If you are moving to Richmond VA in 2024, please set up an appointment to plan for your move. We get calls everyday from great people looking to make the move! Here is a link to my schedule: bit.ly/LivingInRichmondVA 🏡
Considering all the violent weather throughout the rest of the country, Virginia (and Richmond) weather is very temperate that most anyone else would be so thankful to be here. And, yes, I'm born and bred Virginian.
Richmond VA actually had a very good public transit via streetcars. Unfortunately they took them out but you could imagine how much it would help the city if they kept them, let alone if they put them back in. Great for tourism, great for life, less cars on the road , less traffic wait times and less searching for parking. The only reason to not have street cars is to make the suburban drivers happy. Which ironically is causes more of issue for them than they realize. If they could wrap their head around taking the transit everyone wins. Plus how cute would old street cars look.
Street cars aren't coming back. Move on. I see a lot of proponents of light rail argue that it could "revitalize Richmond, attract tourism, and reduce traffic congestion, blah, blah, blah". While these benefits sound appealing on paper, they often overlook the critical assessments conducted by the city council in the early 2000s. And those assessments were not dismissive; they were grounded in hard data and a realistic understanding of Richmond's infrastructure needs and financial capabilities. The verdict was clear: extending bus routes and enhancing the existing GRTC system, particularly with innovations like the Pulse, offered a more practical and economically viable solution. Let’s unpack that for a moment. The Pulse bus rapid transit system, which took nearly 20 years of planning and investment, is a testament to what can be achieved with a thoughtful approach to public transit. It has improved accessibility and connectivity without the enormous financial burden associated with rail systems. The Pulse has shown that Richmond can support a modern transit network, but it doesn't necessarily mean that light rail or streetcars would be successful here. The reality is that light rail systems require substantial upfront investments, ongoing operational costs, and a ridership base that can justify those expenses. Richmond’s population density, geographic spread, and economic conditions present unique challenges that make light rail a less feasible option compared to bus rapid transit. That is all detailed in the early 2004 assessment. The idea that we can simply resurrect a streetcar system because it worked in the past ignores the fundamental shifts in urban planning, transportation technology, and economic considerations that have occurred since then. Try installing power and rail car lines on Broad Street as it is now and tell me how that's going to work- The same goes for Manchester, Shockoe Bottom, and Churchill. It would be a nightmare. Moreover, we must also consider the opportunity costs associated with investing in light rail. Every dollar spent on rail is a dollar that CANNOT be allocated to other critical areas, such as improving existing bus services, enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, or investing in affordable housing near transit hubs. These are the types of initiatives that can foster economic growth and improve quality of life for all Richmond residents, not just those who live near a potential rail line. End of rant.
@@sarcastickz6885I’m sorry you’re obviously not an urban planner and it shows. I can’t imagine NYC functioning on just buses vs the subway- huge difference. Or Boston ma with out the T and only using busses. But again you know more than urban planners and have all this data that goes against all the studies.
I have lived in multiple countries and states domestically. Relocating to Richmond is THE WORST mistake I ever made. If you are remote worker considering moving to Richmond - DON'T! Do not and I mean DO NOT remotely think of moving to Richmond. Customer service, food, any essence of culture and inclusivity is not present in RICHMOND. I f-ing hate it here. You will not have one seamless, problem free customer service experience. From restaurants, retail, car rentals, to fitness, alleged "luxury" property management, to even moving services. Businesses don't answer phones, don't open on time, front-face staffing is rude, people will cancel appointments day of, Richmond restaurant food will have your stomach in knots. You will also find inflated prices on the most basic things - as so many Richmond businesses with subpar products and services overcharge in an attempt to make up for pandemic economic losses.
Couldn't agree more! The crime is insane. I wish my spouse had not relocated for work there. We moved farther outside the city and there's a shooting every other day. The people are either asking for money when they first meet you and too many people needing to support a drug habit.
We moved to Richmond from NY State and the humidity shocked us-- not so much in terms of the feel of the hot or cold, but the effect it has on homes. You HAVE to have AC or your house will grow green fur inside!! We pretty much never had an air conditioner-- even living in Nigeria for years, so it took some getting used to. Something to look out for when looking at homes to buy, as well-- if they've been empty for some time and the AC hasn't run, it's going to be moldy.
My impressions exactly. You hit all of my concerns. We are retiring from Park City, Utah to Ashland, VA. I know it is going to be a real adjustment. Leaving the dry climate, the towering Rocky Mts and the amazing "treeless" vistas but we are excited to experience living in the east and taking advantage of the Northeastern rail system to experience all of the culture from Miami to Montreal. We will be close to our son and his family so that is priceless. We lived in Austin, Texas for a few years and let me tell you the Richmond area summers pale in comparison to the long, hot 100 degree with 80% humidity in Austin. We loved living in Texas and we are sure we will enjoy our retirement in Ashland, VA.
