5 Reasons People REGRET Moving to 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!

[@jonathansullivan8651]

Richmond is too expensive now and it’s super yuppy. I miss cheap sketchy Richmond lol.

[@avengemybreath3084]

Everywhere that doesn’t suck is now expensive.

[@BeKaws420]

Been here all my life, will agree it's more yuppy and expensive. Apartment rent went from 1200 to 2000 in the span of a few years so I moved out. Work in the city but can't afford to live in it

[@avengemybreath3084]

@ everywhere did

[@ebkandre1]

it’s so crazy how you guys think $2000 worth of rent is expensive lol try living i california average rent it $3k to $4k for studio or 2 bed room .

[@BeKaws420]

@ebkandre1 It is for Richmond. Just like 4k is expensive for California

[@Pyeredere813-il4jw]

Richmond has "front porch hospitality." They welcome you from their porch but never invite you in. That is my experience.

[@robLV]

that sounds ideal

[@Pyeredere813-il4jw]

@@robLV It fosters superficial relationships and the growth of cliques. Not all are welcome. A friend of mine from another Southern State told me that after she had been here for 20 years she realized that most Virginians simply would not accept her and she then only invested in her real friendships who primarily from out of state. Front porch hospitality is conditional.

[@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. ❤

[@BrisLS1]

You almost as old as me, ha ha. Man, if you can recall the Tobacco Bowl parade; that's the dinosaur age. Love it. You probably remember seeing the State Penitentiary every time you drove down to the Tobacco Bowl.

[@BetsyH]

Bills Barbecue on broad street I miss.

[@mistervacation23]

I live here. We have this crazy neighbor she's about a hundred some years old. Every time they're blasting for the over pass, she calls and ask if yankee cannons are coming down the road. I have to assure her that we're still holding on to Richmond.

[@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. 🎾

[@MSILBB]

Thank you for this tip! Am looking for places to move and will check this area out!

[@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.

[@OldManGamer33]

We moved to Richmond from SW Florida, we love it here. We found a nice condo in Rockets Landing. Two minutes from downtown, 20 minutes to walk to downtown with the capital trail..

[@LaurenZRay]

@@OldManGamer33 I bet those views are amazing!!

[@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!!

[@KyleOdom-t7s]

At least they kept the statue of the black tennis player who hated Richmond and said as late as the 90s he never wanted to go back because of how racist of town it was to him as a black child trying to play tennis.

[@Michellebellaa]

Bravo! Someone who isn't afraid to speak the truth!

[@xy1741]

Arthur Ashe

[@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!

[@baklava6138]

What are you saying! Churchill 10 years ago was the ghetto and it was a place to avoid. I don’t get people who dislike investment, bringing life back to old neighborhoods!

[@barfyman-dm6zx]

Take it across the bridge to Southside if you want that experience😂

[@jswon5456]

Some people don't like when you make their shitty area nicer unfortunately.

[@BuckBosley]

@@baklava6138 It may have been the ghetto to YOU and a place for YOU to avoid. But it prices out people who once could afford to live there.

[@mcblaze1968]

@@BuckBosley That is true and needs to mitigated against if possible. Poor folks get bought out with not great prices.

[@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! 😍

[@haptown]

The worst traffic is in and around Rockets Landing.

[@AnneliFelts]

As someone living in a 100 year old home in Richmond for 20 years, I have to say that new construction seems to have way more repairs needed. I could never imagine not having the slate roof and plaster walls.

[@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!!

[@davidkeetz]

We just bought a home in the greater RVA area and became aware of most of these things while looking - however the weather is GREAT compared to where we are coming from and I’ll gladly take the heat over sub zero temps. When we were looking at homes, we specifically looked for homes outside of Richmond proper and next to a non-toll highway that we could access to move around the city. I will NEVER pay for their tolls. I don’t pay for the toll roads where I currently live and I won’t do it in Richmond either. I am upset that a lot of the historical stuff got destroyed right before I got there, as I’m huge history nerd and being close to colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown was a big plus for me.

[@DaveCollierCamping]

It is about the same down here in Newport News and Hampton.

[@RondaBernstein]

One con I've heard is that it is hard to make new friends in Richmond. Similar to other old south cities like Charleston and New Orleans, it's unlike places like DC where new people come in and out often. This makes it harder to find social groups that are welcoming to newcomers.

[@LaurenZRay]

@@RondaBernstein def a reason I started the Vegan Club! To make friends more easily. 💚

[@RichHackman]

Moved to the Richmond area from NYC at the end of 2023, and one of my biggest challenges so far is building/find community of fellow creatives, actors, musicians, podcasters, and content creators. If anybody in chat can help me out (or if you want to be friends) please hit me up!

