Where are you coming from? I think that’s a huge factor in how things are going to feel to you. Coming from NYC, Short Pump makes my teeth itch. Sooooo many cars and all the housing is so strangely new. Just a matter of preference, of course. Obviously some prefer new builds and car infrastructure.

We moved to Northside, which is technically “the city,” but again as someone from NYC, it feels like the suburbs, in a good way. Lawns, backyards, cute houses, safe to walk and run. Not a ton to walk to, but you are a few minutes’ drive from anywhere. I’m genuinely not sure what the negatives are that people are referring to… which again comes back to how what you are used to will affect how you feel in different parts of Richmond.

If I were you, I’d look at real estate listings for houses that meet your criteria and then just drive to them and check out the neighborhoods on your own. That will give you a better idea of what you want to tell your realtor.