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Union Hill

Union Hill

$427,058 Average Value
$242 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

Union Hill's historic streets and skyline views

Perched atop a hill overlooking Downtown Richmond and Shockoe Bottom, Union Hill is a historic neighborhood known for its walkability, established architecture and local business scene. The community was established in the early 1800s, with Victorian and Italianate rowhomes defining the local housing market. While most of Richmond follows a gridded street pattern, Union Hill's streets and brick sidewalks follow the rolling terrain, giving the area a distinct feel apart from nearby communities like Church Hill and Shockoe. Green spaces throughout the neighborhood offer expansive views of the downtown skyline, and local bakeries, cafes and restaurants line nearby streets.

Italianate-style homes with decorative corbels offer functionality mixed with luxury.
Italianate-style homes with decorative corbels offer functionality mixed with luxury.
Historic St. Johns Church is nearby in Church Hill.
Historic St. Johns Church is nearby in Church Hill.
Front porches for socializing are a popular feature for homes in Union Hill.
Front porches for socializing are a popular feature for homes in Union Hill.
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Century-old Victorians with historic touches

Union Hill is a designated historic district, with most homes dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Victorian and Italianate rowhomes are common, many featuring original details like pine floors, exposed brick and ornate exterior adornments. Houses sit close together on small lots, and quaint backyards typically have just enough room for a deck and a small garden. Homes typically range from the mid-$100,000s to the mid-$600,000s, but you can find the occasional restored historic build for over $700,000. “For people who are willing to put in a little sweat equity, there are some real bargains in Union Hill,” says Daphne MacDougall, a Realtor with the Steele Group in Richmond with over 20 years of experience. “And there are also plenty of homes that have been updated that are basically turn-key.” With a median of roughly $410,000, the community tends to be more affordable compared to nearby neighborhoods like Church Hill and Chimborazo, which have medians of $550,000 and $490,000, respectively.

Unique architecture to take advantage of small lots speckle the neighborhood of Union Hill.
Unique architecture to take advantage of small lots speckle the neighborhood of Union Hill.
Newer homes that honor the neighborhood aesthetics appear throughout Union Hill.
Newer homes that honor the neighborhood aesthetics appear throughout Union Hill.
Row houses in Union Hill are seen throughout the neighborhood.
Row houses in Union Hill are seen throughout the neighborhood.
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Public and private school options in Union Hill

The neighborhood is served by Richmond Public Schools, and local students may attend Henry L. Marsh III Elementary before moving on to Martin Luther King Jr. Middle and Armstrong High. The district also has application-based alternatives, including Open High School, rated A-plus by Niche. Known as the "school without walls," it offers Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses along with a community service requirement. Private options include Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School, which is tuition free.

Hilltop parks with skyline and river views

From one of the highest points in Richmond, Union Hill has easy access to scenic public parks. When you're looking to spend some time outside, you can visit spots like:

  • Jefferson Park, home to a playground, benches and panoramic views of the downtown skyline
  • Grace Street Park, a nearby open space next to the Church Hill Overlook
  • Chimborazo Park, known for its wooded walking trails, city views and spacious dog park
  • The Virginia Capital Trail, a 50-mile paved path connecting Richmond to Jamestown, just a few blocks south of Union Hill.

Jefferson Park is a scenic space offering playgrounds city views
Jefferson Park is a scenic space offering playgrounds city views
St John's Church where Patrick Henry gave his
St John's Church where Patrick Henry gave his "Give me liberty" speech has reenactments.
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Union Hill's local eats, drinks and shops

Jefferson Avenue serves as the community's main business district, and all households are within a half-mile walk. For a bite to eat, local favorites include:

  • Sub Rosa Bakery, a wood-fired oven bakery crafting bread and pastries
  • Union Market, a neighborhood market and restaurant with sandwiches, salads, craft beer and wine
  • The Emerald Lounge, a tropical-themed cocktail bar with rum and agave-focused drinks and a small selection of snacks and handhelds
  • Fat Rabit, a quaint bakery offering coffee, custom cakes and unique baked goods
  • Spotty Dog, a popular creamery with rotating scratch-made flavors using locally sourced dairy
Additionally, 3S Yoga is a locally owned studio at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and 24th Street with private and group classes. For groceries and essentials, you can swing by Farm Fresh on Main Street or take the short drive west along Broad Street to Kroger or Whole Foods.

Union Market sells craft beers and wine, meat, and cheeses for a picnic in Union Hill.
Union Market sells craft beers and wine, meat, and cheeses for a picnic in Union Hill.
With its vibrant atmosphere and large patio seating available, Kahlo's serves Union Hill diners.
With its vibrant atmosphere and large patio seating available, Kahlo's serves Union Hill diners.
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Bus stops offer free transit across the area.
Bus stops offer free transit across the area.

Walkable streets with easy access to transit

Union Hill lies around a mile away from Downtown Richmond, with Broad Street offering the most direct route. Bikers can take the Virginia Capital Trail downtown and to the Canal Walk. The Greater Richmond Transit Company operates bus routes across the city and surrounding areas, with stops in the neighborhood along Venable Street, Jefferson Avenue and Mosby Street. Interstates 95 and 64 lie just outside of the community, offering easy access across the Greater Richmond area. Main Street Station provides rail service in nearby Shockoe Bottom, while Richmond International Airport is roughly 8 miles east.

Jillian Pillow
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Bob Fortner
Photography Contributed By
Bob Fortner
Jacob Branchaud
Video By
Jacob Branchaud

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

13 min drive

Bus

Venable & 22nd

Bus

Jefferson & 23rd

Bus

25th & Venable

Bus

Mosby & Venable

Bus

25th & Jefferson

Bus

Venable & Pink

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
366
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
1910
Months of Supply
2.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,702
Below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,833
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,074
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,613

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
1
Median Rent
$2,300
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,350
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,400

Demographics

Total Population
1,267
Median Age
37
Population Density
17 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$56,009
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$87,806

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
80.3%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
41.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.5%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

60 / 100

Very walkable

Walkability®

80 / 100

Some public transit

Transit®

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
Union Hill