In the great Richmond house hunt that has become my life, I'm looking for a neighborhood that's great for kids.
I'm talking about kids riding their bikes down the block....public playgrounds...low crime...great public schools...and affordable (and attractive) houses.
Here are the neighborhoods that I'm looking at that I've heard are great for kids. Most land in the "great for kids" category because they have a strong public school system.
And then it gets complicated. In some areas, I love the style of homes. In others, they have a great elementary school, but not-so-hot high schools. Other areas, I'm priced out of completely.
I've got a running pro and con list in my head that simultaneously makes a neighborhood look fantastic one minute and then cancels it out the next. It's driving me crazy.
Maybe I'm overanalyzing it. Maybe I'm missing the best neighborhoods out there.
Take a look at my list and let me know what you think. Click links for listings of homes in the area:
Near West End
Area 20
Pros: Great neighborhood with cute homes, fantastic school with Mary Munford Elementary, nice playground at Mary Munford and strong "family-friendly" vibe.
Cons: Pricey. Tiny houses (on my budget. If you have the money, you can go bigger). Middle school and high school are not as highly ranked as the elementary school.
Twin Hickory
Area 34
Pros: My boss swears by this planned community in western Henrico County. The schools are top notch from Twin Hickory Elementary through Deep Run High School. The homes were built recently, mostly within the last 10 years and often feature nice, open layouts. Great library and fantastic neighborhood feel.
Cons: About a 15 to 20 minute drive from Richmond. House values have held steady through the recession (great for home owners, not as great if you're looking for a deal). Pricey.
Northside
Area 30
Pros: Great for young families with Holton Elementary. Cute, unique homes from the ‘50s in a variety of classic styles from bungalows to Cape Cods to four squares. Great shops and restaurants in walking distance on MacArthur. Sidewalks and quaint "Mayberry" vibe (I mean that in a good way.)
Cons: Again, in my price range, tiny house for the money. Middle school and high school systems not as strong as Holton.
Bon Air
Area 64
Pros: Pretty neighborhood on the Southside, originally began in the late 1800's as a vacation spot for Richmond. Great school system from Bon Air Elementary through James River High School.
Cons: Are all the homes tri-levels with vinyl siding or ranches? Maybe this is just my price range. Tolls.
Raintree
Area 22
Pros: Nice, planned community in the West End. Most homes from the ‘80s and ‘90s means they've got good size and nice layout. Great schools from elementary through high school. Proximity to Richmond, convenient to most everything.
Cons: Not sure. Anyone?
West End/Tuckahoe Area
Area 22
Pros: Great schools, great location that's close to everything (downtown, the Fan, Carytown). Pretty neighborhoods with rolling hills and twisty streets.
Cons: Super, super pricey. I could basically afford a hovel with cardboard walls and a tin sheet for a roof.
Brandermill
Area 62
Pros: Great schools for all grade levels, waterfront living at Swift Creek Reservoir, nice neighborhood feel, Sunday Park.
Cons: Long, long, long drive if you work downtown or want to get to downtown/West End, etc.
The Fan & the Museum District
Area 10
Pros: Great for families with small kids. Gorgeous historic homes, sidewalks where kids can play, great schools in Fox and John B. Cary Elementary.
Cons: The price. No way, no day can I afford anything in the Fan. Sad. Plus, the middle schools and high schools aren't as strong as elementary schools.
Westover Hills
Area 60
Pros: Beautiful homes built during the 20's and 40's on large lots. Sidewalks, restaurants, O'Toole's, great neighborhood vibe. Huge trails and playground at Forest Hill Park and access to the James River Park.
Cons: Again, schools. This is becoming a recurring theme. But the new Patrick Henry Charter School is great experiment and a brand new way of doing things.
What do you think is a great neighborhood for kids? What do you recommend?
Let's hear it - because I've lived here for 10 years and I'm still figuring this stuff out. I'd especially love to hear about new developments or areas off the beaten path that are great for kids and families.
And huge thanks, in advance!
Hunter House is an anonymous Richmond homeowner who is chronicling selling her house and (hopefully!) buying a new one in the RVA. Her home has been on the market for a year. You can find her frequently scrolling the MLS Listings on Richmond.com and Google mapping your neighborhood.
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