[@LaurenZRay]

@@RichHackman hey Rich! Come to one of my vegan club meet ups - you don’t have to be vegan to come but there are so many cool people who show up! And everyone there is ready to make friends. Our next one is August 8. Here is the info: www.laurenzray.com/event-details/vegan-club-rva-x-kavaclub-free

[@RichHackman]

@@LaurenZRay with the quickness woah! Thanks, it's in my calendar, looking forward to it

[@LaurenZRay]

@@RichHackman it’s going to be so fun! Haha. Yes I try to always reply right when I see it otherwise I may forget. Haha ☺️

[@jlkailua]

RVA has a subreddit where people make plans to meet up. ​@@RichHackman

[@coreysmith7797]

I’m late. Don’t mean to be rude. I’m a local, the creatives here are tapped in. I don’t want yall to feel excluded, but try and change your own mindset about life in Richmond . NYC is incredibly different from Richmond. Yeah we’re east coast/coastal but here being called a river rat is a badge of honor. Whoever told you not to buy a true house here that’s Richmond baby. We’re defensive about our city because we love each other and love our town. I want the new folks to understand the passion and fit in, don’t try and change our town. If you want to organize a group that’s cool, but to grow here don’t think of us as NYC with 9 million people. There are 250,000 people in Richmond proper. We support our own and whether that’s you being from here or you trying to adjust to it doesn’t matter. Just don’t be pretentious and above. Richmonders goof off as a way of life. Go to Texas beach and get naked baby. Jump in the James in January. Take mushrooms and see the Vmfa. Welcome to my home. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

[@mavrek7]

As a local, one thing that disappoints me with the city is a lack of major downtown shopping. Much of downtown is empty lots/ parking garages and office buildings while all the destination shopping is all in Short Pump or Stony Point. I hope the City Center project and various infill developments can create more vibrancy downtown.

[@haptown]

There once was a downtown shopping destination called Sixth Street Marketplace, but it didn’t last. It was a bit ahead of its time. There really weren’t enough people living in the central business district back then to keep it alive. And it was competing with the massive malls in the suburbs, where parking is free and plentiful. You can still see the ghostly remains of the old Marketplace.

[@RomainKang]

I grew up in different parts of Richmond including the West End, South Side (Meadowbrook), and the Fan, and I periodically visit family/friends there. The Fan house was built before electrical wiring was common, so it was retrofitted with one or two outlets in each room for lamps sometime in the early 20th century. When I visited it in 2019, the current owners were still using a big power strip in the living room that my dad got at a yard sale in 1978.

[@LaurenZRay]

@@RomainKang I love this story so much!! How cool to see it still there!

[@melissaharr1895]

Moved here end of 2022. Many things I don’t like: Too much litter Terrible drivers Not very friendly Most people don’t look you in the eye Violent crime rate Tolls in Richmond poorly marked, I think on purpose, so they can send you a nice fine Overall, it’s not a very progressive place in many ways Planning on leaving within the year!

[@jessfauscette222]

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

[@chuckgladfelter]

Moved to Richmond back in 1987 from West Virginia (for a decent job) and have been in the area since. I'm now in Chester, about 20 miles down I-95.

[@nj2mddude205]

I lived in the West End during 1995-96. I really wanted to live in Shockoe Slip, but my office was in the suburbs. I missed the professional/social life of Baltimore/DC; so I accepted a transfer to DC when a position become available 1 year after I moved to Richmond. Two of my former co-workers in Richmond followed me up to DC.

[@MatthewMartin-gh4xs]

I used to live in three pines subdivision on the southside of Virginia😅 I loved it there I went to a high school called Monican it was great

[@HetaliaFanatic3]

1)Honestly moving 20 minutes north or south of RVA tends to be the smartest thing. It's financially usually better. I grew up in NoVA and it was nuts. I'm 45 min south and my partner was able to buy a house compared to RVA rent 2)As a native Virginian, mosquitos are unavoidable. 3) Thank you for discussing the stupidity of the tolls.

[@LaurenZRay]

Thanks for the additional tips!! 💚

[@BrisLS1]

The tolls are not stupid. Crossing the river to buy toilet paper, is stupid.

[@medula]

I travel internationally for work and the airport is a major deal breaker for me. The airport was an international airport before 9/11. After 9/11 the richmond airport was too small to implement all the new TSA infrastructure so it's not really an international airport. (they let private jets do international flights not commercial flights). I can't fly internationally anywhere without a connection in Boston which requires me to go through security twice on the same day. Or drive two hours to Dulles and pay to park my vehicle. (no easy mass transit option from richmond to dulles).

