I Drove Through The Most Dangerous Parts of Richmond, Virginia. Here's What I Saw.

Richmond, Virginia has some really bad areas!
For this episode of dashboard tours, I checked out one of the most dangerous and rundown areas in the state of Virginia, a neighborhood in Richmond, the state’s capital. To get there, I would take I-95 south into downtown. It was on a Thursday in late March at around noon.
Richmond has long been one of the most rundown and crime ridden cities in Virginia. The part of town we’re gonna see in is on the city’s north end, sort of south and east of downtown proper. It’s well known among Richmond residents as a place where most of the crime, drug use and poverty exists.
For the drive, we’re going to see three different parts of the worst sections of Richmond. We’ll begin on the main road through this part of town, check out a few surrounding neighborhoods, and finish on the south side of this neighborhood in one of Richmond’s infamous housing projects. Here’s the exact route we’ll be taking.
Here’s the rest of the worst part of Richmond, and some of the worst pockets in the entire state of Virginia.
#richmond #virginia
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[@NickJohnson]

Here's my entire Unboxing America Series: kzbin.info/aero/PLq-_cmf3H6yqgM1vGG305six5T7dqGURF

[@hipsterviking2658]

Man, people in Richmond look out for each other. And in all honesty, even in the hood it’s not bad. You give others respect most of the time you’ll receive respect back.

[@MissAmeriNegro]

Lies😭

[@nunyun7809]

All Lies!!!!!!

[@Mel-vk9gi]

@@MissAmeriNegro our own family members out here can be ice cold 😂😂. Don’t help you out for nothing

[@lillianestellehudgins9352]

I was born and raised in Richmond, been here since 2001. Not true😅

[@MadeTaylor]

Y'all don't know the real RVA, prolly grew up in Henrico or Chesterfield. Churchill is the best!!!

[@rvaadventures2244]

TERRIBLE?? Lmao, I grew up in Richmond. It is pretty TAME now compared to how it was in the 90s. My dad almost got killed by a gang of crackheads on our street back in the 90s. The area you drove through is Brooklyn Park Blvd in the Northside. I live in that area currently. It is rapidly gentrifying. There are beautiful 100 year old homes there that people are constantly flipping. Richmond has a bad reputation, but it is outdated. Things have definitely changed for the better.

[@kudjoeadkins-battle2502]

Brookland Park

[@sheltonharlow]

My Grandfather had a store (I don't know what kind, I was 3 when he died) on Brookland Park. It was a very fashionable part of RVA. Very much like the Fan.

[@kudjoeadkins-battle2502]

There were never gangs of crackheads lol. Crack dealers yeah. But crackheads only want to get high lol

[@rewindd]

i think the video is an april fools vid lol. i think the joke is that the city is so damn safe lolol

[@getmoneyfuckyou7129]

Murders is increasing every year

[@CheapCharlieChronicles]

Richmond used to be the #1 city of the South. Honestly from most of this video it doesn’t looks too bad, looks nice even.

[@lionsforever]

@@davidbranch1077 is it dangerous?

[@ObjectivelyBias]

@@davidbranch1077 Stop spreading lies. If you keep to yourself, nobody messes with you

[@tiltingatwindmills3243]

Yes it’s nice and calm always now. When I started school in 2006 it was pretty rough, but now all the “worst” parts of town are pretty much what you see in the video. As with anywhere you go, just kind your business and people won’t mind you.

[@tiltingatwindmills3243]

However, what’s in this video is no longer the worst parts of Richmond. There is one area of town that’s rife with shootings, thefts, break ins, Hard drugs left and right, people that just spend all day just trying to work some sort of scheme or angle for a few bucks. But it’s in the outskirts of the city and not in the city proper and ironically is NEVER included when people talk about the “worst” parts.

[@dlc2087]

@@tiltingatwindmills3243 what part is that you speak of?

[@bransta81]

I kept waiting to see the “terrible” part…

[@caramelcooler9710]

😂RIGHT!

[@basedonbass9474]

It don’t look bad do it I live here

[@basedonbass9474]

Come outside at night

[@patrickmulligan7994]

​@@basedonbass9474😢EXACTLY!😢

[@patrickmulligan7994]

Go there at night!😮

[@Author_Kharisma]

Richmond is not a run down city. Every city has parts that are rough. It doesn't characterize the whole city. The Brookland/Highland Park area is full of local businesses thriving, community centers, and large multifamily homes that are worth good money.

[@kahnicacole5692]

I used to live on E Brookland Park Blvd a few months ago and it's not that nice. It's getting better but it's still kind of old and ugly.

[@hudsonja]

​@kahnicacole5692 meanwhile, a block over on Hawthorne/Seminary there are million dollar homes

[@DeaDiabola]

I'll be honest. As someone from the west coast I have to say that 80% of this video seemed like relatively normal neighborhoods, just old houses. The projects at the end, yeah, that's a little closer to what we're used to seeing but still nowhere near the same crushing vibe to it (although its always sad to see areas with people struggling regardless of how hard). But decent cars, people out walking their kids - honestly, this is pretty relaxed imo.

[@brandonmccallum4755]

Hes in the north side locals know the southside is the real projects richmond is a tuff city

[@corarrunnels92]

The projects are so close to the nicer areas of Richmond. It's so intertwined. One block will be fixed up houses with working families and the next may be the projects. It's what makes the city so great- IMO.

[@showmestatefinest5412]

West Coast has the nicest looking low income areas. Only bad looking part is the homeless camps but the actual homes and buildings look nice

[@keo0918]

Native Richmonders know that Northside (the first 16 minutes shown in the video) really isn’t all as bad as the title makes it out to be. This area in particular is probably the most well known area in the city for gentrification ever since the 2008 Financial Crisis. Take a closer look and you’ll see there are many renovated homes sitting next to averagely maintained ones and even new construction here and there throughout the video. Now the last 5 minutes of the video (Gilpin Court) is the actual hood but isn’t an accurate representation of Richmond as a whole. I’m from Richmond and I think it’s great place to live!

