The

Neighborhoods

of

Table of Contents

• Neighborhoods of VCU ............... 1

• Oregon Hill .............................. 2 - 6

• The Fan .................................... 7-11

• Jackson Ward ....................... 12 - 16

• RVA Bike Share ........................... 17

Moving to an entirely new city for college can be better wrack-ing. Getting to know the area can seem overwhelming, which is particularly true at VCU, where the university is so immersed in the city that it is hard to tell when you’re stepping on and off campus. This guide book will give you the legup on your fellow freshman and hopefully help you feel more at home, giving you the inside scoop on the surrounding Richmond neighborhoods.

Neighborhoods of VCU

1

• Neighborhoods of VCU ............... 1

• Oregon Hill .............................. 2 - 6

• The Fan .................................... 7-11

• Jackson Ward ....................... 12 - 16

• RVA Bike Share ........................... 17

Oregon Hill is a quirky neighborhood located on the south side of campus. This quiet neighborhood is often referred to as “students quarters” because it’s close proximity to campus makes it a hot spot for off-campus living. Its close proximity to the James River makes it the best neighborhood for soaking in the outdoors.

Oregon Hill

2

Another restaurant with a deceiving exterior is L’opossum. Named “the South’s best restaurant” by southern living in 2018, L’opossum provides Richmond with delicious french cuisine. Head over to this top ranking restaurant to switch things up from Caines or Pizza Hut Express.

Don’t let this restaurants dingy exterior fool you! Mama Zu’s is actually home to the most authentic Italian food near campus. From Lasanga to Tiramisu, this little hole in the wall is perfect for an intimate date night.

Food

Mama Zu’s

L’opossum

3

Richmond is home to so many eccentric places and Rest In Pieces is no exception. Specializing in curiosities and oddities, Rest In Pieces sells skulls, bones, specimens, medical antiques, books, jewelry and more. Head over to this spooky looking building and pick up a beautiful framed butterfly for your dorm room!

An appreciation of old school records is something shared by many students on VCU’s campus. If you are looking for new and vintage records at a reasonable price, look no further than this quaint record store.

Rest In Pieces

Vinal Conflict Record Store

4

Shops

Tired of the hectic urban area? Take a short walk to the end of Oregon Hill and take in the views at the River Overlook. Just a 15 minute walk= from cam-pus, the river overlook is an amazing place to get a taste of nature in the city.

Stumbling across a dog on campus is always a joyful experience. If you’re feeling dog deprived, pleasant park is the perfect spot for you! Located in the middle of Oregon Hill, this dog park is alway bustling with cute puppies anywhere from shih tzus to pitbulls.

River Overlook

Pleasant Park

5

ShopsSights

Housing in oregon hill mainly consists of 2 to 5 bedroom houses. Many of these homes have the opportunity for beautiful greenery and many are painted in eccentric way. The housing in Oregon Hill is one of the parts that makes it such a unique neighborhood.

Housing

6

One of the most popular neighborhoods for students to explore is The Fan. Named for the shape of it’s intersecting streets, the fan is located on the west side of campus. This neighborhood is recognizable for the small fans on top of each street sign.

The Fan

7

Kuba Kuba serves home-style dishes inspired by the owners Cuban heritage. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the weekends. With large portions and incredible flavors, Kuba Kuba the perfect place to bring your friends and soak in the unique atmosphere of the establishment.

This quaint restaurant is the home to delicious sandwiches, cakes, and pies at an unbeatable price. They even have a date night package that allows you to take your food to go in a picnic basket to sit in the park across the street. Garnett’s eclectic vibe and friendly service make it an inviting place for students to eat.

Kuba Kuba

Garnett’s

Food

Kuba Kuba

8

One of the many adorable shows off of Strawberry St. is this lovely flower shop. Looking to brighten up your dorm room? Treat yourself to fresh flowers and a homemade candle from Strawberry Fields. They also have locally made cards that are an amazing way to show love for someone while supporting local Richmond artists.

