Richmond is an independent city in Central Virginia and the state's capital, set on the James River where Interstate 95 and Interstate 64 meet. Main Street Homes builds new homes in communities a short drive from the city in Henrico, Chesterfield, and New Kent counties.

Life in Richmond runs along the river. You can paddle whitewater rapids within sight of downtown office towers, walk to a ballgame at the new CarMax Park, and spend a free afternoon at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Brick row houses, tree-lined avenues, and busy food streets give each part of the city its own feel. For the bigger picture of the region, see our Central Virginia relocation guide.

Richmond at a Glance

Richmond is a city of about 227,000 people at the center of a metro area of about 1.39 million, run from City Hall on East Broad Street.

Where Is Richmond, Virginia?

Richmond sits in the middle of Virginia, about 105 miles south of Washington, D.C. The city is built on the fall line of the James River, the place where the river drops over rocks from the hilly Piedmont to the flat coastal plain. That drop is why Richmond has rapids right through downtown.

Richmond is an independent city, not part of a county

In Virginia, cities are independent. They are not part of any county. Richmond has its own government, tax rates, school division, utilities, and trash service. Richmond was once part of Henrico County, and today Henrico wraps around the city on the west, north, and east. Chesterfield County sits across the city line to the south.

This matters when you shop for a home. Many homes in Henrico and Chesterfield use "Richmond" as their mailing city, but they pay county taxes and use county services. Always check the locality on the property record, not just the mailing address. Our Henrico County guide and Chesterfield County guide explain how those counties handle taxes and services.

Richmond neighborhoods

Richmond is a city of neighborhoods, and each one has its own look. Here are a few well-known areas and what you will find there:

• The Fan: Blocks of Victorian row houses between Broad Street, Main Street, and the Boulevard, with Monument Avenue running through it.
• Museum District: Just west of the Boulevard, home to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
• Carytown: A walkable street of local shops, restaurants, and a historic movie theater along West Cary Street. [VERIFY: Byrd Theatre is open; name it if confirmed.]
• Scott's Addition: A former warehouse district now filled with breweries, cideries, restaurants, and new apartments, next to CarMax Park and the Diamond District.
• Shockoe Bottom and Church Hill: Some of the city's oldest streets, east of downtown, with the 17th Street Market and 19th-century homes on the hills above the river.
• Jackson Ward: A historic district just north of downtown, with restored row houses and the Bill "Bojangles" Robinson monument.
• Manchester: South of the James across from downtown, with converted warehouses, condos, and quick access to the floodwall walk and river trails.
• Northside: Streetcar-era neighborhoods such as Ginter Park and Bellevue, with porches, older trees, and several historic districts.
• Westover Hills and Forest Hill: Southside neighborhoods near Forest Hill Park, the Sunday South of the James Market, and the western end of the James River Park System.

ZIP codes inside the city include 23219 (downtown), 23220 (the Fan and Museum District area), 23221 (Carytown area), 23222, 23223, 23224, 23225, 23226, and 23227. Some of these ZIP codes cross into Henrico or Chesterfield, so check the locality for any address.

Why Home Buyers Choose Richmond

Home buyers choose Richmond for its mix of history, river life, and things to do close to home. It is the region's center for arts, sports, dining, and government, and much of it is easy to explore on foot or by bike.

Here is what stands out:

• A river park in the city. The James River Park System has about 600 acres of trails, islands, and rapids, including Class IV whitewater downtown.
• Free culture. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has free general admission, and Maymont's 100-acre grounds are free to visit.
• Big events all year. The free Richmond Folk Festival, the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k, Dogwood Dell's summer Festival of Arts, and the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade.
• Sports and concerts. Flying Squirrels baseball at CarMax Park, shows at the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront, and Broadway tours at the Altria Theater.
• Easy travel. Two interstates, an Amtrak station downtown, fare-free city buses, and Richmond International Airport about 15 minutes away.
• Services close by. A Level I trauma center downtown, nine public library locations, 21 community centers, and free public pools.