[@rvaadventures2244]

Accurate

[@luckycharm5589]

Yeah, don’t forget the East End. Gentrification AND they’re grazing Creighton Court!

[@Michellebellaa]

I completely agree and have lived in Richmond since the age of 8 so precisely 42 years. Interesting to see an outsiders perspective.

[@kbrodie88]

Agree. I will say this ….. I had a friend who lived in Gilpin Ct and went there many times. Middle aged white woman (me lol) never had a problem and people were always friendly when I would visit my friend there. Haven’t been in a few years as she moved out.

[@greatness79ajj]

Me too!

[@alexbrown2696]

Richmond used to be one of the most dangerous cities in the country back in the 90s. Crime now isn't as bad as it used to be but just like any major city there are still bad areas. Areas near VCU such as the Fan District have undergone gentrification and are fairly safe areas to walk around. Definitely not as bad as cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Detroit. Honestly, Richmond, or RVA as many call it, is the best city on the east coast and such an underrated place that gets overshadowed by other larger cities along I-95 and 85. You don't hear many people from other parts of the country say they want to move to RVA. Despite that, a lot of the suburbs like Short Pump were built up in the last 20-30 years. Also, go Spiders!!

[@ArmyOne519]

Apparently you don't watch CBS 6 , the Black on Black crime, killing of children outside, best place to live huh 🤔. Oh and i live in Central Virginia. Wake up Liberal .

[@PedromyChichi07]

Or CLEVELAND OH

[@wesmorgan7729]

A lot of people have moved here from all over, especially from up North

[@rob398]

in the 80’s,90’s and early 00’s people was scared of the city now its being fixed up..some of the projects got knocked down in the mid/late 90’s/early 00’s like Dove Court,(no love in dove)Blackwell(da well),JV(was the worst place in Richmond and they won’t even a project)..we still got like 7 up

[@JabrenHarris98]

What are u talking about???😂 Richmond is still up there as one of America’s most dangerous cities. 2016-2021 Richmond has been ranked in the top 10s and 20s. 2016 was the closest they been to top 5 since the 80s, 90s and 00s. Richmond has been close with DC just like back in the day and last year they passed DC and NYC and was on the verge on catching up with Philly and Chicago with 90+ bodies so idk how y’all think that’s safe. Y’all don’t have an idea what safe wanna know? Go to Stafford Virginia or Rosslyn where there’s barely any crime

[@najjaellis5066]

I love how all the comments recognize how Richmond is actually a hidden gem! Born and raised in the Chesterfield County Suburbs! Can’t wait to return someday.

[@topdollarmobile7460]

thats where im living now, I hate it here.

[@AnehMae]

Did I miss the actual neighborhood names? I'm thinking about moving to the area but not sure what areas ate good for family

[@lorigolden7170]

Don't believe the hype of this video. With exception of the last 5 minutes, all you see are well maintained homes and gentrification. Clearly, the creator has never seen a truly scary city like Camden, NJ, which I can attest, is as scary at noon as at midnight. I am a native Jersey girl where we have legit scary cities. I live in Richmond now and love it.

[@JDHendrickChiliDogTags]

I live in Richmond. The beginning footage shows a neighborhood that is doing really well. Most of the houses have been renovated. Younger professionals have moved in. There is a lot of restaurants and shops opening up. The houses in that area sell for $300,000 and up. The end of the video was when you were driving through the Housing Projects. Those areas have the highest crime and generational poverty. I drive through there all the time delivering UberEats and NEVER had a problem. Whenever I jump out of the car, I say "Hello" to whoever is on the street and they always respond kindly. The murders tend to occur between rival drug dealers and/or disagreements with domestic relationships.

[@christinepaluch7967]

Richmond is a nice city. Honestly looking at parts of this, it really wasn't that bad compared to other places you visited. Richmond may not be NW DC, Bethesda MD, or Arlington/Alexandria VA rich. But it is one of the better cities in the mid-Atlantic. Richmond may have bad pockets, but it overall its a great city. A decent arts and music scene, good food, and good people. One of the few places I would seriously consider moving outside of the DC area.

[@danieldiasgranados2311]

Deadass just drove from richmond to bethesda today and richmond'll always have it's charm. It gets a bad wrap from the past but they got the nicest people i ever met

[@ayeshabowe8492]

Yea I’m from dc live in Richmond now

[@kylehancock9939]

Richmond's nasty don't eat there there are very few public restrooms so for the most part there is dookie in every alley. Behind every business is a chained rat trap and everyone has rats and roaches from having an apartment overhead. If you head towards the Wawa by the diamond you'll notice the open air fentanyl market at the Arthur Ashe center. Traffic signals mean nothing, daily shootings, assaults, thefts, poverty, horrible schools Welcome to Richmond y'all.

[@NeasTube]

Even the run down areas in Richmond aren't all that bad or dangerous. There's just poverty. But hey, I'm from Murderphis (Memphis).

[@annabelleb.8096]

It's nicer than the worst areas in Chicago any day. But when you get to the projects you see garbage around. There is no excuse for people being that sloppy in any city. Even poor people can bend over to pick up something they dropped instead of leaving it there for someone else to pick it up.

[@Bobbysworld22]

I very much so disagree with this video. I live in Richmond. The area Nick is driving through is known as Northside and Highland Park. This entire area has gone through something called Gentrification. Yes we’re all familiar with that. Lots of younger families aka millennials have moved in and fixed up a lot of the homes in the area. As seeing the younger generation unlike our parents who moved to the suburbs. They want to live in the city. This is a trend in all cities. The main road he was traveling on is called Brookland Park Blvd. Very few vacant businesses now on that street. They’ve replaced the sidewalks, improved street lighting, etc. Now go back about 20 years early 2000s and 90s. Northside and Highland Park had people hanging on the corners day and night, drugs and prostitution all over. This still exist but nothing like back then. This area is actually a pretty nice place to live now. Now the last area you went through is called Jackson Ward also known as Gilpin Court. That area is still ruff. The city wants to tear down those public housing projects and replace them with affordable housing so they say.

[@luckycharm5589]

They are in the process of tearing down Creighton Court, in the East End, now!

