Richmond is the capital of Virginia and home to more than 200,000 people. It’s a city with a long history, and a bright future, where everyone can find their place and feel at home.
A Look at Richmond’s History
The history of Richmond is a long one – in fact, Richmond is one of America’s oldest cities. Patrick Henry, a U.S. Founding Father, famously declared “Give me liberty or give me death” in Richmond at St. John's Church in 1775, a proclamation which eventually led to the Revolutionary War. Richmond also played a central role in the Civil War, serving as the capital of the Confederacy, and the location of the Confederate White House, where Confederate President Jefferson Davis resided. Despite its deep roots and Civil War history, however, today, Richmond has grown into a vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking city that is welcoming to all. It’s home to a rich arts and culture scene, many businesses and universities, and plenty to see and do for all.
Richmond - A Few Fun Facts
Read more fun facts about Richmond here.
Richmond's LGBTQ Community
Richmond values and celebrates its LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the city. Some of the LGBTQ community resources in Richmond include:
Diversity Richmond is a local LGBTQ community center in Richmond dedicated to providing support for Central Virginia’s LGBTQ community through resources, support groups, events, services, and more.
PFLAG Richmond is the city's local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
What's the Weather Like in Richmond?
Richmond residents will experience all four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot in humid with the average high in July reaching up to around 90°F, and the winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping to an average of 28°F in January. Fall and spring are usually the most pleasant seasons in Richmond, bringing mild temperatures and plenty of seasonal natural beauty to enjoy. Richmond receives 44 inches of rain, on average, per year, and around 11 inches of snow.
The Best Events in Richmond
Virginia PrideFest is the city’s largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it typically draws large crowds from Richmond and around the state. The week is full of parades, parties, family-friendly activities, educational and networking opportunities, and more. It’s one celebration that you won’t want to miss.
Richmond Jazz and Music Festival
The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival is one of the largest music festivals on the East Coast, and it’s a can’t-miss event for any music-lover. Held annually at the Maymont Estate in Richmond, it boasts an excellent lineup of national and international talent for all to enjoy.
Where to Live in Richmond
There are many wonderful neighborhoods in Richmond with friendly people and a wide variety of home styles and price ranges available. Two of the most popular with the LGBTQ community include:
The Fan is a neighborhood with an active and vibrant LGBTQ community. It is a historic neighborhood located close enough to downtown amenities to be convenient, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle to also be quiet and peaceful. The Fan is a very walkable neighborhood with several sidewalk cafes, bars, and other small shops. It is also located near Virginia Commonwealth University, so many students often live there. The median value of homes in The Fan is currently around $438,000.
The Museum District, so named because it's located near the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, is a friendly and artsy neighborhood with an eclectic vibe. It's home to many restaurants, bars, and locally-owned shops, as well as Carytown, a major outdoor shopping area in the city. The median sale price of homes in the Museum District last year was approximately $456,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Richmond Triangle Players is the longest continuously-operating LGBTQ professional theater company in the entire mid-Atlantic region, and for many years, it has been producing excellent works, including several world premiere plays, which are relevant and important to the LGBTQ experience. The group seeks to educate, entertain, and elevate conversations in the community about the benefits of diversity and inclusion, and to bring recognition to and celebration of the LGBTQ community in Richmond and beyond.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
For nearly a hundred years, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has been educating, inspiring, and delighting visitors from Richmond and beyond, with its extensive and stunning display of art from a wide variety of genres and time periods. It is one of the ten largest art museums in the United States.
Parks and Recreation
Stonewall Sports Richmond is the city’s chapter of the nationally popular LGBTQ-focused Stonewall Sports League. The mission of Stonewall Sports is to make sure that everyone can feel comfortable being who they are in organized sports. Regardless of whether you're a beginner to a sport or if you've been playing for some time, there's a spot on a team for everyone, and a chance to make friends, raise money for great LGBTQ causes, and get some healthy exercise.
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a 50-acre, botanical garden in Richmond’s Lakeside neighborhood. It features a conservatory, library cafe and tea house restaurant, and it is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon enjoying and being inspired by all of the natural beauty around you.
Richmond Nightlife
Godfrey’s is a popular LGBTQ dance club known for its excellent DJs, light effects, strong cocktails, and late-night drag shows. It’s a perfect place to do some dancing and have some fun on a night out in Richmond.
Barcode Restaurant and Bar is a gay bar and restaurant known for its laid-back atmosphere, good food, and friendly crowds. It’s a great spot to enjoy a game of pool and a few drinks with friends.
Contact a Richmond Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Richmond, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Richmond, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Richmond gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
