Living in Carytown Richmond VA | What to Know About Moving to Carytown Virginia
If you’re interested in moving to Richmond and want a neighborhood with historic charm, living in Carytown Richmond VA might be exactly what you’re looking for. Known as Richmond’s “Mile of Style,” Carytown is a busy, walkable district packed with personality, perfect for anyone who is looking for a strong sense of community, quirky local businesses, and friendly residents.
Located just west of the city’s Fan District and near the Museum District, Carytown offers an unbeatable location that puts you close to some of the best restaurants, shops, and coffee shops in all of Virginia. You can grab brunch on a sunny patio, browse independent bookstores, or catch a film at the historic Byrd Theatre.
From young professionals to families, many people are moving to Carytown Virginia for its lively atmosphere and access to top schools and cultural attractions. And if you’re just planning to visit before making the leap, don’t be surprised if Carytown charms you into staying.
Is Carytown Richmond VA a Good Place to Live?
Carytown Richmond VA is a good place to live. Living in Carytown Richmond VA means never running out of fun things to do, with new businesses and events popping up all the time.
Where Is Carytown Richmond VA?
Carytown is in Richmond’s Near West End, just west of The Fan and close to the Museum District. This walkable neighborhood spans less than a square mile along West Cary Street, primarily in zip code 23221.
Living in Carytown Richmond VA means you’re only 2.5 miles from downtown, with a 10 to 15-minute commute. Major roads in the area include Cary Street and Ellwood Avenue, with I-195 and State Route 147 nearby for convenient access around the city.
While many residents living in Carytown VA walk or bike around the neighborhood thanks to its pedestrian-friendly layout, public transportation is also available. Richmond public transportation serves the area via several GRTC bus lines, offering easy connections to downtown, VCU, and other parts of the city.
Carytown Richmond VA Map
You can refer to this Carytown map when living in Carytown Richmond VA.
Carytown Richmond VA History & Overview
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Carytown’s roots date back to the 1930s with the opening of the Cary Street Park and Shop Center in 1938, Richmond’s first strip shopping center. Its innovative “park and shop” design made it a local favorite, and by the late 20th century, the neighborhood evolved into a hotspot for creative businesses and dining.
Today, living in Carytown Richmond VA means enjoying a lively city district filled with historic charm and modern flair. Known as Richmond’s “Mile of Style,” Carytown is packed with cool shops, top-rated restaurants, and an abundance of fun events throughout the year.
How many people are living in Carytown Richmond VA? Caryton has a small population of just 1,910 people with a median age of 35.9.
Additional Carytown Demographics:
- Median household income: $83,339 (compared to national average of $78,538)
- Educational attainment: 96% high school degree (or higher), 48% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Racial & ethnic composition: 86.62% White, 5.30% Black or African American, 3.79% two or more races, 1.76% Asian, 0.13% American Indian
What’s It Like Living in Carytown Richmond VA?
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What can you expect after moving to Carytown Virginia? Living in Carytown Richmond VA offers an urban lifestyle in one of the city’s most eclectic neighborhoods. Known for its strong sense of community, Carytown is a place where locals stroll tree-lined streets, sip coffee at independent coffee shops, and browse through quirky boutiques and vintage shops. It’s a neighborhood with its own unique style and blends historic architecture with colorful murals, indie theaters, and small businesses.
The vibe here is lively but laid-back, attracting a mix of young professionals, millennials, artists, and families. Many dogs can be seen out on walks, lounging with their owners at sidewalk cafes. While the area doesn’t have traditional big-box stores, it thrives on local flavor and is home to over 230 small businesses.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch, catching a film at the Byrd Theater, or shopping a seasonal sale at a local boutique, there are plenty of things to do. The nightlife is low-key but fun, with cozy bars, wine lounges, and spots for live music or a late-night bite. And when the Richmond climate warms up, you’ll find plenty to do outside as well.
There are always new jobs in Carytown thanks to the thriving economy, and Carytown jobs often come with the added bonus of being a part of a tight-knit community.
