Looking for the best places to live in the Richmond, VA area if you’re a biker? Here are some top options for you.
I’ve been riding road and mountain bikes in Virginia for over 15 years now. There are so many amazing places to live if you want to be able to ride out your front door!
Where to live for Mountain Biking in Richmond, VA
Richmond has miles and miles of amazing single track – certainly more than most people would expect. If you love mountain biking, you’re in the right city! Take a look at our major bike trail systems below.
And if you want to find more trails I can point you in the right direction, just shoot me an email. There are a few more lesser-known trail systems to enjoy as well! Shhhhhh…
The two major bike trail systems in Richmond are:
The James River Park System
Featuring 20 miles or so of single track built right next to the James River. Richmond is one of the only locations in the US to have these types of trails in its downtown area.
Don’t let that fool you, these are legitimate mountain biking trails in the heart of the city. Plus there is a skills park suitable for kids and riders building their skills! Check it out: https://jamesriverpark.org/trails/
Pocahontas State Park
Pocahontas has everything from old-school rake-and-ride technical trails, to machine-built flow trails with jumps and drops. The park itself has 3 different trail systems for you to enjoy! And if the 50 miles of single track isn’t enough for you, the park also has 60 miles of gravel fire roads – no cars just bikes and runners.
Pocahontas is the largest state park in all of Virginia, and should not be missed. Take a look at the amazingness here:
Where to live near the James River Park System (JRPS)
So where can you live if you want to be close to the JRPS trails? Of course there are many options, depending on your price point and what you’re looking for in a home. But here are some great places to start:
Forest Hill Park
A fun area of town with good vibes and good people. Some of the neighborhood mainstays include Little Nickel Restaurant, Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream, and the South of the James Farmers Market. Be sure to check out locally-owned Coqui bike shop for all your biking needs and detailed trail guidance!
Byrd Park
Home to one of the best 4th of July fireworks displays in Richmond, right next to historic Carytown for shopping and dining, and best of all, ride right down through the Dogwood Dell Trails onto the Northbank mountain bike trail in the JRPS.
Where to Live Near Pocahontas State Park
Fancy a home closer to Pocahontas, maybe something more rural? There are homes suitable for every price point and type of living, but here is one great place to start:
The Highlands
A 3-minute drive from Pocahontas State Park, this planned community of over 3,000 aces gives you a rural feel but is close to everything. The Highlands has lot sizes from 1-5 acres, its own 18-hole golf course, community lakes, a pool and tennis club, walking trails, and more. Did I mention it’s 3 minutes from Pocahontas?
Where to live for Road Biking in Richmond, VA
Richmond, VA is loaded with places to take your bike out for a nice road ride. Urban, rural, something by the river – it’s all available to you.
The Capital Trail
One of the best biking resources available to riders and families anywhere in Virginia – arguably amongst the best in the United States! The Capital Trail is 51.7 miles of fully-paved fun that runs from Richmond to Williamsburg. It’s gorgeous, scenic, and you don’t have to contend with cars. Ride out and back to complete your century! Click here to check it out.
Where else can I road bike? – RABA Weekly rides
The Richmond Area Bicycling Association is a great place to check if you’re new to Richmond. Pick a location, time, and ride distance, and go!
Where to live near the Capital Trail
Rocketts Landing
With riverfront living steps from the Capital Trail, Rocketts Landing features restaurants, new urban living, and more. Here you can ride your bike, take your boat on the river, or be in downtown Richmond in 5 minutes. What more could you ask for? Be sure to check out The Boathouse for great food and even better views of the James River.
Church Hill
This historic district known for Patrick Henry’s Give me Liberty or Give me Death speech has a small community feel, restaurants, and boutique shops. You’re also steps from Shockoe Bottom and a short ride to the head of the Capital Trail. Be sure to check out Alewife, voted one of the best new Restuarants in America by Southern Living Magazine, GQ, Esquire, and more.
More places to ride your road bike in Richmond, VA
From Ashland to Goochland to Varina and beyond, there are rural areas all over RVA for great road biking! There probably aren’t many areas in RVA that I haven’t ridden at some point. If you find an area of town that feels right to you, give me a call, I’d love to talk to you about riding in this amazing city!
Author – Bryan Krupp
Bryan is a partner at The Beran Group, a real estate team of over 20 agents and the #1 team at Shaheen, Ruth, Martin & Fonville in Richmond, VA.
Bryan started his career at Philip Morris, later Altria, and left the corporate world for Real Estate in 2019. He has lived in Richmond for over 30 years, it is home. He received his undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) and his MBA from The University of Richmond.
Bryan is responsible for Beran Group strategy, marketing, and operations. When he isn’t working he enjoys biking, squash, and spending time with his family.
Editor – Mair Downing
Mair Downing is the editor at BeranGroupHomes.com. She oversees the development and creation of all of our articles, so if you like them, be sure to let her know!
Mair is also an amazing Realtor with The Beran Group. She’s never met a stranger, so it’s no surprise if you feel like old friends after the first meeting. Mair is passionate about helping sellers and buyers navigate the sometimes complex world of real estate. She is experienced in helping clients buy, sell, invest and rehab-to-sell. Mair is a born problem solver and relationship builder, which helps to make transactions go smoothly!