Carytown may be best known as one of Richmond’s most popular shopping and dining destinations, but the quirky neighborhood is also home to hundreds of residents. With its supreme walkability and village-like feel, it’s no surprise that Carytown is one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods for homebuyers.
Where is Carytown in Richmond?
Carytown is a small neighborhood located just west of the Fan, and on the south side of the Museum District, with Byrd Park to its south. Its western, southern, and eastern borders are the 195 Downtown Expressway and Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Most of Carytown’s commercial buildings are located along Cary Street, while residential dwellings are on the blocks just south of the main drag as well as north on Ellwood Avenue.
The history of Carytown
Carytown was officially established in 1938, when the Cary Court shopping area opened as Richmond’s first strip mall. The district was named for Cary Street, which in turn got its name from Colonel Archibald Cary. He was an influential politician and landowner who lived on Ampthill Plantation in Chesterfield in the 1700s. Carytown’s original handful of blocks multiplied over the decades, solidifying its standing as a major retail outlet in the city that’s now called the “mile of style.”
Buying a home in Carytown
Though there are just a few residential blocks in Carytown, you’ll find a surprising array of options if you’re looking to live in this vibrant area. There are apartments for rent above the storefronts and in multi-family units scattered around the neighborhood. For those looking to buy a home in Carytown, there are bungalows, rowhouses, and foursquares, just to name a few styles in this architecturally diverse area. Houses tend to be fairly compact, averaging 1700 square feet, with small yards and street parking. The average sales prices for homes in Carytown is over $430,000. On average, homes sit on the market for less than two weeks before they get snatched up.
Life in Carytown
To many people, Carytown is the true heart of Richmond. With its colorful collection of locally owned boutiques, cafes, bookshops, restaurants, and more, the neighborhood has a truly unique character that you won’t find anywhere else. Carytown residents have to be OK with sharing their ‘hood with visitors from around the city and beyond — understandably, it’s one of Richmond’s top destinations. Whether you’re catching a movie at the historic Byrd Theatre, browsing for gifts at Mongrel, picking up scones at Sugar & Twine, or digging into a plate of steak frites at Can Can Brasserie, there’s always something to do in Carytown.
Are you ready to buy a home in Carytown? You’ll need an experienced buyer’s agent on your side to help you find available properties early and stand out from other offers. Get in touch with our team at Ruckart Real Estate to get started today!