🌍 Overview
As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Richmond, United States, my home for several months. This charming city has a unique vibe that’s hard to resist, with its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural beauty. Richmond digital nomads love it here for its perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. From the scenic James River to the historic downtown area, there’s no shortage of exciting things to see and do. With a Nomad Score of 58/100, Richmond may not be the most popular destination for remote workers, but it has a lot to offer, including a relatively low cost of living and a thriving cultural scene.
One of the things that sets Richmond apart is its history. The city is home to numerous historic landmarks, including the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and the American Civil War Museum. But Richmond is more than just a history buff’s paradise – it’s also a city with a thriving arts and culture scene. From the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to the Science Museum of Virginia, there’s no shortage of world-class museums and galleries to explore. And when you need a break from the city, the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventure.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Richmond, there are several options that are perfect for digital nomads. Here are three of my favorites:
- The Fan: This historic neighborhood is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant nightlife, and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. The Fan is home to many of Richmond’s young professionals and artists, making it a great place to meet new people and get a feel for the local culture.
- Scott’s Addition: This up-and-coming neighborhood is located just west of downtown Richmond and is home to a growing number of breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops. Scott’s Addition is a great place to find affordable housing and is within walking distance of many of Richmond’s top attractions.
- Church Hill: This charming neighborhood is located just east of downtown Richmond and is known for its historic homes, beautiful parks, and stunning views of the city. Church Hill is a great place to get a feel for Richmond’s historic charm and is within walking distance of many of the city’s top restaurants and bars.
Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique character and advantages, but all offer a great quality of life for digital nomads. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife, a thriving arts scene, or just a quiet place to call home, Richmond has something for everyone.
Cost of Living Breakdown
One of the biggest advantages of living in Richmond is its relatively low cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for typical expenses:
- Rent: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Richmond is around $1,322 (approximately €1,150). However, prices can vary depending on the neighborhood and amenities. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in The Fan might cost around $1,500 per month, while a similar apartment in Scott’s Addition might cost around $1,200 per month.
- Food: Eating out in Richmond can be relatively affordable, with meals starting at around $10-$15 (approximately €8-12) per person. Groceries are also relatively cheap, with a basket of basic items (milk, bread, eggs, etc.) costing around $50-$75 (approximately €42-63) per week.
- Transportation: Richmond has a relatively well-developed public transportation system, with buses and trains connecting most parts of the city. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $60 (approximately €50), while a gallon of gasoline costs around $2.50 (approximately €2.10).
- Coworking: Richmond has a growing number of coworking spaces, with prices starting at around $200 (approximately €170) per month for a basic membership. Some popular coworking spaces include The Richmond Coworking Space, Gather, and 804RVA.
Overall, the cost of living in Richmond is relatively low compared to other major cities in the United States. With a little bit of planning and budgeting, it’s possible to live comfortably in Richmond on a relatively modest income.
Internet & Coworking
Richmond has a relatively fast internet speed, with an average download speed of 43 Mbps. This makes it easy to stay connected and productive while working remotely. Here are some popular coworking spaces and cafes with good internet:
- The Richmond Coworking Space: This coworking space is located in the heart of downtown Richmond and offers a range of membership options, including day passes and monthly memberships. Prices start at around $200 (approximately €170) per month.
- Gather: This coworking space is located in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood and offers a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, printing and copying services, and a fully stocked kitchen. Prices start at around $250 (approximately €210) per month.
- 804RVA: This coworking space is located in the Fan neighborhood and offers a range of membership options, including day passes and monthly memberships. Prices start at around $150 (approximately €127) per month.
- Lamplighter Coffee Roasters: This coffee shop is located in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood and offers high-speed internet and a comfortable working environment. Prices start at around $5 (approximately €4.20) per cup of coffee.
Richmond has a growing digital nomad community, with a range of meetups and events for remote workers. Here are some popular groups and events:
- Richmond Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is for digital nomads living in Richmond and offers a range of resources and support for remote workers.
- Richmond Remote Workers: This meetup group is for remote workers living in Richmond and offers a range of events and activities, including coworking sessions and social gatherings.
- 804RVA: This coworking space hosts a range of events and activities for digital nomads, including workshops, networking sessions, and social gatherings.
Culture & Lifestyle
Richmond has a unique cultural scene that’s a blend of Southern charm and urban grit. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to local customs and lifestyle:
- Food: Richmond is known for its delicious Southern cuisine, including barbecue, fried chicken, and biscuits and gravy. Some popular restaurants include The Magpie, The Roosevelt, and Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue.
- Dating: Richmond has a relatively small dating scene, but there are still plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Some popular dating spots include The Fan, Scott’s Addition, and the downtown area.
- Nightlife: Richmond has a thriving nightlife scene, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Some popular spots include The National, The Broadberry, and The Camel.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to ensure that you have the right visa to live and work in Richmond. The United States has a range of visa options for remote workers, including the tourist visa and the H-1B visa. However, it’s worth noting that the United States does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Tourist visa: The tourist visa is a good option for digital nomads who plan to stay in the United States for less than 90 days. However, it’s worth noting that this visa does not allow you to work in the United States.
- H-1B visa: The H-1B visa is a good option for digital nomads who have a job offer from a US employer. However, this visa can be difficult to obtain and requires a significant amount of paperwork and documentation.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for living in Richmond as a digital nomad:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a range of providers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Prices start at around $30 (approximately €25) per month.
- Transportation: Richmond has a relatively well-developed public transportation system, with buses and trains connecting most parts of the city. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $60 (approximately €50).
- Safety: Richmond is generally a safe city, but as with any city, it’s worth taking some basic precautions to stay safe. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- Weather: Richmond has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly and stay hydrated during the summer months.
