Richmond, United States 🇺🇸
#71
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Richmond, Virginia, is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a rich history dating back to colonial times. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 230,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 150 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is approximately equal to 1 USD (no conversion needed). Major banks include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Capital One. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and treated to meet federal quality standards. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major carriers include Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular choices include Chase, Wells Fargo, and virtual banks like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, short-term rentals, and traditional leases. Average rent for a 1-bedroom is about $1,500/month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and local real estate agencies offer plenty of options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include HI Richmond Hostel and various budget hotels starting from $50/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Downtown area is vibrant with attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Museum District and Scott's Addition are popular for their access to coworking spaces, cafes, and parks. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Gather is a popular coworking space in Scott's Addition, known for its community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Lamplighter Roasting Company offers a cozy atmosphere with great coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com hosts various professional networking events across different industries. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Richmond Expat Meetup Group hosts monthly socials and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are the main ride-sharing options available in Richmond. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Richmond has bike-sharing programs like RVA Bike Share and electric scooter options through Bird and Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Virginia Beach is approximately 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | American Airlines operates the most frequent flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC). |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major airlines like Delta and United provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Interstates I-64 and I-295 provide excellent access in and out of Richmond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Richmond Main Street Station serves as the primary hub for Amtrak trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | GRTC offers a variety of transit passes, including daily and monthly options. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Greyhound and Megabus services connect Richmond to nearby cities like Washington D.C. and Norfolk. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | VCU Medical Center is the primary healthcare facility with a range of specialized services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Daily Life and Ashtanga Yoga Richmond are popular options. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness offer various fitness programs and memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin-operated laundromats are available throughout the city, with some offering drop-off services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and DoorDash are the most popular food delivery services in Richmond. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sample Virginia's famous ham or fried chicken from local favorites like Mama J's Kitchen. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Foodease and The Cellar provide various options for plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Captain Cookie and the Milk Man is a must-try for unique cookies and ice cream sandwiches. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Farmers' markets on the weekends offer fresh produce at affordable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon is available for various needs, as well as local options like Comfort Map for Richmond-based products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Shipt provide grocery delivery from local stores like Kroger and Walmart. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Broad Street corridor and Shockoe Bottom are popular for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and Stone Brewing are famous for tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Savory Grain and The Cellar offer excellent selections of wine in a cozy ambiance. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Richmond's food truck scene is vibrant, often found in local parks during the weekend. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Richmond has a diverse food scene, with offerings like Vietnamese pho at Pho 79 or Indian curries at 8th Street Gourmet. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Virginia State Capitol and the historic Monument Avenue. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a key cultural attraction. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the American Civil War Museum and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. John's Church is notable for its historical significance during the American Revolution. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Richmond Folk Festival attracts thousands every year, celebrating diverse cultural music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Arts District and Jackson Ward are vibrant cultural hotspots. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Carpenter Theatre offers a variety of performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The South of Broad Market is popular for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Richmond has a lively music scene with venues like The National hosting both local and touring acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Scott's Addition area is known for its vibrant murals and street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Sur La Table and The Curious Rabbit offer cooking workshops for all skill levels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The 1708 Gallery and Artspace offer exhibitions from local and national artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Richmond houses numerous historic buildings, including the John Marshall House. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Richmond celebrates its culinary roots, particularly Southern and soul food traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The James River Park System offers river access, hiking trails, and scenic spots. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Petersburg National Battlefield is within an hour's drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Virginia Capital Trail runs between Richmond and Jamestown, perfect for cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Manchester Bridge offers stunning views of the Richmond skyline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Maymont Estate provides a habitat for various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the James River Park System allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and UPS provide reliable shipping and delivery services across the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFixScreens and various local shops offer phone and computer repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Richmond Table Tennis Club hosts regular sessions and tournaments. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Language & Cultural Academy offers courses in several languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Richmond Public Library branches offer quiet spaces for studying and events. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Richmond Community Centers provide resources for cultural events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Over is a popular venue for video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Temporary gaming venues are available until the new casino opens in 2025. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $250,000 per studio apartment (average 600 sq ft). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $200,000 per studio apartment (average 600 sq ft). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $350,000 per 1-bedroom apartment (average 800 sq ft). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $275,000 per 1-bedroom apartment (average 800 sq ft). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $450,000 per 2-bedroom apartment (average 1,100 sq ft). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $350,000 per 2-bedroom apartment (average 1,100 sq ft). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 6% for corporations in Virginia. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax on dividends for U.S. citizens. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The U.S. tax system is based on a worldwide income basis for citizens. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Virginia has a top personal income tax rate of 5.75%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Sales tax in Virginia is 6%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, U.S. citizens must report foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on assessed value, approximately 1.1% of the assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No transfer tax for property purchases in Virginia. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads may benefit from low personal income tax if they are U.S. citizens and earn overseas. |