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Shockoe Bottom

Shockoe Bottom

3.8
$493,054 Average Value
$286 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale

Shockoe Bottom's cobblestone streets along the James River

One of Richmond's oldest neighborhoods, Shockoe Bottom lies just east of Downtown Richmond, with cobblestone streets and converted warehouses serving as the backdrop of daily life. The area grew as a commercial hub along the James River, and today its industrial buildings have become residential lofts, particularly along Tobacco Row. Walkability is one of Shockoe Bottom's main draws, with restaurants, shops and museums clustered throughout the area. The Canal Walk follows the James River and Kanawha Canal for over a mile, providing a scenic path with murals and green space. Historic landmarks like Main Street Station and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum sit alongside gathering spots such as the 17th Street Market, one of the oldest public markets in the country.

Converted industrial buildings make up the housing scene

The neighborhood's housing scene is largely comprised of condos, many located in converted industrial and commercial buildings. The Broom Factory Condominiums, originally built in 1921, features high ceilings, oversized steel-framed windows and industrial details. Shockoe Valley Lofts carries similar character with exposed brick, wooden beams and hardwood floors. Historic loft-style units are most common, but you can find some new construction along 20th Street. Units typically range from the mid-$200,000s to the low $400,000s, and prices increase with square footage and modern renovations. With a median price of around $390,000, Shockoe Bottom tends to be more affordable than nearby neighborhoods like Church Hill and Union Hill, which have medians of $550,000 and $400,000, respectively. The area's architecture reflects its storied past as one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. “So many people in Richmond today are really engaged with its history and want to understand it,” says Jacqueline Drayer, city historian at The Valentine Museum. “To have that whole history is really meaningful.”

Most home options in Shockoe Bottom consist of historic properties.
Most home options in Shockoe Bottom consist of historic properties.
Historic row houses can be found throughout the neighborhood.
Historic row houses can be found throughout the neighborhood.
Historic buildings have been reimagined into high-end apartments in the area.
Historic buildings have been reimagined into high-end apartments in the area.
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Shockoe Bottom's shops and restaurants

Shockoe Bottom has a diverse dining scene, and many restaurants are housed in repurposed historic buildings. “It’s a vibrant part of the city in terms of dining, and it seems like every day there are more small, local businesses popping up,” says John O'Connor, a Richmond native and Realtor with Virginia Capital Realty. Main, Franklin and 17th-streets are lined with businesses, with local favorites like:

  • Havana 59, which serves Cuban-style fare and specialty cocktails
  • Ironclad Coffee Roasters, offering specialty coffee roasted in-house in a historic fire station
  • Miyabi Sushi, serving sake, specialty rolls and other traditional Japanese dishes.
  • Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse, an upscale eatery in a renovated tobacco warehouse on Cary Street
The neighborhood also has an active nightlife scene, with popular bars like Rosie Connolly's Pub, McCormack's Irish Pub and Patrick Henry's Pub & Grille. For groceries, you can swing by Farm Fresh on Main Street or take the 3-mile drive down Broad Street to Kroger. Additionally, the historic 17th Street Market hosts farmers markets, antique shows and other events throughout the year.

Miyabi Sushi in Shockoe Bottom has plenty of seating for its patrons.
Miyabi Sushi in Shockoe Bottom has plenty of seating for its patrons.
Ironclad Coffee Roasters is a local favorite.
Ironclad Coffee Roasters is a local favorite.
Union Market offers delicious food and pleasant outdoor dining in Shockoe Bottom.
Union Market offers delicious food and pleasant outdoor dining in Shockoe Bottom.
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Outdoor recreation along the James

Shockoe Bottom has direct access to some of Richmond's most popular outdoor spaces along the James River. Great Shiplock Park sits at the eastern end of the Kanawha Canal, offering fishing spots and access to the Richmond Canal Walk. The park also marks the western starting point of the Virginia Capital Trail, a paved pedestrian and biking trail stretching over 50 miles from Richmond to Jamestown. Nearby, Jefferson Park has a playground, open space and hillside views of the downtown skyline.

