Richmond
Featuring a historic charm and progressive attitude, Richmond is the capital city of Virginia. Nicknamed the “Creative Culture,” art, history, and a strong sense of community define this eclectic city. Walk through the cobblestone streets to find murals, sculptures, and other forms of public art decorating local businesses and storefronts. From the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to the Poe Museum, the arts are represented throughout the entire city. Not just for art lovers, foodies thrive in Richmond. The city has been crowned as one of the best spots in the country for great eats, and residents can get a taste of all it has to offer through the countless local restaurants that encompass every cuisine from southern comfort to Korean barbeque. With all the hustle and bustle of the city, residents need an escape into nature, and the city certainly provides. The James River runs through Richmond allowing thrill seeking residents to explore the whitewater rapids. For those not ready to make the plunge into the rapids, the Virginia Capital Trail is a hiking trail that follows along the river. Those lucky enough to live in this dynamic capital city have a large selection of rentals to consider.
Raleigh
The capital of North Carolina and one half of the the Raleigh-Durham metroplex, Raleigh offers access to amenities and employment opportunities not found in other parts of the state. The local economy has long been on the cutting edge, with thriving science and technology jobs — thanks to the city’s location in the Research Triangle Park — and a growing community of entrepreneurs in the city; in fact, Forbes magazine has consistently placed Raleigh high on its list of best places for businesses and careers. A thriving downtown district complete with a variety of apartments and a vibrant arts scene makes Raleigh popular with students and professionals as well as families. Located only a couple of hours from the mountains and the ocean, Raleigh is a centrally located city that has been experiencing a population boom for the past decade. Dubbed the "Smithsonian of the South," Raleigh offers more than 40 free attractions and museums to keep you steeped in culture. There are museums of art, history, and technology, plus a children’s museum for younger patrons. The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts is a massive multi-stage venue that hosts the North Carolina Symphony, the Carolina Ballet, and a variety of other productions throughout the year.
North Chesterfield
The city of North Chesterfield is one to be admired. It’s a sprawling area near Richmond, VA, and has quite a bit of shopping, restaurants, and park space to go around. Residents renting an apartment in North Chesterfield enjoy its numerous retail opportunities. Stony Point Fashion Park is an upscale outdoor mall featuring retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Banana Republic, and Sur La Table. There’s also a number of restaurants in the mall as well as the surrounding area. The James River partially bounds North Chesterfield on the north and east ends. Powhite Park is a wooded space near Richmond, known for its trails and beaver dams. For fresh produce and unique finds, locals look forward to The South of the James Market, a community farmers market inside Forest Hill Park. Living here, you’ll have direct access to Interstate 95 and other major thoroughfares – plus the cultural attractions of Downtown Richmond. Area events that draw in large crowds include the annual beer expo and community jazz festival. The city is just north of the 8,000-acre Pocahontas State Park, which offers more than 60 miles of trails and lakes for fishing.
