Top 5 Reasons to Call Richmond Home

Fun fact: Before Richmond become branded as “RVA,” the city’s slogan was “Easy to Love.” It makes sense. There is a growing list of reasons why the River City is easy to come to and hard to leave, from its ideal location to top-shelf cuisine and housing that Lives Up. Seemingly every day, a new article comes out touting Richmond as a top city for this or that, and there is a good reason: Richmond is among the hottest up-and-coming cities in America. Hands down. Here are just a few of our favorite reasons to call Richmond home, whether you’re already an RVA resident or are considering a move to the River City.

5. We’re right in the middle of it all.

Just 100-ish miles from Washington, D.C. and Virginia Beach. Right on Interstate 95.  A thriving riverfront scene and mountains to explore right around the corner. Richmond has it all. RVA’s location is worth writing home about — even if you’re dropping a postcard in your own mailbox. Plus, with a moderate climate featuring all four seasons and less traffic than a Chick-fil-A parking lot on a Sunday, there are few distractions to get in the way of your next adventure.

4. We have a story to tell.

Richmond is the backyard of our founding fathers. It’s the Forest Gump of American history; always in the right place at the right time. Our popular landmarks, churches, museums, and historic homes are nods to impactful moments in time ranging from Edgar Allen Poe’s upbringing and early career to Patrick Henry’s famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech. Why just read about history when you can live among it every day?

3. We’re going to take more than a weekend to explore.

Virginia isn’t a place you breeze through for a few days. Active, lifelong residents can struggle to keep up with all there is to do. Let’s start on the riverfront, where soaking in all that the James River has to offer becomes harder and harder as there’s more to do. Kayaking, trailblazing, and even chasing Fido around can turn into a routine that’s far from routine. Next add tours, lots of tours: foodie tours, Segway tours, brewery tours, ghost tours, and more. And for some seasonal flavor, sprinkle in some festivals and street fairs, including the Greek Festival, Folk Festival, Easter on Parade, and the Watermelon Festival. Oh, and don’t forget the Dominion Riverrock, the nation’s premier outdoor sports and music festival right on the River, which brings us full circle. But we haven’t even talked about the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the Richmond Kickers or greatest college hoops rivalry in a single city: the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams vs. the University of Richmond Spiders. Pick a side and get your cheer on!

2. We live outside the box.

How many ways can one city show off and share its creativity with residents and visitors alike? For Richmond, the answer is easy. With an innovative start-up scene on the rise, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which rivals many larger cities’ similar institutions, as well as food trucks worth chasing after and sprawling street murals that are easy on the eye, RVA continues to boldly explore new tastes and styles. In one week alone, you can take in a Richmond Ballet Studio performance, dine at the world-renown Peter Chang Café and take in elevated conversations at the Richmond Forum. Best of all, this creativity never ebbs, as schools including VCU and companies such as the Martin Agency continue to inspire fresh thinking.

1. We Live Up.

With homebuilders including StyleCraft Homes leading the way, Richmond said goodbye to cookie-cutter communities and one-size-fits-none floor plans long ago. Whether you’re seeking a quality-built first home that’s priced right or a 55+ community with plenty to do inside and outside your walls, Richmond has been redefining how housing Lives Up. Add great schools, convenient locations, and the best neighbors we’ve ever met, and the choice of where to call home is easy. 

So, what are you waiting for? Life in the River City is calling, whether you’re a long-time or potential first-time resident. RVA is easy to love for so many reasons. So start building or adding to your list. It’s going to be a long one.