Where to live? (Richmond, Newport News, Jefferson: apartment complexes, lofts, crime)

[sinkfloridasink]

Hello,

My girlfriend and I will be moving to Richmond in late June/early July. What are some personal experiences you've had with different apartment complexes? We would like to live in the Fan or around Shockoe Bottom. We are looking for a 1 bedroom apt, preferably with all utilities included (I'm assuming, in the end, the bills will come out to be about the same, it will just be nice not to have to worry about 20 different bills for our first move). Obviously, this isn't a requirement, just something we are looking at.

With that said, how much does a 1 br usually run per month with utilities?

We found some apartments we liked, 17th street lofts. They are located slightly north of Broad, which, to my understanding, can be a not-so-desirable area, but since it's just down the road from Shockoe Bottom, I'm not sure if this rule applies.

Any and all feedback is appreciated!

[richmondpics]

You know, I don't even think construction has finished on 17th Street Lofts. FAntastic views and it's an old warehouse conversion so the apts should be cool... but... it's just on the fringe of the Bottom where many of the parking lots for VCU medical center are located. If you are looking in the Bottom, I'd check out places south of Grace St. Look at The American Tobacco Center... I know some people who love it there. Also, the Fan is always a good choice.

[Jwbagz21]

Hello, I lived in Richmond for about 4 years so I know my way around pretty good I would say. Richmond is a whole new level as far as crime goes if your looking for somewhere safe. Generally speaking anywhere in the Richmond city limits is going to look sketchy to you except the Fan in downtown perhaps. Certain names to look out for to stay away from are Highland park "HP", Chamberlynn Ave., & Southside, (which is quite large). These places are other versions of Park Place and Newport News East End in HR a.k.a. public housing. The West End of Richmond towards Glen Allen and Shortpump are very nice areas as well as certain parts of Chesterfield County (south of Richmond). You may also want to look into areas in hanover county close to route 1 north of the city, this will put you close to the town of Ashland, (still Metro Richmond). Broad Street is bad towards downtown but dont let the name scare you away when you hear it, (it's similar to how Jefferson Ave. or VA Beach blvd is in HR) 30 miles long, good and bad parts! You mentioned Shockoe Slip, this area can get get quite wild, but it seems as though this is what you may want, so go for it. If your used to living in VA Beach prices will be slightly less in Richmond for housing. Hope this helped.