Richmond, VA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Richmond, VA: What You Need to Know

The James River runs through Richmond, hence its nickname, River City. It’s the capital of Virginia, where Patrick Henry gave his famous declaration at the start of the American Revolution.

Things to Do in Richmond

Richmond played a critical role before and during the American Revolutionary War. Visit St. John’s Church where Founding Father Patrick Henry declared, “Give me liberty or give me death.” Famous Civil War landmarks include the White House of the Confederacy and Historic Tredegar. Confederate President Jefferson Davis lived and worked in the mansion from 1861-1865. Historic Tredegar has a museum with more than 500 artifacts.

Literary fans flock to the Poe Museum, featuring the world’s most comprehensive collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s manuscripts and memorabilia. Poe was the author of “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven.” He was born in Boston, but grew up in Richmond and identified as a Virginian. 

A Rich Local History

Early attempts to settle in the area were unsuccessful until 1737 when Col. William Byrd II founded Richmond, named after a London suburb. Byrd had inherited lands on both sides of the James River. Richmond was not originally the state capital. In 1782, after the British surrendered at Yorktown, Richmond was chosen to replace Williamsburg as the capital for its central location. During the Civil War, Richmond was also the capital of the Confederacy. The city’s Tredegar Iron Works was a key asset, supplying almost half of the artillery for the Confederate Army. 

The Cost of Living in Richmond

Richmond is an affordable medium-size city (population: 232,055). Its cost of living, food, and transportation costs are 0.8%, 29.1%, and 17.6% lower than the national average, respectively. Richmond’s median gross rent is $979. Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city is $1,105. Virginia levies 2% to 5.75% in state income tax and a 5.3% to 7% sales tax. Retirees should be pleased to learn that Virginia doesn’t tax Social Security benefits.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Scott’s Addition, close to downtown, has a lot of apartments and condos plus access to great breweries and distilleries. Manchester is also close to downtown, as well as James River and outdoor recreation. 

Want suburban tranquility? Short Pump and Lakeside are a short commute to Richmond, and they have excellent schools. A big percentage of residents in both communities are renters.  

Schools and Education

There are plenty of institutions of higher education to choose from in the area – 78 colleges and universities within 100 miles of Richmond. The three biggest schools are Virginia Commonwealth University (30,918 students), Reynolds Community College (10,889 students), and John Tyler Community College (10,035 students). The nationally recognized College of William and Mary (8,817 students) is located in nearby Williamsburg. In terms of primary and secondary schools, the city has 95 public schools with an enrolment of 50,025 students.