As someone who lived in RVA for 6 years and left, here is my take; I think the biggest issue with RVA is that there is a lack of townhomes and other more homely-development. The only developments they have are giant buildings and old factories turned into condos. 500SQFT studios. Many community-type places. It left me feeling a bit odd about a place to live as a more reclusive person. Lots of ghetto places or just run-down expensive places. I moved outside of Nashville, and while commutes are longer, you can buy brand new places, or rent, for WAY cheaper than RVA. There are no shortage of brand new townhomes with garages, etc, for super cheap being developed. Can't even find that in the developed areas outside of RVA at all. Chester and the surrounding areas are too under-developed to live in either. In RVA you'll spend a decent amount for a below-average older home, or condos, etc. While I do miss RVA, ESPECIALLY due to the traffic being 10x better than Nashville, and the roads being designed infinitely better, out here you can see and feel the prosperity, its on an entirely different level that RVA. Nashville is so beautiful, far less industrial. As an entrepreneur its way better out here. Another large knock on RVA, since its in VA, they have dumb regulations, like car safety inspection, 2 plates on your car, etc etc. If you opt out to not take part in their absurd inspections, your apartment complex or wherever you rent will probably tow you for not having a sticker. The state troopers are a-holes and the 20MPH reckless speed limit is absurd. City cops are cool though. Its just a more restrictive place to live, and trust me, leaving after 6 years felt so liberating in this regard. RVA does have city benefits though, Amazon deliveries are next-day, grocery delivery, uber, etc. Colleges, VCU hospital is fantastic. Even Chester has some benefits that a city like Clarksville (city outside Nashville with RVA's population) doesn't have. Since there is less suburban sprawl there is allot of amenities nearby, you can cross the city in 30M even in traffic. You can roll downtown without thinking twice if there will be dead-stopped traffic. Sure, 5PM traffic gets busy, but its NOTHING in comparison to other larger cities. For being a small city the food scene is also good, I can't believe Nashville had less diversity than Richmond when it came to other culture-type foods. I do miss RVA in some ways, but I'm not sure if I'd go back.
@nsuodulu1234 Жыл бұрын
“You can be in Washington DC in about an hour and a half” 😂 Tell me how to do this without getting stuck in Fredericksburg for 2 hours alone.
@eavanmages9961 Жыл бұрын
Drove from Richmond to DC in 1:22 last Friday. Far fewer commuters going in to DC now because of remote work. It was rougher coming back that night. Holiday traffic
@WGARVA9 ай бұрын
You can VERY RARELY make it from RVA to DC in 90 minutes. That's total BS. I-95 is a nightmare.
@ffxcity13 ай бұрын
Take the train!
@2damnkwik Жыл бұрын
living here for 30+ years. There is less and less to do every years. If your a big IPA beer lover you'll like Richmond. If your a non drinker you be limited to find anything.. Crimes is high with plenty of murders. Taxes in Richmond are quite high, less in the counties. School aren't very good compared to the counties by Richmond. If it wasn't for MCV- VCU Richmond would be on the brink.. Richmond has food taxes on top on the state tax. You have a rain tax on days it rains. Housing isn't cheap a 300k will most likely be a 2-3 bedroom with 1 bath. Richmond if full of apartments and town homes which you'll compete with VCU students . very few new homes are being built. There is no malls in Richmond to really speak of. You will have to drive out to Henrico County or Chesterfield. These 2 counties are where you want to live.
@MichaelJoseph33 Жыл бұрын
Pretty good explanation
@lejlajordan85072 жыл бұрын
I'm looking to relocate to Virginia with my family next spring God willing. We just didn't know what city exactly since me and my husband never been there. Now we know it's going to be Richmond 😃 I have to say most of your cons are actually pros for me (besides the competitive market). Thanks for the video.
@galenparkeryourrealtorsfav22452 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much Lejla we are so appreciative for you checking us out. If we can be of assistance please let us know!
@bigdurk7761 Жыл бұрын
You should probably steer clear of Richmond high crime rate corrupt local officials… Consider moving outside the city to places like Chesterfield Dinwiddie Prince George Richmond is a cesspool
@cashmoneychanel1209 Жыл бұрын
Growing up in Las Vegas my entire life I think it’s so exciting that there’s no night life in Richmond 🤣 I am looking for a family oriented area close enough to a major tech city for my degree and raise my family I’m definitely going to be in Richmond in the next 2 years!
