Best Suburbs of Richmond, Virginia

Virginia’s capital is home to hundreds of years of rich history, yet there’s always something new percolating in Richmond. It’s a hub for creativity, and entrepreneurs. Find many flocking here for the IT sector, large, established corporations, and financial institutions. The natural beauty will have you exploring the scenic sights in Virginia including amazing state parks.

Richmond is also a great place to kick back and retire or even buy your first home. If you are enamored with this urban gem called Richmond, but prefer something less congested, check out its 10 best suburbs.

10. Glen Allen

• Population: 16,246

• Median Home Value: $338,000

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes

• School Ranking: B

• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,746

• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 210

About a 20-minute drive northwest of Richmond is Glen Allen. Hospitality flourishes in this serene suburb, which is known for being community-oriented and family friendly. From historical sites showcasing the rural south to beautiful opportunities for outdoor recreation, it doesn’t get any better than this.

Spend time in the scenic outdoors at Echo Lake Park and Pocahontas State Park. With excellent schools and convenience to major thoroughfares, Glen Allen is a great place to put down roots. Discover your new home in Glen Allen!

9. Mechanicsville

• Population: 38,328

• Median Home Value: $323,600

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes

• School Ranking: A

• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,916

• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 230

Located about 15 minutes northeast of Richmond, Mechanicsville is the site of the Beaver Dam Creek Battlefield from the Civil War. This inviting suburb is known for its excellent location, outstanding schools, and friendly demeanor.

From antique shops to delicious dining, discover the joys of living in Mechanicsville. Take Fido to the dog park or spend the afternoon exploring the scenic countryside. This safe area is a great alternative to the more bustling Richmond area. Your new home is waiting for you!

8. Tuckahoe

• Population: 48,049

• Median Home Value: $442,200

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 21 minutes

• School Ranking: A-

• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,515

• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 182

Hugging the James River about 20 minutes northwest of Richmond is Tuckahoe, where history buffs can visit the boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson, which is preserved as a National Historic Landmark. Tuckahoe also has its share of amenities including golf courses, shops, entertainment, and delicious restaurants.

In addition, the University of Richmond is nearby. With an easy commute and a slower pace of life, it's easy to see why Tuckahoe makes the list.

7. Woodlake

• Population: 7,566

• Median Home Value: $371,900

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 33 minutes

• School Ranking: A-

• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,238

• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 149

Woodlake is tucked away next to the Swift Creek Reservoir, about 30 minutes southwest of Richmond. With only 7,300 residents, this is a peaceful community — one that is ideal for raising a family, as the excellent schools indicate.

Living lakeside gives a resort-like feel. Spend your free time kayaking, fishing, swimming, biking and hiking. From tennis courts to unique architectural guidelines, Woodlake has a unique charm.

Your new home could be just around the bend.

6. Brandermill

• Population: 14,285

• Median Home Value: $3498,300

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes

• School Ranking: A-

• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,523

• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 183

Across the Swift Creek Reservoir from Woodlake is the small town of Brandermill, which is home to 80 distinctive neighborhoods featuring different architectural styles. With the reservoir nearby, water activities like fishing and boating abound, why look any further?

Golfers will appreciate the excellent course at Brandermill Country Club. All will enjoy the community events and proximity to downtown Richmond.

5. Bon Air

• Population: 17,452

• Median Home Value: $329,200

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes

• School Ranking: A-

• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,843

• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 221

In Bon Air, you will find master planned communities and plentiful dining options. Its claim to fame is that Bon Air Elementary was the inspiration for the popular series of children’s books, The Kids of the Polk Street School, by Patricia Reilly Giff.

Much of the central part of Bon Air is designated a National Historic District, and as you stroll past the Victorian homes from the late 19th century, you may feel like you are stepping back in time.

Its safety and excellent schools are also part of its charm. Come find your new home today!

4. Innsbrook

• Population: 8,699

• Median Home Value: $445,600

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 19 minutes

• School Ranking: A

• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,129

• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 135

Innsbrook, about 16 miles northwest of Richmond, is a peaceful residential community. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll never tire of exploring the adjoining 37 acres of lakes and parks. The concerts at the Innsbrook After Hours venue are another big draw. As a small Virginia city, Innsbrook has been voted one of the best places to live in the U.S.

With a strong economy supported by major employers like Dominion Energy, and Capital One, this area is ripe for potential homebuyers. It’s highly probable you will find a perfect home here!

3. Wakefield

• Population: 11,805

• Median Home Value: $826,100

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes

• School Ranking: A

• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 635

• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 76

Located about an hour southeast of Richmond is the small town of Wakefield. It’s on U.S. Route 460 in Sussex County, which means if you have the urge to experience Virginia Beach on the weekend, it’s only about a 60-mile trip. So whether you’re headed to work in downtown Richmond or to the Atlantic Ocean for surf and sun, either destination is only an hour or so away.

Enjoy the welcoming small town atmosphere in the "Peanut Capital of the World".

2. Wyndham

• Population: 12,304

• Median Home Value: $673,200

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes

• School Ranking: A+

• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 635

• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 76

Upscale Wyndham is about 20 miles northwest of the metro area. Spend your Saturdays leisurely visiting local bookstores, antiques shops and picking up fresh produce at the farmer’s market.

This Henrico County gem has also been named as one of the best places to live in the state. The beach is calling you or visit some of the historic attractions to learn more about our nation's history in Williamsburg including Colonial Williamsburg.

1. Short Pump

• Population: 28,706

• Median Home Value: $543,000

• Mean Travel Time to Work: 22 minutes

• School Ranking: A

• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 914

• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 110

The affluent community of Short Pump is just a 20-minute commute to Richmond. A historic crossroads, Short Pump is now a premier shopping destination, courtesy of the Short Pump Town Center. From shopping to skating, comedy and bowling, you won't lack for this to do.

Get outside where parks like Short Pump Park and Deep Run Park will keep you active. Bring the pups along for their own special area. If you desire a slower paced life, but don’t want to wander too far from Richmond, you can have the best of both worlds in Short Pump. Come see for yourself why this suburb is so highly rated.

Additional Suburbs

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.

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