Carver

North of VCU, the neighborhood of Carver — named for George Washington Carver, best known for his revolutionary discoveries of the many uses of the peanut — was settled by emancipated African-Americans in the years following the Civil War. Home to many hard-working skilled laborers, the neighborhood gave rise to many of the most successful businesses that supplied the millwork and bricks to build Victorian Richmond. This historic neighborhood is made up of industrial buildings and homes in the styles of Italianate, Queen Anne and Romanesque. With a strong neighborhood association, Carver has recently partnered with VCU to address long-term community development. It is an area moving toward a great future with growing interest in restoration and sound urban planning.

Church Hill

Perched atop a hilly section of the city, Church Hill looks over the downtown area. Famously known for its St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry gave his “give me liberty or give me death” speech, the “Hill” is the oldest intact residential area in the city. For more than 100 years, this area was the main location for the middle and upper class citizens of Richmond. As, the train and trolley stations began to move west, so did the Church Hill residents. Now containing several parks and beautiful town homes displaying a variety of architectural styles, the area has become a destination for people interested in renovating homes in this area.

The Fan District

Bordering on the west side of campus, “The Fan,” named for its pattern of tree-lined streets fanning out as they move westward, is one of the nation’s largest Victorian neighborhoods and a popular place for VCU students to live. It is one of Richmond’s hottest and most diverse residential markets in architectural styles, culture and population.

Federal, Greek Revival, Richardson Romanesque, Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, Spanish Colonial, Art Deco and Italianate styles grace this area along with opulent Victorian and Edwardian mansions that line the famous Monument Avenue. This eclectic neighborhood, though primarily residential, includes many restaurants and shops that cater to many tastes and cultures. The fanning street grid creates triangular lots that have been transformed into small parks and playgrounds for the young and the young at heart.

Jackson Ward

In the center of downtown lays Jackson Ward. This historic neighborhood is home to 19th- and 20th-century urban row houses, the Maggie Walker House and the Bojangles Statue. Jackson Ward not only contains history, but is only a few minutes from the Richmond Coliseum and the hotspots of downtown.

Northside

Consisting of the area north of Broad Street, Northside consists of historic neighborhoods and beautiful mansions of the early 20th century. Amazing architecture can be found in such neighborhoods as Ginter Park, Bellevue and Highland Park. Northside also is home to the Arthur Ashe Center, The Diamond, the State Fairgrounds and Bryan Park.

Oregon Hill

Home to Hollywood Cemetery and natural areas of the James River Park System, this quaint area contains town homes and a variety of people from different backgrounds.

Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom

Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom, known simply as the Slip and the Bottom, are located in historic downtown. The Slip was once the main commercial center for the city and still has brick 19th-century warehouses, which continue to be renovated into luxury apartments. While heading toward one of the latest restaurants or shops, you can experience the history as you walk on the brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets. The Bottom, only down the hill from the Slip contains many of the same features, but also offers the historic 17th Street Farmers’ Market and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. Along with its history, the Bottom also boasts modern day pleasures, such as luxury apartments, art studios and galleries, shops and restaurants, and a lively nightclub scene.

Tobacco Row

With a wide variety of architectural styles ranging from the 1840s to the 1930s, Tobacco Row is home to newly refurbished office complexes and apartments that were once warehouses.

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Surrounding counties

Easily accessible from downtown, counties surrounding Richmond are filled with beautiful scenery and abundant history.

Chesterfield County

Home of many historical sites, such as 1611 Citie of Henricus, which was the second English settlement in Virginia in the New World, Chesterfield County has 25 communities and over 1,000 neighborhoods. Learn more about Chesterfield County.

Hanover County

The birthplace to several historic figures, such as Patrick Henry and Henry Clay, Hanover has a grand tradition of history. Learn more about Hanover County.

Henrico County

Established in 1634, Henrico County was named after Henry, Prince of Wales, eldest son of King James I of England. Learn more about Henrico County.

New Kent County

Founded in 1654, New Kent County has hosted such historic figures as Martha Washington, and was even the site of her marriage to George Washington in St. Peter’s Church. Learn more about New Kent County.

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