Richmond Neighborhoods, Locations and Districts

(Richmond, Virginia - VA, USA)

Set just inland from the east coast in the Capital region, Richmond is only a stone's throw away from Washington DC. Nestled on the James River, Richmond contains a number of historical districts and neighborhoods, and was the one-time capital of the Confederacy until its fall and destruction in 1865.

The rebuilt city of today is centered on Richmond's downtown and waterfront areas, which contain evidence of its tobacco warehouses and once thriving industry. Downtown Richmond sits on the north bank of the river, while the airport is located directly east from the center and the University of Richmond located at an equal distance from the downtown district in the opposite direction, to the west of the center. Here are Richmond's main districts and neighborhoods.

Downtown District

Stretching across the few blocks that sit next to the James River between both ends of Broad Street, downtown Richmond is the Central Business District (CBD) of the city, with modern high rises complemented by a picturesque waterfront and riverside park. The most overwhelming landmark in Richmond is situated here, the Virginia State Capitol. Spanning the Richmond waterfront from downtown to Shockoe Bottom is Canal Walk, a scenic walkway allowing you to enjoy some scenic landscapes.

Carytown

Despite its compact nature of an area of only nine blocks, Carytown is a thriving, up-and-coming district that is popular among Richmond's budding artists and trendy students. Here you will find everything from natural medicines and Asian cuisine to fortune tellers and art shops.

Church Hill

Within close proximity of Shockoe Bottom, Church Hill is a residential area of Richmond that claims to be one of the city's oldest districts. If you are looking to discover the city's treasured 19th-century homes, characterized by ornate porches and balconies, the district of Church Hill provides some fine examples. The focal point of this residential district sits at the top of the hill, St. John's Church.

Court End District

Essentially part of downtown Richmond, the Court End district is difficult to differentiate from the greater downtown area. Known for its antebellum and neo-Classical houses that are in pristine condition, the district makes a popular destination for visitors who wish to explore Richmond's historic heritage and the area contains some acclaimed museums. Expect to see ornate 19th-century homes featuring wrought-iron balconies, reminiscent of those seen in New Orleans.

Fan District

Buzzing with students from Virginia Commonwealth University, this Richmond neighborhood takes its name from its tree-lined streets that fan out, providing inviting shady patches. The center thoroughfare of the district is Monument Avenue, boasting dozens of mansions built in the early 20th century. Late 19th-century city planners erected statues of prominent figures of the Confederacy at four of the district's intersections, including those of J.E.B. Stuart, Stonewall Jackson, Jefferson Davis and Robert East Lee.

Shockoe Bottom District

Joined to downtown by Canal Walk, Richmond's Shockoe Bottom district is divided in two by I-95, which runs through the district on a raised overpass. Nestled besides the James River, the area originated as a warehouse district in the days of Richmond's industrial past. Reminders of this period can been seen in the district's cobbled streets, revitalized wharf area and the stretch of warehouses along the waterfront, known as Tobacco Row, several of which have been transformed into modern restaurants and nightclubs.