Getting Around: Commutes, Highways, and Travel

Richmond is the hub of the region's roads, rail, and transit. Most trips start on I-95, I-64, or one of the city's expressways.

Highways

• I-95 runs north and south through downtown toward Washington, D.C., and the Carolinas.
• I-64 runs east toward Williamsburg and Virginia Beach and west toward Charlottesville and the Shenandoah Valley. It shares the road with I-95 through part of the city.
• I-195 links I-95 and I-64 to the Downtown Expressway and Powhite Parkway.
• The Downtown Expressway and Powhite Parkway are toll roads that connect downtown with the West End and Chesterfield County.
• I-295 loops around the north, east, and south of the region, so through traffic can skip downtown.

Drive times from City Hall

These are approximate drive times from Richmond City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, with light traffic. Weekday rush hours add time.

Air, rail, and intercity bus

Richmond International Airport (RIC) is in Henrico County, about 15 minutes east of City Hall. See the Central Virginia guide for airlines and other airports.

Amtrak serves the city at Main Street Station, a restored 1901 train station in Shockoe Bottom, with Northeast Regional trains. Richmond Staples Mill Road Station, about 15 minutes away in Henrico, has more trains each day. Through about 2030, Long Bridge construction near Washington limits some weekday morning trains to D.C., and Amtrak Connection express buses fill the gap. Greyhound, FlixBus, and Megabus all board at The Plaza at Main Street Station.

Local buses and paratransit

The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) runs local buses across the city, and all buses are fare-free through at least June 30, 2027. The GRTC Pulse, a bus rapid transit line, runs about 7 miles along Broad Street and Main Street from Willow Lawn to Rocketts Landing, with stops near City Hall, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and Scott's Addition.

GRTC CARE offers door-to-door paratransit service within three-quarters of a mile of GRTC bus routes for riders whose disabilities make it hard to use regular buses. For Richmond riders, CARE runs from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., with shorter hours for trips to or from Henrico County. Learn how to apply on the GRTC CARE page.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Recreation

Richmond has more than 170 parks, open spaces, athletic fields, and playgrounds, plus 21 community centers run by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. City parks are open from sunrise to sunset.

James River Park System

The James River Park System is Richmond's largest park. It covers about 600 acres along both banks of the James, from Huguenot Flatwater in the west to Ancarrow's Landing in the east. It has more than 20 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, river beaches, fishing spots, and Belle Isle, an island park in the river. Check the river level before you swim or paddle. The Friends of James River Park post current conditions. The pedestrian bridge at Texas Beach is closed for now.

More parks to know

• Maymont (2201 Shields Lake Drive [VERIFY: address]): A 100-acre historic estate with gardens, a farm, a mile-long wildlife trail, and the Robins Nature Center. The grounds are free. The mansion and nature center charge admission.
• Byrd Park and Dogwood Dell: A large city park that is home to Dogwood Dell, a 2,400-seat outdoor amphitheater that hosts the free Festival of Arts every June, July, and August.
• Forest Hill Park: A Southside park with wooded trails and the Sunday farmers market.
• Chimborazo Park: A Church Hill park with an off-leash dog park.

Dog parks

Dogs are allowed off-leash at the Barker Field dog park (in Byrd Park) and the Chimborazo dog park. Leashed dogs are welcome in Byrd Park and Forest Hill Park. Other city parks do not allow dogs, so check before you go. Service dogs are allowed in every park.

Virginia Capital Trail and biking

The Virginia Capital Trail starts in Richmond and runs 52 paved miles to Jamestown. It is open to walkers and bikers. In the city, many riders also use the floodwall walk, the Pipeline Walkway, and the James River Park trails. [VERIFY: Pipeline Walkway open.]

Pools, sports, and recreation programs

Richmond is the only locality in the region with free public pools. The city runs seven outdoor pools in summer and two indoor pools that are open year-round. Youth athletics for ages five to 15 include baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, and more. The city's Active Adults program offers clubs, classes, swimming, and outings for adults age 50 and older; call (804) 646-0037. For accessibility accommodations or therapeutic recreation, call (804) 646-6646.