[@stellamiller4746]

I believe that, I didn't see nothing raggedy, or dirty all the cars was nice and clean . I think The blogger just wanted us 2 see it.

[@kudjoeadkins-battle2502]

Gilpin Court is in the Jackson Ward neighborhood. Jackson Ward starts at 2nd st and Broad. It was once a thriving area. The first black bank in the country was there. Actually the first black owner in the western world. And the first one owned a woman of any kind. Jackson Ward Ward split in half by Interstate 95.

[@thegurunextdoor2083]

@@kudjoeadkins-battle2502 Places like Clay St. and Leigh street are actually very nice neighborhoods now.

[@kudjoeadkins-battle2502]

@@thegurunextdoor2083 Jackson Ward is nice!!

[@lordgasman9099]

Ex amazon delivery driver in Richmond here, never had any problems in the Highland Park area, actually had some pretty solid interactions with customers in that neighborhood. Broad Rock and Gilpin Court on the other hand were pretty tough.

[@Karma-iz4ir]

Very pretty. 80% of Richmond is very peaceful. So many nice sights , eateries, parks and events. Never a dull day. Love it. ❤

[@frankbray9416]

Canadian guy here. This actually doesn't look too bad, most of the housing stock is still intact with some nice old homes, just need a bit of paint and TLC to make them really shine. Not many boarded up/burned out like in some other US cities. . Streets look clean, I saw quite a few businesses. There are many worse places.

[@stlouis412_]

It's called Gentrifiers

[@virginiawilliams9998]

I'm from the New York metropolitan area, so... this didn't look that bad to me! The houses were intact and well maintained, as were the lawns and fences surrounding them, nice cars parked in the streets, no trash all over the place, no empty lots full of weeds and rubble, etc. Many of the houses are very large by NY standards and must cost a pretty penny to keep looking good. Even the public housing didn't look derelict, although it's no doubt a high crime area - that just seems to go with public housing everywhere. So THESE are the most dangerous parts of the city? What else you got?

[@jmg3344]

For the level of underdevelopment of some neighborhoods that you usually show in other videos, this one doesn't look too bad

[@joefredette6721]

Didn’t look terrible to me. Actually some decent neighborhoods. I saw someone with 2x4s strapped to their hood. (Renovations) saw someone helping an elderly in wheelchair across the street. Beautiful 2 story houses with clean yards. A lot of small businesses. Once you got closer to the city you see more project kinda housing. Not so terrible.

[@lionsforever]

Yea

[@kyleadams2249]

This channel is for troll purposes.

[@804southside6]

We was number 3 in the world last year far as murders

[@its2chop]

He got a soft view of the hood I'll take you we mite not BOTH come back out ALIVE 🤣

[@PedromyChichi07]

Yeah the 1st section is Northside or east Brookland Park Blvd and is ok. They're fixing up.

[@benreaction96]

Richmond used to be bad but now every place in Richmond is actually close to be great. It’s still being constructed aka renovated.

[@thewugglyump8045]

I live here. The roads are pretty consistently bad, some of the industrial areas look pretty seedy, and the housing projects can be scary, but by and large it's not dangerous, just kind of old and in need of upkeep.

[@THRIVETradingInvestments]

I just got back from an extended weekend in Richmond, butting up against the bottom of where he toured here. I walked everywhere and everyone, no matter their appearance, was so incredibly friendly. Don't judge a book by its cover

[@jtwegson4406]

I have been in a lot of States and Cities, and not sure what the crime level is in these Richmond neighborhoods, but all the houses and yards looked decently maintained, which usually isn't the case in "bad" neighborhoods. The only rundown area I saw was around 16:25 or so...

[@Prosperity555]

The houses are very nice and historic. Everything seems normal during the day...it's at night when all the chaos seems to begin. I am from Virginia.

[@markrichards6863]

My thoughts exactly. It's not like North Philadelphia or parts of Baltimore, but Richmond is a lot smaller, and more well managed. I'm surprised Richmond hasn't had it moment yet. It's in a great location, 90 miles from DC, the tail end of the northeast megalopolis, 3 hours drive to the technology centers in NC. Virginia and North Carolina have the best weather in the Eastern US, if you like seasons, but with a more mild winter. I think Richmond is a great city to invest in.

[@rvaadventures2244]

@@markrichards6863 don't tell anyone that, then they will move here and drive up the cost of living.

[@rvaadventures2244]

That's because the part beginning at 16:25 is a literal "housing project". No you do not want to go there. People get murdered in those areas. And I'm not exaggerating. The rest of Richmond is generally fine though, like any city.

[@anyazendyajoy3388]

@@markrichards6863 yup, people are already starting to move here to work for companies like Capital One & buying the big nice houses in the suburbs a bit away from the city. It might grow a lot more popular in the next 2 decades if prices on the West side of America keep rising along with climate change. Not as expensive as NOVA, but not bad

[@18Francisco93]

I love Richmond Is safe ,cheap , nice and cultural .

[@coryholmes-hy4kk]

Facts but can get evil

[@laclaires8999]

So glad to see fellow Richmonders stand up for RVA!!! its not that bad.. Gilpin is the hood but there are still far worse places.. I'd like to know where you get the info from as far as the worst of anyplace. Video isn't all wrong but it's not all correct.

[@hoovesandpawsanimalrescue]

Touring with bands has allowed me to see the entire country…I mean entire. Richmond and Virginia as a whole is the best place for me. Not overpopulated yet. I love the outdoors, the history, the pastures, mountains and forests but especially the people!

[@alilately1013]

I've lived in VA my entire life and Richmond, for the most part is very safe. What you presented in the first part of the video were the normal neighborhoods that surround the city. A generic box-farm of low -income housing can always look run down and when you do cram a bunch of people who are mostly down on their luck, it can look a little shady in any city. I'm from Lynchburg and in the 80s, Richmond WAS very dangerous, but it has really changed. I'm not going to piss off other regions of the state by saying who is more dangerous, but I will say that Lynchburg started out with a higher murder increase than any other city.