[@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!

[@mabutoo]

As a lifelong Richmonder, it still tickles me how Churchill is now a high end neighborhood. It is the location that back in the 80's set us as the murder capital of the country. Since 2000, many neighborhoods in the city have been renovated and are now expensive to live in. But there are still many affordable locations around the city in the less popular but still accessible areas. I love that my city is modernizing and folk like yourself are making it better. This city has always been diverse and forward thinking. Places like the Altria Theater (formerly the Mosque) are quiet testaments to that. The history of that building might interest you. Keeping in mind the monuments, look where its built, when and why. Might be a story you're willing to tell.

[@biskitgravyyum6478]

Born in Richmond and lived there for the first 10 years of my life in the Highland Park neighborhood. Since then, I've lived fairly close to the city except for 9 years in Fredericksburg. My daughter rented a house with a couple of other people in the Oregon Hill neighborhood (Hollywood Cemetery is there). Talk about a unique historical home. Her entry foyer/hall had about a 35 degree tilt to it. Anyone on here old enough the remember Yogi's cave at King's Dominion will have an idea about what that felt like when you walked down the hall. In one sense I appreciate the gentrification of some of the older neighborhoods. Scott's Addition was basically a rotting, mainly industrial area not too long ago. Jackson Ward was also a series of boarded up houses unfit for human habitation. Gentrification helped to restore those neighborhoods, but in the process made it so long-time residents can no longer afford to live there if they don't already own their own house. Those that remain you can almost see the vultures swarming around waiting for them to die or go to a long-term care facility.

[@SKYBOTYT]

If your young and dont have a family, Carver is a great neighborhood, its a little overrun with college students but the housing is on the cheaper end of the spectrum and theres tons of cool stuff around. Its definitely not family friendly, there are some sketchy sections. But for a young professional its fantastic and I think is an underated gem in the city.

[@aikitherese]

Been living in Richmond for 10 years (having come from the Bay Area in California). Ended up in Stratford Hills near the river. Just lucked out finding this neighborhood and have no regrets.

[@LaurenZRay]

That’s awesome!!

[@YourDailyfacts_insight]

I have heard and read a lot about the crime rate being high and how uncomfortable and inconvenient it is? How would you rate it from your perspective

[@medguy3232]

Richmond born and raised. I lived in the fan, Manchester, museum district. Crime has gotten better. Lot’s of development. I’m seriously thinking of moving back. I had a brownstone on grove avenue which I loved though it was a Reno and the roof leaked after heavy rain. Overall, having lived in DC, Tulsa, Hampton roads and Richmond, Richmond is the way to go!

[@LaurenZRay]

@@medguy3232 we just love it here! Grove Ave is such a good spot (minus the leaky roof). Cool you’ve lived all over!

[@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!🏞️

[@danaordonez1002]

Yes when I lived in Omaha, Ne there are bien road everywhere in the city and you can rent a bien to go from one bien station to the other I really missed that, the was the first thing I notice when I moved here there are barely any side walks or bike roads.

[@ballerrina3742]

Midlothian is an option. Low crime easy drive to Richmond.

[@LaurenZRay]

I have a few friends who live there and really like it 😍

[@sarcastickz6885]

I've lived here since I was 2. Finally had enough. Moving me and my family to Powahtan this weekend! 😂

[@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 😍

[@fred2320]

I’d suggest Jackson Ward or Oregon Hill

[@_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

[@kimiknows]

I'm so glad I no longer live in the city. I lived there for 20 years and things have taken a turn for the worst there since 2020. I heard gunfire so often that I became completely desensitized to it, even if it was close.

[@IMPACTsoulTrip]

I like Charlottesville but is expensive

[@LaurenZRay]

@@IMPACTsoulTrip Charlottesville is def a vibe!

[@bradart7289]

It cost me $20 in tolls to go from VA to NJ.

[@amykingery8577]

Powhatan here, just far enough away

[@martybritton267]

I live in Mecklenburg County Virginia and it's a very boring place to live I want out but can't afford to

[@southern...8163]

Monument Avenue was destroyed

[@Michellebellaa]

Yes it was! That should have never happened! America lost its backbone! The monuments represented history not hate! What was done to them represents hate and complete ignorance!

[@TheMooCowReturns]

Is Bandito's still around? I used to go there all the time when I went to the SHPO's office on Monument Ave

[@TheMooCowReturns]

I am down in Hampton, btw... :=8)

[@LaurenZRay]

Yes it is still there! ☺️

[@TheMooCowReturns]

@@LaurenZRay Nice, will have to go back sometime! I do my research on-line now so I don;t go there, but it would be nice to see Bandito's again

[@LaurenZRay]

@@TheMooCowReturns right!

