Richmond Business & Commercial News

Who would want to live in the city?

According to the US Census Bureau, over 200,000 people would...that's who!  The estimated population within the Richmond city limits for 2007 is 200,123.  (source:  Michael Paul Williams' column in this morning's RTD)

That's big news considering that the numbers had been on a downward trend for quite some time, and the last time it was above 200,000 was more than a decade ago.

There is certainly a movement of urban living, and we are seeing that not only in the movement back to Richmond City but also in the mixed-use developments popping up in the surrounding counties (i.e., West Broad Village).  The rise in gas prices and environmental concerns are only helping to fuel the movement back to more urban-style lifestyles.

There is a website, Walk Score, that I came across some time ago that jumped to mind when I was thinking about how people are trending towards more walkable lifestyles.  I ran a few addresses through their system to get the Walk Score.  The first one is our office in the Museum District, the others are houses or apartments that we manage (and that are currently available for rent).

• Bandazian & Holden office, 604 North Sheppard Street -- Walk Score 78 out of 100
• 1809 Lakeview Avenue (near Byrd Park/Hollywood Cemetary/VCU) -- Walk Score 65
• 16 N 18th Street #3 (Shockoe Bottom) -- Walk Score 86
• 2002 Cedar Street (Church Hill) -- Walk Score 78

For years people have loved to live in the city for all the conveniences of walking to their favorite bars and restaurants, and the ability to stroll over to festivals in the warmer months.  Now, it seems as though the numbers are supporting the anecdotes.  What are your favorite reasons for living in the city?  What is the Walk Score for your neighborhood?

Grab the Express bus to Fredericksburg

Apparently there is a service from the GRTC called the Richmond-Fredericksburg Express, which is only $6.00 for a round-trip.  Taking advantage of the service, a commuter could connect with with the VRE from Fredericksburg and take it straight into the heart of DC.

Not exactly a bullet train, but at least it's a step.  Not being a long-range commuter, I'm not sure how alluring the service is.  I wonder if it will be seen as a viable alternative to driving up to Fredericksburg and taking the VRE.

My other question is:  Is this really new?  I haven't heard anything about the "new" Express bus service connecting Richmond and Fredericksburg, except for a mailer I received promoting it as...well, NEW...but also offering a free first ride if I fill out a quick survey.  With all of the transportation issues in the news lately, why has this been completely under the radar?  Also, I don't see a press release on GRTC's website...

New or not, I hope it helps.  It's nice to see that not one of the localities is opening up for the GRTC service, even if it is as far away as Fredericksburg.  Now if we could only get Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover to get off their high horses and cooperate, rather than stigmatizing public transit.