[@JabrenHarris98]

The fact that u said Lynchburg started out with a higher murder increase shows that you’re lying 🤣. Lynchburg has never been known to be dangerous or have one of the highest murder increase in the state at ALL lol. Richmond was ranked 11th most a dangerous city in the country two spots ahead of dc in 2021. 2016 Richmond was 6th one spot away from top 5 and the last time Richmond was top 5 was the early 2000s.

[@alilately1013]

@@JabrenHarris98 well, I’m talking about 2022 and you’re not. I also live there and watch the news. Also, you forgot to mention that Richmond used to be the murder capital of the US. I thought I would add that fact in for you since I’m such a “liar.”

[@JabrenHarris98]

@@alilately1013 Uh in 2022 Lynchburg doesn’t have a higher murder increase than Richmond what are you slow? Richmond already has 45 on the year Lynchburg barely averages 10 and last year they had 8 murders and this year they have 5 so where’s the increase? Even in 2022 Richmond they updated the most dangerous cities list Richmond is bumped up to 10th with 95 homicides bumping the murder rate from 23.84 to 42.75

[@alilately1013]

@Jbird My mistake, I meant 2021, not this year. Last year. And it’s a mistake, not a lie. Be nice to people.

[@rob398]

Richmond was the murder capital of the country in 97

[@logancrawley2634]

Richmond can be really hood, but overall its a really fun city with a lot of good food

[@CC-jl7jz]

The restaurants are the best kept secrets. Richmond is definitely a foodie town.

[@jetcrews97]

Word I agreeee great city I’ll be bacccc this Saturday

[@jeffreyallen557]

I lived in Richmond from 1986-2007. My last 13 years in Richmond I was a delivery driver north of the river for Coca-Cola and south of the river for a Budweiser distributor. To ride around in a vehicle without actually interacting with some of the people who lived in these neighborhoods, especially your tour through the north side represents a mischaracterization of judging a book by the cover. What you are portraying are run down conditions, but what I see compared to other cities are just old neighborhoods but for the most part clean and very few people hanging out. Perpetuating a myth that oh you can just walk down the street and get shot or mugged. Kind of not a fair depiction of everyday life for the people who live congregate and work in this area. I've seen worst neighborhoods in other cities on your videos. But Richmond is a lot better than it was 30 years ago.

[@JDHendrickChiliDogTags]

Yes. I agree with you. If he would have parked and walked along and talked to people, then he would have seen that 99.9% of the people are nice, talkative, and friendly. Nobody out there is trying to attack any stranger. I've never had any problems going anywhere in Richmond.

[@patrickmulligan7994]

​@@JDHendrickChiliDogTagsGo to Mosby Court (the last neighborhood shown)at night!😮😮

[@really...8359]

Northside homes now average 600-700k. This is a horrible representation. If you bought a home in Northsise in 2015 it’s worth triple what you paid.

[@nichrist_jon]

Here is the concern I have. You drive through a neighborhood, highlighting your intention to show the worst of a neighborhood, but not once did you speak on the beauty found. Did you notice the art on the walls, or the helping nature of people though they don't have much of their own, did you see the gathering of people together to fellowship in peace or did you people sitting on crates? Did you once get out of your car and TALK to anybody that you recorded? What are YOU doing? I wish to know what you are doing to help, because if I cannot help anyone, I will not harm them.

[@deem10]

Exploitation and exaggeration is what this video is

[@TheMountainsPeak]

He’s lucky he wasn’t robbed driving through some of these areas to be honest, terrible place to grow up.

[@ldodson99]

@@TheMountainsPeak you're not from Richmond. You don't know what you're talking about

[@TheMountainsPeak]

@@ldodson99 grew up on Peyton avenue near the jack rabbit, you don’t know what you’re talking about.

[@YMBey]

@@TheMountainsPeak people dont get robbed driving thru…..stop watching so much tv.

[@leondrabraids]

Im a Richmond Native and business owner. I absolutely love it here. ❤️

[@cdixon2011ify]

Would love to visit your business! I like supporting local businesses.

[@larryking2697]

I was born on 2nd Avenue (which he went down). My Grand Parents house was built in 1923. We moved to the West End in 1949. I was 2. The area will eventually be renovated. There were a ton of very nice houses he drove by. It might take some years but it costs so much to be in the better parts of Richmond, the 20 to 40 year olds will need a low price before they move in. This area is near downtown so you can work in the city and live close by in a large, interesting house. The Fan District was not in good shape in the 50s and 60s. Go there now and see what it looks like and check out the prices!!!

[@BrandonLeeBrown]

I had a friend that lived in the West End in the 1980's and I think it was supposed to be one of the most upscale areas of the city. Is the Fan where the college bars used to be before the drinking age was raised? I remember a lot of bars saying they were planning to close after the drinking age was increased. I think some hip hop and reggae clubs moved in there after that. I remember one street lined with crossdressing prostitutes.

[@cristyglagola2448]

Native Richmonder here-born and raised. I’m afraid this video is not at all an accurate portrayal of Richmond as a whole. It’s just a very small part. North side is a beautiful neighborhood with some beautiful homes. In fact, Richmond has some of the most beautiful historic homes in gorgeous neighborhoods where people renovate the houses instead of tearing them down and building new homes like in some other southern cities. And while Richmond certainly has its rundown areas, it’s not at all what I would describe as a rundown city.

[@stacysimms2709]

I can't tell...all these people fighting to live here!! RVA was one of the top places to move to in the country. RVA is a good city to live in despite what people say. Virginia is a good state to live in, considering the struggle in these harsh economic times. The people are friendly and I love seeing people with all their dogs. Rich with history, architecture, art scene is poppin', murals galore (there is a tour you can take of all the murals around the city). VA is full with talent in music and in sports...D'Angelo, Pharrell, Missy, Timbaland...

