Richmond's small-town charm attracts new residents
Richmond is a petite Michigan city where the community gathers for everything from big annual festivals to local high school sporting events. "A lot of people move here because they're looking for that small-town feeling," says Susan Foster, a Realtor and associate broker at Coldwell Banker Professionals who has lived in Richmond since the '80s. Farmlands and crop fields surround Richmond in every direction, and close access to Interstate 94 connects the area to a few large cities. Despite its size and population – having fewer than 7,000 people and less than 2 square miles of space – the little city has a big personality. "We have a vibrant community, and a lot is happening for such a small place," Foster says. "Whatever interests you, you can find right here in Richmond."
Festivals, theaters and community events are the main draw
Richmond Good Old Days Festival is a weekend-long event with a demolition derby, performances by local musicians, a fireworks show and two parades, among other events. The Richmond Area Historical and Genealogical Society has a replica village where residents can learn how to milk on a fake cow or pump gas at an old-fashioned station. Richmond Community Theater is in the First Congregation Church downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "There's also a fantastic senior center, a public pool and great parks," Foster says. "We have a nice supply of housing, but what the community offers is our main selling point." She also notes that the public library is very involved in the lives of residents.
Housing choices for growing families, vintage lovers and downsizers
Most of Richmond's housing is in traditional neighborhoods and subdivisions, with housing for different lifestyles. "We have a good collection of older homes, which people tend to like," Foster says. "There are also newer homes too, especially condos." The city's two condo developments have units ranging from $160,000 to $300,000. Foster explains that the smaller condos are popular amongst older, downsizing residents. Victorians, Cape Cods and workers' cottages, often from over a century ago, range from $200,000 to $280,000, while newer styles fetch a higher price. Split-level, Colonial Revival, new traditional and modern Craftsman homes are the largest and most expensive, with prices between $300,000 and $620,000.
Three schools share one campus and have community support
Richmond Community School District is rated a B-plus by Niche, and children begin learning at Will L. Lee Elementary School, rated A-minus. Richmond Middle School and Richmond High School are both rated B. All three schools share one campus, with the district's athletic fields between the buildings. "The high school's softball program is incredible. The team sends multiple girls to play in college each year," Foster says. "People come to support them at games even if they don't have any personal connection to the players."
St. Augustine and St. Peter's are religious elementary schools in the city with Catholic or Lutheran affiliations.
Outdoor fun in every season at the park and on the Macomb Orchard Trail
Beebe Street Memorial Park is nearly 40 acres large, with sports courts, a rentable pavilion and a public pool. The annual summer festival happens at the park, and two lighted, outdoor ice-skating rinks are built there in winter. Macomb Orchard Trail is a paved multi-use trail on what was once an active railroad track. The trail spans over 23 miles west through Michigan townships and counties, officially starting in Richmond.
Local restaurants nearby and national retailers a few miles south
Main Street has the city's collection of stores and restaurants, including some fast-food chains and some locally owned eateries. Ken's Country Kitchen is a classic diner specializing in breakfast platters, build-your-own omelets and sweet items like pancakes, crepes and waffles. Shopping plazas at the city's southeast corner have more restaurants and national retailers, including Kroger, farming suppliers and dollar stores. Department stores, more grocers, home improvement centers and shopping strips are 10 miles south on Gratiot Avenue in Chesterfield Township.
Interstate 94 and Gratiot Avenue connect Richmond to Detroit
Interstate 94 is a main interstate of central Eastern Michigan, not far east of Richmond. Gratiot Avenue is another nearby main road, which goes south to Detroit, 40 miles away. "Richmond is removed but is close enough to the city's sports arenas, fine dining, concerts and museums," Foster says. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is about 60 miles south, and hospitals are northeast in Port Huron and southwest towards the southern end of Macomb County.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
