Living in Richmond, Virginia

Interesting Richmond restaurants continue to pop up each year, making this Virginia city a growing foodie destination! Any day of the week, Richmonders love to experience the finer side of dining. Oysters on the Half Shell and Seafood Paella at Rappahannock. Chicken Schnitzel or Boar Shank at Metzger Bar & Butchery. Creative breakfast classics with the Wavy Gravy at The Fancy Biscuit. Lump Crab and Scrambled Egg Enchilada at Millie’s Diner. We could go on and on after you’re done dining. Locals like to finish things off with a Pumpkin and Salted Caramel Pie from Proper Pie Company.

Also, Richmond = Breweries. Richmonders can’t get enough of the 30 Breweries, all with very distinct vibes. Stopping in at just one or two is enough to see why Richmond is one of America’s top beer destinations. Enjoy the diverse selection of IPAs, Hefeweissens, and more at The Veil Brewing Co. Sip on a Fresh Pair of Sambas or a Frozen Papaya Colada at The Answer Brewpub. Do you prefer hard ciders to beer? Sample varieties of apple ciders at Blue Bee Cider.

Richmond ranked #5 in the recent US Hipster Index. Hipsters are a subculture of 20- to 30-somethings who position themselves as non-mainstream pioneers, free-thinkers, and non-conformist conformists. The city districts that give off that vibe are Scott’s Addition, Shockoe Bottom, The Fan District, and Church Hill. Each offers a slightly different flavor, Scott’s Addition is brewery-central with sleek apartment conversions and a social calendar of rooftop events; The Fan is a tree-lined maze of historic rowhomes, buzzing with coffee shops, galleries, and VCU energy; Church Hill pairs cobblestone streets with edgy food scenes; and Shockoe Bottom blends warehouse vibes with riverfront charm.

But Richmond isn’t just for the craft beer crowd; it’s a real-deal city for families, too. Areas like the Far West End and Midlothian deliver the suburban lifestyle many families are looking for: highly rated public schools, cul-de-sac neighborhoods, access to youth sports leagues, and sprawling green space like Deep Run Park and Pocahontas State Park. In the city proper, places like Northside and Bon Air offer more historic homes, a strong community identity, and easy access to museums, farmers markets, and weekend festivals. The Science Museum of Virginia, the Children’s Museum of Richmond, and Maymont (a sprawling historic estate with a petting zoo, nature center, and botanical gardens) are all family favorites.

Richmond’s pace is approachable—big enough to keep things interesting, small enough that your commute won’t swallow your day. Young professionals love the work/life balance, especially with the growing startup scene, remote-friendly employers, and a low cost of living compared to bigger East Coast cities. Families benefit from the manageable size of the city too: it's easy to run errands, get to school, hit a park, and still have time for dinner at a local spot with outdoor seating.

Want to get a feel for what locals are up to? Check out Richmond’s calendar of events, which includes everything from live music and street festivals to night markets and riverfront yoga.

We always recommend staying in a VRBO if you’re visiting; it's a great way to experience the rhythm of local neighborhoods instead of the hotel bubble. And if you're planning a trip, you can find discounted travel fares through our Expedia partnership.

The school landscape in Richmond is a mix of public, charter, and private options—some excellent, some still in transition. Within the City of Richmond, public schools are part of Richmond Public Schools (RPS), a district that's made headlines for both its challenges and its bold efforts to reimagine urban education. There’s strong local support for public education, and you’ll find a growing number of RPS schools showing real innovation, especially at the elementary level. Fox Elementary, Mary Munford are often mentioned by local parents as bright spots.

That said, many families living in Richmond proper choose magnet, charter, or private schools. The city is home to standout private options like St. Catherine’s School, St. Christopher’s School, Collegiate School, and Trinity Episcopal.

Richmond also has a strong foundation in higher education. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is one of the city’s anchors—not just for academics, but for healthcare, research, arts, and local economic development. It’s one of the top-ranked public art schools in the country, and its medical center is a major regional provider. University of Richmond, a top-ranked private liberal arts college, adds even more academic flavor to the region. Together, these institutions bring students, faculty, and global ideas right into the heart of the city.