The Neighborhoods of Richmond
In the late 1800's with the first commercially successful electric streetcar, many families began moving out of the city to the suburbs with large lots, shady trees and spacious homes with the convenience of easy access to the city. These early neighborhoods, referred to as Streetcar Suburbs, are seeing a rebirth as familoies are again moving to these areas that offer convenient access to the city and still have large lots, spacious homes and shade trees.
Barton Heights
Generations of kids have grown up here, having the times of their lives. It's no surprise given the large homes on spacious lots found in Barton Heights.
George Barton saw Barton Heights as the ideal piece of suburban real estate. Beginning in 1889, homes of all different styles were built, including large Queen Anne and Victorians, and later American Four-Square and Bungalow styles. Today you'll have to look long and hard to find a neighborhood with homes constructed as solidly. Currently a Neighborhood in Bloom, many are finding Barton Heights an alternative to The Fan and Church Hill.
Ginter Park
According to the Historic Ginter Park Association, Major Lewis W. Ginter, wealthy Richmond industrialist and entrepreneur, conceived and planned Ginter Park in the late 19th century. Ginter, the founder of the American Tobacco Company, visited Melbourne, Australia where he was impressed by the business men’s retreating home to the country at the end of each work day. Thus was born Ginter’s dream for a Richmond suburb where according to legend, a gentleman could ride to and from work without the sun’s glare in his face.
Highland Park
The Neighborhood Focus, a feature of the Richmond Times Dispatch newspaper, says Highland Park dates back to 1821 then known as Mount Comfort. Later called Chestnut Hill then Highland Park in 1908, the railroads played a role in the rapid expansion of this Streetcar neighborhood. Wikipedia features detailed articles about this and other Richmond neighborhoods.
