Why Locals Love Living in Richmond
Published By Jason Clements, General Manager-Richmond Sep 4, 2024
Steeped in history and beaming with unique cultural, culinary, and entertainment venues, Richmond, Virginia is not surprisingly one of the most popular home bases in the Southeast. Centrally located within close proximity to major east coast hubs like Washington, DC and Philadelphia, Richmond has grown into a thriving hub of its own as the 15th fastest-growing labor market in the US.
Businesses and employees alike are drawn to the Capital of the South for many reasons. If you are considering a stay in Richmond, whether on long-term assignment or permanent relocation, our Richmond team has the intel to help you enjoy Richmond like a local. These are a few of our favorite things about living in the quaint and thriving Virginia capital.
History, comes alive.
If you are a history buff (and even if you are not), Richmond’s historical sites could fill your weekend itinerary for months. Stand in the very place where Patrick Henry proclaimed, “Give me liberty or give me death!” Walk the Richmond Slave Trail. Explore the Edgar Allen Poe Museum and the American Civil War Museum. Hop on one of the Segway tours through Shockoe Bottom, one of our favorite ways to explore. And so much more! In a city whose history dates back to 1742, you are sure to discover intriguing pieces of history in Richmond.
A great place to get outside.
Couple Richmond’s year-round great weather with its location along the James River, and you have a city just itching to be explored. Start by hitting the Capital Trail, nearly 52 miles of paved trail that runs from Richmond all the way to Williamsburg. Whether on two feet or two wheels, take your time to explore the nearly four dozen attractions along the way.
On Saturdays, look for us at the RVA Big Market at Bryan Park where we like to pick up fresh produce and spot eclectic local art. All the products here are homegrown or homemade in Virginia by the vendor.
A lively food and entertainment scene.
After you’ve worked up an appetite on the trail, head to one of Richmond’s many food, drink, and music hot spots. We give two thumbs up to Eazzy Burger’s phenomenal chile relleno burger and regularly crave the chocolate chess pie at Proper Pie Co, a unique spot in Church Hill. When we want to immerse ourselves in all things Southern, we head to Lunch.Supper!. Think fried green tomatoes, southern collard greens, and shrimp and grits, followed by an afternoon nap.
Richmond’s craft brewery scene has exploded in the last few years. Veil Brewing, Vasen Brewing, the Stone Brewing Tap Room, Legend Brewing, and Strangeways Brewing are well worth a visit. Or, you can follow the Richmond Beer Trail to visit all 39 breweries, meaderies, and cideries.
Looking for live music? You won’t have to look far in Richmond, which hosts a year-round calendar of festivals and live music including the Richmond Folk Festival. The historic National is a “National” favorite (sorry!) with a near-daily musical lineup. We’re also big “fans” of the Broadberry, in the historic Fan District. (OK, we’ll stop.)
Learn more about Richmond.
There’s all that and lots more to love about Richmond. Whether your stay in Richmond is a few weeks or a long-term assignment, National’s local experts are ready to get you settled and enjoying all that Richmond has to offer.
National’s on-the-ground corporate housing experts are your trusted source for everything from travel and housing solutions, to settling-in services and locals’ tips for where to eat, play, and shop.
Learn more about Richmond and why we love it here.
