We recently moved to Richmond. Renting for a few months before buying is a great way to get to know the area before buying. We opted to live in the city. For us, the pros outweigh the cons: easy access to cultural amenities (museums, restaurants, live music), walkability, and proximity to the river. Taxes are a definite con. We had expected the real estate taxes, but were surprised by the personal property tax on the cars.

Crime is going to vary greatly depending on the neighborhood in the city. We have never felt unsafe in Richmond, but take the same precautions that we would take in any city.

Work with your real estate agent to find the right balance of affordability, location and safety. If you're not getting what you need from the agent, switch agents.

After a year and a half here, we love Richmond and continue to be happy living in the city.