Hioaks - Richmond, VA Area Guide

Hioaks lies within the Richmond City limits. The city of Richmond has a deep and rich history extending back to the colonial period. The city was founded in 1737 and established as the Central Virginia trading destination for settlers and traders. The city was founded on the James River, which serves as a major river providing access to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. As the city has grown, Hioaks has also expanded with the development of CJW Medical Center at the heart of the neighborhood.

The rich history of Richmond can be discovered by residents with a visit to a number of historical museums and societies. The Science Museum of Virginia and the Children's Museum of Richmond provide an outlet for all your creative juices and are located just a few miles from Hioaks. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens hosts annual events such as holiday lights and spring celebrations.

Countless dining options surround the neighborhood of Hioaks. The family and date-night options include many chains located near Midlothian Turnpike, though residents can find many locally owned restaurants scattered through the area as well. A local favorite, the unpretentious Chicken Fiesta serves up Tex-Mex dishes that will please your stomach and your wallet — and very quickly too. The most popular menu item, the rotisserie chicken is a staple of many Tex-Mex dishes, but the flavors make Chicken Fiesta's dishes unique. As an added bonus, Chicken Fiesta offers delivery service.

Locals frequent the very laid-back O'Toole's Restaurant & Pub to release some stress and enjoy evening and weekend beverages.

The Greater Richmond Transit Company services Hioaks, and residents have several local bus transit stops, allowing access to downtown Richmond for a one-way fare of $1.50.

Local taxi service can be hailed via phone, and pickups can be found near the CJW Medical Center and along Midlothian Turnpike, a major traffic artery that leads into downtown Richmond. Parking can be found along the neighborhood streets in Hioaks, and free parking remains available at all shopping plazas. Visitors also take advantage of available valet parking.

The Powhite Parkway borders the northern edge of Hioaks and grants residents access to communities lying along the bypass interstate system. To the west, you can access Chippenham Parkway which leads toward the Richmond International Airport and south-eastern Richmond communities. It acts as a bypass for commuters and travelers around the busy city roadways.

Hioaks contains one family- and dog-friendly park. Powhite Park contains walking and jogging paths and nature trails, making it the go-to park for exercise-minded individuals. Locals also visit to enjoy relaxing walks through the tree-filled park that has a small waterway running through it.

Richmond hosts several International festivals annually, including an international music festival each January. The wine and beer expos give residents fun outdoor events and the chance to experience the newest tastes and flavors from local and international vendors in an entertaining outdoor atmosphere each spring and fall.

The cost of living in Hioaks sits 5.2 percent lower than the Richmond average, and nearly.1 percent above the national average. The diverse mix of national retailers and grocery chains make Hioaks an affordable place to raise a family. It costs you $1.50 via public bus to reach downtown Richmond. A taxi service costs around $15 due to the distance and possible tolls. One-bedroom apartments cost an average of $751, thanks to an abundance of apartment complexes near the main shopping hubs and along Midlothian Turnpike, a major traffic artery. The typical price of a pint of beer costs about $4 at any of the local bars and restaurants. Gas prices sit 7.3 percent below the national average, which remains consistent with most suburban residential central Virginia neighborhoods in Henrico County.

Shoppers delight in the numerous national and local retailers that abound throughout the city of Richmond and the Hioaks area. Kroger, Whole Foods and Wal-Mart all have locations within the Hioaks area. National retailers make The Stony Point Fashion Park their home. Saks Fifth Avenue, Brooks Brothers and Sunglass Hut all take up residence there.

Locals looking to find a few off-the-rack boutique pieces have plentiful options as well. Love of Jesus Thrift Store sits along Midlothian Turnpike, and provides the thrifty shopper an outlet for those unique clothing choices and hand-me-downs that you cannot find in a national retail chain.

Sterling Boutique gives shoppers unique and elegant designs with a classy flair. They offer customers a wide selection of affordable and unique jewelry, which is handmade and sure to be the perfect statement piece for any occasion.

The South of the James Market provides farm-to-table choices for Richmond residents. In the winter, the market caters to the same residents but provides cold weather-friendly options as the farms west of Richmond change their crop production for the seasons.