaurants have fantastic vegan options, even sports bars etc! 😍🌱💚

[@blue18404]

Has to better than Pittsburgh

[@corvusheller328]

Like Hell

[@blue18404]

@@corvusheller328 that bad?

[@musicbyLUKAS]

Left Los Angeles to live in Richmond and loving it (glad we found a mosquito repellent that works though! Haha) ❤️

[@LaurenZRay]

Mosquito repellant is crucial!! 😝

[@MotivationalMoments804]

I live in Richmond west end area tho I had to get away from the city I grew up in Richmond moved to fl then nc just moved back after being gone for two yrs I love Richmond but it’s small and can be overwhelming sometimes especially in the city area but missed home definitely

[@LaurenZRay]

What are some of the reasons you missed it? I can see how it can be overwhelming sometimes!

[@shanew3293]

corrupt local gov't

[@troywilliams8659]

True

[@mrcassonova1]

Liberals ruin everything

[@zacharydetrick7428]

you missed a chance to say "it's not a nickel, it's 10 nickels"

[@LaurenZRay]

Dang it haha 😂

[@user-qw3sk8vj9i]

Jaydayoungan

[@edgaro8905]

In Glen Allen, rarely go downtown, i am good.

[@nasirjones-bey6565]

Downtown Richmond is amazing

[@allthingseducation]

I plan to come back as I lived there the longest of anywhere in my adult life 24 years total. I left a year and a half ago when I bought a condo in another state. You LEFT OUT several cons. First, the wages have not kept up with the rising rents. Next, the political strife surrounding the monuments was awful. They were not removed they were illegal torn down with the mayor looking the other way. It would have been okay to remove legally this was not the case except with Lee at the end. The neighborhoods that you mention like scotts addition used to be warehouses and have blue collar jobs. All the areas you mentioned have been gentrified leaving the original inhabitants out of luck (Church Hill is a prime example). You did not mention the near West End Libby Mill which is also a gentrified upcoming neighborhood. I know many there still struggling with 100 dollar rent increases each year. I plan to rent out my condo here in Tulsa, OK and become politically active to make it better. I am giving you some slack since you seem to be fairly new but you don't seem to know RVA in depth (it took me many years)

[@chase2879]

you just described literally every city in the country

[@jessfauscette222]

lol at u being surprised by the humidity and mosquitos in the summer. It’s THE SOUTH

[@dais_e_]

Yep, the history sucks. F the street names, the bridge names, the statues. Otherwise pretty cool city. I’m from Los Angeles.

[@priestof1s]

Taxes way to high, city hall lies to the citizens about everything getting done that's their responsibility. Like fixing sidewalks with holes in them, alleys, streets have gotten so bad they formed their own traffic patters to avoid the damage, employees untrained to do their jobs, city hall lashing out for complaints against them or any employee, absolute hate and anger asking an employee to be responsible, management is as useful as tits on a boar, services we are getting taxed for being removed, no police because they chased them all away, people urinating everywhere even next to major roads without a care, and this is the positives. City hall needs to be deleted and the plqce ran by a corporation like costco, Domino's aince they actually fix roads or used to, and ao on. You would see city hall thin out by 60% easy.

[@mdty9733]

I wouldn’t recommend Manchester to live, I lived in a river loft there for two years. Crime is through the roof, beautiful views, but the homeless have really ruined the river trails.

[@cozmicmojo2181]

Never understood people's desire to erase history. Its extremely narcissistic and self serving. You take for granted that the generations coming after you have been taught what you've been taught. And once the markers and reminders are gone it eventually fades from consciousness and the same events repeat all over again.

[@Timopechancanogh]

Richmond should have kept it

[@dougc84]

I regret living here my whole life because we have influencers here now apparently.

[@VeeS.]

Ugh. If you’re thinking of moving to Richmond, please don’t! Listen to this person not from here complain. It’s way worse than what she’s making it. DONT MOVE HERE. You’d hate it!! Were overly gentrified as is.

[@mikeo9219]

depressing city

[@troywilliams8659]

Dangerous city,filthy, crime,homeless everywhere, cars broken into constantly, meals tax is horrific, corrupt city council for decades, corrupt mayor,police chief is the best thing going for richmond. Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Goochland far better places to live.

[@colerainey7032]

Right, go hide out there “we don’t go to the city because of THOSE people”

[@nasirjones-bey6565]

Pish Posh, Richmond is awesome.

[@Nancy-tr5fi]

OMG THE mosquito sucker outer, I never heard of such a thing. You clearly are not exaggerating LOTS OF MOSQUITOS.

[@LaurenZRay]

Haha ok they don’t just love me? I was curious if people get bit as much as me. Also the sucker is crucial, it changed my life haha