Richmond VA

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

liv score
618
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 56
Demographics 63
Economy 70
Education 50
Health 47
Housing 67
Infrastructure 70

#46. Richmond, VA

With a hip, youthful population and a do-it-yourself attitude, Richmond’s future keeps on getting brighter. This historic city is witnessing a cultural boom and offers no shortage of fantastic food, entertainment and creativity. With so much to do and experience, it’s no surprise Virginia’s capital city earned high marks in the amenities category.

The city also scored well in the economics category, which makes perfect sense when you consider that it’s home to both Fortune 500 companies, steady government jobs and a vibrant startup scene. No matter what kind of career or lifestyle you’re looking for, the opportunities in Richmond are endless.

Local Obsession: Local beer. Richmond has over 30 craft breweries!

Climate Described in 6 Words Or Less: Hot summers and low-key winters.

Top Industries and Employers: Top industries and employers in Richmond include finance, healthcare and merchandising, as well as government jobs.

Local Dream Job: Creative entrepreneur — the startup scene here is tight-knit and full of energy.

Quintessential Meal: Pimento cheese on anything and everything.

Favorite Weekend Activity: Getting out on the James River. Fun fact: Richmond is the only city in the country where you can kayak class III and IV rapids in an urban setting.

After-Work Meetup Spot: F.W. Sullivan’s

Best Brewery: So many to choose from, but our favorite is Hardywood Brewery.

Beloved Bookstore: Chop Suey Books

Free Way to Have Fun: Spend an afternoon exploring the exhibitions at the Virginia Museum Of Fine Arts.

Truly Hidden Gem: The delightful South of the James Farmers Market, run by GrowRVA. It runs every Saturday all year long in the Forest Hill neighborhood. PSA: No visit is complete without grabbing a donut to go!

– Claire Hannum

Read More:

Why I Stayed:10 College Grads on Why They Made Their College Town Their Home

Richmond, VA is Known for its Vino

The 5 Most Affordable Places to Live in Virginia

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