The Poe Museum in Shockoe Bottom commemorates the time Edgar Allan Poe lived in Richmond.
The Poe Museum in Shockoe Bottom commemorates the time Edgar Allan Poe lived in Richmond.
The beautiful 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail runs directly through Shockoe Bottom.
The beautiful 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail runs directly through Shockoe Bottom.
Great Shiplock Park is a quiet oasis right in Shockoe Bottom.
Great Shiplock Park is a quiet oasis right in Shockoe Bottom.
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Shockoe Bottom's interstates, trains and bus rapid transit

The neighborhood has direct access to Interstate 95 for north-south travel and Interstate 64 for east-west connections. Main Street and Broad Street are the main routes through the neighborhood, offering access to Downtown Richmond, VCU and The Fan. The Greater Richmond Transit Company operates bus routes throughout the city, with stops along Main Street, Broad Street and Jefferson Avenue. GRTC's Pulse line is a rapid transit option down Main and Broad, stretching from Willow Lawn to Rocketts Landing. The neighborhood is also home to Main Street Station, a historic train station and event venue with Amtrak service along the Northeast Corridor. For long distance travel, Richmond International Airport is roughly 7 miles east.

Enjoy amazing views before catching the Amtrack at Main Street Station in Shockoe Bottom.
Enjoy amazing views before catching the Amtrack at Main Street Station in Shockoe Bottom.
Public transportation connects Shockoe Bottom with greater Richmond.
Public transportation connects Shockoe Bottom with greater Richmond.
Main Street Station is a historic landmark in the heart of Shockoe Bottom.
Main Street Station is a historic landmark in the heart of Shockoe Bottom.
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Mitigating flood risk in Shockoe Bottom

Shockoe Bottom’s elevation and proximity to the James River mean most of the neighborhood is in a flood zone. Here is what potential buyers should know about the area's flood risk:

  • The community is one of the lowest-elevation neighborhoods in Richmond and has a higher flood risk compared to nearby communities like Church Hill and Union Hill.
  • Shockoe Bottom is in FEMA Flood Zone AE, making it a regulatory floodway with a higher-than-average risk.
  • Home loans in higher-risk areas often require flood insurance.
  • Richmond’s floodwall was built along the James in 1995, providing additional protection from 12th Street to 21st Street.

Jillian Pillow
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Todd Masinter
Photography Contributed By
Todd Masinter
Matthew Bloch
Video By
Matthew Bloch

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Richmond International

14 min drive

Bus

Main & 21st

Bus

23rd & Franklin

Bus

Main & 18th

Bus

Main & 25th

Bus

Main & 26th

Bus

Broad & 19th

Bus

Richmond (Main St Station Plaza)

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.8 13 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
8/15/2014 Niche Review
There are mostly brown stone homes, I guess. They are up in the Church Hill section of the city. I preside mostly near waterfront lofts.
4.0 Niche User
8/15/2014 Niche Review
There is definitely police visibility, especially on the weekends. I overall feel pretty safe walking down my street, even at night time. There is very good lighting
3.0 Niche User
8/15/2014 Niche Review
The mall is WAY... too far, but I think I'm ok with that. This is where I cbose to live, and the businesses that are close, such as our grocery store and drug store, are top notch!
4.0 Niche User
7/30/2015 Niche Review
It's on the up and up. I think it'll be awesome in the next 10 years.
Are you familiar with the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Shockoe Bottom US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 8 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 7 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
93
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Median Year Built
2004
Months of Supply
7.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,071
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,688
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,458
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
951
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,742

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
7
Median Rent
$1,500
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,700
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,700
Median Condo Rent
$1,400
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,845

Demographics

Total Population
4,244
Median Age
34
Population Density
23 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.1%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$72,785
Below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$100,565

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.5%
College Graduates
70.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.5%
% Population in Labor Force
85.1%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
20''

Area Factors

Fairly bikeable

Bikeability®

50 / 100

Moderately walkable

Walkability®

70 / 100

Good public transit

Transit®

60 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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
Shockoe Bottom
Jacque Vaughan
Mint Door Realty
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