[@MegaDePorter]

Average high at 88°F is not "hot" for North America in July. Richmond is actually "mild". Virgina is not Florida.

[@williammouri1096]

You DO NOT want to move to Richmond! Unless you're a masochist. Fifty year resident speaking.😅😅😅

[@elizabethf3596]

it's disgusting in the summer

[@marisafernandez3397]

The place is dripping with liberals too.

[@opexwells435]

Could you explain about it? I'm living in S. Cali.

[@YourDailyfacts_insight]

How is the crime rate in Richmond, Va?

[@cassidycastleberry6936]

I like rva because RVA sounds cool plus they are the only D1 college football with a damn spider as a mascot... so cool. they have to capitalise on there sports factor as a city if they want proper growth in the future because that mascot is the only thing that sets rva apart from a lot of places Love from the pnw!

[@handel781]

Sending Love from Iran 🇮🇷❤🇺🇸

[@blue18404]

Has to better than Pittsburgh

[@corvusheller328]

Like Hell

[@blue18404]

@@corvusheller328 that bad?

[@zacharydetrick7428]

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

[@LaurenZRay]

Dang it haha 😂

[@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!! 💚

[@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.

[@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 😂😂

[@ctotheb7775]

Richmond is a beautiful city that has been horribly mismanaged for many years. Hopefully, the new mayor will turn it around.

[@cherylmontcrief7600]

Thanks for sharing.

[@BeKaws420]

People liked the sketchy Richmond because they could afford to live in it. Now you can't unless you make over 100k a year or more

[@UrbanBuzzMag]

I am coming to VA 1/25/25 maybe we can connect. Let me know.

[@jaamalboyd6200]

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

[@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

[@danaordonez1002]

You forgot to say this is a commonwealth state, and a lot beautiful place near by like mountains, beach, museums etc. I personally think the rent is very high and also i feel police stops you for everything is like they are looking for drivers to make a mistake instead of lookig for real crimes.

[@jdilla84]

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!

[@pigpenclymer6098]

The mosquitos are no joke but the heat is laughable. It is not hot here.

[@randyreynolds1045]

It’s still a great place to live and raise a family!❤

[@LaurenZRay]

@@randyreynolds1045 💚💚

[@BrisLS1]

Very good video! As a lifer here, I struggle with the lifestyle people construct for themselves that involves crossing the river every day. I get the river crossing for work. You live in beautiful south side in a bedroom community and you go downtown to an office building for work. That is standard American life. What I don't get is, the hoard of people that must use the middle bridges to get from one residential area to another. For example, Cary Street to southside and back over the Huguenot, or Parham Road over the Willy, to what? Where are these people going? Why can't they get whatever that is, on their own side of town? You would think, you would only see residential construction vehicles on those roads. Why have the police installed cameras and warning lights on these routes? Maybe if they make an arrest, the cost of doing this business will go up, and people will shop at their own grocery store. Cost of living, you are spot on, and that has got to be a shock to new and old residents. I lived in your neighborhood in multiple apartments ranging as low as $200 a month. Now it's got to be hard to pay up, high rent or high mortgage, and still have issues. Used to be, the city was the cheap place to live, and you tolerated its imperfections. In summary, what people were moving here for, is probably used up now, and you showed that well in your video. Thanks.

[@travelingdude1621]

Hi. I like the video. I live in Baltimore, MD. I’ve been to Richmond, VA lots of times. I’ve actually been to all 50 states, DC, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and on all six livable continents. I like to travel. I’ve only visited Richmond but have never lived there. I want to stay within 200 miles from my family in Baltimore but want to move further south for a while for warmer weather, lower cost of living, a more red, conservative state, a change of scenery but still on the southeast coast. I’m still young in my 40s, single, never married, no kids and have two college degrees and one Master’s degree in IT. Is it easy to find good paying work there these days? Are there lots of cheap rooms to rent down there? I’m trying to line a job up down there before I make the move. Does all or most of Richmond have a physical and cultural colonial style vibe to it? Is it a very safe place to walk alone these days during the daytime and nighttime? Thank you.

[@betspath]

I’d say crime might be a concern?

[@richardim499]

Cockroaches, although smaller than Bronx ones , amass from stuart circle, d town, to South Richmond VA, and the rats are the same size as the ones in Tehran, i caught one in my moms home in Manchester the size of a cat..asst. predators , pollution, and the bonus Pee in the Alleys from Grace st to the bottom......and oregano hill maybe a Jeremy Renner might be fine in a bomb suit there because he could afford the stench off riverside

[@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

[@damienknox0714]

Any paranormal activity been happening in Richmond?

