The Fan District
Young professionals, creatives, empty nesters, and professors
The Vibe:
The Fan is Richmond’s iconic, historic, and most walkable neighborhood, named for its fan-shaped street grid that stretches west from Virginia Commonwealth University. Think tree-lined streets, gorgeous rowhouses and brownstones, and a never-ending lineup of restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique bars — all within walking or biking distance. There’s a lively street culture, a deep arts scene, and plenty of college-town energy mixed with local pride.
Zoned Schools:
-Fox Elementary
-Thomas Jefferson High School
Median Home Price: ~$620,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Museum District
- Ghent (Norfolk)
- Five Points (Durham)
Church Hill
Young families, creatives, remote workers, and longtime Richmonders
The Vibe:
Church Hill is where Richmond’s oldest charm meets 21st-century revival. Cobblestone streets and panoramic skyline views define this elevated neighborhood east of downtown. Once overlooked, Church Hill is now packed with beautifully renovated historic homes, indie restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. It’s a quieter but still vibrant alternative to The Fan, and offers more space and character for the price.
Zoned Schools:
-Bellevue Elementary
-Martin Luther King Jr. Middle
-Armstrong High School
Median Home Price: ~$475,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Union Hill
- Oregon Hill
- Jackson Ward
Scott’s Addition
Young professionals, tech workers, singles, and recent college grads
The Vibe:
Scott’s Addition is Richmond’s fastest-growing entertainment district — a former warehouse zone turned craft beer and food destination. It’s packed with breweries, cideries, rooftop bars, new apartments, and trendy loft conversions. The area is dense, modern, and full of energy, but less residential in feel than Church Hill or The Fan. Perfect for those who want to be where the action is, or don’t mind walking past a brewery to get to brunch.
Zoned Schools:
-Carver Elementary
-Albert Hill Middle
-Thomas Jefferson High School
Median Home Price: ~$525,000 (mostly condos/lofts)
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Manchester
- Downtown RVA
- West Midtown (Atlanta)
Forest Hill
Young families, professionals, nature lovers, and long-term residents
The Vibe:
Forest Hill offers a leafy, peaceful counterpoint to the more urban core. Located just south of the James River, it blends craftsman-style homes, a walkable weekend farmers market, and access to sprawling Forest Hill Park. It’s family-friendly but not boring, with low-key coffee shops, newer restaurants, and direct access to biking trails along the river. You get a real neighborhood feel, but still just a 10-minute drive to downtown.
Zoned Schools:
-Westover Hills Elementary
-Huguenot High School
Median Home Price: ~$435,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Northside
- Bellevue
- Bon Air
The Museum District
DINKs/SINKs
If you want to live in the downtown area but get a bit of a reprieve from the VCU/Zoomer neighborhoods, then look at The Museum District. Unique apartments, condos, and homes built 100 years ago it is filled with art and history. It also sits just a few minutes walk from all the restaurants, bars, and shops you could possibly need should you crave a bit more social spunk.
Similar Neighborhoods:
- The Fan
- Scott's Addition
Monroe Ward
Young Professionals
Monroe Ward is an incredible option for young professionals in Richmond’s Downtown district. Amazing apartments and condos filled with a mix of students, young professionals, and families, it is perfectly walkable to tons of restaurants, bars, and clubs. An added benefit is the ability to walk to work if you work in the downtown area. Just west of Monroe Ward is The Fan District. Home to VCU, with plenty of cheap and high-end food options, tons of bars and coffee shops, and great live-music venues. The Fan District is a really interesting mix of young professionals, college students, and families living in the stunning 19th and early-20th-century homes.
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Scott's Addition
- The Fan District
Bellevue
Families
Bellevue is a great neighborhood for families. Located in Northside, the mature tree-lined streets protect beautiful historic homes. While only a 10-minute drive from downtown, Bellevue feels suburban. It’s also surrounded by two amazing green spaces: Bryan Park and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. These places provide tons of room to hike and bike, as well as one of the country's most highly rated Public Gardens for when you’re feeling a bit more contemplative. Finally, you have great public schools and a small but great area for boutique shopping and interesting food options.
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Bellevue
- Church Hill
- The Fan
- Westham