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Swansboro

Swansboro

$292,429 Average Value
$224 Average Price per Sq Ft
17 Homes For Sale

What attracts homebuyers to Swansboro

Swansboro is a changing neighborhood on Richmond ’s South Side, where residents have easy access to the James River and downtown. The area has a variety of early-1900s architecture, and it’s also a hotspot for new construction homes and townhouses, all for prices that are comparatively more affordable than nearby areas like Woodland Heights. Situated along Hull Street and Semmes Avenue, the neighborhood is a short drive or bike ride away from restaurants and parks, and commuters have easy access to several bridges leading to Downtown Richmond.

Swansboro features a range of architectural styles.
Swansboro features a range of architectural styles.
Swansboro is a historic neighborhood rich with life and vibrant character.
Swansboro is a historic neighborhood rich with life and vibrant character.
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A mix of classic architecture and new construction

Housing styles in Swansboro vary widely, reflecting how the neighborhood’s popular location is fueling new growth. There are plenty of older houses here with American Foursquare and Italianate architecture, and you’ll also find smaller bungalows in the mix. Many of these homes have been fully remodeled, but you can also find fixer-uppers if you want to add your personal touch. New construction homes and townhouses are sprinkled in here and there, often with architecture that draws inspiration from the neighborhood’s classic styles. Many houses are used as rental properties.

Many homes in Swansboro are bungalows.
Many homes in Swansboro are bungalows.
American Foursquares are common in Swansboro.
American Foursquares are common in Swansboro.
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What prices you can find in Swansboro

The median home sale price in Swansboro is in the mid-$300,000s, below Richmond’s overall median and that of Woodland Heights and Forest Hill, but above that of Reedy Creek and Swansboro West. “For people who are still looking for affordable houses that are close to the city or Chesterfield, it's a good location,” says Beth Wright, a Realtor with Fathom Realty Virginia who’s worked in real estate since 2008. You can find:

  • Fixer-uppers in the $100,000s
  • Single-family homes from the lower $200,000s to the lower $600,000s
  • Townhouses from the upper $100,000s to the lower $400,000s

An older neighborhood seeing new development and city investment

Swansboro is one of Richmond’s original streetcar suburbs, a history that’s reflected in the age of the area’s homes, but it’s also experiencing new home development and city investment. Wright says that the community has new sidewalks and streetlights, and that new construction is bringing more people to the community. “You have a lot of neighbors who have been there for a while,” she says. “So even though you will see a lot of new construction being done and houses that are being renovated, it still has that old-time charm.” She adds that the comparatively lower price point makes the area popular among young professionals who want to be close to downtown.

The GRTC bus system brings residents of Swansboro across Richmond.
The GRTC bus system brings residents of Swansboro across Richmond.

Driving, biking and transit options for daily commuters

Commuters can drive the roughly 2 miles to Downtown Richmond or to Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus in The Fan in around 10 minutes. You can bike to either within 20 minutes, which is also how long it takes on the Greater Richmond Transit Company bus. The neighborhood has sidewalks and is within walking distance of Manchester ’s dining scene, making it pedestrian-friendly.

Pig & Brew outside of Swansboro can satisfy your barbecue cravings.
Pig & Brew outside of Swansboro can satisfy your barbecue cravings.

Everyday errands and dining are a short drive away

Restaurants and other amenities are nearby in Manchester and Forest Hill. Manchester is home to restaurants like Pig and Brew, which serves barbecue, and Croaker’s Spot, which offers Southern soul food. There are more restaurants near Forest Hill Park, including Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream, a hip café that serves breakfast and lunch. Family Dollar and Dollar General are nearby, but for bigger grocery runs, you’ll have to travel to Super Fresh in Southside Plaza or to Farm Fresh in Shockoe Bottom.

Where to go for outdoor recreation nearby

There are several parks and recreational spaces in and around the neighborhood. These include:

  • Fonticello Park, a large green space with a skate park, a playground, tennis courts and a community garden that has a free farmstand on Wednesdays
  • Swansboro Pool, a free indoor swimming pool that’s open year-round
  • The James River Park System, an expansive network of access points to the James River featuring trails and kayak launches
  • Canoe Run Park, a grassy park with a walking track and a playground
  • Forest Hill Park, a popular hangout known for its sledding hill and the South of the James Farmers Market

Practice your kickflip at the skate park at Fonticello Park in Swansboro.
Practice your kickflip at the skate park at Fonticello Park in Swansboro.
The Fonticello Food Forest in Fonticello Park is a community garden.
The Fonticello Food Forest in Fonticello Park is a community garden.
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Which Richmond schools kids might attend

The Richmond Public Schools district serves the area. Depending on where they live, kids might attend one of three elementary schools, or they can apply to Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts, a charter elementary school nearby. Two middle schools serve the area: Thomas C. Boushall Middle School in British Camp Farms and River City Middle School in Elkhardt. Older kids will have to travel to Fairfield to attend Armstrong High School, or they can apply to specialty schools like Open High School in Oregon Hill.

Swansboro Elementary serves much of the neighborhood.
Swansboro Elementary serves much of the neighborhood.
Thomas C. Boushall Middle School campus serves part of the area.
Thomas C. Boushall Middle School campus serves part of the area.
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Annie Franklin
Written By
Annie Franklin
Alicia Helm
Photography Contributed By
Alicia Helm
Barry Ridgeway
Video By
Barry Ridgeway

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

20 min drive

Bus

Bainbridge & Clopton

Bus

Richmond HWY & Maury

Bus

Midlothian Pike & 29th

Bus

Hull & 25th

Bus

Bainbridge & 29th

Bus

Hull & 28th

Bus

Cowardin & Semmes

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
665
Number of Homes for Sale
17
Median Year Built
1935
Months of Supply
5.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,320
Significantly below the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,758
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
922
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356

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
5
Median Rent
$1,590
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,590
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,050
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,663
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,663
Median Condo Rent
$1,083
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,385

Demographics

Total Population
2,199
Median Age
43
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$45,670
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$59,426

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
80.5%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
39.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.5%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Moderately friendly

Walk Score®

60 / 100

Fairly friendly

Transit Score®

40 / 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
Swansboro
Ernie Chamberlain
Hometown Realty
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