[@minenghauser8335]

My regrets coming here, Richmond is gross dirty. I mean like gross dirty and trashy. stinky trash and feces, broken glass to cut puppy paws. people just toss stuff from their vehicles, the city vehicles allow stuff to fall from their vehicle. wtf is wrong with people here, you don't have to live like that. Tho y'all in rich neighborhoods probably don't have that problem And stray, abandoned, homeless cat epidemic. I've taken in 3 abandoned cats already.

[@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!! 😝

[@Krix6426]

Parking anywhere is a challenge.

[@BillSmafia-yx9pd]

Richmond is reverting back to its old violent ways....

[@shanew3293]

corrupt local gov't

[@troywilliams8659]

True

[@mrcassonova1]

Liberals ruin everything

[@JaNaeSmith-vk7uk]

True

[@danivasquez2441]

Why are they removing the history of their city? Disgrace

[@PraveenSrJ01]

You gained a brand new subscriber

[@LaurenZRay]

So happy to have you here! Welcome! 💚

[@creamcityleo]

Make that two!

[@LaurenZRay]

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

[@tonia-emanuel]

Ohhh it’s a 1.00 now it’s sad and the taxes .20 higher than counties with much worse schools parks anything for kids teens nothing

[@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? ☺️

[@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.

[@waynemallory7769]

Lots of bad crime in Richmond ,thefts and shootings

[@MSILBB]

Crime is everywhere. Good parts and bad parts in every city.

[@monzsterman]

Parking sucks and high crime are the things i hate.

[@avengemybreath3084]

#1). Because it’s a run down hellscape

[@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!

[@m6a6t6t2]

101 .... more like 110 or 115 heat index !!!

[@JackHorne-e8x]

Great video . History is history . So annoying this modern trend of rewriting it . Its pathetic . Should not be allowed . The young ones have to be shown what happened before to shape the future . Im surprised the folk of Richmond let all those monuments be taken down . Do gooders continually picking at the threads of history to weaken us . Enough is enough

[@javaskull88]

I worked there for years and never found the locals friendly.

[@LaurenZRay]

@@javaskull88 so sorry about that!!

[@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! 😍🌱💚

[@judithmurphy419]

@@LaurenZRay I am going to have to look you up!

[@LaurenZRay]

@@judithmurphy419 on my Instagram (@laurenzray) I cover restaurants & things to do. ☺️

[@judithmurphy419]

@@LaurenZRay I was there on Sunday - and tried, AND LOVED Ironclad Coffee = fabulous RVA Vibe. Hipster comes to mind.

[@amykingery8577]

Many

[@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/

[@recabitejehonadab2654]

Why would it not be safe?

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@brucevann7129]

What exactly do you think the confederates did to Igbo Americans?

[@skibbityb1]

Lived in VA all my life and I’m happy to see those statues go. Most of them were built by the racist Daughters of the Confederacy group during the civil rights era. Statues don’t tell history, that’s what history books and museums are for. Statues glorify historical figures, not all historical figures deserve to be glorified. There’s a reason you don’t see Nazi statues in modern Germany. Modern Virginia is cool and it’s been nice to see the statues glorifying some of the worst people to ever live here come down. Especially since they were only put up to disrespect the black people in our community in the first place.

[@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

[@strikefirststrikehard780]

Richmond is the most overrated place I’ve lived. I’ve lived in plenty of places. Good video nonetheless.

[@MaxHavoc69]

Richmond sucks, it's expensive, traffic is terrible, like most cities parking downtown is horrible, property taxes are exploding because chuckle heads from other overpriced places think that it's cheap, most of the restaurants in old buildings are so loud you can't even have a conversation and Liberals are moving here in droves escaping other places destroyed by Liberal policies yet they vote Democrat which will eventually make Richmond just as unlivable as the place that they left. There are a few nice areas like Midlothian, south of the river but it's being overdeveloped and most of the new developments in Chesterfield are built on what used to be swamp land.

[@xy1741]

I’ve lived here for 2 years. Surprising things for me: so many people smoke cigarettes everywhere. Definitely not used to seeing so many smokers. Many older buildings are not ADA compliant and sidewalks are lacking. The yearly tax bill from the City for owning a car here, lol. Long stretches of consecutive days without sunshine- it affects my mood. It’s one of the worst cities in the US for pollen/allergies. And finally, the noisy dirt bikes vrooming up and down Broad Street at all hours of the night!! I live just west of Scott’s Addition. ❤

[@edgaro8905]

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

[@nasirjones-bey6565]

Downtown Richmond is amazing