Anyone from the Richmond, VA area?

[Boots]

DS and his wife are moving to Richmond,VA. She is working on her masters in Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. I haven't heard hardly any good about the area. Could someone please let me something good about Richmond? They are renting a townhouse on the east side of Richmond close to the airport and interstate. He just graduated with his masters of divinity from Wake Forest in Winston-Salem. I am hoping that some of you DISers can tell me some good things about the area. Some people who attend my church have me literally terrified about the crime in the Richmond area. Thanks for any encouraging words.

 

[HOGFAN]

Yes, there are some areas of the city you should stay out of, but isnt that true of any city? Actually I think we have lost our title of "most murders per capita". The city is very culturally diverse and has a great history, great architecture. I woulnt live anywhere else. The weather is great. Unemployment is pretty low too. Dont worry, its fine.

 

[soccerchick]

My sister graduated from VCU with her Masters in Social Work several years ago. I have taken some classes there over the years in their Communications school. It is a city with some beautiful areas and some ones to avoid. As long as they use common sense, they'll be fine. My sister saw some of the worst and she lived there for 5 years. I can't help you much with the locations, I'm a landmark kind of girl With your D-I-L in Social work, she'll learn the good and bad areas very quickly.

I loved going shopping in Carytown with their eclectic shops. Maymount park is very nice as are the museums. I will be taking my kids down there at the end of June to the Children's Science Museum. It's a nice central location to NoVa, Williamsburg and Charlottesville (all two hours or less). Relax!!

 

[Annette_VA]

Don't let those people scare you. Yes, there are some crime-ridden areas of the city. But there are also very safe, family friendly areas.

 

[SueEllen]

East End near the airport isn't the best area (not horrible but not the best.)
Richmond is like any other city--there are some great areas and things about the city and there are some bad areas you should stay away from.

Sue Ellen

 

[Boots]

Thank you everyone. The townhouses they are moving into are fairly new, mostly college students and retirees. I guess I am just a mother who likes to worry no matter how old their children are.