The Ultimate Renter's Guide for Finding the Perfect Student Friendly Richmond Neighborhood to Rent

Richmond isn't always thought of as a college town, but there are actually several major colleges and universities here. One thing Richmond does get credit for—and rightfully so—is being a very neighborhood-friendly city. It's made up of dozens of unique neighborhoods, and some of my favorite experiences in Richmond have been exploring its distinct neighborhoods on foot, visiting shops, cafes, bars, parks and trails along the way. Some of the best areas for students to rent in Richmond are also great areas for shopping and dining, and it's no coincidence that the colleges in Richmond are located in some of the city's most fun neighborhoods.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is one of the largest colleges in Virginia, with an enrollment of nearly 30,000 students. It’s a public research university that is especially well known for its medical and nursing programs. The school’s main Richmond campus is nestled alongside Monroe Park just west of downtown, within walking distance of several of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods. The campus itself is gorgeous, with dozens of buildings built during the 19th century, and there are a ton of great things to see and do in the area.

The Fan District

Often referred to simply as “The Fan,” the historic Fan District is a sprawling neighborhood that encompasses 86 city blocks. Much of the VCU campus spills over into this safe, walkable neighborhood, which includes many blocks of houses ranging from condos to historic Victorian houses. There’s also a ton of restaurants and nightlife around The Fan, much of it just a block or two from campus. It’s a great neighborhood for music fans, too. I’ve seen some killer local bands play at The Camel and The Broadberry.

The Diamond

Just a 10-minute drive from VCU, The Diamond is a revitalized neighborhood that offers peak urban living. Affordable and conveniently located, this neighborhood also gets top marks for sports and entertainment, with an indoor rock climbing gym and stadium complex. The Diamond also has Hardywood Park Craft Brewing, which I’ll go on record as calling my favorite brewery in Richmond. Several other killer breweries are in neighboring Scott’s Addition.

Carver

Carver is an often-overlooked neighborhood, and I get that. It might be the area you drive through to get to other neighborhoods, but it’s also a highly underrated place to live. We’re seeing new rentals pop up here all the time as former sites of industry are renovated and turned into housing, much of it designed with the needs of students in mind. Carver is walkable from the VCU campus, and also includes some awesome cafés and restaurants. Don’t sleep on The Lab by Alchemy Coffee—they have some of the best coffee in Richmond.

Reynolds Community College - Downtown Campus

A large public community college with four campuses in and around the Richmond area, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College serves around 7,500 students and has 25 occupational and technical associate degree programs. The college’s Downtown Campus is a fixture of Downtown Richmond, and it’s surrounded by some of the city’s best neighborhoods for student apartments.

Mosby

Almost entirely residential, Mosby is just a 5-minute drive from Reynolds Community College, and also easily connected via public transportation to the entire Downtown Richmond area. Student apartments in Mosby range from traditional single-family homes and duplexes to modern lofts and apartment complexes, so there are a lot of affordable, convenient options here. Mosby is a fairly compact neighborhood, and it doesn’t have a lot of shopping, dining or nightlife, but what I love about this neighborhood is how close it is to other cool areas like Union Hill, Church Hill and Shockoe Bottom.

Shockoe Bottom

Shockoe Bottom is one of my absolute favorite Richmond neighborhoods. Overlooking the James River near downtown, this neighborhood has seen some of Richmond’s most exciting urban renewal in recent memory. The old shipping warehouses and other industrial buildings of Shockoe Bottom, once mostly abandoned, have been turned into some of the city’s most exciting new restaurants, markets, coffee roasters, brewpubs and nightclubs. Shockoe Bottom is also packed with renovated lofts and apartments near Reynolds Community College.

Church Hill

Lots of people who live in Church Hill would call it the best neighborhood in Richmond. And you know what? It’s hard to argue with them! Church Hill has a classic “neighborhood-y” feel, kind of like a small town inside the larger city. Students will find plenty of Church Hill apartments near Reynolds Community College. But what really makes Church Hill stand out, for me, is the food. Some of the best restaurants in Richmond are here, from pizza and barbecue to fine dining. Oh, and Spotty Doc Ice Cream Co. is legendary.

University of Richmond

A private liberal arts college known for its beautiful campus and tight-knit community, the University of Richmond is nestled in Richmond’s West End, a large collection of neighborhoods that extends to the western city limits. Although the majority of University of Richmond Students live on campus, there are also some beautiful, quiet neighborhoods offering student apartments.

Three Chopt

The vibe in Three Chopt is very laid-back and family-friendly. Think quiet, tree-lined residential streets and plenty of green space. Many homes in this neighborhood are within a 10- to 15-minute walk of the University of Richmond campus. Students looking to take a break in a beautiful, natural setting will love Bandy Field Nature Park, which spans 18 tranquil acres. One of the great things about Three Chopt is that pretty much everything you need is nearby—grocery stores, markets, bars, restaurants—and easy to reach. A lot of shopping and dining is along Libbie Avenue, which is also the boundary between Three Chopt and neighboring Westhampton.

Westhampton

Quaint and charming, the largely residential Westhampton neighborhood is just 5 or 10 minutes from the University of Richmond campus by car. One of the things I love about Westhampton is that it feels like its own little village. There are some really cool locally owned shops and boutiques here, most of them nestled along Libbie, Grove, and Patterson avenues. Grit Coffee is a great neighborhood spot to grab your morning espresso, and Westhampton Pastry Shop is one of the best high-end bakeries around.

Willow Lawn

Just 10 minutes from the University of Richmond, Willow Lawn is a very traditional residential neighborhood with shady streets and a family vibe. Along with neighboring Monument Avenue Park, Willow Lawn is ideal if you’re looking for Richmond student apartments that are far from noise and crowds. The neighborhood is also right next to the Willow Lawn Shopping Center, which has a ton of major retailers.

Explore More Student Apartments in Richmond

Richmond is a beautifully diverse city with dozens of unique neighborhoods near universities. If you’re on the hunt for Richmond student apartments, we’re happy to help you along on your journey!