Belmont Golf Course, a public course just across the city line in Henrico, is the closest public golf. See our Henrico County guide for details.

Shopping, Dining, and Local Favorites

Richmond is known for its local food and drink scene. Restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries line Carytown, Main Street in the Fan, Broad Street downtown, and Hull Street in Manchester.

Breweries and taprooms

The Richmond Beer Trail includes more than 35 craft breweries, distilleries, and cideries across the region. Many are in Scott's Addition, where you can walk between taprooms, restaurants, and a cidery in a few blocks. See the Central Virginia guide for more on the trail.

Farmers markets

• 17th Street Market (100 North 17th Street, Shockoe Bottom): One of the oldest public markets in America, with more than 275 years of history. It hosts a farmers market twice a month, plus festivals and music. [VERIFY: 2026 market days and season.]
• South of the James Market (Forest Hill Park): Sundays, year-round.
• Birdhouse Farmers Market (Randolph area): Tuesday afternoons, May through November. [VERIFY: confirm location and 2026 season on the market's site.]

Shopping

Carytown is the city's best-known shopping street, with locally owned stores, vintage shops, and restaurants. For malls and big-box stores, Short Pump Town Center is about 25 minutes west of City Hall in Henrico, and Chesterfield Towne Center is just across the southern city line. [VERIFY: Chesterfield Towne Center drive time.]

Arts, History, and Annual Events

Richmond was founded in 1737 and became Virginia's capital in 1780. Its museums, theaters, and festivals draw visitors from across the state.

Museums and history

• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Museum District): A large art museum with free general admission. Some special exhibitions are ticketed.
• Virginia Museum of History & Culture (Museum District): Exhibits on Virginia's history from early times to today.
• Science Museum of Virginia (2500 West Broad Street): Hands-on science exhibits and a dome theater in the former Broad Street Station.
• American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar, on the riverfront by Brown's Island.
• Virginia State Capitol (1000 Bank Street): The working capitol building, designed by Thomas Jefferson, is free to visit year-round, with guided or self-guided tours.

Music, theater, and sports

• Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront (350 Tredegar Street): An outdoor concert venue on the river that opened in 2025.
• Altria Theater (6 North Laurel Street) and the Dominion Energy Center (600 East Grace Street): Broadway tours play the Altria Theater. The Richmond Symphony performs most concerts at the Carpenter Theatre in the Dominion Energy Center, and the Richmond Ballet performs there and at its Studio Theatre on East Canal Street.
• The National (708 East Broad Street): A historic theater that hosts touring bands and comedy.
• CarMax Park (2929 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard): The new home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the Double-A team of the San Francisco Giants. It opened April 7, 2026, and anchors the planned Diamond District.
• College sports: VCU basketball at the Siegel Center and University of Richmond games on the university's West End campus.

Brown's Island, the riverfront island that hosts many downtown events, is closed for a $30 million renovation, so the Friday Cheers summer concert series did not take place in 2026.

Annual events

• Richmond Folk Festival: A free, three-day festival on the downtown riverfront with six stages. In 2026, it runs October 9 to 11.
• Dominion Energy Christmas Parade: The 43rd annual parade is Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 10:15 a.m., on a new route along Broad Street.
• Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k: Virginia's largest race, held each April.
• Festival of Arts at Dogwood Dell: Free concerts, dance, and theater all summer in Byrd Park.

Health Care and Wellness

Richmond has the region's main academic medical center downtown, and several hospitals and emergency rooms are within about 15 minutes of City Hall.

Urgent care centers and pharmacies are found across the city, especially along Broad Street, Cary Street, and the main Southside corridors. Search by your address to find the closest ones.

