5 Reasons to Live in Downtown Richmond

With more than 550 acres of shoreline and islands, the extensive James River Parks System and downtown RVA riverfront features outdoor recreation amenities and adventures for all ages and levels of expertise like 20+ miles of biking and hiking trails, Class II, III, and IV rapids perfect for kayaking and white water rafting, the Manchester Climbing Wall, the Riverfront Canal Walk and much more.

From brand-new buildings featuring the very best of city living to historic buildings and renovated warehouses transformed into contemporary apartments with character, you can take your pick of a Jackson Ward row house, Manchester high-rise, a sleek Shockoe Slip loft and more when you choose to live in downtown Richmond. Whether you're a young professional, recent RVA transplant, a college student or empty-nester, the options for your next home or apartment in downtown Richmond are limitless.

If you're looking for a short commute, variety of transportation options or a walkable neighborhood, look no further than downtown Richmond. The Pulse, GRTC's bus rapid transit has 8 stops throughout downtown Richmond and runs every 15 minutes, seven days a week. If you'd rather opt for a bike ride, RVA Bike Share has several stations located throughout downtown and our bike infrastructure boasts 10+ systems and 15+ blocks of protected bike lanes. Not to mention the access to Amtrak via Main Street Station, e-scooters and the Richmond International Aiport makes traveling to and from downtown Richmond easy for everyone.

Downtown Richmond is made up of eight neighborhoods, each with its own identity, history and character. Explore the stories and streets of Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom, downtown Richmond's fastest-growing neighborhood, Manchester and everything in between. Get started and find the perfect neighborhood for you and your lifestyle in our guide to all of downtown's neighborhoods.

Downtown Richmond is the heart and home to RVA’s Arts District, the best elements of Richmond creativity and cultural institutions like art galleries, performing arts, museums and more. You can find 150+ murals and street art throughout downtown Richmond in between browsing the 15+ art galleries along and around Broad Street. Don't forget the monthly celebration of the Arts District, RVA First Fridays that happens the first Friday of every month, annual events like the Richmond Folk Festival and 2nd Street Festival and attractions like the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, the American Civil War Museum, the Richmond Ballet and more.

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• 20 Places to Find Street Art in Downtown Richmond