Many incoming freshman may be looking for a place to fill their musical needs. The Fan Guitar and Ukulele is the perfect place to shop for and and discover new instruments. Even if you are not musically inclined, the painted Ukuleles are absolutely a must see.

Shops

Strawberry Fields Flowers and Finds

Fan Guitar and Ukulele

Shops

9

Located on the northern border of The Fan, Monument Ave one of the most historically beautiful streets of Richmond. Running down the middle of the street are a series of small parks that surround large historical statues. These parks are perfect for studying and laying out to catch some sun! Even if the history of the confederacy is not your thing, beauity can be found in the homes lining the street.

The Fan is scattered with these little free li-braries. One of the best ones is nestled behind strawberry street on the outskirts of the hidden Scuffletown Park. Grab some ice cream from Scoop, a book you’ve never read before, and relax in this quiet, flower-filled park!

Sights

Scuffletown Park Little Library

Monument Avenue

Sights

10

Housing in The Fan is often higher priced than other neighborhoods in Richmond, but definitely worth the upcharge. The Fan’s houses are historic, beautiful, and conveniently located in between campus and some the more suburban areas of Richmond with shopping centers. The streets give off a happy, Charleston, South Carolina vibe that never gets old.

Housing ShopsHousing

11

Formerly nicknamed “The Black Wallstreet of America,” Jackson Ward is known for its rich history in black business post Civil War. Throughout the 20th Century, Richmond has made it a priority to preserve the history and culture associated with the neighborhood. Throughout the streets of Jackson Ward you will find elaborate murals and historically registered buildings that make this neighborhood an important part of Richmond’s diversity.

Jackson Ward

12

Specializing in juices, smoothies, and light vegan lunches, Saadia’s Juicebox is the perfect inspiration for a healthy lifestyle. The friendly staff and daily yoga classes make it more than just your average smoothie place, turning into a fun hangout to destress from a busy week of classes.

Centered around the iconic, local Richmond band Gwar, Gwar Bar specializes in fantasy land of food and beverage, catering to everyone from local punk metal freaks and rock stars to businessmen, celebrity chefs and starving artists. Gwar is the perfect place for students to experience the authentic thrash metal experience while enjoying delicious food with vegan alternatives.

Food

Saadia’s Juicebox

Gwar Bar

13

Looking for a personalized gift for yourself or a loved one? BIG SECRET specializes in laser engraving anything from leather and wood to food items and bone. With their unique designs and technology BIG SECRETS really proves that Virginia is for lasers.

It’s no secret - student love thrift shopping. There’s no need to go digging for hours through racks at Goodwill to find something you like; Blue Bones Vintage buys and sells vintage clothing tailored to fashion trends. Stop by for an affordable denim jacket and some unique vintage rings to bring some 70s inspiration to you wardrobe.

Shops

BIG SECRET

Blue Bones Vintage

Shops

14

If you are looking to get into the music scene in Richmond, Gallery 5 is the perfect venue to start. Hosting mostly smaller, local bands, this venue/bar draws huge crowds on the weekends. It’s location in an old fire station creates fun and personal experience for both performers and those watching.

Abner Clay Park is located directly across the street from Gwar Bar. You can take your food tomgo and enjoy your food under the trees at this quaint kid-friendly park.

Sights

Gallery 5

Abner Clay

Sights

15

The housing in Jackson Ward is a mix of older houses and large buildings that have been converted into nice apartments with beautiful industrial interiors. Often much less expensive than areas closer to campus, Jackson Ward is perfect for those who don’t mind a 15 minute walk or short bike ride.

HousingShopsHousing

16

Many new coming VCU students are unable to bring their cars and find it difficult to explore the neighborhoods surrounding campus. Luckily, the CIty of Richmond has provided the Bike Share program, with affordable passes and memberships. Bike Share has pick up locations on VCU’s campus as well as Oregon Hill, The Fan, Jackson Ward, and many other Richmond Neighborhoods. With this resource the city is at your fingertips. Let’s start exploring!

RVA Bike Share SightsRVA Bike Share

17

Marin Faherty