Fitness, recreation, and programs for older adults

The city's 21 community centers offer fitness classes, sports, and programs, and the two indoor pools are open year-round. Older adults can join city Active Adults clubs and classes (see Parks above). The city also offers real estate tax relief for qualifying older and disabled homeowners through the Department of Finance. [VERIFY: program name and current income limits on rva.gov/finance.]

Schools, Libraries, and Lifelong Learning

Richmond Public Schools (RPS) serves the city with elementary, middle, and high schools plus specialty programs. The division's office is at 301 North 9th Street, and its main number is (804) 780-7710. RPS also offers selective admissions programs and open enrollment; for the coming school year, apply by December 4 for selective admissions and by January 31 for open enrollment. School assignments depend on your address, so confirm them with the division before you buy.

• Visit Richmond Public Schools for school assignments, enrollment, and calendars.
• Review school data for yourself on the Virginia Department of Education School Quality Profiles.

For child care and preschool, look for licensed programs through the Virginia Department of Education. [VERIFY: link to the VDOE child care search page.]

Libraries

Richmond Public Library has nine locations, one in each voting district: the Main Library (101 East Franklin Street), Belmont, Broad Rock, East End, Ginter Park, Hull Street, North Avenue, West End, and Westover Hills. Cards are free and fine-free for residents of Richmond and nearby counties, including Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan, and New Kent. Bring a photo ID with your current address, or a photo ID plus a document such as a utility bill. Every location has free Wi-Fi, public computers, and programs. Call (804) 646-4867.

Colleges and universities

Three universities have their main campuses in the city: VCU, the University of Richmond, and Virginia Union University. See the Central Virginia guide for more colleges and lifelong learning programs.

Volunteering

The Parks department, the Friends of James River Park, and many museums welcome volunteers for trail work, events, and programs. Dogwood Dell also uses volunteers for its summer theater productions.

Jobs, Business Parks, and Working From Home

Richmond is the center of the region's economy. Downtown is home to Virginia's state government, a Federal Reserve Bank, VCU Health, several Fortune 1000 headquarters, and many law, finance, and design firms.

• Downtown and the Central Business District: State offices, banks, law firms, and corporate offices near I-95 and I-64.
• VA Bio+Tech Park: A life sciences research park downtown, next to VCU.
• Scott's Addition: A growing mix of offices, shops, and restaurants with quick access to I-64, I-95, I-195, and the Powhite Parkway.
• Deepwater Industrial Park: A 110-acre industrial site south of downtown, about a mile from the Richmond Marine Terminal and I-95.

If you work from home, most of the city has cable or fiber internet. See Internet and TV below.

Setting Up Your Home: Utilities and Services in Richmond

Most Richmond homes get water, wastewater, and natural gas from the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and electricity from Dominion Energy. Confirm providers for your exact address before you move.

Water and Sewer

DPU provides water and wastewater (sewer) service across the city. It also runs the city's stormwater utility and maintains more than 37,000 streetlights. To start service, call DPU Customer Care at (804) 646-4646, email dpucustserv@rva.gov, or visit the customer office in City Hall, Room 115. Rates are posted on the DPU utility rates page.

Electricity

Dominion Energy provides electricity in Richmond. Start service on Dominion Energy's website.

Natural Gas

Richmond Gas Works, part of DPU, provides natural gas in the City of Richmond, Henrico, and northern Chesterfield. It has served Richmond since 1851. To start, stop, or transfer gas service, call (804) 646-4646 or visit Richmond Gas Works. For a gas leak, leave the area and call 911.

Trash Collection

The Department of Public Works collects household trash once a week, Monday through Thursday. Every home gets one city-issued green supercan, and trash must go inside it. You can buy up to three extra brown cans for $55 each. Order them through RVA311 (call 311 or visit rva311.com), and the fee goes on your water bill. Delivery can take seven to 14 business days.

Set your can out after 4 p.m. the day before pickup and no later than 6 a.m. on pickup day, then bring it in by 7 a.m. the next day. Cans left out longer can get a warning or a $50 fine. To find your trash and recycling days, look up your address on the Public Works trash page. For residents who need help getting a can to the curb, Public Works offers Back Door Service, approved case by case.

