Who’s Falling for Richmond?

The New Southern Buyer in 2026

Photo by: Stephanie Rhee

With over 52,000 people moving into the Richmond area since 2020, it is not absurd to think, “They like us! They REALLY, REALLY like us!” Let’s be honest, we have a lot of charm and a lot of green flags. Transplants and returnees desire some character in their surroundings, and with RVA having walkability, culture that fits different lifestyles, and a diverse topography, it is no wonder why we get chosen time and time again.

So who exactly is falling for us?

Let’s take a look.

The Northern Transplant

Those Nawtheners are coming from New York, New Jersey, Boston, and D.C. Their jobs are remote or hybrid and they’ve been priced out of the metropolitan areas. What you can have in RVA including a yard and garage far surpasses the high price points of these cities. These are people who are tired of the hustle and bustle and want more space to breathe. We are a centralized location making it easy for commutes as well.

These folks are looking for an upgrade and will more than likely find themselves in The Fan, Church Hill, and the Museum District while others will find a lot more square footage and good schools in the West End, Moseley, and UofR neighborhoods.

The Remote Creative

Richmond is has become a mecca for creatives. It has quietly become one of the most respected creative hubs in the country, and that’s not accidental. Between the talent pipeline coming out of VCU’s Brandcenter and the long-standing presence of The Martin Agency, this city knows how to produce thinkers and makers who understand both strategy and storytelling. We have a strong creative community that is collaborative without the ego.

Creatives seeking home here will more than likely enjoy Church Hill, Scott’s Addition, Manchester, and Carytown. Lifestyle will win over square footage for them, and having a vibrant art scene entices these movers.

The Richmond Curse

More than likely our former neighbors didn’t do their respective 50 laps around Monroe Park and have found themselves home once more. We’re seeing a noticeable return of buyers who grew up in Virginia, spent time in Charlotte, Atlanta, Nashville, or D.C., and are now ready for something more settled.

These homecomers have migrated to a new phase in life where they’re thinking about schools, space, raising families near grandparents. But they have a need to maintain a lifestyle that is active and accessible. We’ve maintained Southern hospitality without stagnation, growth without losing identity.

Richmond never loses it’s familiarity no matter how much the landscape changes, and what were once crime heavy neighborhoods are now sprinkled with yoga pants and baby strollers.

The Intentional Downsizer

We’ve noticed an increase of empty nesters moving to Richmond city proper. They want less house, but more walkability. They are big restaurant people and want to walk to the coffee shop in the morning to get their lattes and scones. These are movers that want a minimalistic home with low maintenance, but an area that will enhance their well-being.

They want connection over isolation, and quality experiences and discoveries without being overwhelmed by big city living.

The Perfect Match

We are the biggest little city in Virginia. People move here for all sorts of reasons. Due to its proximity to the ocean, the mountains, and other big cities, it is primed for desire. It is easy to navigate, has diverse neighborhoods and architecture, embodies charm and sophistication, and you honestly never know who you’re going to run into.

Sometimes we want to keep it our little secret, but at the same time wear her on your arm like she was your most prized heirloom. We cater to so many different types of people, lifestyles, and cultures that Richmond feels like a Bridgerton in season. Talked highly about, a little rough around the edges in places, but undeniably attractive and impossible to ignore.