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
We would love to help you once you decide to come visit! Feel free to reach out to us when you're ready!
@candass5512 Жыл бұрын
Amazing i saw your message. Im from Cali, moved to Vegas, been here for 6 years and i am tired, now i want to go to the E coast...2024.... and Richmond, VA has been on my radar too 💪
@williamwaters4506 Жыл бұрын
I live in Richmond and house priced have soared. It easy to get around but you better know the different neighborhoods. Big city jail to house all the criminals. There are tons of great restaurants and friendly people. However, there are all kinds of taxes: property tax, car tax, food tax, car decals, school fees etc. The James River is beautiful and various summer events and festivals, like the Richmond Folk Festival (and it is free). If you go to Petersburg carry a gun. Lots of Civil War sites but the Richmond City officials downplay that. Horrible traffic on Rt 95 during the summer. Really nice museums. The gangs stay in their neighborhoods and housing projects.
@jlynnharris07252 жыл бұрын
Love your video! Born at MCV in 1973 I’m a true RVA native as well ❤️ You are so right we do have the best of both world with beach and mountains. Pocahontas State Park is beautiful (we fish and hike there all the time) and James River Cellars Winery is amazing..highly recommend🍷
@MegaAgentAcademy2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! You are so right. I bike at Pocahontas whenever I can. Such a big park to explore without having to travel far.
@DiscraftDave Жыл бұрын
Weather is the NUMBER 1 con. Summer here is miserable.
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
Milder than down south, but heavy humidity for sure.
@hassanbooker23772 жыл бұрын
It's really hot in RVA in the summer ...a lot of mosquitos
@mariacarrara95892 жыл бұрын
Great video! I am a med rep looking at relocating this year and this was super helpful as I am apartment hunting!
@LivingInVirginia2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your feedback Maria! We appreciate it! If you end up getting here and staying long enough to want to purchase something we would love to help!
@chrisbeaty309 Жыл бұрын
I moved to the Richmond area from Ohio approximately 20 years ago. I absolutely love the Richmond area but I hated living in the city limits. Just about all of the times I had to go to City Hall and all of it's various departments ended in frustration and exhaustion. I love the area but not the bureaucrats in the city.
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the feedback Chris! Seems that no matter the city you travel to they have their trappings. Galen lived in Dublin, OH for a short period.
@josephrobichaud51982 жыл бұрын
I used to live at the very end of East Broad St in Church Hill. There was a historic park right across the St. Within 15 min. I've been to the circus, been to many events at the Astra Theater, Hiked around Belle Island, been to most of the Museums, there's always live music someplace. People just racing down 95 to get someplace are missing out.
@LivingInVirginia2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! We agree. So much to see and do it's worth stopping over for at least a couple days if you've never been.
@manie3232 Жыл бұрын
Richmond is interesting because it's like the first city in the south. It actually was the capital of the south. Still the capital of the state of Virginia. A lot of roads intersect in Richmond going in all directions.
@Delta922Күн бұрын
Boring nightlife is a deal breaker for me bruh. I'm moving to South Beach, Miami 🌴🌙🍹🌴
@howarddavis7168 Жыл бұрын
Jared Davis!! What a nice video. You know I grew up there. It's MY city!! FYI, I'm pushing towards baptism. I WILL get there!!
@hassanbooker23772 жыл бұрын
Poor people are being priced out .... there is no escalation plan to uplift the have-nots
@nothing563019 Жыл бұрын
They may have to......gasp......get a job, education or join the military like the rest of us
@saradelcarmenn Жыл бұрын
florida is tbh the best place to live in, and i’m thinking of moving there bc of how cheap it is. a $3-5k apartment is a $800-$1200 apartment there, im paying $3k a month rn, the only sad thing is i’m latina and florida is a huge melting pot, and there’s 10 beaches minutes from my house since i’m in fort lauderdale, so it’s tough. but if the rent is so low i can afford to travel to florida whenever i want
@saradelcarmenn Жыл бұрын
i can’t just leave my house and see 20 different countries of restaurants if i move
@saradelcarmenn Жыл бұрын
And nightlife is miami and fort lauderdale is THE BEST, im scared to be bored
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
@@saradelcarmenn Well the beaches are hard to beat in Miami compared to VA. VA beach is a nice overnight trip or day trip, and you can be there in less than 2 hours. Nightlife isn't the same as Miami, but I certainly don't think you'll get bored. There is so much to do here.
