Piney Knolls - Richmond, VA

Like many cities in Virginia, Richmond has a long, rich history. Before Captain Christopher Newport founded the area in 1607, Powhatan Native Americans inhabited the region. The city played an important role in the Revolutionary War. After the Civil War, the city emerged as an epicenter of economic growth, with the introduction of railroads, tobacco processing and the development of an electric trolley system all contributing to Richmond's industrial growth and the population boom that created outlying neighborhoods such as Piney Knolls.

For the most variety, head into downtown Richmond to discover numerous historic sites, museums, galleries and festivals, such as the Richmond Jazz Festival. When you want to stay closer to home, check out nearby galleries such as Karselis Arts, a sculpture gallery in Chesterfield. Nearby museums include The Children’s Museum in Midlothian and the Magnolia Grange Museum, a plantation home in Chesterfield that brings area history to life.

The dining and nightlife scene surrounding Piney Knolls reflects its residents’ diversity.

Not only does La Milpa serve some of the most authentic Mexican food, it also has a large market and hosts periodic cultural events and programs to celebrate Mexican culture, making each trip a unique experience. Choose from house specials such as carne asada burritos, tacos al pastor, flautas and caldo de res soup. It also has a salsa bar that allows you to explore new salsas, with options ranging from mild to caliente. From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., this establishment features a "make your own combination" special with all $2 items. Another option for fabulous Latin food, La Buena Cocina Restaurante Y Taqueria, offers weekday specials that include dollar tacos on Mondays and dollar pupusas on Tuesdays.

For Chinese food who's taste won't disappoint head to Lucky Chinese Restaurant on Walmsley Boulevard. This local favorite also offers delivery, but regulars recommend dining in to enjoy the ambiance. Make sure to try their won ton soup or their famous shrimp fried rice.

With no nightlife in the area most locals head to nearby areas or downtown Richmond to listen to live music or grab a drink. When you want live music, take a trip downtown to clubs such as Canal Club, a music venue with live music every weekend. In addition to the stage, the club also has a restaurant and dive bar, all housed in an old warehouse. For a more casual night out, O'Toole's Restaurant and Pub in the Forest Hill neighborhood may be more up your alley. This laid-back neighborhood pub features a varied menu that includes everything from fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage to prime rib and crab cakes. It also provides live music, plenty of televisions to watch the big game or race and fabulous daily specials, such as all-you-can-eat ribs on Mondays and half-priced burgers on Tuesdays.

Piney Knolls residents have easy access to major roadways and several public transportation options that make it easy to navigate the area.

GRTC Transit System operates local and express buses from Chippenham Square or Chippenham Mall to downtown Richmond with stops at Spring Rock Green, Southside Plaza and the Transfer Plaza, where you can switch to another route to travel to regional destinations, including University of Richmond, Regency Square Mall or the Shops at White Oak Village. For rail service, Richmond residents can take Amtrak from downtown Richmond to nearly anywhere in the U.S., including Union Station in Washington D.C. Alternatively, arrange a ride with a local cab company or Uber.

Although many people take advantage of public transportation, most Piney Knolls residents drive to work every day. Although Hull Street Road is the closest major roadway, residents can choose from several other major highways located nearby, including Chippenham Parkway, Midlothian Turnpike, Powhite Parkway and Interstate 95. With ample on- and off-street parking, you shouldn’t have any problems finding a spot.

You won’t find many of your neighbors walking in this car-dependent neighborhood, but you might see them out and about on their bikes. Snead Road, which runs right through the neighborhood, Warwick Road, Whitehead Road and Virginia State Route 10 all have dedicated bike lanes.

While you won't find any parks right in the neighborhood, you only need to travel a short distance to find plenty of green space. One of the closest options, Powhite Park sits less than 5 miles away, nestled near CJW Medical Center and busy roadways. With more than 100 acres of wilderness, this lovely park has plenty of wildlife-viewing opportunities in addition to miles of interconnected multiuse trails, perfect for getting some exercise, biking or walking your dog.

Rockwood Park has numerous sports fields, an archery range, basketball and tennis courts, a walking trail, a playground and a dog park. The park's nature center hosts periodic events and live nature exhibits in addition to providing educational programs for children, adults and families. Ruff House Dog Park allows off-leash playtime and exercise for your pup, while the park's nature center hosts periodic events and live nature exhibits in addition to providing educational programs for children, adults and families.

Life in Piney Knolls generally costs nearly 4 percent less than the average for Richmond, thanks largely to the neighborhood's lower housing costs. The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the Piney Knolls area runs approximately $608 a month. If you enjoy going out to grab a beer at local pubs, expect to pay around $5 for a pint.

Commuters enjoy reasonable transportation costs in the area. Gas prices in Piney Knolls hovers nearly 17 percent below the national average. Local public transportation also remains reasonably priced. GRTC charges $1.50 each way for local bus service and $2 for express buses. One-way Amtrak fare from Richmond to Washington D.C. costs $34 to $67, depending on your preferences.

Compared to downtown Richmond, Piney Knolls has a limited selection of shops. Although most of the options right in the neighborhood along Hull Street Road include car dealerships, auto part shops, mower sales and tool shops, residents don’t need to drive too far to find something special.

For example, The Red Skirt Consignment Boutique, located about five miles away in the Manchester neighborhood, carries brand-name women's apparel, shoes and accessories at affordable prices. Although the selection can be hit or miss, you might find pieces from well-known brands, including Anne Klein, Jones New York and Ralph Lauren. Another option, Bougique Boutique, located less than 10 miles away in nearby Midlothian, specializes in treasures with a distinctly vintage and European flair. This charming boutique carries a variety of goods, including unique artwork and home decor pottery and vintage jewelry.

Before you plant your garden or plan your flowerbeds, stop into Strange's Florist, Greenhouse and Garden Center, which Virginia Living Magazine voted as the best florist and garden center in the region. Located in the neighborhood, this expansive garden center carries everything from fresh arrangements to planters, annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs. The friendly staff can answer any of your questions and direct you to specific products to solve your problems. If you need herbs to deter bugs or fertilizer for your turf, someone can help direct you to the best solution.

Neighborhood grocery stores include Kroger on Tim Price Way and Food Lion on Hull Street Road. Additionally, residents can also choose from a few nearby ethnic markets such as Taj Mahal Indian Grocery, Latino grocery store Big Apple Supermarket on Jefferson Davis Highway and Jerusalem Market and Deli. Nearby farmers markets include South of the James Market and La Plaza Latino Farmer's Market.