Why Richmond is the Perfect Place to Live

A look at Richmond, VA’s inbound migration data between June and August 2024 reveals that people are moving in their tens, hundreds, and even thousands into RVA. 

About 1,327 people moved from Washington, DC, while 223 and 123 people moved from NYC and Los Angeles, respectively.

What is so fancy about Richmond that swarms of people flock to the city?

Why are people trading in the hustle and bustle of big cities for this Virginia gem, RVA? 

Pull up a chair because you’re about to go on a joyride through all the reasons why living in Richmond, VA, like the other 200,000+ residents here, might just be the next level of cool things you do for yourself.

1.  Affordability That Won’t Make Your Wallet Cry

Living in a big city is exciting until you realize your rent consumes most of your paycheck.

In Richmond, the cost of living is refreshingly reasonable. For less than $2,500, you can get yourself a decent 4-bedroom apartment in a nice neighborhood.

Plus, with the overall cost of living 4% lower than the national average and housing costs also dipping 15% below most other places in the U.S., you’re guaranteed a little extra cash in your wallet that can go towards experiences.

• Average House Rent: $1,531
• Median Home Value: $377,000

The median home price in Richmond is about $298,000 less than DC’s whopping $675,000. Talk about the battle of the capitals! 

But now, it’s easy to see why people pack their bags and head to RVA — transportation, after all, is 1% lower than the national average here.

It’s not much, but who wouldn’t want to take a breather from the relentless grind of financial stress? 

2.  The Perfect Balance of City and Suburban Vibes

 

Richmond has this thing going on where it’s not too big nor too small. It’s just right. Even though Richmond is the capital city of Virginia, it’s only the fourth-most populous city in the state.

Here, you get the perks of living in a bubbling city without the overwhelming flurry of places like New York. Plus, there are cool cafes, art galleries, music scenes, and restaurants on every corner — yet traffic is manageable.

• Population: 226,610
• Median Age: 34.5
• Average Commute Time: 21.9 minutes

Want to walk along the scenic James River, hike through trails, or explore historical sites? Living in Richmond, VA, means you’re just minutes away from these natural and cultural gems. 

These short commutes mean you don’t need movers in Richmond to haul your belongings around unless you have decided to relocate here (and you will decide to).

Note:

RVA is small enough to feel cozy but large enough to keep things exciting.

3.  Richmond: A Local Machu Picchu For History Buffs and Art Lovers

History seeps out of every corner in Richmond, making it a dream for anyone who loves to geek out over historical landmarks.

From Civil War battlegrounds to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech, Richmond is dipped in U.S. history. 

But does this mean Richmond is stuck in the past? Not at all! River City is a hotbed for creativity, and there are lots of places to visit in Richmond, VA.

For instance, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is one of the top comprehensive art museums in the country. It’s free to visit, so locals can regularly check out world-class exhibits without paying an admission fee. 

Add to that an artsy neighborhood like Scott’s Addition, where craft breweries, murals, and galleries reign supreme, and you’ve got a mix that’s hard to resist.

4.  Booming Job Market with a Work-Life Balance

The actual reasons people move to Richmond, VA are quite a lot and the rising job market is definitely one of them — especially in sectors like healthcare, retail, education, finance, and technology.

Major companies like Capital One, VCU Health, and Bon Secours have a strong presence here and provide solid career opportunities

The average base salary in RVA is quite okay, but again, this is dependent on your profession. A software engineer can earn an average of $88,147, while an office manager will earn an average of $50,672.

• Median Household Income: $59,606
• Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
• Poverty Rate: 19.5%

Although the median household income here is less than the national average, the cost of living more than makes up for it. Also, unlike bigger cities where work-life balance is often a fantasy, Richmond lets you have business brunch with clients and dinner with your family. 

Note:

The shorter commutes, a more relaxed pace, and the ability to disconnect by strolling through Byrd Park means you can enjoy life after office hours.

5.  The Food Scene Will Blow Your Mind

You haven’t truly lived until you’ve had a meal in Richmond!

Living in Richmond, VA, means access to a celebrated food scene like Ramsay Gordon’s coveted Beef Wellington dish. From brunch spots to spots serving up authentic BBQ, the River City’s food scene is the definition of a chef’s kiss.

There are over 900 restaurants in the metro area, many of which boast locally sourced ingredients and a thriving farm-to-table movement.

Let’s not forget about beer!

Richmond is one of the best beer cities in the U.S., with over 20 craft breweries in the area. No matter your taste, you’ll find something to please your palate, whether it’s a crispy lager or something delightfully experimental.

6.  The Four Seasons in All Their Glory

You might think that the pros and cons of living in Richmond are its weather. But that is far from the truth.

RVA is as far from the north as it is from the south. What this means is you get to experience all four seasons without any extreme weather.

Richmond’s humid subtropical climate is just right!

You will get warm, sunny summers and cool, colorful falls where the trees explode in vibrant shades of orange and red. Plus, winters are mild, with just a few snowfalls averaging about 11 inches.

• Coldest month: January (average low of 29°F)
• Hottest month: July (average high of 93°F)
• Driest month: October (average of 6 rainy days)
• Average Sunny Days: 210 days

7.  Proximity to Everything You Want

One of the great things about living in Richmond, VA, is its proximity to a lot of major attractions without living in the middle of them.

You’re just a two-hour drive from Washington, D.C., less than two hours from the beach, and close enough to the mountains for weekend getaways.

For sports fans, you can easily catch a Redskins (or Commanders) game in D.C. or head to Richmond Raceway for some NASCAR action — it’s all within your reach.

Nothing says summer like peanuts, cracker jacks, and a sunny day at the ballpark. You’ll delight in Richmond’s Flying Squirrels minor league baseball team. 

Endnote — Richmond, Awesomeness on Steroids

Living in Richmond, VA, is the perfect blend of affordability, culture, history, and modern flair that makes it irresistible to newcomers.

Whether you’re moving for job opportunities, food, or simply a lifestyle that allows you to experience social living without compromising your quality of life, Richmond should be your destination.

You, too, can join the growing flock of thousands who experience all four seasons and multiple close getaways while chanting, “Give me Richmond or give me Nothing.”