@manie3232 Жыл бұрын
You'd have to really be booking to make it to DC in an hour and a half with no traffic. It's an hour from Fredericksburg and you're not going to make it to DC from there in a half hour.
@jackcrozier1982 Жыл бұрын
Realtors' "con lists" never deal with real issues people buying a home should also consider, like public school quality, crime rates, etc. They like to stick with weather, traffic...and things that can be tolerated, and don't affect families.
@LivingInVirginia10 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching! There is a reason realtor's do not much mention those things... we do not want lose our license or be sued. The Fair Housing Act was implemented in 1968 in an effort by Congress to end housing discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, sex, disability, and more. The details of this act directly impact the information real estate agents are legally permitted to provide to clients. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the near future, then it’s important to understand this list.
@manie3232 Жыл бұрын
About the night scene Richmond did have a good night life scene in the like 80's, 90's in the Choco slip (sp ?) area. I noticed many cities now bars aren't open late like they used to be. The night life lifestyle is almost a thing of the past in many areas.
@KaayJaay Жыл бұрын
Awesome content! Just subscribed. How’s Short Pump, as a long term investment property? Long term hold, also. Thanks Gents for dropping great knowledge!!
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words. Short Pump is a great area as far as values go and one of the most desirable places outside of metro Richmond. It can be hard to find investment properties though since there are mainly bigger homes not a lot of multi family. But fantastic area that will continue to be one of the places people want to be
@eawatahatanguatama3832 жыл бұрын
the land of my Ancestors
@sunnyl1032Ай бұрын
Hi we are looking to buy a house in Winchester,Staunton or Richmond area next year,May.We are family of 3 with a 8 year old kid.Does Fair Housing Act include your ability to find us a house based on public school quality and crime rates? This are my main requirements and probably of many who plan to come live there.I do not want to live in nearby areas next to gangs and projects.Will i find a realtor who will find me a place with that in mind?
@billwhite5853 Жыл бұрын
When we were in a neighborhood by the university, my wife and I couldn't wait to get out of there. Really bad part of town
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
what year was this?
@billwhite5853 Жыл бұрын
2016. We stopped on the way home at the McDonald's and left out there as fast as we could.. There was a guy in there, high out of his mind on something, ranting, people giving us hard looks, and it was almost as bad in the parking lot. Never again will we go near that part of town again.
@christucker34135 ай бұрын
How can you not mention Virginia Union University and you like football as your friend said wow.
@perfectpitchproductionsrva50392 жыл бұрын
I definitely wouldn’t consider music/ entertainment in our city as a con. We have so many bands here and a really wide variety of genres. The level of talent is just as good, if not better than many of the other “music cities”. Every night you can find live music going on somewhere. Another pro… festival season! We have great festivals with great music. You will find most breweries, festivals, farmers markets, bars all have live music and we have enough talent in RVA to support all of it, meaning we don’t need to import talent from outside of our city. Cons you missed… meals tax, personal property tax on vehicles and if you are looking to open a bar here, you will need a kitchen, thanks to ABC. Just my 2 cents. 🙂
@LivingInVirginia2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback! All good stuff. We do have some great locals like J Roddy, Lucy Dacus, etc. Anyone looking in VA will have to deal with terrible car personal property tax but it's good to know for those moving from states that aren't dealing with it. Thanks for watching!
@tobyo99 Жыл бұрын
@@LivingInVirginia for someone looking to get out of a state that taxes Social Security, the personal property tax can't be as bad as that. Guessing the newer the car is, the higher the tax, yes?
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
@@tobyo99 The tax rate is somewhere around 4.5% per year on the car's assessed value.
@tobyo99 Жыл бұрын
@@LivingInVirginia thanks! yea, that is affordable 👍
@DirtySouthRider7 ай бұрын
Nice Video but Galen needs to put more bass in his voice.🤣
@LivingInVirginia3 ай бұрын
brutal
@Classy45142 жыл бұрын
Richmond is soooo underrated one of the best cities in America tons to do and see not to slow not to fast just right has a north eastern feel to it without the Northeastern cost of living perfect location right down the road from DC 4 hrs away from Philly 5 hrs away from New York City Amazing place so much to explore I love Rva and I love your video ❤ 😍 💖 ❣ 💕 💘 ❤ 😍 💖 ❣ 💕 💘 ❤ in comparison to cities like Charlotte and Raleigh down south even though Richmond does have a bigger population its has more if the big city vibe Charlotte or Raleigh doesn't you can clearly tell your in the south Richmond reminds me more of Dc definitely not like the southern cities.