GRTC is reliable n the city of Richmond but the suburbs is another story. I live in Northern Virginia & I’m so ready to move. I’m thinking about moving to RVA and lived there when I went to VCU. I love how there are so many fun things to do and there’s a balance of everything. It’s so expensive to drive or even Ubering into DC. You have to make 90k+ to enjoy life in the DC area.Most people are working long hours. I love all the friendly people in Richmond.
I'd add crime to the list. We took our kids to a baseball game and the ride in and out felt very unsafe. I know there are some gentrified areas of Richmond that are probably nice, but who wants to feel trapped in a pocket that feels safe. The city doesn't have any interest in fixing the problem either. I think you will see businesses continue to leave.
@mojo6385 - thank you for your comments and prospective! I’m a ‘burbs girl through and through ; urban living isn’t for everyone. When I speak of Richmond , I am speaking of the the area as a whole. This includes the city of Richmond , Henrico Co , Chesterfield Co, Hanover Co, Goochland Co, and Powhatan Co.
im from mississippi and have lived in richmond for about three years now and i have to say richmond is barely humid at all. i know theres tons of swamps. also you do not need a car. you can use bikes if you want freedom but the busses are free and they are great. as for the trees, ive been in the pine belt and have only witnessed pine trees. virginias trees are super fun.
Hello! Are you asking for how the weather in Richmond compares to Northern VA/ suburbs of D.C. during these seasons? If so, summer's are identical. Winters: Northern VA and the suburbs of D.C. will typically see a bit more snow than Richmond.
Although much of my family lived in Richmond for generations, the last one has moved out. When asked why, they all answer 'safety". I know RVA had a very high murder rate, has that been brought under control?
I know Richmond in the 90s had one of the highest murder rates. I’ve personally never felt unsafe but I know I’ve lived a privileged life compared to some.
@@LIVINGINRICHMOND Sherman's "Bummers" burned our farm in North Cariolina, so I suppose we are all still a little paranoid. Seriously, most of the family in surgery and pediatrics, so, out and about at odd hours.
I live in Largo, FL. I was a military spouse in the past though so I’ve lived everywhere from Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia Beach, North Carolina and now Florida :). I love the warm winters here and the beautiful beaches, but I’ve always said Virginia has been my favorite state because it has a bit of everything.
It's funny you mentioned Arizona as a good place to go for allergies. That may have been the case 100 years ago but our "allergy season" is year round now.
@@LIVINGINRICHMOND Yeah. We're victims of a century of that advice. People moved here from all over and brought their cars and plants with them. Year round dust and pollen allergies and smoke during the inevitable fire season when all that veg dries out and goes up in flames. Shows up more as congestion though so folks from back east think it's not allergies, because their definition is watery eyes, runny nose. Allergy and asthma clinics do a booming business here. ;-)
That’s minor nuisance, sound like English weather. What I’d like to learn more, are their any area to avoid, are their racial tensions, gun culture and are their any bio are chemical tech firms within the region, good hospitals, natural disasters? 😅 thanks for sharing your advice! ❤
@@missiontohome - for sure! We Virginians spend most our time outdoors from Memorial Day and well into Oct. Outdoor activities and sports, festivals, concerts … the list goes on.
Thanks for your comment! We are pretty spread out. That being said, I like the fact that you can get from downtown to anywhere in the major surrounding counties in 20-45 minutes. Better yet, there are multiple ways to get there. What part of RVA do you live in?
Thanks for your comment! Ah yes - we do have the “ more snow and super cold every few years. And , we do experience hurricanes that cause flooding in a few spots. When did you live in Rva ?
Richmond city you don't need a car with the new pulse bus and grtc u can get Anywhere I'n the city shortpump chesterfield town center so your wrong about the transportation it's amazing how we all see Richmond so differently.
Very glad you said this. I am a suburban kinda girl that gets nervous as soon as I have to parallel park. I have never been on the buses before, but it is very good to hear the improvements are working! Thank you so much for adding that insight!
@@LIVINGINRICHMOND I also want to ad unlike a lot of down south cities Richmond is a very walkable city 🚶♂️ you can walk from downtown to shokoe bottom also Cary town to the fan district walk to May Mont park, eat shop go to museums tons to do all downtown I had no idea how many restaurants were located in downtown fan district until I started exploring walking with a friend and that's just downtown not including the other sections of Richmond amazing city and I've been to a lot of cities up North down south and Richmond is not a little city its a mid size city so I also disagree with you on the size of Richmond .