[@breezysantana2534]

VA is a horrible state to live in, using extortion to build, it don't care about its citizens except the rich and rural areas. F VA 😂😂

[@Devonbroyles]

Born and raised in Richmond lived off Jeff Davis for first half of my life yes there is crime and drugs but I've never felt threatened living here. It's a cool place to grow up in lots of history

[@bcdeaton777]

I actually have to come to Richmond's defense on this one. Nick come on man. Richmond is no where near as bad as some of these other East Coast Cities. I work in the City and have for the past 30 years. I grew up in and around Richmond most of my life. Nick after seeing some of these other videos of other East Coast Cities. Richmond really isn't that bad. Plus the section of town that you were in is a little rough but nothing like Philadelphia or some other East Coast Cities. Although it has had its ups and downs it still isn't the worst city on the East Coast. Actually for being as old as it is I think it's not half bad.

[@InfinitySquared79]

You must have lived a pretty sheltered life if you thought the areas you drove through are "dangerous"...

[@flea4061]

Okay. So, I lived in Richmond for 5 years. I still own a house there and my wife is from there. There are pockets of bad, but they are not that big and its nothing like Detroit or Philadelphia. Richmond has a lot of really big nice expensive suburbs.

[@shinaj9626]

@Flea, I currently live in Henrico VA, down the street from Regency Square Mall, in an apartment. I'm a 58 year old woman and I was born and raised in Philly. When I moved to VA I lived in my father's porch owned home in Chesterfield County with my son. I lived in Germantown and I lived in East Oak Lane In Philly. We have beautiful counties in Philly as are here in VA. And we have the hoods as I have seen here in VA! also. LMBO.

[@trademisconception9816]

Those 2 cities you mentioned have nice and expensive suburbs too.

[@michaelcampbell1982]

My first job I was a plumbers helper. We ran calls in those areas. Two white guys fixing peoples plumbing issues. We never had any issues with anyone. People were glad to see us. This was in the mid 80s. We were happy to help people. I was just in the city and didn’t feel unsafe. Should have filmed on a sunny day and played some happier music.

[@maryd55m]

The neighborhoods looked pretty good to me. I live in Indianapolis and our bad areas are really awful.

[@Ladae804]

Don’t let the looks fool u

[@philliplamb2761]

@@Ladae804 born and raised here, it's not bad here at all compared to the 90s.

[@Ladae804]

@@philliplamb2761 There’s still a bunch of bodies dropping left and right

[@philliplamb2761]

@@Ladae804 not like usual, I've lived in the ward, hp, Churchill ect, compared to then not really.

[@magja6291]

I moved to the North Side from Pittsburgh PA and lived there for years. It was a nice place to live. I walked around every single day. Never had a problem. My neighbors were friendlier than the rest of the city of Richmond.

[@dreichert1438]

You're too funny. Lived all over the east coast and Richmond is one of the most mild cities I've ever been to. I do food deliveries in the projects all the time, and even as a white guy with a nice car I never have an issue. Give respect, show competence, get respect. Pretty damn good sense of community for a town this size, that's for damn sure. It's just an old place and old places look old and beat up. A lot of these properties cost more than new houses in nice neighborhoods

[@faithevrlasting]

Well, Im from Hampton Virginia and spent my first 47 years growing up and living in Detroit, so I can only laugh if this is bad looking to you. We all have drug problems, shootings, run down housing, homeless. This actually looks better than parts of Hampton. Im not even sure what you see there. Few empty lots, nice homes in many areas, old but I would give anything for a historic home such as those. Personally, I think the younger generations think new, poorly made fancy homes are the only decent places to live. Where inflation is so high you cant afford to live there. Sad. So sad. Y'all have lived behind keyboards so long you have no conception of reality.

[@gamingwithscottie1478]

Did you know that during the Civil War, Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy?

[@williamsellers8170]

After watching this video, I feel proud about Richmond .

[@eddarby469]

Don't you mean Danville?

[@kudjoeadkins-battle2502]

@@eddarby469 no Richmond

[@eddarby469]

@@kudjoeadkins-battle2502 I'm messing with you dude. It became Danville for a couple days at the end of the war before Appomattox Courthouse. Cheers.

[@kudjoeadkins-battle2502]

@@eddarby469 my bad home boy. I’m just really into the regions history. Danville the birthplace of the cigarette 😆

[@sandymason4737]

I'm halfway through the video and still haven't seen a place that looks dangerous I've seen far worst.

[@ralphc2105]

Went on a road trip to Boston, and drove through Richmond. It looked like a nice place, especially the downtown.

[@jokawood]

Sounds like Nick Johnson is getting an ear full!

[@JourneywithJ14]

Been living in Richmond since 2020 living right near shockoe and Manchester, said to be where a lot of things get bad. But the worst I’ve had happen to me in two years is someone try to steal the plates off my car. Besides that, you really don’t see a whole lot of bad besides homeless folk.

[@philliplamb2761]

Benn living here since I was born which is 1985..if thats ur issue then Chicago would eat u up..

[@carolwolf7558]

I'm from out of state and about to move to the old town manchester area and I've heard lots of bad things about it. Would you say it's safe enough to bike/walk around during the day? I'm worried I wouldn't be safe doing that unless I was in the fan district

[@shannaesq]

@@carolwolf7558 Manchester has changed radically in the past 10 years. Many of the younger people from the county are moving there in droves. In the day, you're fine. At night, going south of the Manchester Courthouse, it can be tricky, but there's no reason to go there anyway. Between the Manchester Courthouse and the James River, it's very cool.

[@blitzir]

@@carolwolf7558 Old town Manchester is getting gentrified quick. You should be safer in comparison to some other areas in RVA

[@gilbertjones9388]

I am from Petersburg. Born in Fort Lee and raised in Blandford. I lived in a few places in Richmond during the high crime years but I liked the CITY. I live in North Chesterfield Co. now since 1988 which is South Richmond. Like all big cities there are hot spots. Richmond is no different than these other cities. A lot of areas have been rebuilt and look really nice.

[@hblackburn5580]

So besides the whole getting to see what all these places look like which is awesome, another nice thing is how relaxing this is; the calm music in the background while just feeling like you're going for a drive, gives me nice chill vibes.

[@markrichards6863]

Even my cat likes to watch, but only on the phone, not the computer.

