Home is more than four walls and roof. Home is a door opening to you, your family, your pets, your lifestyle, your neighborhood, your community, your city. It’s all encompassing on so many levels.
Let’s Talk About Gentrification — Because Pretending It Isn’t Happening Helps No One
Gentrification in Richmond isn’t slowing down—but it doesn’t have to mean erasure. Let’s talk about how the city’s rapid growth can honor its roots, keep longtime residents included, and build a future where progress and preservation coexist.
Photo by: Jian Xhin
“I’m all for people becoming a part of our city, but I’m not a fan of people homogenizing it. If you’re going to move to an “up and coming” neighborhood, then contribute to it and respect what was in place.”
Richmond has always been a city of contrasts. Old soul, new blood. Brick and bourbon. Corner stores turned coffee shops. You can stand on a block that’s been the same for fifty years and, two doors down, find a new restaurant bar glowing with Edison bulbs pouring $15 cocktails with a bar full of…non-Richmonders.
That’s the thing about this city — it keeps changing its outfit. And lately, the change feels faster than ever.
“Gentrification” is the word everyone whispers like it’s a curse. And depending on where you stand, maybe it feels like one. Rising home values, safer streets, fresh paint — sure. But also: rent hikes, relocation, and the slow fading of long-held bar stools.
The truth? Gentrification is coming whether we sign off on it or not. The question isn’t if it happens — it’s how we handle it.
Let’s Start With Some Honesty
Richmond’s popularity didn’t happen by accident. People are moving here because it still feels authentic. It’s creative, gritty, soulful — and (for now) a bit more affordable than the bigger metros circling us. But all that love and investment comes with a cost if we’re not paying attention.
When neighborhoods get “discovered,” the ripple isn’t just economic — it’s emotional. The same front porch where someone’s grandma watched the block grow up might now overlook something that doesn’t look like her anymore. I for one can speak to it when I sit on mine and am no longer receiving the Hello’s or Good (insert time of day) by passerby.
So What Can We Do Differently?
Change is inevitable as I say, and although I cherish the nostalgic moments of the Richmond I grew up in, we can’t very well freeze time. But we can grow with intention.
Honor what was already here.
Every street has a story. Know it. Tell it. Whether you’re selling a home or moving into one, carry the history with you instead of deleting it. Tell people about your neighbors. Hell! Get to know the neighbors! You’d be surprised at how much you can learn from them especially in historic areas.
Work with the community, not around it.
Support the locals. If there is anything I cannot stand is watching people move into neighborhoods that don’t contribute or support it. Be a part of it by joining neighborhood organizations, clean-up days, and attend events happening in your area. Love Thy Neighbor people!
Push for fair growth.
Advocate for policies that keep housing mixed — incomes, ages, backgrounds. We need both the dreamers moving in and the folks who’ve been holding down the block for decades. This is essential. Diversity contributes to the thrive of a neighborhood and a good way to learn the history of it. You’re not moving into a hot spot, you’re becoming part of it.
Here’s the Heart of It
Change is natural. Erasure isn’t.
Richmond’s magic has always come from its layers — We are a rich and culturally diverse city. Having transplants isn’t always comfortable, but it does breathe new energy that contributes to old familiar ways. There is a place for everyone, and although gentrification might be inevitable, it doesn’t have to be a force of displacement. I’d like to see it be a movement of renewal with respect to what has been long established.
Celebrating National Camp Month in Virginia
Celebrating National Camping Month
I’m a glamper. I’m not embarrassed. I like being able to use a bathroom with a door and avoid spiders in my hair, but I do love the fresh air and beautiful outdoor terrain of our lovely Virginia. Whether you are looking for a mountain climb or the serenity of a babbling brook, I’ve got you and your pets covered.
Check out these cool finds:
Yertastiic
It’s not necessarily roughing it, but you can enjoy a getaway weekend at Why be Square?! Blue Ridge Yurt in Floyd, VA near Claytor Lake State Park, Fairy Stone State Park. You and up to 8 guests can enjoy Biking, Hiking, and watching Wildlife.
Farm Animal Fun
Love animals and a working farm? Then Historic Hobby Farm is the place for you! 125 acres with three tent sites and 1 lodging site, this place will have you cuddling goats and eating fresh eggs on site!
Let’s Commune
This 20 acre horse farm in Afton, VA will make you breathe in and breathe out with relaxation. Galleywinter Farm boasts a multitude of terrain including Forest and Mountainous areas. We ride at sunset!
Camping on the Bay
Blackwater Creek has 10 tent/RV sites for your coastal pleasure. Enjoy Biking, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Paddling, Swimming, Wildlife watching while taking in breathtaking sunsets.
Through the Woods and Down the Creek
I have personally stayed at The Meadows at Chigger Creek and have nothing but good things to say about it. There are two sites to choose from with friendly hosts and a creek full of fish. A great place to “rough it” for the first time.
For more great campsites in Virginia, visit HipCamp and start your adventure today!
Away with Romance
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching so get to planning and fall in love, rekindle, romance, and let Virginia take you in its arms!
I think it is quite safe to say, we are over being at home all the time. I think even introverts would agree on that to some extent. Valentine’s Day is usually littered with fancy dinner dates and broken hearts club outings, but this year is obviously lending itself to more creative adventures. For all of you looking to get out of town on a romantic rendezvous or something different, here are some suggestions.
Primland Luxury Mountain Resort
Meadows of Dan, VA
If you’ve got the money to spend time with your honey, this is well worth it. Secluded with the Blue Ridge as your backdrop, this getaway is privately delicious. You can rent a treehouse, luxury cabin, or cottage. There’s plenty to do here as well. From horseback riding to an ATV adventure you and your partner will relive those honeymoon days.
Cabin in Fancy Gap, VA atop the Blue Ridge Mountains
Mountains, Lakes, Rivers, and Beaches Oh My!
One thing I’ve learned during Covid is that exploring Virginia has been the highlight of it all and cabin lodging is not only romantic, but also serene, more importantly it doesn’t have to be beaucoup expensive. Why not stay in someone else’s home for a change. There are so many beautiful lake houses and rustic cabins surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery, how could one not find the romance in that?! Check out Holiday Homes for availability.
Book a Personal Chef
Want a five course meal and restaurant feel? Book a personal chef for the occasion and you never have to worry about listening to Karen complain about her steak not being well done.
Book a Room at The Jefferson Hotel
Go crazy and stay in RVA at The Jefferson. Premier packages are available for you and your honey to lounge, dine, and bed in luxury.
Kick it at Dover Hall
This place is amazing and for a unique stay with the utmost in beautiful lodging and grounds book a room at Dover Hall and partake in their V-Day dining experience.
Cheap Date RVA
RVA is the best wingman! If. you are looking to treat your sweet, but need not to spend that entire stimulus check, start the day off with grabbing some local coffee and pastries, head to Tiffany & Co (yes, a la Holly and Paul) cue Moon River on the phone. After, head over to Forest Hill Park or Hollywood Cemetery for a nice stroll. If it’s too wintry outside, get over to the VMFA and peruse the art while playing hide and seek with your person. Dine for brunch at Amuse and enjoy the view and the mimosas! Time for a nap? Yes, head over to your RVA AirBNB equipped with indoor fireplace to light the mood up to romantic, play that game of chess or Scrabble you never have time for and don’t forget to order the chocolates from Chocolate by Kelly! Have dinner delivered or picked up and dine by candlelight. DO NOT use your phones during your mini dates unless you are taking photos! On Monday you’ll feel relaxed, loved, and cared for by your city.