@LivingInVirginia2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and commenting! We couldn't agree more. Such a great vibe here.
@yuioyup2 жыл бұрын
You're bugging, Charlotte is a lot better.
@Classy45142 жыл бұрын
@@yuioyup Absolutely not, bugging who the f says bugging country Bama that's an old one to LOL .
@glendalewatkins7906 Жыл бұрын
I'm in NC ...Charlotte is fun pretty much baby Atlanta
@Classy4514 Жыл бұрын
@@glendalewatkins7906 Been there got out as soon as I could Charlotte is overated boring and Country as FK.
@delovelyday4302 жыл бұрын
beer in the river...lol love it great video guys!!
@LivingInVirginia2 жыл бұрын
It would be a great day for that!
@Classy45142 жыл бұрын
Love your Richmond accent its not southern at all The Pros definitely out way cons Richmond is Awesome love your video ❤️
@suzettekitselman6914 Жыл бұрын
Nice video ~ thanks, guys! Would love to know the date you made this, because you mention the multiple offer situation, which wouldn't last forever. Will you do an update?
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
We made this video within the last year. We definitely have seen a shift in the market and are seeing less multiple offer scenarios. But values are still holding pretty well here. If we can help you with a purchase or sale please let us know. We would Love to assist!
@calosalbertoesquivelmares51862 жыл бұрын
WEREVER DO YOU SAID ABOUT RICHMON IS A GREAT ESTATE FROM AMERICAN UNION I WAS LIV IN A STREET THAT THE NAME IS WAMSLEY IS CLOSE TO JEFERSON DAVID AND ONE DAY I WANT TO BACK TO THE UNITES ESTATES AND LIVE IN RICHMOND ONE MORE TIME 👍🇲🇽🇺🇸
@kaysicarroll58962 жыл бұрын
Hey there! I was hoping you could tell me if the area is LGBT friendly. We wanted to move there from CA but we wanted to make sure first.
@nicholasb64622 жыл бұрын
Please don't. Stay in CA we don't need you idiots voting here and turning VA into CA you made your bed now lay in it!
@BrotherNova786 Жыл бұрын
yes, Kaysi… very much so.
@Bengrimm357 Жыл бұрын
No. Please please please stay in California. You won’t like it here. I promise
@ormedolugo364 Жыл бұрын
I spent time nearby as a US Marine, experienced bad racism treatment....
@rshap4082 Жыл бұрын
Thinking about retiring to VA in about 5 years. How expensive are the condos? What about crime in Richmond? I'm also looking at the peninsula (Newport News & Hampton)
@galenparker Жыл бұрын
Congratulations on being able to retire that’s awesome. As far as condo price C comment below. It really depends on the size that you are desiring can be anywhere between 200,000 and 350,000.
@glendalewatkins7906 Жыл бұрын
I'm in NC ...3 hours from Richmond...I just got offered a job up there so I may be making my way up there....a nice townhouse or condo would be great..what are the prices on those? If I want to have fun I'll just drive to DC plus I have family there...Richmond may be the spot to go
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
It depends on area and size. A small condo can be had for under $200,000. If you want a larger townhouse with garage or were looking into some of the new townhouses in surrounding counties you could be looking at $250,000-$400,000. Feel free to give us a call if you end up taking the job, and we can get you set up on a home search up this way so you can see what’s available. We’d love to help you.
@glendalewatkins7906 Жыл бұрын
@@LivingInVirginiaI will most definitely do that..thanks for the video
@ronrocheleau3035 Жыл бұрын
Con: Too many Realtors and real estate speculation
@LivingInVirginia10 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@christinawyatt572 Жыл бұрын
No mention of the arts community? One of the finest Art Museums in the country is in Richmond PLUS a strong and growing local arts community!
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
Hey Christina! Be sure to check out our where to live in Richmond on the Fan/Museum district. We visit VMFA in that video!
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
Also looks like Galen emailed you, hope that helps!
@hassanbooker23772 жыл бұрын
I was not so impressed with many of the restaurants. Everyone told me they were great , I'm a new Yorker, didn't seem as great to me
@LivingInVirginia2 жыл бұрын
Where did you eat?
