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In the Richmond area...Chesterfield or West Henrico...
For both schools and quality of life. Please help! I just posted...we are a family of 4, with two preschool children, coming from the suburbs of Philly and after some review have narrowed our considerations to Chesterfield and West Henrico. These areas seem to best match the suburban lifestyle we are accustomed to and like and will still allow hubby to navigate his job territory with some efficiency. Our family is still in the Philadelphia area and we would like to be as close to them as possible so Henrico would be nice but I just can't shake what I think I like about Chesterfield. Can anyone offer any thoughts that may help me make a decision? It would be appreciated! We are considering schools, nice neighborhoods (preferably with sidewalks as they seem to be leaving sidewalks out around here these days), things for families to do (activites, museums, moms clubs, etc.), nearby shopping.
ALSO, can someone please tell me why they don't make many homes with basements in these areas? I have been searching real estate and I'm surprised that adding basement to my search criteria really decreases the inventory?!?! Thanks!
Re: In the Richmond area...Chesterfield or West Henrico...
Yes, basements are a rarity for some reason in Richmond. We still own a house there and I remembered when we were showing it, people from out of town were shocked to find no basement! If you figure out the reason why, let me know!
Again, I don't have children so I cannot attest to the qualities of schools. But again from what I hear, Henrico County schools are considered in the rankings nationally. Never heard very much from Chesterfield. Both places are suburban, but I think Chesterfield will be cheaper and will get more land for your money. Henrico I believe will be close to the city of Richmond for any activities there. I lived in Henrico for 5 years but knew people who lived in Chesterfield. I am biased towards Henrico because I think it more convenient (TJ and Whole Foods are here, and closer to city). But Chesterfield is also nice too.
Have you visited the areas? Don't make the decision to buy a house without visiting the 2 areas! A decision to move to Richmond or Chesterfield vs Henrico really warrants a visit for you to at least get a feel.
I'm in Midlothian (Chesterfield County) and chose it over West Henrico because you can get more bang for your buck in a house out here! The school systems in my opinion are equal.
If you're looking for a neighborhood with bike trails, walking paths, etc you should check out Brandermill. It is a planned community but is very woodsy and beautiful. A new road was created a few years ago to connect Midlothian with the West End of Richmond so it takes like 20 minutes to get there from my house.
i know that Midlothian doesn't have a ton of basements because Midlothian is an old coal mining area and your house might sink if you put a basement here! That isn't saying you can't find a basement around here but they are few and far between.
Good luck with your choice. The richmond area is a really great place to live.