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Jackson Ward

Jackson Ward

Neighborhood Reviews
3.5
$404,624 Average Value
$219 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

A rich history in Jackson Ward

Jackson Ward is a community of open arms. The rich history serves as the groundwork that draws residents together, determined to preserve their neighborhood’s future. With live music pouring down the street, neighbors chatting on a stoop, and the scent of soul food wafting into the air, Jackson Ward presents itself as a flurry of senses enriched in culture and history. The neighborhood is a 42-square block located in the Northern section of downtown Richmond. Known as “The Harlem of the South,” Jackson Ward played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement and broader desegregation efforts in Richmond, leaving the community packed with historical landmarks and a proud local culture. With Interstate 95 just to the North and two major roads to the South and West, this neighborhood is easily accessible to the city’s busy downtown region, while still granting the feeling of an independent community.

1800s architecture from townhomes to Greek revivals

The area offers a variety of housing possibilities, primarily catering to single families and renters. A large portion of Jackson Ward’s residential makeup is preserved from the 1800s and consists primarily of townhomes. Visitors will also come across some Federal-style cottages and Greek-revival homes. Historic Richmond, a local nonprofit determined to protect the foundation of Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods, actively revives houses across historic Richmond in order to modernize them for current residents. Jackson Ward’s Meredith House serves as one of their most transformative projects, as the location has been restored after its previous foreclosure.

Historic sites and local soul food joints

Inspiring residents, the streets are full of historic pitstops paying homage to Jackson Wards’ very own heroes and change-makers. Visitors can walk through the memorialized home of Maggie Lena Walker, the country’s first African American woman to be the principal founder of The St. Lute Penny Savings Bank. The Hippodrome Theater, preserved since 1914, continues to entertain audiences on the same stage Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong once graced. Jackson Ward also hosts The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. There, guests can gather a deeper understanding of the historical successes and struggles of the black community, with a focus on Jackson Ward.

Mama J’s Restaurant is a legendary spot for residents. Velma Johnson (“Mama J”) hopes visitors get the same feeling as going to grandma’s house for Sunday dinner. Legend proves reliable, as Mama J’s is recognized by national magazines such as Food & Wine, Forbes, and Style Weekly. Big Herm’s is another hot-spot, popular for its convenient take-out—for when comfort food is an urgent necessity. Additionally, Jamaica House Restaurant offers traditional Jamaican cuisine behind a colorful storefront.

An active art scene and youth programs

Richmond’s art district borders Jackson Ward, allowing its influence to bleed into the neighborhood. In many areas of the city, local artists cover empty brick walls with colorful tributes. Gallery5, based in a remodeled firehouse from 1867, hosts weekend art events and exhibitions. Art 180 serves as a local nonprofit which promotes creativity amongst the community and provides a safe space for youth.

Jackson Ward youth also have the opportunity to learn entrepreneurial skills through The Hustle & Motivate Fundraiser. Organized by Richmond rapper B Lovee, Hustle & Motivate spreads education on financial management and communication skills in order to assist young people in need. The program also works to ensure youth access to a state ID, as well as open accounts for them at Richmond’s Heritage Bank.

Recreation and community events at Abner Clay Park

Situated in the center of Jackson Ward, Abner Clay Park provides a spacious getaway from the raw energy of the city. The park features a vast lawn fit for leisurely walks and lunches, as well as a playground and nearby rotunda for residents young and old to enjoy. The park often hosts a variety of community events such as the annual Soul Vegan Block Party. This event promotes a plant-based lifestyle amongst attendees while embracing the community’s cultural ties to southern soul food. The park also hosts the Down Home Family Reunion, an annual program aimed towards celebrating African American folklife through music and dance. Set up as an open-air market, this reunion gives a platform to small business exhibitors and promotes local community-service efforts.

A non-traditional schooling option at Richmond Alternative School

Aiming to assist younger students who face struggles in a traditional public-school environment, Jackson Ward offers students across the city enrollment at Richmond Alternative School. Regardless of academic background, the Alternative School provides students with temporary remedial assistance when deemed necessary by the students’ parents and/or teachers. The location also provides older students with a chance to receive a GED and other vocational skills in order to fulfill academic requirements in a manner best suited to their strengths.

Major area employers and access to I-95

The Richmond area provides many opportunities for employment from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses alike. Residents have easy walking and driving access to Richmond’s City Center and Central Office District, both hosting a slew of financial institutions and corporations. Residents are also close to Interstate 95, allowing for convenient commuting all over the city. Jackson Ward’s legacy of internal entrepreneurship offers residents a competitive environment of small business ventures supported by a strong sense of community pride.

Elise Steele
Written By
Elise Steele
Alex Gray
Photography Contributed By
Alex Gray
Timothy Cerva
Video By
Timothy Cerva

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Scott Garnett, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Richmond International

17 min drive

Bus

1st & Duval

Bus

1st & Marshall

Bus

Chamberlayne & Price

Bus

Arts District Eastbound Station

Bus

Broad & Adams

Bus

1st & Clay

Bus

Broad & Henry

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.5 2 Reviews
3.0 Niche User
1/19/2016 Niche Review
Security could be better, especially with violent homeless people that are around
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Jackson Ward US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 8 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Jackson Ward Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$439,000
Median Sale Price
$415,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$415,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Last 12 months Home Sales
25
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
246%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$219

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
386
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1900
Months of Supply
0.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,890
On par with the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,205
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,110
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
693
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,178

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    2 - 4pm

    106 W Jackson St, Richmond, VA 23220

    $449,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,573 Sq Ft
    • 106 W Jackson St
    • New 7 days ago

    MOVE-IN READY ROWHOUSE WITH 2-CAR DETACHED GARAGE IN JACKSON WARD! This updated, 2005 built, 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, brick-front Rowhouse combines modern construction with a respect for old world charm offering 9 ft ceilings, oak hardwood flooring, crown moldings & historic-look windows. Step from the full front porch into the bright & spacious Dining Room which opens to the Granite & Stainless

    Susan Fisher Long & Foster REALTORS

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Scott Garnett, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,251
Median Age
33
Population Density
19 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$36,759
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$53,993

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.6%
College Graduates
56.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
5''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

79 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

96 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

62 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Jackson Ward