It seems like we’ve been seeing a lot of new faces in Richmond, and it turns out that’s not just because we’ve spent the last year social distancing. New data from LinkedIn shows that Richmond is one of the top three cities in the United States to draw new residents since the onset of the pandemic. Moving to Richmond makes sense in the best of times — but why the mass migration in 2020?

The pandemic has changed so much — from how we think to what we want out of life. And suddenly Richmond’s manageable housing prices, general affordability, and spacious geography are more appealing than ever before. 

So whether you’re one of those brave pandemic movers or you’re just considering moving to Richmond, you’ll need an intro tour of the city’s top spots. Luckily, the team at Ruckart Real Estate is made up of local experts who love to take newcomers on introductory tours of the city. Now buckle up for our virtual version of Richmond’s highlights.

Sample some Richmond cuisine. 

We love to eat in Richmond, and our diverse, innovative food scene has been attracting national attention in recent years — it’s even been called the “next great American food city.” From downtown Richmond to the suburbs, you’ll find food to satisfy every craving. We love following The Richmond Experience for updates on new spots to explore, while Richmond Magazine’s Best Restaurants list is always reliable. Even Eater DC recently offered a list of their local picks. Here are just a few of our team’s favorites. 

• Blanchard’s Coffee — Grab a hot or cold brewed artisan coffee and bite into delicious baked goods from this beloved local roaster.
• The Hill Cafe — Enjoy casual new American fare in this quaint corner cafe located in the heart of Church Hill.
• Shyndigz — Sample cake, pie, and other creative sweets and cocktails at this fun bakery and mini boutique.
• Sabai — Dig in to authentic Thai street food, colorful dishes, and creative cocktails.
• Ironclad Pizza — Partake in pizza pies, burgers, subs, and salads while sharing a cold brew at this laid-back pizza place and sports bar in Manchester.

Take in some Richmond culture. 

As Virginia’s capital city with multiple renowned universities, Richmond has a thriving cultural scene. Locals enjoy easy access to world-class museums, galleries, theaters, music events, festivals, and so much more. Some of our favorites: 

• Science Museum of Virginia — This expansive, family-friendly museum is housed in a grand train station built in 1917.
• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts — Discover one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States, boasting more than 40,000 works of art. Best of all, it’s free and open to the public every day.
• Richmond Murals — The city of Richmond is a living canvas, with public art from local and international artists on display throughout the city. 
• Institute for Contemporary Art — Virginia Commonwealth Museum’s critically acclaimed art museum maintains an ever-changing schedule of exhibitions, performances, programming, and films.
• The Diamond — Sports count as culture, right? Cheer for Richmond’s own baseball team, the Flying Squirrels, from our city ballpark.

Get outside in Richmond. 

With its bountiful parks and the James River snaking right through the heart of the city, Richmond can turn even the most avid couch potatoes into outdoors enthusiasts. Secluded hiking trails and whitewater rafting can be found steps from the city center, or you could venture beyond the city limits for even more outdoor adventures. Here are a few places that deserve a spot on your to-do list: 

• Maymont — This 100-acre Victorian estate has walking trails through wildlife exhibits and beautifully maintained gardens. Free and open to the public year-round.
• Hollywood Cemetery — With views of the city skyline and the James River, this garden cemetery is known as one of the finest in the country.
• James River Park System — Discover multiple parks and hiking trails along the James River, from Belle Isle and Pony Pasture to Brown’s Island and the Buttermilk Trail.
• Libby Hill Park — Take in some of the best views of Richmond from this petite park in the historic Church Hill neighborhood. 

We’ve barely scratched the surface of the city’s attractions, but if you’re a recent transplant or considering moving to Richmond, this is a solid start. Get in touch with your resident Richmond experts at Ruckart Real Estate when you’re ready to buy a home and make your move a permanent one.