From "streetcar suburb" to a city of its own, Highland Springs has grown rapidly since its formation in the 1890s as little more than a stop on the electric street railway.
With just eight square miles of land and 15,000 residents, real estate in Highland Springs can be a bit tough to come by
From "streetcar suburb" to a city of its own, Highland Springs has grown rapidly since its formation in the 1890s as little more than a stop on the electric street railway.
With just eight square miles of land and 15,000 residents, real estate in Highland Springs can be a bit tough to come by. It's to see why when you realize there are roughly 1,950 people per square mile! Still, it's hard to deny the charm of this small Virginia town, with its historic background and Antebellum architecture.
The Cost
Here's the good news: property values in Highland Springs are just half that of the rest of Virginia. Here's the bad news: the cost of a residence has doubled in the past 15 years, and property values show no signs of slowing down. the cost of buying a home follows a strange curve; multiplex housing varies little in cost, and individual houses cost less than duplex.
Getting Ready
If you begin looking for a place to live in advance of your move, it provides you with plenty of time to find great deals and to make a decision on where to live. However, Highland Springs is just outside Richmond; there is little to no tourism in the area, and as such, property values remain the same nearly year round. Because of this, there is no time of year that is particularly better for searching for residence than any other. Places to rent shouldn't be very difficult to find.
What to Bring
Make sure you have your credit history, proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements, etc.), and rental history in hand when you begin your search. The majority of real estate companies and rental agencies will require this information before approving an application for a rental property, although individual landlords might be a bit more lenient with their requirements.
Highland Springs doesn't really have much in the way of neighborhoods; given its proximity to Richmond, the entire city is akin to a giant suburb. The vast majority of space consists of residential homes. However, the city does have a large amount of wooded area and recreational area. There aren't really any hi rise apartments, although there are quite a few one bedroom apartments for rent.
Highland Springs is a pretty quiet community, with the average age of about 35 or so. Most folks in the area go to the parks or the recreation areas for a game of pick up baseball or basketball, maybe a bit of tennis, too. Those looking to go shopping will usually head to Richmond, about five miles or so away.
Food
Residents can often be found eating at the local Williams Bakery, or even at Tops China Restaurant if they're in the mood for something a bit more exotic. Beyond a few other restaurants and a locally owned grocery store or two, Highland Springs doesn't really offer much. The city is almost entirely residential, but that does make it the kind of area where knocking on a neighbor's door to ask for a cup of sugar is entirely acceptable.
Transportation
While most people drive, a bit of public transportation is available in the form of taxi's and a bus. However, the infrastructure of the public transportation system isn't as efficient as it might be in a metropolis like New York City, so for those who desire the most control over where they go will want to use their own vehicle.
Schools
There are quite a few different schools in the area, ranging from public elementary, middle, and high schools, to unaccredited private schools and daycares. There are also specialty education centers for people looking to earn their GED or a CNA license.
