<p>I've heard some negative things about the city of Richmond, are there some good sides of the city?</p>
<p>One of my best friends lives in Richmond, and I stayed with whom for two days while my daughter and I visited URichmond and UVa. I thought the city of Richmond was great, with a terrific mix not only of people and businesses, but of history and modernity. And the area immediately surrounding the university is a beautiful suburb with stately homes, manicured lawns, etc.</p>
<p>I would have absolutely no problem sending my daughter to Spider country.</p>
<p>As an undergrad, I didn’t appreciate the city that much. Most students really don’t go into the city much aside from a few of the bars downtown, and the occasional restaurant when your parents come in town. After deciding to live permanently in Richmond after graduating, I really enjoy it. There are a lot of great restaurants, the fan area has a lot of nice neighborhood bars, the parks are nice, and the ability to get to the beach, mountains or DC in a day trip is a nice plus. </p>
<p>As with any city, Richmond has parts you don’t want to be in past dark but on the whole, it is a nice place to live for your four years as an undergrad (and definitely a place you should consider looking when you’re job hunting).</p>
<p>I haven’t been into the city very much, aside from going to the Landmark Theatre to see a few performances. It is one of my goals for this year (my senior year! <em>sniff</em>). It’s a city, like any other, and like Spiders05 said, there are places I definitely wouldn’t be venturing after dark, and definitely not solo. But most of Richmond–at least, most of it that I’m familiar with–is very welcoming. Places like the Fan and Carytown are filled with great restaurants and shops. There are tons of bars and clubs that are very student-friendly, what with VCU being right down town. I have quite a few friends that drive into the city to hang at bars or go dancing. </p>
<p>Richmond as a whole is also seeing a lot of development. My parents lived there…20/25 years ago, and when they visit me, they are always shocked by all of the things that simply weren’t there two decades ago. Places like Short Pump and Stony Point, which are wonderful shopping centers good for a whole day of hanging with friends, not just a quick trip to the mall, are really popular. </p>
<p>But yes, it’s a good place to be :)</p>