Things to Do in Carytown Richmond VA - Best Restaurants, Attractions, and Shopping
Whether you’re looking to work, eat, explore, or just soak in the creative energy, living in Carytown Richmond VA has plenty to offer. The neighborhood has a strong community vibe, and there is something to do no matter what time of year it is. Here are just a few things to check out when living in Carytown Richmond VA.
Restaurants
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Food in Carytown is abundant, and there are plenty of Carytown bars and restaurants to enjoy. Most of the restaurants in Carytown Richmond VA are located along Cary Street, the neighborhood's most popular street for shopping and dining. Many of these restaurants even allow your dogs to eat with you on their open patios!
One of the most popular Cary Street restaurants is Can Can Brasserie, which is a Parisian-style eatery serving up delicious steak frites. The Daily Kitchen & Bar is another one of the best restaurants in Carytown and serves up healthy American food and craft cocktails. If you want to hit the bars after dinner, then head over to places like Babe’s of Carytown or The Jasper.
Attractions
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There is an abundance of fun things to do when living in Carytown Richmond VA. The historic Byrd Theatre now shows second-run films in grand style, while Byrd Park is a favorite among nature lovers (and their dogs!). Just a short walk away in the Museum District are the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
Shopping
Looking to elevate your personal style after moving to Carytown Virginia? There are many stores in Carytown for you to check out. Lex’s of Carytown is one of the most popular shops, featuring formalwear and casual women’s clothing. If you’re on the hunt for a Carytown bookstore, you’ve got several options, including Shelf Life Books and Fountain Bookstore Inc.
Here’s where you’ll find these things to do in Carytown:
- Can Can Brasserie, 3120 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, (804) 358-7274
- The Daily Kitchen & Bar, 2934 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, (804) 342-8990
- Babe’s of Carytown, 3166 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, (804) 355-9330
- The Jasper, 3113 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
- Byrd Theatre, 2908 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, (804) 358-3056
- Byrd Park, Richmond, VA 23221
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220, (804) 340-1400
- Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220, (804) 340-1800
- Lex’s of Carytown, 3018 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, (804) 355-5425
- Shelf Life Books, 2913 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, (804) 422-8066
- Fountain Bookstore, Inc., 1312 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219, (804) 788-1594
Carytown Richmond VA Schools
Living in Carytown Richmond VA gives families access to a range of schools in Richmond. The neighborhood is a part of Richmond Public Schools, with nearby public schools like Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary, Albert Hill Middle, and the highly-rated Open High School.
For advanced academics, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School is a top regional magnet institution. There are also several private schools nearby, including St. Catherine’s and Trinity Episcopal.
Is Carytown Richmond Safe?
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Is living in Carytown Richmond VA safe? Here’s an overview of the crime rate in the neighborhood, as well as how it compares to the Richmond crime rate.
- Overall crime rate: 6,187 crimes per 100,000 people (51.7% higher than the Richmond average)
- Violent crime rate: 212 crimes per 100,000 people (68.3% lower than the Richmond average)
- Property crime rate: 5,975 crimes per 100,000 people (60.5% higher than the Richmond average)
As you can see, the overall crime rate in Carytown is higher than the Richmond average. However, living in Carytown Richmond VA is very safe. The violent crime rate is actually lower than the Richmond average, and most of the crime in the area is property crime. Although frustrating, property crime can sometimes be prevented by taking the proper precautions.
The Third Precinct of the Richmond Police Department serves residents living in Carytown Richmond VA.
Carytown Richmond VA Real Estate
Will you be looking for homes for sale before moving to Carytown Virginia? According to Redfin, the median home price in Carytown Richmond VA is $728,500. The median home price is well above the Richmond average of $440,000; however, the median home sale price is down 6.6% from last year.
If you’d rather rent a home when living in Carytown Richmond VA, then you’ll find plenty of great options. According to RentCafe, the median rent in Carytown VA is $1,647. You’ll find plenty of cozy apartment options above the storefronts on Cary Street.
Give Our Carytown Richmond VA Movers a Call Today!
Is moving to Carytown Virginia in your future? Living in Carytown Richmond VA has never been better, and the team at On The Fly Moving Guys is ready to help you get settled! To discuss your move and get started with a free quote, give our Carytown movers a call at (804) 836-4954.
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