@El bahja ja I visited Richmond my friend lives in an area called Scott's Addition and he took me on a tour of Richmond and we used public transportation I know Richmond has many parts I was in the downtown area and loved every minute restaurants stores I was very surprised.
![4 HUGE Changes Coming to RICHMOND Virginia in 2024! [Don’t Miss Out!🚨]](/img/n.gif)
If you are moving to Richmond VA in 2024, please set up an appointment to plan for your move. We get calls everyday from great people looking to make the move! Here is a link to my schedule: bit.ly/LivingInRichmondVA 🏡
If I make the move, I’ll be in touch. In the meantime, I’ll be watching your videos.
Great Information. 😊
Ms.Melton YOU are a Smart and Beautiful Young Lady.
Considering all the violent weather throughout the rest of the country, Virginia (and Richmond) weather is very temperate that most anyone else would be so thankful to be here. And, yes, I'm born and bred Virginian.
We don't have any extreme weather but anytime there's a storm my mother-in-law lets me know! ;) haha
Richmond VA actually had a very good public transit via streetcars. Unfortunately they took them out but you could imagine how much it would help the city if they kept them, let alone if they put them back in. Great for tourism, great for life, less cars on the road , less traffic wait times and less searching for parking. The only reason to not have street cars is to make the suburban drivers happy. Which ironically is causes more of issue for them than they realize. If they could wrap their head around taking the transit everyone wins. Plus how cute would old street cars look.
Would love this. We jump on the ones in old town Alexandria when we go up to NOVA.
I’m presuming they’ll eventually make a come back. H street in DC has a street car for several years now.
Street cars aren't coming back. Move on. I see a lot of proponents of light rail argue that it could "revitalize Richmond, attract tourism, and reduce traffic congestion, blah, blah, blah". While these benefits sound appealing on paper, they often overlook the critical assessments conducted by the city council in the early 2000s. And those assessments were not dismissive; they were grounded in hard data and a realistic understanding of Richmond's infrastructure needs and financial capabilities. The verdict was clear: extending bus routes and enhancing the existing GRTC system, particularly with innovations like the Pulse, offered a more practical and economically viable solution.
Let’s unpack that for a moment. The Pulse bus rapid transit system, which took nearly 20 years of planning and investment, is a testament to what can be achieved with a thoughtful approach to public transit. It has improved accessibility and connectivity without the enormous financial burden associated with rail systems. The Pulse has shown that Richmond can support a modern transit network, but it doesn't necessarily mean that light rail or streetcars would be successful here.
The reality is that light rail systems require substantial upfront investments, ongoing operational costs, and a ridership base that can justify those expenses. Richmond’s population density, geographic spread, and economic conditions present unique challenges that make light rail a less feasible option compared to bus rapid transit. That is all detailed in the early 2004 assessment. The idea that we can simply resurrect a streetcar system because it worked in the past ignores the fundamental shifts in urban planning, transportation technology, and economic considerations that have occurred since then. Try installing power and rail car lines on Broad Street as it is now and tell me how that's going to work- The same goes for Manchester, Shockoe Bottom, and Churchill. It would be a nightmare.
Moreover, we must also consider the opportunity costs associated with investing in light rail. Every dollar spent on rail is a dollar that CANNOT be allocated to other critical areas, such as improving existing bus services, enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, or investing in affordable housing near transit hubs. These are the types of initiatives that can foster economic growth and improve quality of life for all Richmond residents, not just those who live near a potential rail line. End of rant.
@@sarcastickz6885I’m sorry you’re obviously not an urban planner and it shows. I can’t imagine NYC functioning on just buses vs the subway- huge difference. Or Boston ma with out the T and only using busses. But again you know more than urban planners and have all this data that goes against all the studies.
I have lived in multiple countries and states domestically. Relocating to Richmond is THE WORST mistake I ever made. If you are remote worker considering moving to Richmond - DON'T! Do not and I mean DO NOT remotely think of moving to Richmond. Customer service, food, any essence of culture and inclusivity is not present in RICHMOND. I f-ing hate it here.
You will not have one seamless, problem free customer service experience. From restaurants, retail, car rentals, to fitness, alleged "luxury" property management, to even moving services. Businesses don't answer phones, don't open on time, front-face staffing is rude, people will cancel appointments day of, Richmond restaurant food will have your stomach in knots.
You will also find inflated prices on the most basic things - as so many Richmond businesses with subpar products and services overcharge in an attempt to make up for pandemic economic losses.