[@wandaratcliff3985]

Doesn't look Bad to me..some nece BIG homes...and the streets are clean

[@tiffanijohnson906]

It looks nice to me.. All the nice homes and cars mean working people.

[@twilfits]

He doesn't know Richmond. I moved from NYC and he's 100% wrong

[@bettydowdy3586]

Looks nice

[@97TRAKIN]

Richmond is changing for the better, thankfully. Sadly, with improvement comes higher costs and higher taxes.

[@latoyamayo2929]

I live in Richmond and this area in the beginning of the video looks nice because it’s actually hugely being gentrified. The big homes that have gone down are being scooped up by white folk, renovated and being sold for up to $400,000-$500,000. So if this is a dangerous neighborhood they must love it🤔 The area being shown is called Highland Park

[@ShainaCilimberg]

I like where I think I saw the Smoky mug and Richmond Art garage area. I like those two places

[@kudjoeadkins-battle2502]

It’s not Highland Park in beginning. I’m from Northside. We take it personally lol. When you pass Richmond Henrico Turnpike then you’re in HP.

[@latoyamayo2929]

@@kudjoeadkins-battle2502 lol, my bad🤷🏽‍♀️I’m from the South so I’m sure you know we probably call all that Highland Park

[@kudjoeadkins-battle2502]

@@latoyamayo2929 hell yeah lol I know. Like if you ain’t from Church Hill you call the whole Eastend Church Hill. Like in the North most of us don’t understand that “Bottom” and “Uptown” shit in the South 😆

[@vinceharvey8719]

I can confirm this statement!

[@jg5737]

That area doesn't look too bad at all. Drive up to Baltimore some time and then tell me about Terrible.

[@JabrenHarris98]

Has Baltimore ever been Americas #1 most dangerous city? I don’t think so and Richmond was 30xs worse than Baltimore ever could but since gentrification came into town it’s nowhere near what it used to be

[@trademisconception9816]

I’ll give you that. Baltimore is bad. It seems that many people get fooled about the cities in the south and see that house are further apart and think that the area is fine because it looks more country. It just means there are more places to stash someone’s body. He didn’t even go through the south side behind the Phillip Morris and the other factories, that to me is one of the worst areas in the city.

[@JabrenHarris98]

@@trademisconception9816 I mean Richmond has row houses just like Baltimore and DC and technically they’re the south too. But Baltimore also has spaced houses like Richmond I believe either the north side area or East side west side is hella row houses

[@trademisconception9816]

@@JabrenHarris98 I know Richmond has row houses, it’s just most of the row house section is the nicer yuppy areas. The higher crime sections remind me of other cities down south where the houses are more spaced apart.

[@JabrenHarris98]

@@trademisconception9816 That’s because gentrification is taking over 🤦🏾‍♂️ and not all the row houses are up and nice. Especially the ones in union hill and church hill

[@vincentvanzant321]

Lived in Hillside court and I was 8 yrs old the first time I seen someone get shot. So thankful my mom got us outta there.

[@bulldurham2465]

I use to live in Jackson Ward....I saw the police shoot a man in the chest. I have live in many cities, but I have never seen as many guns as I have seen in Richmond.

[@rob398]

@@bulldurham2465 me neither

[@RVANae]

Next time ride through Mosby Court Projects, Fairfield Court Projects, Whitcomb Court Projects, and Gilpon Court Projects, Creighton Court. You literally showed houses and not the “hood” in Richmond. Jackson Ward is not as bad as the places I named. Great video! 👍🏽 If you’re going to do it, do it for real.

[@InGodWeTrust718]

S/O RVA

[@bulldurham2465]

I thought the same thing....I use to pick people up in Creighton Court to work....the ladies would not leave their apartments until they saw my car and knew it was me. I have seen people dead on the street there.

[@RVANae]

@@bulldurham2465 I went past Creighton about 2 weeks ago and they moved about 75% of the community out. They posted the new blueprint outside of the gates. I hope the community will become better they even added a new community center for the youth.

[@rob398]

Gilpin court the biggest housing project from Baltimore to Atlanta

[@nellyb55]

People in the comments wondering why no one is outside. It’s still cold here even in April lol. We have bipolar weather. Cold weather shuts the city down. When it’s hot outside everyone is out. Richmond is a hidden gem. Perfect size, surrounding counties/suburbs only a short drive away with good schooling, great mixture of culture and food. You can always find a park/outdoor activity no matter what side of town your on and in the summer lots of festivals and my favorite brown island/the river. This worst part you showed were the projects towards the end of the video. And every city has those. And honestly, Southside is probably the worst part of the city. But even once you cross the bridge to the south it’s still nice areas nearby and in surrounding counties

[@universescience8292]

Richmond va is one of the dangerous city especially near downtown

[@williammaddox3339]

Through the first 7 minutes all that was shown was a well maintained older neighborhood and lots of very clean recent model vehicles parked on the street. I stopped there.

[@tristramcoffin926]

Barton Heights is where this video starts. Property values are soaring here. Where it is bad is Hillside Court/BellMeade as well as Peter Paul.

[@NickJohnson]

What are you even talking about

[@JFCotman]

Worse parts of Richmond but he doesn't visit East End or Southside? GTFOH!

[@chrisf8855]

Try Petersburg VA. That place is a little slice of heaven.

[@henrystitcher1468]

My old neighborhood in Petersburg is now called "killing fields " still nicer than most of South Side.

[@rob398]

it’s a little slice of Richmond

[@rob398]

U ain’t rude thru no bad parts of Richmond except the last part of this video which is call Gilpin Court Housing Projects(the biggest project in Virginia)

[@markrichards6863]

It doesn't look so bad to me. Most of the homes are well cared for. Richmond is a nice medium sized city. I generally try to avoid the projects in most cities, not tour them.

[@rz40blz]

I’m from New York but my Mom lives right outside of Richmond. When I tell you that I don’t go out when I go down there, it’s just what I do. You have to understand most people down there have guns and anything can happen at anytime. Being from the Bronx, I’ve seen my share of violence growing up in the 80s and 90s but there is a feeling I get when I go into Richmond. It looks nice but I know what to look out for and it’s pretty dangerous in Richmond.

