Bad Neighborhoods in Richmond and Other Warnings and Dangers

Warnings and Dangers in Richmond Bad Neighborhoods

Known as an historical places with cultural and fun things to do, Richmond is a popular tourist attraction.  However, like in any large city, there are areas and dangers in Richmond that should be avoided.

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Downtown Richmond Definitely Not Family Oriented

Yes, downtown Richmond is full of museums, restaurants, shopping, and arts and entertainment, but it is likely that there is nothing family oriented open past 6pm.  If you are looking to spend a day exploring the cultural activities, food, and arts and entertainment Richmond has to offer, you should plan on doing these activities during the daylight hours.  Once the sun sets, downtown Richmond becomes a completely different scene.  Parties, drinking, clubs, and drug use are commonly found after dark in downtown Richmond.

If the nightclub scene is your thing, it is safe to explore the nightlife in Richmond in groups of more than two.  Crime in Richmond will not bother people who explore downtown in groups of three or more.  Just be sure to be off the streets by 1 or 2am.

Chamberlayne Avenue Should Be Completely Avoided

The home of numerous vacant properties and properties desperately in need of repair, Chamberlayne Avenue is definitely one place off the tourist path.  It is not uncommon to see drug dealers, users, and abusers roaming the street into the wee hours of the morning.  Common sense says to avoid this area all together, as crime tends to follow drug dealers, users, and abusers.  This is considered to be one of the biggest high crime areas in downtown Richmond.  There has even been reports of prostitution rings around highway motels.  It is also not uncommon to find sex offenders residing on Chamberlayne Avenue.

Crime on Chamberlayne Avenue is so common and abundant that restaurants, including national chains like Pizza Hut or Domino’s, refuse to deliver.  There are also some areas of Chamberlayne Avenue that are so rough that the police refuses to patrol on foot and ambulances refuse to enter.

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Crime in Richmond Not Random

Even though parts of downtown Richmond are considered to be high crime areas, crime in Richmond is not random.  If you are walking down the streets of downtown Richmond during the daylight hours, minding your own business, chances are you will not be bothered.  However, if you are wandering down Chamberlayne Avenue by yourself or with another person staring at and talking about the other people, chances are you are looking for trouble.

Where there is an over abundance of drug dealers, users, and abusers, there is bound to be a high crime rate.  Most of the time these three types of people are looking to cause harm to or cheat one another.

Common Sense and Street Smarts in Richmond

If you want to avoid being a victim of a crime in Richmond, using common sense and street smarts in Richmond goes a long way.  Pay close attention to your surroundings.  If you notice retail stores and restaurants becoming less common as you are traveling, you probably want to turn around.  Do not travel alone.  Keep your activities in Richmond planned for the daylight hours mostly.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Richmond Things To Do – Attractions & Must See
• Richmond Nightlife – Clubs, Bars, & Nightlife Tips
• Street Art in Richmond, VA

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Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about areas to avoid in Richmond.