Recycling

The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) collects curbside recycling for the city every other week. Each home gets a 95-gallon green cart with a blue lid. Collection is Monday through Thursday on Blue and Red weeks; use the CVWMA web tool to find your day, get a cart, or sign up for reminders. Have your cart out by 7 a.m.

Accepted items include cardboard, mixed paper, metal cans, food and drink cartons, glass bottles and jars, and plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs. Keep out plastic bags, foam, shredded paper, and hoses or cords. Call CVWMA at (804) 340-0900.

Richmond also has 18 food scrap drop-off sites with purple carts for food waste and certified compostable items.

Convenience Centers, Landfill, and Debris Disposal

City residents can drop off bulk items, brush, appliances, and tires (up to four, no rims) for free at two city sites. Bring proof of residency, such as a driver's license, utility bill, or vehicle registration.

The East Richmond Road center also takes household hazardous waste such as paint (up to 20 gallons a month), motor oil, antifreeze, solvents, and car batteries, free for city residents. Call (804) 646-4706. Both sites are closed Sundays and holidays.

For drop-off recycling, use the Parker Field Annex (1710 Robin Hood Road, open 7 a.m. to dusk) or the Forest Hill Avenue Recycling Center (7400 Forest Hill Avenue). CVWMA also hosts an electronics recycling event the first Saturday of each month at 8419 Glazebrook Avenue in Henrico; fees apply.

Bulk Item and Yard Waste

Public Works picks up bulk items and brush every other week, year-round, on your trash day during your recycling week. Put items next to your trash can the night before. Construction debris, tires, carpet, auto parts, bricks, drywall, paint, gas or propane tanks, and lawn mowers are not accepted. Need it gone sooner? A 24-hour pickup costs $100 per request, and appliance pickup costs $50 each. Both are paid by check or money order.

Internet and TV

Cable and fiber internet are available in most of the city. Common providers include Comcast (Xfinity) and Verizon Fios. VERIFY: providers on the FCC map.] To see which providers serve your address, search the [FCC National Broadband Map.

City Services Contacts

Service providers, routes, and rates can change and can differ from one address to the next. Before you buy, confirm water, sewer, electric, gas, trash, and internet service for your specific address with the City of Richmond and each provider.

Real Estate Taxes and Cost of Homeownership

Richmond's 2026 real estate tax rate is $1.20 per $100 of assessed value. City Council kept the rate unchanged in the fiscal year 2027 budget. The city assesses property at full market value as of January 1, and real estate taxes are paid in two halves, due January 14 and June 14.

Virginia's Personal Property Tax Relief Act lowers the tax on the first $20,000 of value for qualifying personal vehicles. Because Richmond is an independent city, there is no separate county or town tax on top of these rates. Rates can change each year. Before you buy, confirm the current rate and the taxes for your specific address with the City of Richmond Department of Finance.

New to Richmond? Your First 30 Days

Here is a checklist for your first month in the city:

• Driver's license and vehicles: New Virginia residents have 60 days to get a Virginia driver's license and 30 days to title and register vehicles with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). See the Central Virginia guide for details.
• City vehicle tax: Report your vehicles to the Richmond Department of Finance. Vehicle personal property tax applies within 60 days of a vehicle being based in the city. See vehicle personal property tax.
• Voter registration: Register online at elections.virginia.gov with your new Richmond address.
• Utilities: Call DPU at (804) 646-4646 for water, sewer, and gas, and start electric service with Dominion Energy.
• Trash and recycling: Look up your pickup days, and order extra supercans or a recycling cart if you need them.
• Library card: Visit any Richmond Public Library location with a photo ID and proof of address.
• Parks and recreation: Sign up for classes, leagues, and pool programs through the Parks and Recreation program guide.
• Emergency alerts: Sign up for free Richmond Ready Alerts at rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts for texts, calls, and emails about hazards and emergencies in the city.

