Could I trouble you to give me some insight to where in Richmond there are lofts that are in safe neighborhood not overwhelmed with college students?  And what should I expect to pay for 1000 sq ft loft space ?

The only safe lofts away from the colleges are in the $ luxury apartments in the tobacco row, canal walk area of downtown.

a63roni

First of all, I am not offended by anything that you said, but in the same aspect. What yardstick are you using for Little County compared to large county.

The Counties of United States, not including the cities within. Virginia is the only state that has cities independant of counties. If we were like the rest of the states, I think Richmond would be in Henrico County, Petersburg would be in Dinwidde County, Hopewell would be in Prince George County and Colonial Heights would be in Chesterfield County.

I have lived all over the United States and Europe, Scandinavia and Southeast Asia. I am originally from New England.

I have lived in, and visited, various states and countries too.

I not only lived in Chesterfield County. I also work for the county. I just happen to know of a small country in Europe that is smaller than Chesterfield County.

Are you speaking in terms of land mass or population, which one? 

I also know of cities that are larger than Chesterfield County and landmass and population.

Which one do you want to discuss, cities or counties?

In the other states, cities are within or part of a county. There are many cities with more land mass than Chesterfield County, Richmond is just slightly smaller. Cities in other states are still annexing more land from the county it is a part of. Virginia cities are land locked today. Southside Richmond used to belong belong to Chesterfield County.

you picked on a typo on of mine. I do live in a country and  I have not locked my doors in seven years. My neighbors on either side have not lock their doors eather. One probably sensed their house was built over 70 years ago and I'm not sure about one.

So you live in the country part of Chesterfield County, not the suburbs. I wish I could get some land in the country part of my county, Henrico. I'd like to be able to step on my deck and see no houses, buildings or people. 

And again I do agree with you that in the Richmond Metro area. I would definitely keep my doors locked, and in some areas I would even go as far as to have security bars on the windows but not necessarily in all areas of the Richmond Metro area.

I am concerned about the home invasions that have been happening recently.

As far as the luxury apartments in what is called tobacco Row. If you look at the bars and nightclubs along the street level. In this area, they are definitely infested with students from either VCU or MCV or any of the other colleges that we have in the area and in my opinion. Again my opinion to get away from the students. You need to be west of Cary town or out of Richmond proper completely.

I don't think many students can afford the newest luxury apartments and condos along the James River. They are coumunities within themselves, which are within walking distance from the club and bar district of shocko bottom where students hang out. Pass through this area coming from work every day.  

Again counties other than those in Virginia include cities within. Virginia is the only state with independant cities. Check out the population of the smallest counties. Peace!

http://geography.about.com/library/weekly/aa010102a.htm

Is the west side of chesterfield county good or southwest...Good for what? I think Chesterfield is looked at more in terms of North (next to Richmond and Henrico) and South (next to the Tri-Cities of Petersburg, Hopewell and Colonial Heights).

I'm thinking I want to be in a quiet place at this time, then you want Southwestern Chesterfield.

thought I wanted to do the loft thing in the city, but I could just move to DC area. or in Richmond along the James River

I like newer, more modern type places,,, Virginia has a lot of colonial type, cookie cutter places with square rooms and no imagination.  I do real esate and interior space designing, but need something to work with ... hardwood floors, bright spaces.  Any ideas Colonial is the basic style of Virginia due to it's deep history. The US started here along the James River in 1607. Colonial is not the only styles that are being built. I have hardwood floors and big bright spaces (3700 square feet plus a two car garage for $360.000). Tell me specificly what you are looking for, and I will point it out to you. I know the whole entire Richmond/Petersburg area very well, due to the rides I like to take just exploring.

Thanks in advance. Your welcome.

I too am considering a move to Virginia. Moving from Atlanta and have lived in Alexandria, Va, Columbia, Maryland, New York City, Boston, among other places.  I'm looking for less glamour and glitz with access to culture and events within 3 to 4 hours drive or Amtrak ride. 

I recommend Eastern Henrico County (Varina) for you. This is where I built my new house last year. It is still nice, very quiet and on the edge where the suburbs and country meet. It is just minutes from Richmomd's re-developing downtown where you will find the many cultured weekend events. Proximity is next to interstates 64, 95, 295, 895. You could travel North to DC (2hrs), East to Va Beach (1.5hrs), West to the Blue Ridge Mountians (1.5hrs) or South to Charlotte (3.5hrs).  A new large mall is being built with everything that follows a new mall, and the newly expanded airport is on this side of town. There are three amtrack stations in the Richmond area. Henrico is generaly safe and has a much higher percentage of Blacks compared to Chesterfield. My new sub-division (Eagles Nest) is about 90% Black.

Thanks for your input. Your welcome!