9 Best Neighborhoods in Richmond, VA 2022

Richmond serves as the capital city of Virginia. The city’s entire metro area is home to over a million residents.

Known as the First City, Richmond has become a prime destination for renters moving to Virginia. The city’s thriving economy, job opportunities, location, and recreation options make it a solid choice for new residents.

If you’re interested in making Richmond your new home, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of neighborhood options. We’ll help you choose. This guide explores some of Richmond’s best neighborhoods.

There are plenty of solid neighborhood options to choose from in Richmond — each with plenty of outdoor recreation options, rental housing variety, and other unique points of attraction.

Whether you enjoy urban comforts or prefer a more rural vibe, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a breakdown of the best neighborhoods in Richmond.

1. Bon Air

• Population: 16,366
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,793
• Median Household Income: $57,493
• Walk Score: 25
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: 24

Bon Air has a solidly suburban vibe, making it an excellent match for those renters that want a retreat from the busy urban center of Richmond.

If you plan on renting in the neighborhood, you'll likely find yourself renting a single-family home or a unit within a rental community. The neighborhood’s older-style homes are surrounded by wooded areas contributing to Bon Air's city-retreat reputation.

Bon Air is known for its low crime rate, attracting families with children. In addition, Bon Air is home to plenty of good schools. So, it’s common to hear and see children playing outdoors in the warm weather.

It's pretty common to find Bon Air residents walking around the neighborhood. That said, these trips are typically recreational. Getting around in Bon Air is commonly done in a personal vehicle.

Easy access to the Midlothian Turnpike, Huguenot Road, and Robious Road make for easy commuting.

Further, Bon Air is home to Stony Point Fashion Park, a major commercial hub offering shopping, restaurants, and entertainment options. So whether you’re trying to keep up with the latest fashions or toss some hatchets, the mall is the place to go.

2. Brandermill

• Population: 13,721
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,232
• Median Household Income: $75,435
• Walk Score: 1
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: 30

Brandermill is one of Richmond's popular residential neighborhoods. While most residents in the neighborhood own their homes, some rental units are available.

Rental options include luxury townhomes, apartment community units, and single-family homes. In short, there's pretty much something for everyone.

Brandermill boasts a close-knit community that takes great pride in its beauty, amenities, and greenery.

With over 15 miles of trails within the neighborhood's borders, a glittering lake, lush trees, and plenty of playgrounds, Brandermill is an outdoor enthusiast's dream.

Moreover, the neighborhood is very family-oriented. With awe-inspiring Christmas decorations, an annual fall festival, picnicking, farmers' markets, and more, the community focuses on hosting fun events for the whole family.

The only downside to living in Brandermill is the potential to get bogged down in HOA rules. That's the price of maintaining a gorgeous landscape. Generally, resident concerns cite minor infractions that caught the attention of the HOA.

3. Woodlake

• Population: 6,945
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,254
• Median Household Income: $95,326
• Walk Score: 9
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: 23

Woodlake is a smaller Richmond suburban neighborhood with very few residents, contributing to the neighborhood's small-town vibe.

Swift Creek Reservoir provides residents with a beautiful view of the city's eastern side.

On the southern end of the neighborhood, Hull Street Road serves as a major thoroughfare for quick and convenient commuting.

That said, Woodlake lacks a major shopping area. It's a staunchly suburban area boasting streets lined with houses, not shops.

Fortunately, shopping isn't the only way to have fun. Most residents of Woodlake take advantage of the neighborhood's proximity to the Swift Creek Reservoir.

Boating is huge. Pontoon rentals, RV lots, and a dedicated Swim and Raquet Complex highlight Woodlake residents' collective enjoyment of outdoor recreation.

Woodlake also hosts many community events, such as yard sales, farmer's markets, and Easter egg hunts.

For Richmond renters who prioritize outdoor recreation and want to be a part of a close-knit community, Woodlake would be a great place to call home.

4. Tuckahoe

• Population: 48,051
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,177
• Median Household Income: $65,420
• Walk Score: 30
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: 31

Tuckahoe is a larger neighborhood located to the west of Richmond.

Swampland makes up a large percentage of the neighborhood's west side area.

Regency Square is the neighborhood's primary shopping hub. The mall features many shops, restaurants, salons, and even a paint and sip shop. If shopping is your thing, Regency Square offers plenty of options.

If the great outdoors piques your interest, Rockwood Park and Pocahontas State Park are among some of Tuckahoe's most popular spots. Fishing, running, cycling, boating, and much more are everyday activities.

Despite being a suburban neighborhood, Tuckahoe is served by Richmond's public transit service. Although routes are limited, Tuckahoe's location puts Interstate 64 and Interstate 195 within close range, making commuting is a breeze.

