Dawn Yilmaz|
What’s it like to live in Richmond, VA?
More than 7 million tourists visit Richmond each year to explore its rich American history – Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech in Richmond's St. John's Church. But modern-day attractions abound in the city as well, including world-class museums, a vibrant food scene and an array of entertainment options, from concerts and theater performances to family-friendly festivals.
Downtown Richmond is anchored by Virginia Commonwealth University, which draws a large crowd of younger part-time residents. But this college town, also home to the University of Richmond, has plenty to offer families and older residents, as well. Each of Richmond's neighborhoods exudes a unique personality, from the historic 19th-century homes in Church Hill to rustic farms and suburban communities in the outlying counties.
What is there to do in Richmond, VA?
What’s the cost of living in Richmond, VA?
Housing costs in Richmond are slightly lower than the national median, and the average salary here is roughly on par with the national average.
Best Local Services in Richmond:
Richmond offers a lower value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs 2024
- National Average
- $281,900
- Richmond, VA
- $321,874
Buying or selling a home?
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What’s the weather like in Richmond, VA?
Richmond's temperate climate offers cool fall days with spectacular foliage, pleasant spring weather and generally mild winters, although snow is common during the winter. Summer is often hot and humid, but the region's many warm-weather festivals help take residents' minds off the sometimes oppressive heat.
Average Seasonal Temperature (°F)
- WINTER
- 43°
- FALL
- 61°
- SPRING
- 60°
- SUMMER
- 78°
Average Seasonal Rainfall (in)
- WINTER
- 0.13"
- FALL
- 0.11"
- SPRING
- 0.1"
- SUMMER
- 0.16"
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
Monthly High and Low Temperature (°F)
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
What's the best way to get around Richmond, VA?
Richmond residents and students who live in the downtown area have access to the Greater Richmond Transit Company, the region's public bus service, which includes a rapid transit line called Pulse. Since there is no subway system, most suburban residents drive to and from work and leisure activities. The downtown area offers parking lots and garages, as well as metered street parking.
Richmond offers easy access to Interstates 95 (north/south) and 64 (east/west), and E-ZPass-enabled toll roads including the Downtown Expressway, Powhite Parkway and Pocahontas Parkway, which connect the suburban neighborhoods to the metro area. Broad Street, the main artery that runs through the center of downtown Richmond, is best used for short commutes due to the number of traffic lights and the congestion around Virginia Commonwealth University.
Richmond residents and students who live in the downtown area have access to the Greater Richmond Transit Company, the region's public bus service, which includes a rapid transit line called Pulse. Since there is no subway system, most suburban residents drive to and from work and leisure activities. The downtown area offers parking lots and garages, as well as metered street parking.
Richmond offers easy access to Interstates 95 (north/south) and 64 (east/west), and E-ZPass-enabled toll roads including the Downtown Expressway, Powhite Parkway and Pocahontas Parkway, which connect the suburban neighborhoods to the metro area. Broad Street, the main artery that runs through the center of downtown Richmond, is best used for short commutes due to the number of traffic lights and the congestion around Virginia Commonwealth University.
Commuting in Richmond, VA
- Average Commute Time
- 26 minutes
6 minutes less than national average.
80.2%
3.8%
2.4%
0.5%
Driving
Public Transit
Walking
Bicycling
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Who lives in Richmond, VA?
Although the median age in Richmond is nearly 39, the city feels much younger, especially from September to May when the streets are filled with college students. More than 40% of Richmond residents 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
While urban professionals are attracted to the industrial lofts and historic row houses in the downtown area, as well as the upscale communities on the West End, young families prefer the single-family homes in the suburbs, which are also home to several retirement communities for older residents.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
More single people in Richmond as national average.
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Marital Status Breakdown
More single people in Richmond as national average.
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.