Are you searching for the best areas to live in Richmond? Although there are numerous notable neighborhoods and subdivisions in Richmond, there are excellent suburbs to acknowledge as well. Many of these suburbs provide some of the best outdoor recreation, space, and school systems in the country– typically with an affordable cost of living.
Curious about the difference between a suburb and a neighborhood? Well, a neighborhood is a smaller community within a larger town or city whereas a suburb is a city, town, or unincorporated area outside the main city limits. Although most suburbs are residential, they can provide an urban lifestyle without being in the urban core. Below is our list of the seven best suburbs in Richmond for families, young professionals, retirees, and more!
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Mechanicsville | Nicest Suburb in Richmond for Veterans & with Cultural and Historical Sites
Mechanicsville is a walkable, bike-able, and enjoyable suburb of Richmond that is home to numerous cultural and historical sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spanning over 28 square miles and having a less population density than Richmond, this CDP provides numerous dining spots, an innovative public school system, and beautiful development of trails, lakes, and open space. This suburb is also served by Pole Green Park– part of one of the county’s largest recreational areas.
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This friendly Richmond suburbia is most famously known for being the site of the Civil War’s Beaver Dam Creek battlefield. Given the Cold Harbor Battlefield also took place here, visitors can explore the trenches of the Civil War combat before paying a visit to their brave loved ones at the Cold Harbor National Cemetery. Appropriately, many military veterans settle down in this Richmond suburb.
The vast majority of Mechanicsville homes are single-family and owner-owner-occupied. Single-story and multiple-floor houses with four or more bedrooms are common here. If living in a Richmond suburb that appreciates, preserves, and protects some of the most critical occurrences in history and culture, then living in Mechanicsville might be fit for you!
- Population: 39,482
- Median household income: $77,291
- Median home price: $368,5000
- Homes for sale in Mechanicsville, VA
Glen Allen | Richmond’s Most Family-Friendly Suburb with Natural Areas & Recreational Opportunities
Glen Allen is a flourishing family-friendly suburb situated about 14 miles northwest of Richmond. This serene and relaxed Richmond suburb is known for its community-oriented environment, many amenities, and a top-rated educational school system that proves why it’s considered to be one of the best places to raise a family in Virginia. The CDP of Glen Allen offers a satisfying combination of natural areas, urban conveniences, and a laid-back vibe which all contribute to its unique character.
If you ever consider living in Glen Allen, the majority of the housing in this community ranges from small-family homes to large 4+ bedroom homes with big lots. With an abundance of parks such as Echo Lake Park, green spaces, nature trails, and shopping centers like the new and upcoming West Broad Village, this suburb offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy. There are even dog-friendly parks and a doggie daycare center!
The incredibly picturesque community also provides an abundance of activities for kids considering the county has over 60 youth sports associations– one of which is the Glen Allen Softball Complex. You’ll also have access to several great American and cultural restaurants, shopping, and even spas, golf, and trips to the local museums. The Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen is yet another great place to take the kids. It offers visual, literary, and performing arts while encouraging new ideas and talent!
- Population: 16,187
- Median household income: $77,599
- Median home price: $438,500
- Homes for sale in Glen Allen, VA
Short Pump | Suburb in Richmond with the Best Premier Shopping Options
If you’re looking for one of the best places to live near Richmond with a great mix of well-known stores, fun activities, nightlife, and distinguished restaurants, Short Pump is the place to be! On top of having a short commute time to Richmond, this small-town charm has seen significant growth in popularity and provides a great atmosphere for young adults who want a quiet, slower-paced life within a premier shopping destination.
This affluent Richmond periphery provides the Short Pump Town Center; home to boutique and upscale shopping and countless tasty restaurants. Short Pump further provides the indoor and outdoor shopping centers of West Broad Marketplace, Short Pump Crossing Shopping Center, Brookhollow Shopping Center Downtown Short Pump, and Short Pump Village.
With a distance of just 15 miles from Richmond, Short Pump is a master-planned community with many upscale and modern homes. If moving to Short Pump is on your to-do list you’ll further have access to top-rated schools including Short Pump Elementary School.
- Population: 30,626
- Median household income: $106,766
- Median home price: $635,000
- Homes for sale in Short Pump, VA
Bon Air | Richmond’s Most Historic & Affordable Suburb with Many Locally-Owned Shops & Restaurants
What was first developed in the late 1800s, the historic district of Bon Air is known for its affordable cost of living, lovely tree-lined streets, and beautiful walkable neighborhoods. Considering the area’s attractive prices, it remains a popular spot for new families seeking their first home.
