Copper Grove

Located on the James River, the Richmond metro area features nature’s beauty in the city and its surrounding suburbs. Locals enjoy the proximity to many state parks and wildlife reserves, making outdoor recreation easy. There is more to enjoy in the area than just its scenery. As the Virginia capital with a strong connection to U.S. history going back to colonial times, there are plenty of interesting sites around the metro area ranging from history to politics to art. The area is also home to a growing “foodie” culture, and the Richmond metropolitan area is becoming known for excellent restaurants, breweries, and wineries.

The Richmond metro area makes it easy to enjoy whatever activity you like as convenience is a hallmark of the area. There is an excellent highway system, and it’s easy to commute around the city and its suburbs. D.R. Horton offers a range of new construction communities in the Richmond metro area with smart home technology and a range of floorplans, amenities, and locations to fit your lifestyle and needs.

Get to know the Richmond metro area

The Richmond metro area is home to a wide variety of experiences and vistas, and locals can pursue whatever suits their interests—whether it’s taking in a Flying Squirrels baseball game, enjoying the art in the area, or grabbing a quality meal. With fun events regularly scheduled in the city and the suburbs, there is always something to do, and for those hoping to get away and disconnect, nature’s beauty is never far away.

Richmond has been curating a reputation as a “Capital of Creativity,” and both the city and its suburbs offer performances, art, and cultural experiences that appeal to a wide range of audiences. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts houses an extensive art collection from a variety of periods, countries, and regions, and The Richmond Mural Project includes over 150 murals painted throughout the city. The creative movement is not reserved for those with a brush. Plenty of different art forms are represented in the area. The Richmond International Film Festival highlights up and coming film talent from across the globe, and the annual Richmond Folk Festival celebrates American culture through music, dance, and storytelling. Of course, the suburbs have their own contributions to the arts scene. Hanover Tavern and Swift Creek Mill Theatre, for example, offer regular theatre performances that appeal to a variety of audiences.

In addition to its dedication to the arts, the Richmond metro area has grown a dedicated local food culture. There are numerous farms just outside the city. The Richmond metro area supports local farms with festivals and events, such as The Hanover Tomato Festival and a multitude of farmers markets. With fresh foods so readily available, it’s easy to see how the Richmond metro developed such a foodie culture. Home to many renowned chefs, the area features great restaurants, and both Richmond and the suburbs host food related events to highlight the great cuisine in the area.

Those looking for food and drink options for the 21-and-up crowd will not be disappointed either. The Richmond metro area is home to over 35 breweries, distilleries, and cideries. Nationally recognized for its craft beer scene, tourists and residents alike enjoy experiencing the offerings along the Richmond Beer Trail, which includes brews from both the city and neighboring suburbs. If beer isn’t your thing, the Richmond metro area is also home to a variety of wineries and the Mimosa Trail, a tour of brunch and breakfast cocktails across the city and surrounding suburbs.

The Richmond metro also offers convenient access to outdoor recreation. The James River runs through the city and surrounding areas, and there are a variety of creeks and lakes nearby, making fishing and water adventuring easy. Those looking to simply disconnect and take a hike will find there are numerous options ranging from Pocahontas State Park to a number of wildlife conservation areas. The North Anna Battlefield Park in Hanover County, just minutes from the suburb of Ruther Glen, is known for bird watching.

With its central location in the state, the Richmond metro area offers easy travel opportunities for those hoping to travel to the Washington D.C area or Virginia Beach. With a little under two hours in the car, a weekend getaway can be an impulse decision. Convenient to Interstate 95 and Interstate 64, the Richmond metro area offers amenities and convenience whether you settle in the city itself or one of the surrounding suburbs.

Richmond metro area businesses and economics

The Richmond metro area is home to a variety of industries and employers, and it’s ideally situated to continue to grow due to its central location within the state of Virginia and its diverse workforce. The area boasts local businesses both in the city and throughout the suburbs, and most towns in the area have economic development groups and initiatives to support new businesses and local business owners. The Richmond metro area is also the headquarters of multiple Fortune 500 companies, including Dominion Energy, CarMax, Altria Group, and others.

With easy travel across the state and throughout the east coast on I-95, businesses are able to enjoy the same travel conveniences as the locals and may also utilize Richmond International Airport for business travel or air cargo.

Education in the Richmond metro area

The Richmond metro area offers great education opportunities, both through its local school systems and proximity to major colleges. The University of Richmond and the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) are located within the city and offer excellent programs ranging from the arts to leadership and law. The two universities offer a variety of performances and lectures for the public in addition to their classes and programs for their students.

For younger students, the Richmond metro area offers both private and public school systems. The suburbs of Richmond have schools with a strong dedication to educational excellence, some of which with top ratings or awards for their school’s achievements. And, with Richmond’s central location, it’s easy for families to enjoy time together while supporting their student’s learning by visiting the sites along the Richmond Revolutionary Trail or in Virginia’s Historic Triangle.

What makes the Richmond metro a great place to live

The Richmond metro area is a growing location with interesting sites and events that cater to a wide range of interests. There is plenty to do in the area, with its engaging art scene, culinary adventures, outdoor activities, and local events in the city and its suburbs; it’s easy to find something fun and interesting to do regardless of age.

Richmond metro’s central location within the state makes it ideal for employers, which contributes to a thriving local economy and job opportunities for residents. Living in one of the beautiful suburbs, like Mechanicsville or Ruther Glen, while working in the city is an option for young professionals and families. The surrounding areas offer a more peaceful lifestyle with suburban or rural settings that embrace the natural beauty of the area. Easy access to Interstate 95 and Interstate 64 make it easy to create the lifestyle you want.

New construction in the Richmond Metro area

D.R. Horton offers new homes for sale across the Richmond metro area. With communities in quiet rural areas and convenient suburbs, you can find a home that’s right for you and create a life you love. Browse our Richmond new build listings, or visit one of our model homes today.