What were some other places you were considering? Maybe we can do a city vs city in those areas.
Couldn't agree more! The crime is insane. I wish my spouse had not relocated for work there. We moved farther outside the city and there's a shooting every other day. The people are either asking for money when they first meet you and too many people needing to support a drug habit.
Agreed! Well said
After living here for 25 years born and raised I have been ready to leave for at least a decade.
Always a good idea to spread your wings no matter where you're from!
It's depressing here. People aren't honest or friendly. I want to move, but it's not an easy thing to do.
Richmond is by far the most overrated city I’ve ever visited or lived in.
We moved to Richmond from NY State and the humidity shocked us-- not so much in terms of the feel of the hot or cold, but the effect it has on homes. You HAVE to have AC or your house will grow green fur inside!! We pretty much never had an air conditioner-- even living in Nigeria for years, so it took some getting used to. Something to look out for when looking at homes to buy, as well-- if they've been empty for some time and the AC hasn't run, it's going to be moldy.
Extremely sound advice - thank you for sharing!
I agree. I lived in Florida before and Virginia has that humidity in summer too. I miss WNY and want to move back.
My impressions exactly. You hit all of my concerns. We are retiring from Park City, Utah to Ashland, VA. I know it is going to be a real adjustment. Leaving the dry climate, the towering Rocky Mts and the amazing "treeless" vistas but we are excited to experience living in the east and taking advantage of the Northeastern rail system to experience all of the culture from Miami to Montreal. We will be close to our son and his family so that is priceless. We lived in Austin, Texas for a few years and let me tell you the Richmond area summers pale in comparison to the long, hot 100 degree with 80% humidity in Austin. We loved living in Texas and we are sure we will enjoy our retirement in Ashland, VA.
Thank you so much for your comment! When will you be making the move to Ashland?
I literally sneezed three times while I was watching this. Also the pollen has me done getting the car washed until June. 😂
haha - this is the best response but the most accurate! 😬
Bryant’s Kryptonite is coming soon. Ragweed.
GRTC is reliable n the city of Richmond but the suburbs is another story.
I live in Northern Virginia & I’m so ready to move. I’m thinking about moving to RVA and lived there when I went to VCU. I love how there are so many fun things to do and there’s a balance of everything.
It’s so expensive to drive or even Ubering into DC. You have to make 90k+ to enjoy life in the DC area.Most people are working long hours. I love all the friendly people in Richmond.
I grew up in Great Falls and have fond memories, but I didn’t have to drive! 😉
@@LIVINGINRICHMOND oh wow!! Great Falls is so beautiful!!! My cousin lives there. I used to hike Difficult Run.
I'd add crime to the list. We took our kids to a baseball game and the ride in and out felt very unsafe. I know there are some gentrified areas of Richmond that are probably nice, but who wants to feel trapped in a pocket that feels safe. The city doesn't have any interest in fixing the problem either. I think you will see businesses continue to leave.
@mojo6385 - thank you for your comments and prospective! I’m a ‘burbs girl through and through ; urban living isn’t for everyone. When I speak of Richmond , I am speaking of the the area as a whole. This includes the city of Richmond , Henrico Co , Chesterfield Co, Hanover Co, Goochland Co, and Powhatan Co.
im from mississippi and have lived in richmond for about three years now and i have to say richmond is barely humid at all. i know theres tons of swamps. also you do not need a car. you can use bikes if you want freedom but the busses are free and they are great. as for the trees, ive been in the pine belt and have only witnessed pine trees. virginias trees are super fun.
Thanks for your comment ! What part of Richmond do you live and what brought you to our area?
Could you talk about how you feel about in summer and winter in North Virginia, areas such as Winchester, or suburbs of D.C.
Hello! Are you asking for how the weather in Richmond compares to Northern VA/ suburbs of D.C. during these seasons? If so, summer's are identical. Winters: Northern VA and the suburbs of D.C. will typically see a bit more snow than Richmond.
A car is good, but with the wide coverage of the pulse, and GRTC covering a large part of Richmond,you won't miss it if you trying to save on gas!!
We need to ride the bus at least once in our life, just to see what it’s like. I’m a suburbs girl, so the city is a novelty for the most part.
Although much of my family lived in Richmond for generations, the last one has moved out. When asked why, they all answer 'safety". I know RVA had a very high murder rate, has that been brought under control?
I know Richmond in the 90s had one of the highest murder rates. I’ve personally never felt unsafe but I know I’ve lived a privileged life compared to some.