Rental units in Tuckahoe include modern units with luxury amenities located within apartment communities. Tuckahoe rentals also include single-family homes with multiple bedrooms for those who need a little extra space.

5. Mechanicsville

• Population: 39,482
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $800
• Median Household Income: $77,291
• Walk Score: 30
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: 31

Mechanicsville is a historic Virginia neighborhood that was once the site of many Civil War battles.

Today, the neighborhood is peaceful and boasts a reputation as one of the best neighborhoods in Richmond.

Families are attracted to Mechanicsville's thriving schools, affordability, and small-town feel. A far cry from the urban aesthetics found in Richmond, Mechanicsville is very rural.

The neighborhood's population has risen in recent years, but less than 10,000 residents are still within Mechanicsville's borders.

If you plan on visiting one of the neighborhood's chain restaurants or shops, you'll need a car. Transit options are almost nonexistent, and while cycling is possible, it's not a popular option.

On the upside, Mechanicsville is just a short 20-minute trip away from Richmond's downtown center.

Rentals in this neighborhood include single-family homes, townhomes, and even some modern lofts.

6. Glen Allen

• Population: 16,187
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,507
• Median Household Income: $77,599
• Walk Score: 33
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: —

Glen Allen is a pretty popular destination for Richmond renters. While those opting for suburban living usually sacrifice the convenience of urban living, Glen Allen residents don't have that problem.

If you're looking to move to Glen Allen, there's a great variety of options on the market.

Luxury units, apartment communities, townhomes, and more are available within the neighborhood.

This neighborhood offers plenty of green spaces for those who want to enjoy the full breadth of seasonal changes that Virginia experiences.

Echo Lake and Laurel Recreation Area and Skate Park offer many outdoor recreation options, such as skating, running, walking, cycling, fishing, and more.

Although Glen Allen is around 13 miles away from Richmond, the community's accessibility makes for a 20-minute (or less) commute to Downtown Richmond each way.

So, while there is plenty to do within Glen Allen, Richmond's amenities are well within reach.

7. Innsbrook

• Population: 8,998
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,185.
• Median Household Income: $93,672
• Walk Score: 29
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: —

Innsbrook is one of Richmond's most welcoming neighborhoods in that it has something to offer for pretty much any renter.

Both families and young professionals find homes in Innsbrook.

As another of Richmond's smaller neighborhoods, Innsbrook's population doesn't exceed 10,000 residents. This makes for a very intimate community that is very involved and invested in the neighborhood's growth.

Innsbrook's "Next" plan sets out a clear strategy to expand on mixed-use development within the neighborhood. The move will result in more residents living and working within Innsbrook.

For now, Innsbrook boasts an impressive array of rental options, including luxury apartments, single-family homes, condos, and much more.

Additionally, Lake Innsbrook Trail offers a great variety of outdoor activities with miles of trails.

8. Short Pump

• Population: 30,626
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,187
• Median Household Income: $106,766
• Walk Score: 76
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: 50

Short Pump is one of the more upscale suburban neighborhoods found in Richmond. Despite being over 10 miles away from Richmond, there’s still plenty to do in the area.

The plethora of entertainment and recreation options has attracted a growing population of young professionals and families.

One of the most popular amenities in Short Pump includes its open-air mall, where residents can shop, walk, and enjoy the warm weather.

Additionally, Short Pump boasts a solid collection of trails spanning nearly 3.5 miles in Deep Run Park. Cyclists also flock to Deep Run Park's pump track while families frequent the updated playground.

If you plan on renting in Short Pump, there are a few apartment communities that offer luxury amenities, but they'll cost you a pretty penny. Fortunately, rent rates in the neighborhood are generally affordable.

Getting around in the neighborhood is easier than expected from a suburban neighborhood. Short Pump is walkable, and has some transit service and bike infrastructure.

9. Wyndham

• Population: 11,087
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,292
• Median Household Income: $217,072
• Walk Score: 4
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: 22

Wyndham's cool name is just one of the neighborhood's points of attraction.

With a 25-minute commute to Downtown Richmond, Wyndham is a popular destination for young professionals and commuters.

That said, the area is known for its affluence. Rent rates are notoriously high in Wyndham, and affordable apartments are scarce.

You'll find a collection of townhomes and apartment communities making up the neighborhood's bulk of rental options.

Cars are a must-have in Wyndham. While you'll be able to take recreational walks around the neighborhood, you won't be able to reach most amenities without a car.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of your preferences, you’re likely to find something that meets your needs within Richmond’s borders. Take the time to research neighborhoods before you make a final decision. You want to land in a place that fits your lifestyle.

If you’re ready to make the move, take our quiz to get matched with great apartments in Richmond.