[@mr.everything9120]

Looks can be decieving. This is a very high crime area where you must exercise extreme caution. Must of the murders and assaults occur right in these locations.

[@stellamiller4746]

It don't look like it, yes looks are deceiving however it's crime all around us .and if you ask what I think about Richmond / new York is the worst 2 me isn't that wher the towers went down in New York?? (Trade center) Thanks 4 the tour.

[@markrichards6863]

@@rz40blz That's a shame. I've been to Richmond a few times, but mostly the downtown area and Fan District. My fiancee is from a nice Richmond Suburb, still has family in the area. My experience is thar it's a very nice medium-small city. But I suspect that people are only taking me to nicer parts. I also live in NYC. New York doesn't feel as safe as it once did. I think the effects of the covid shut down has gad a reverberating effect on some societal segments. A lot if people lost work during the shut down. Other people had to go to work in very stressful situations. I get it. I work on Healthcare, experienced panic attacks daily before going to work in the ER. Then there are people who now work from home. The City feels less alive. I no longer take the subway if I can avoid it. I Don't doubt what you say about nice looking areas of Richmond being bad. This is true in a lot of modern cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix.

[@STell743]

@@rz40blz Your assessment about Richmond is the most accurate out of the comments. Tame, my a**. Clearly these people only go to the safe parts. When the courts are beefing, the shootings and murders skyrocket. Richmond doesn't have that busy look compared to bigger cities like New York,Philly etc. And that's Gilpin Court he is driving though at the end of the video.

[@mztiffanybad]

Let’s be VERY clear.... GENTRIFICATION is on its way(already starting) to this particular area of Richmond (known as the Northside/highland park) (it has already happened to the inner city) a lot of the homes are black owned still in the northside... they will raise taxes on these properties forcing the elderly or children to sell for dirt cheap... Richmond is known for its rich soil.. they will then do renovations and charge 500,000+ to be able to purchase again.. Richmond is a beautiful city with lots of history and historical homes... I can clearly see the BIGGER picture of videos such as this

[@kimberlyeley5816]

It is happening as we watch this. Has been going on for at least 15 years.

[@johnyebennett1323]

This is simply not true. Brooklyn’s park blvd may look runs down but many shops and restaurants are popping up. Many young people starting families as well as retirees are moving there as the homes are grand. Didn’t judge a book by its cover. Your words may have been true 15 years ago but not now

[@cubsfan910]

It's not the buildings that make for a dangerous neighborhood, it's the people. Fill an area with violent people, you get a violent neighborhood. East & south of the city are the worst. In general, lousy government is speeding Richmond's decline.

[@rayk48]

Exactly. Nine Mile Rd East and Hull St. He should have drove that. Majority of Richmond very beautiful.

[@barbaralynn7768]

Nick, you are wrong. This is Brookland Park that is going through revitalization. 2 -3 block on the other side of Brookland Park off Brook Road on Seminary there are million dollar homes. By all the comments alot people don't agree with your assessment of our city.

[@tomwagstaff7781]

Nick, I haven’t jerked your chain in a while, but having worked in the Gilpin Court area (the “public housing” area towards the end of the video). Gilpin Court has issues, but when I went to work for the local community action agency their offices were is the Saint Luke’s Building in GC, beside I-95 and I lived in an adjoining county and felt safe going to office even late at night. (The St Luke’s Building was the headquarters of Maggie Walker’s bank, which was headed by the first African American female bank President.) That neighborhood was part of the heart of African American culture & economic growth up until I-95 was built, dividing the AA business area from most of the residential area and almost demolished the strong economy in that area. (a side bar is you were a block from where John Marshall the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States is buried). In a prior comment it was stated how many families have moved into North Side due the large number of older large home s that are being restored that are convenient to downtown and the large number of corporate & government jobs. Yes, there are still pockets of poorer housing stock, but this area is no where near the condition it was when I first worked worked in what had been Ms. Walker’s office, even the St. Luke’s Bldg has been restored to its original glory (after we moved out). But overall you did a good job, but had the wrong title.

[@bird2114]

houses in that neighborhood went up 300% in 5 years and taxes push poor into counties

[@lloydzurn8763]

I grew up very close to that area 60+ years ago. Used to get my haircuts at the barbershop about a block up from North Ave. towards Chamberlayne Ave. There was an ice cream shop named Woodys on other side of street. Also shopped in the Rexall drugstore on the corner of North Ave. There was a bakery, a butcher shop and Safeway right around the corner. WOW ! What great memories.

[@monroebooker1115]

I remember Safeway, grew up in north side in the 60s and 70's

[@gregdiggs423]

I work in this area close to downtown and I think it's very good City overall. Like everywhere else that has bad pockets but all in all Richmond is a pretty good City. I definitely don't feel the danger like I did working in many cities in Florida where I grew up.

[@ghostyx9699]

I’m originally from southeastern MA but have lived in RVA for 5 years and can honestly say this place isn’t bad at all. Of course there’s crime just like every other city, but I wouldn’t say I’ve ever felt unsafe. I think I’d have more of a chance of dying from heat exhaustion in the summer time than from a violent crime.

[@corarrunnels92]

The only thing that made me sad or mad in that video is the insane misrepresentation of Richmond. It's not a super dangerous, crime ridden, place full of projects. Literally 80% of this video did NOT show the projects. It actually showed many of the examples of gentrification that are happening in Richmond. If you look closely, you see those signs. Also, Richmond is a mix of people and socioeconomic. Again you see this in the video.

[@Omnilysis]

I've lived in Richmond all my life, you could jog through here at night and walk the dog. It's pretty safe. This is Northside Highland Park, the least you'd hear is birds chirping or kids playing. Nothing but the working class trying to live life and get some good rest at night.

[@deborahfigueroa9313]

Richmond is fine... It's Petersburg that's a cesspool. Richmond has wonderful museums and historic landmarks. There are great restaurants and nightclubs. There are a lot of cops and gunshots but you just have to ignore it and revell in all the beautiful Richmond has to offer.