@@LIVINGINRICHMOND Sherman's "Bummers" burned our farm in North Cariolina, so I suppose we are all still a little paranoid. Seriously, most of the family in surgery and pediatrics, so, out and about at odd hours.
Very helpful video. I am an East Coast gal, so humidity won’t surprise me.
So glad it was helpful! Where on the East Coast do you live now?
I live in Largo, FL. I was a military spouse in the past though so I’ve lived everywhere from Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia Beach, North Carolina and now Florida :). I love the warm winters here and the beautiful beaches, but I’ve always said Virginia has been my favorite state because it has a bit of everything.
Call me naive, I can't imagine how trees could be a negative. And among the city's down sides, you don't mention crime?
You're totally right. I've mentioned it in other videos, so I was trying to have a little variety. Crime is a problem for sure!
It’s boring here. I’m trying to leave.
Thank you for your comment ! In your opinion , what would make Richmond more interesting? Where would you like to move?
@@LIVINGINRICHMOND more hiking trails like they have out west, more big name concerts, festivals, proximity to a major airport, major sporting events.
It's funny you mentioned Arizona as a good place to go for allergies. That may have been the case 100 years ago but our "allergy season" is year round now.
Oh my! Really ?
@@LIVINGINRICHMOND Yeah. We're victims of a century of that advice. People moved here from all over and brought their cars and plants with them. Year round dust and pollen allergies and smoke during the inevitable fire season when all that veg dries out and goes up in flames. Shows up more as congestion though so folks from back east think it's not allergies, because their definition is watery eyes, runny nose. Allergy and asthma clinics do a booming business here. ;-)
Off topic. How's south east Richmond, near the VA Hospital?
That’s minor nuisance, sound like English weather. What I’d like to learn more, are their any area to avoid, are their racial tensions, gun culture and are their any bio are chemical tech firms within the region, good hospitals, natural disasters? 😅 thanks for sharing your advice! ❤
Thanks for your comment! Some great info that you are looking for; I have no doubt there are multiple platforms where you can obtain this info.
After hearing the doozy, do I really want to stay here?! ;) haha
You don't have a choice, so, yes, you do want to stay! ;)
LOL saying that Richmond Virginia has hotter summer than Texas
Everyone is different. Humid to me is much worse.
@@LIVINGINRICHMOND can you still go outside during the summer months in Richmond?
@@missiontohome - for sure! We Virginians spend most our time outdoors from Memorial Day and well into Oct. Outdoor activities and sports, festivals, concerts … the list goes on.
@@LIVINGINRICHMOND see that’s really not possible in Texas right now. We’ve been having 110+ degree days. It’s dangerous
Just look at the demographics, then run like hell is chasing you!
Richmond is so spread out
Thanks for your comment! We are pretty spread out. That being said, I like the fact that you can get from downtown to anywhere in the major surrounding counties in 20-45 minutes. Better yet, there are multiple ways to get there. What part of RVA do you live in?
you forgot the life altering weather that cames every 6 or 7 years
Thanks for your comment! Ah yes - we do have the “ more snow and super cold every few years. And , we do experience hurricanes that cause flooding in a few spots. When did you live in Rva ?
I travel alooooot but I still love in RVA
Live....**
Richmond city you don't need a car with the new pulse bus and grtc u can get Anywhere I'n the city shortpump chesterfield town center so your wrong about the transportation it's amazing how we all see Richmond so differently.
Very glad you said this. I am a suburban kinda girl that gets nervous as soon as I have to parallel park. I have never been on the buses before, but it is very good to hear the improvements are working! Thank you so much for adding that insight!
@@LIVINGINRICHMOND I also want to ad unlike a lot of down south cities Richmond is a very walkable city 🚶♂️ you can walk from downtown to shokoe bottom also Cary town to the fan district walk to May Mont park, eat shop go to museums tons to do all downtown I had no idea how many restaurants were located in downtown fan district until I started exploring walking with a friend and that's just downtown not including the other sections of Richmond amazing city and I've been to a lot of cities up North down south and Richmond is not a little city its a mid size city so I also disagree with you on the size of Richmond .
Right you are!!!
You do need a car ,am sorry living there for 15 years I know
@El bahja ja I visited Richmond my friend lives in an area called Scott's Addition and he took me on a tour of Richmond and we used public transportation I know Richmond has many parts I was in the downtown area and loved every minute restaurants stores I was very surprised.
I’ve been in Richmond for 4 years live in the VCU area (in the city) it’s okay. But I’m ready to move tho. Allergy season is hell out here lol.
It is awful! Having to switch from all the different medicines is super fun! /s
@@LIVINGINRICHMOND super fun lol
Allergies are not fun.