This remarkable Richmond suburbia has an array of locally-owned restaurants and shops like Joe’s Inn at Bon Air and the Treasury. A big portion of this CDP is designated a National Historic District due to the old age of many homes. You’ll find several 19th and early 20th-century Victorian architectural style homes that sell fast due to the low costs. In fact, the average home price here is just above $200,000!
Along with tasty local eateries and a budget-friendly real estate, Bon Air is home to the acclaimed Huguenot Park for sports and recreational opportunities, and Chesterfield Towne Center, a bustling shopping complex with over 100 retailers.
The majority of Bon Air children attend Bon Air Elementary. This school inspired the creation of a popular children’s book series, The Kids of the Polk Street School. The community also has private schools, Christian and Catholic schools, and several pre-schools.
- Population: 18,022
- Median household income: $87,389
- Median home price: $367,750
- Homes for sale in Bon Air, VA
Wyndham | Safest and Most Kid-Friendly Richmond Suburb with an Affluent Master-Planned Community
Wyndham is an affluent master-planned community on the outskirts of Richmond that is known for being extremely kid-friendly and having a low rate of crime. In fact, it has been called the “Most Kid-Friendly Suburban Community ” by Richmond Magazine and has been recognized as “Community Association of the Year” in 2012. Established back in 1990, the CDP of Wyndham is one of the best master-planned communities in the Richmond area.
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Wyndham has a crime rate that’s 73 lower than the U.S. average making it a very safe place for the little ones to run around. With that in mind, Wyndham is by far one of the safest suburbs near Richmond. The wealthy community provides excellent local bookstores, antique shops, and farmer’s markets for those nice Saturdays when you want to get out of the house. Additionally, there’s a private country club with a golf course, churches, and excellent schools served by the Henrico County Public Schools system.
Wyndham houses over 1600 single-family homes, condos, and townhomes of various sizes and styles. Many of these homes are pristine, upscale, and highly desirable.
- Population: 11,087
- Median household income: $217,072
- Median home price: $670,000
- Homes for sale in Wyndham, VA
Tuckahoe | Fitness-Friendly Suburb in Richmond with the Best Schools
If you’re a physically active parent who wants your kids to have a high-quality education, living in Tuckahoe, Virginia may be the place for you! This lively suburb near Richmond is known for its strong educational system and robust economy. Rested along the James River, the CDP of Tuckahoe is home to the Tuckahoe Family YMCA which offers fitness training, wellness programs, pools, and even group sports. You’ll also have access to several parks for hiking and biking, golf courses, and The Country Club of Virginia – James River.
While the wellness opportunities are aplenty, the community maintains a unique atmosphere as a result of the prominent local historical sites. One of which is the childhood home of Thomas Jefferson, the Tuckahoe Plantation– a preserved National Historic Landmark. When you’re in the mood for spending cash, the Regency Square Mall is a great shopping option in this community.
Tuckahoe provides numerous charming homes with Colonial and Cape Cod architectural styles in addition to pristine ranches spread throughout the area. Some of the top schools in the area include the University of Richmond, a highly-reputable private liberal arts school, and Douglas S. Freeman High School, a very highly rated school based on the U.S. News and World Report.
- Population: 48,051
- Median household income: $81,170
- Median home price: $415,000
- Homes for sale in Tuckahoe, VA
Innsbrook | Economically-Booming Neighborhood in Richmond with Beautiful Nature & Fun Events
Innsbrook is a peaceful residential community that’s perfect for those who love nature, enjoy public events, and want many options for job opportunities. This community is known for having countless thriving businesses in addition to lovely parks and lakes with abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
Sunrise over Innsbrook, Virginia. Photo by @PhotonPainter. #vawx pic.twitter.com/ThstTTSx1q
— Weathercaster Johnny Caudle (@wxcaudle) October 9, 2021
The cool CDP of Innsbrook is home to a tight-knit and diverse community in addition to a rapidly increasing 500 businesses and over 20,000 employees. You’ll find this to be the best Richmond suburb for community events like festivals, charity walks, food trucks, gathering spots, and music performances. When you’re not participating in the town events, you can enjoy Springfield Park, miles of walking trails, and pristine gardens that connect many of the office and home buildings.
This walkable and bikeable suburb of Richmond proves to be a perfect model for life-work balance. It also is served by one of Virginia’s most innovative public school systems. The real estate here has everything from single-family homes to luxury apartment living.
- Population: 8,998
- Median household income: $93,672
- Median home price: $552,000
- Homes for sale in Innsbrook, VA
Richmond Suburbs Map
Can you picture yourself and your family in one of these lovely suburban communities? Once you’ve chosen the place to be, reach out to the professional Richmond movers at On The Fly Moving Guys for a free and accurate moving estimate. We’ll give you a stress-free relocation so you can start enjoying life in your new community!