@nialove82222 жыл бұрын
You are right!! Also cost of living is crazy high i stay in glen allen.
@hassanbooker23772 жыл бұрын
@@LivingInVirginia went to 20 to 30 different resteraunts all around Richmond , my collective conclusion is that 70% were not as impressive to me , as they were to the people who recommended them.
@hudsonja2 жыл бұрын
@@hassanbooker2377 Name them, then, please. There are many restaurants in town I actually really like, we have several award winners. Which ones are the ones you disliked?
@sharonponciroli59012 жыл бұрын
Totally agree, no professional sports or fine restaurants. I guess if you’re coming from a smaller city, it might seem different. Very strong southern accent. Pros… the James River is absolutely beautiful. Close to Virginia Beach and Williamsburg. Williamsburg illumination is incredible. Good slow pace for family. Very quiet, sidewalks roll up when it gets dark. Perfect slow paced family oriented city. To each his own.
@massymgl1050 Жыл бұрын
Hi. I Work in insurance in Italy. I could ask for a transfer in Richmond. Could you suggested me a best place for me and my family, with two children. Thank a lot and congratulations for video
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
Some of the counties may be a good place to start looking. Midlothian and Chesterfield. Glen Allen. Hanover. We have a few videos on those areas on our channel! Feel free to reach out if we can help with the transition.
@EMILIOPANTERO Жыл бұрын
Do y’all guys work with NACA approved people
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
Hello! I believe we do have a few people on our team that could assist. Feel free to give me or Galen a call and we can see how we may be able to help!
@jimjohnson4147 Жыл бұрын
UR is west of VCU, not south. Are you really from here ?
@Eastendchop18 ай бұрын
I thought dude was Marshall faulk
@jayshashigari56282 жыл бұрын
Con: rampant crime
@SolomonsChalwa Жыл бұрын
Uhhh..you will sit in traffic...no doubt
@hassanbooker23772 жыл бұрын
Not too many cultural options
@evamaradiaga7140 Жыл бұрын
Is there racism there? I am no trying to offend nobody just want to know because I am Latin and I don't want to be treated different, how is the life being Latin there?
@galenparker Жыл бұрын
While we perhaps can not speak directly to your personal experience we can attest that Richmond has garnered a strong reputation of diversity. Per Richmond Pulse: According to the 2020 census, Richmond has a population of 116,448 people. Of those, 35% are foreign-born and 42% identify as Hispanic or Latino.
@thehuntgray Жыл бұрын
I make $380K/year so that works
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
Well if you are interested in a home in the area we can definitely point you in the right direction
@WhoBeSilly Жыл бұрын
I guess I've been mispronouncing Henrico for the longest time. Nobody has ever corrected me, which is more unusual.
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
😂😂 Now we want to know how you have been saying it.
@WhoBeSilly Жыл бұрын
@@LivingInVirginia ha ha!
@chechechacha5079 Жыл бұрын
Definitely don't come looking for the edgy, artsy, creative scene that used to be here. It seems to have picked up and left town. Talk about white bread...
@LivingInVirginia Жыл бұрын
its building; create the dream you want
@veeseee128 Жыл бұрын
worst city I ever lived in.
@barfyman-dm6zx Жыл бұрын
Well, imma tell you one thing about Richmond us natives don't care much about. Outside folk comin in here tellin us how to conduct business. Y'all n VCU tryin your best to get rid of actual real life RICHMOND peoples 😌😌
@9to5Drone2 жыл бұрын
#2 is becoming less of a pro, unfortunately. Still a cool place though.
@priestof1s Жыл бұрын
Pro - your close to the toilet Con- your close to the toilet To.sum it up, its sewage
@hassanbooker23772 жыл бұрын
It's really hot in RVA in the summer ...a lot of mosquitos
@juliaeberle85762 жыл бұрын
Your numerous negative comments inspire me to remind you that you are welcome not to return to our beautiful City on the James. It seems to be an unpleasant place for you. You’re not wrong about the summer heat and mosquitoes, though.
@hassanbooker23772 жыл бұрын
@@juliaeberle8576 I have lived in RVA . Also have family there, so I will be returning. It's perspective , for many RVA is great , for others not so great, I was simply adding some of the cons of living in the former capital of the confederacy.