Southwood - Richmond, VA

Neighborhoods south of the James River spread originally from Manchester, a community that sprang up across the river from Richmond. Both settlements owe their origins to the falls of the James, which halted upstream traffic. The Mayo Bridge became the first bridge to span the river in 1784, joining the north and south bank communities.

Manchester became part of Richmond in 1910, and the city annexed an area that included Southwood in 1970. Soon thereafter, forced school busing and integration spurred many to move to the suburbs.

To enjoy art and museums, Southwood residents head downtown. In Manchester, they can visit the Richmond Railroad Museum and Art Works galleries. Just across the river, they can take in popular annual music and culture festivals, including Fridays at Sunset, Dominion Riverrock, Friday Cheers and the Richmond Folk Festival.

Casual and fast food restaurants dominate the neighborhood, including many small international dining spots, all located along the Hull Street corridor.

Taqueria el Tacorrey perches just beside Hull Street in an unassuming little food truck, but don't let the façade fool you. That truck stays packed full of fresh ingredients, spices and the knowledge of what makes authentic Mexican cuisine. Burritos, tacos or tostados with beef, pork, spicy chicken or chorizo - all are generously filled and bursting with flavors. The spicy chicken tacos come in a set of three. The meat has a mild kick to it and comes topped with cheese, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream and cilantro. Tacos come served with three slices of juicy lime and a spicy green sauce. The take-away food can be enjoyed at home, if you can keep from gobbling it up immediately.

If you'd prefer to have your food at a sit-down restaurant, head to La Casita, which has a Salvadorian and Mexican focus. Local favorites include the homemade papusas, thick corn tortillas filled with a ground mix of cheese, meat and refried beans; carne asada, flavorful marinated beef; and huevos con chorizo, eggs with chili-spiced sausage.

For Salvadoran nightlife, head to La Pirraya. The bar features cocktails, beer, live music and Salvadoran cuisine. The 804 Bar and Lounge also serves adult beverages and occasional entertainment.

On your own two wheels or as a spectator, you can enjoy your evening experience at Skateland. Besides family-friendly skate times, Skateland features adult-only skating on Sundays from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Because most errands from Southwood require a car, the neighborhood ranks low on the walkability scale. Most stretches of the main roads in the area have sidewalks or pathways for pedestrians but not bike lanes. Cars remain the most common way to get around, supplemented by convenient public transportation on the GRTC Transit System buses. Cabs can be summoned by phone, or Uber drivers can be hailed using the handy app.

Apartment complexes and businesses provide plenty of free parking. The Richmond highway system can be accessed via Chippenham Parkway, a little under 3 miles to the west, or via Hull Street to I-95, a little over 4 miles east.

South Richmond’s largest park, Forest Hill Park, waits to entertain you less than 3 miles from Southwood. This historic property, which was home to an amusement park in the early 1900s, now hosts a playground, picnic shelters, tennis courts, paved walking paths, wooded trails and a lake. The rolling fields of the park provide a bucolic setting throughout the year and attracts sledders on those rare days when snow hits Richmond. Each summer, the park presents concerts on Sunday afternoons. Every Saturday morning throughout the year, vendors peddle their wares at the South of the James farmers market. Forest Hill Park charges no fee for usage and welcomes leashed dogs.

Just beyond Forest Hill Park lies the James River Park System, a swath of undeveloped land beside the river. Several scattered parking lots provide a launch point for park exploration. Loose-gravel trails appeal to walkers, including parents with strollers, while many miles of challenging singletrack trails appeal to serious mountain bikers and trail runners. If water is your element, you can rock-hop, sunbathe or splash in the shallows of the river. Be careful during high water, though, because the river currents can be strong. Parking and park usage are free, and leashed dogs are welcome.

The city’s exercise trail, the Vitacourse at Byrd Park, is approximately 5 miles from Southwood.

The cost of living in Southwood rests lower than the city average. Median rent for a one-bedroom residence hovers around $650, and the price of a beer at a local pub is $2 for typical domestic happy hour prices. A bucket of six imported beers costs $20 total at happy hour.

Because the neighborhood is directly on the GRTC bus route, a trip downtown costs $1.50 with no transfer fee required. Gas prices in the area generally remain 8 percent below the national average.

The closest shopping areas to Southwood - Southside Plaza and Circle shopping centers - feature high-value stores such as Good Samaritan Thrift Store.

For boutique shopping, head down Hull Street and cross the James River. Shop unique home accessories and furniture at La Difference, affectionately known as La Diff. Envision decorating your home with artsy, contemporary lighting, with a bedroom collection that combines the best of Prairie and modern or with a wildly comfortable Stressless® chair. You can also find fun gifts, such as bento boxes, bookends and mobiles.

Just a block from La Difference in historic Shockoe Slip, browse one of the city's oldest independent booksellers, Fountain Bookstore. The store stocks a carefully chosen selection of magazines, bestsellers and indie books. Fountain also hosts regular author events, where you can get signed copies of your favorite books and chat with the writers.

Nearby grocery stores include Save-a-Lot. For a wider selection, head west to Food Lion. Near La Diff and Fountain Bookstore lies the 17th Street Farmers Market, one of America's oldest public markets. These few blocks have served as a public gathering place since 1737. The open-air structure hosts farmers, vendors and artisans, giving shoppers the chance to purchase fine coffees and teas, homemade breads and goat cheeses, fresh herbs, produce and crafts.