New Homes Near Richmond by Main Street Homes

Main Street Homes builds new homes throughout the Richmond region, with communities a short drive from the city in Henrico, Chesterfield, and New Kent counties. New communities are announced first to our VIP lists, so join one to hear about new homesites and home designs before anyone else. Just outside the city line, Main Street Homes also built Longbridge, a community of single-family homes on 1-acre-plus homesites in eastern Henrico County with a Richmond mailing address.

Here are communities near the city, with approximate drive times from Richmond City Hall:

• Short Pump area: Covey Run and Proffitt's Mill sit off Church Road near I-64, Route 288, and Short Pump Town Center. Covey Run sales are expected to begin in summer 2027, and Proffitt's Mill sales are anticipated in winter 2027.
• Midlothian: The Aire at Westchester offers two-level condos next to Westchester Commons, with the Aspen II and Sycamore II models open at 435 Aura Avenue. Midlo West and Oasis Townhomes offer townhomes close to Midlothian Turnpike and Route 288.
• Quinton: Beech Springs, off I-64 east of the city, offers single-family homes. Tour the Parkview model at 7977 Dandridge Drive, Quinton.

Main Street Homes has built thousands of energy-efficient homes in Central Virginia since 1996, and the company is employee-owned. We are neither a custom builder nor a production builder. We will not give you an eraser to move walls, nor will we build a cookie-cutter home.

• Energy Advantage+: Every home is built to our Energy Advantage+ standards and verified with duct blaster and blower door testing.
• Design Studio: Single-family buyers select finishes at our Design Studio at 15871 City View Drive, Suite 100, Midlothian, VA 23113, with certified Design Consultants. Townhome and condo buyers choose from a curated selection of design options.

Ready to find your place near Richmond? Explore our communities or call or text our Online Sales Specialists, Savannah and Daniel, at (804) 979-2954.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Richmond

Is Richmond, Virginia, in a county?

No. Richmond is an independent city, so it is not part of any county. It has its own government, taxes, schools, and utilities. Henrico County borders it on the west, north, and east, and Chesterfield County borders it on the south.

What is the real estate tax rate in Richmond, VA?

Richmond's 2026 real estate tax rate is $1.20 per $100 of assessed value, unchanged in the fiscal year 2027 budget. Payments are due in two halves, on January 14 and June 14.

Who provides water and gas in Richmond?

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities provides water, wastewater, and natural gas through Richmond Gas Works. Call (804) 646-4646 to start service. Dominion Energy provides electricity.

How do I set up trash pickup in Richmond?

The city collects trash weekly, Monday through Thursday, in a city-issued supercan provided to each home. Call 311 for a replacement or extra cans, which cost $55 each. CVWMA collects recycling every other week in 95-gallon carts.

What is Richmond, Virginia, known for?

Richmond is known as Virginia's capital since 1780, for the James River Park System and its downtown rapids, for museums such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and for its food and brewery scene in places like Scott's Addition and Carytown.

How far is Richmond from the beach and the mountains?

From City Hall, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront is about 1 hour 55 minutes and the Rockfish Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park is about 1 hour 35 minutes.

Are there new homes near Richmond, VA?

Yes. Main Street Homes builds in communities about 25 to 35 minutes from City Hall, including Covey Run and Proffitt's Mill in Henrico, Midlo West, Oasis Townhomes, and The Aire at Westchester in Midlothian, and Beech Springs in Quinton.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Main Street Homes of VA, Inc. shares this article for general informational purposes only. References to businesses, organizations, attractions, utilities, and service providers are included as a resource for our readers and do not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Main Street Homes of VA, Inc. The information, data, and details in this article are deemed accurate at the time of writing and were last verified on October 4, 2026. Because rates, services, schedules, boundaries, and providers can change, we encourage readers to confirm details directly with the appropriate locality, agency, or business before making any decisions. Main Street Homes of VA, Inc. supports the federal Fair Housing Act and the Virginia Fair Housing Law and is committed to equal housing opportunity for all.