[@sandywest7664]

Take a trip around Syracuse you want to see crappy neighborhood's, but make sure you're armed for protection.

[@waqarjamil6365]

He showing the good neighborhood wtf

[@vapaperboi]

Look up richmond crime rate

[@pennysnellenberger8962]

I live in Richmond, you didn't show some of the really bad neighborhoods. Most places are very nice and poor doesn't mean dangerous. Please if you are going to be honest and accurate really drive the area and edit it. I know these areas and I have worked in them doing nursing these are that bad. So next time spend the day showing the good and the bad

[@tonyw.8407]

As a Virginian and someone who grew up here(Chesterfield). I agree whole heartedly. Richmond is terrible😉 Do NOT move here. There's nothing for you here. STAY AWAY🤣

[@luckycharm5589]

I would say the same if I lived in Chesterfield

[@tonyw.8407]

@@luckycharm5589 Grass is always greener

[@countryfrau8328]

Ha. My daughter loves it there.

[@trademisconception9816]

Man y’all clearly did not get the sarcasm.

[@AlanG.169]

What a pleasant thing to say...

[@mswoo1575]

From what you had shown us, this is a nice area.. They house's are nice and it no trash on the streets.. That's wasn't many people hanging outside, up to no good.

[@eligray8203]

Lol! You were a block away from my house at one point. North highland park has its crime for sure but nothing worse than other parts of the city. The century old homes and really sweet neighbors have made it a beautiful place to live for the last 4 years

[@HailYeahChasing]

as a Richmonder, its really not that bad. Richmond is usually friendly, lively, and has fun activities. Even going through the rougher areas (which every city has) I've always felt safe

[@samchunghoon1819]

For the supposed worst area in Richmond, the beginning of the video sure does not show it. Yards and homes seem to be well kept. No graffiti on the businesses. Looks pretty decent. Itʻs been years since I was last in Richmond. Early 70ʻs.

[@serenity8098]

I drive there every day, I don't have any problems, and I'm a white guy. It really is not that bad.

[@dsmvfl363]

I literally live in the east end, right up where he is driving. Yes there was a time when it was bad, and it’s not perfect, but compared to Detroit or Baltimore, east end is the suburbs.

[@AKINGSKYD]

Born and raised here. Not as bad as it used to be in the 90s and early 2000s. Dove Court gone, Blackwell gone and more to come

[@AnnC....]

The older homes look well kept, we had very beautiful historic homes in Asheville, until a few days ago, some one couldn't wait to tear them down, I hope Richmond keeps their old homes.

[@Tabaczenski]

This place looks nice, I’m working in Arkansas ( all state) I buy and sale properties, I bought some houses and I’m selling now, but I’m selling for 6 or 7 thousand dollars each, many properties I can get only 3 or 4 thousand dollars each, here you can see how poor is.

[@julietfaul2966]

We moved to RVA in the Fan District 5 months ago after going around the country and deciding where we can settle down for good. We chose Richmond for its city vibe but not like a big city where you can get lost. There's great diversity, the culture is good & a lot of people young and old are either running or biking. There are a lot of places to eat or even just have fun going around the town. You can be on the beach for around 2 hours & also in the mountains.

[@CC-jl7jz]

I've grew up in Richmond and live about 35 miles west of the city now. You nailed it. Richmond is a gem because you can do mountains or beach within a couple of hours each way. The blighted areas also have been cleaned up with beautiful housing.

[@doctortruredalphafemale8384]

Nick you need to provide your audience with information as you drive through the city. Those of us not from Richmond have no idea where you are.

[@davidbea3711]

STARTING TO THINK NICK IS ADDICTED TO DRIVING

[@chips2348]

at the 16:33 mark NOW YOU ARE COMING INTO PUBLIC HOUSING BAD BAD LeROY BROWN AREA.

[@jeanjearman2025]

I used to live there. You actually showed some of the best parts of Richmond.

[@mccustyd]

Where did you live that is the best? Never went to the museum district or Carytown? Or even short pump

[@jeanjearman2025]

@@mccustyd I lived in the FAN for years and have been all over the city and Short Pump where there are some relatives. Much worse looking sites then what was covered in this video. These were mostly large two story houses and not in such bad shape.

[@kikio0529]

Sorry, Nick but I got to disagree. Richmond ain't squeaky clean by any means but that area is a historic site. I work part-time as a maid and got to the college in RVA called VCU and lots of those homes have signs on them of being dated from 1780 to the 1800s and so on. Most of graffiti 2 is not actual graffiti but commissions from artists- vCU was a really big art school in our area. Some of these areas can be rough but honestly not as bad as it wasn't the '90s and he can walk around pretty much okay throughout the majority of the day. Obviously, use your street smarts at night. The only area that I personally avoid at night is the Mosbey Court area, but again it's not nearly as bad as Petersburg Virginia. And still compared to LA or some areas in NY, Richmond is vanilla. Keep in mind too, I hate cities in general- I'm saving up to move out into the country- but as cities go, RVA is pleasant enough.

[@uclkthe1st100]

Check the stats this year. Richmond has highest murder rate even over the burg Portsmouth and Newport

[@loftin92]

I've lived here for over 11 years, it's pretty nice. The ruff parts just avoid the courts. Northside isn't that bad.

[@RedPillTruth2023]

I lived there for 7 years and travelled the whole state of Virginia weekly. I have to say I have watched most all your videos and can attest that Virginia does not have all the burnt out homes or factories even in its worst parts.

[@alexo1226]

I like to say, I came to Virginia for one my childhood friend weeding , let me tell you coming from New Jersey this place was beautiful drove around some areas i was really impressed...

[@oldmanhound]

Richmond is a great city. It has a corrupt city council that constantly cries victimhood while being fabulously corrupt. If you love student grift or DC natives coming south to convert everything into enlightened Washington mindset this is the city for you! There are tons of forward thinking right-thought exhibits and museums to see here, and just enough old history to stomp out to keep anyone entertained!

[@annabelletimberlake9528]

I doordash and have done Lyft in these places. It's not that bad usually.