generic--forgot a few things:

Allen's number is 804-288-8351

Most parts of Area 20 are walking distance to Mary Munford, which seems to be the best public elementary school in the city. And I know at least St. Bridget's is in Area 20. There are other Catholic schools in there, I'm just not sure which.

Thanks Ann41,
we've just gotten back from visiting Richmond, and we truly liked it there! Charming houses, parks in the city, and all that greenery - it looks really exotic compering to Minnesota. Couldn't find anything suitable (family of six) close to the city, decided to rent for a year and look some more...
The house we'll be renting is in...Midlothian... I know, I know - the driving... The house itself is lovely (and huge) settled in a nice woody neighborhood.
I think you are very lucky being able to get a house you like on Greenway Lane!
Wish us luck hunting next year...
Now we have to decide about the schools...
Are you gonna go with M. Munford?
Thanks to all for your friendly posts!

generic--size was an issue with many of the houses we looked at in the city. Saw a lot of 3-bedroom houses, which obviously doesn't work for your family.

Not sure if we'll be doing Munford, but we have a few years to figure that one out.

My father's from Minnesota (little town called Aitkin), so I'm required to help out his countrymen.

Go Minnesota!
Thanks Ann41, appreciate it.
How do You like West End so far? Is life in Richmond being good for you?

generic:
What are your schools in Midlothian? The public schools here are pretty good. This is where I live. So, welcome to the area! Hope you enjoy the burbs...

We've been in PA since closing on the house, and go back down to Richmond tomorrow, so have yet to experience too much. Will let you know once we have!

Thanks girlonthego,
W.W.Gordon is the closest one, I know it has excellent scores, but that's only one issue... I'd like to learn more about the school (checked their website allready), would be great if you had any inside info to share. Any fun places in Midlothian, which are good to know about? Library, health-clubs, parks?
Thanks.
Ann41,
d'love to hear more!

I've lived in Richmond for over twenty years. I have three children of different ages. The midlothian area has wonderful schools, Bettie Weaver and James River in particular. If you budget is 400k - 600k you can look at Salisbury, Queens Grant, Founders Bridge. They are larger subdivisions, there are also single street neighborhoods like I live in.

Hi
The Gordon I know, is Gordon Elementary. Many of my daughters friends in Midlothian Middle school are from the Gordon Elementary School. Our elementary is Weaver. The schools in this area are excellent. If you decide to stay in the area, Midlothian Middle is a good middle school. The schools are all big and crowded, but they are going to be building new ones over the next ten years. My kids won't see the benefit, but if yours are young, they will! Best High schools in the area are Midlothian High and James River High.
Parks:There is a playground and soccer fields at Huguenot Park. (Robious Rd)
There is a park down Courthouse Rd called Rockwood Park. I believe there is a playground and ball field there.
Health Clubs: There is a Y in Midlothian off of....I can't think of the name of the Road! It is not far from Rt.60 (Midlothian tpk) near the Library. The Public library is next to Watkins Elementary. If you are driving westbound on Rt. 60, you would make a left at Winfrey Baptist Church. You will pass the Library on your left and then the Y will also be on your left.
There are some new places cropping up called Curves and another chain, I can't think of the name right now. There is a healthclub/pool on Robious Rd called ACAC and they are opening this year with a new pool. It used to be called Briarwood. There is another one with a pool and fitness/tennis and it is called Robious Sports and Fitness. If you go to Gordon, there is a neighborhood called Smoketree that the school was built into. They have a pool. Most of the kids your kids will go to school with will belong there. There is a country club called Stonehenge and it is very nice and a nice group of people that belong there. It is not stuffy at all. It has golf and tennis and pool. It will also be in the area that goes to Gordon Elementary. It is located in the subdivision Stonehenge.
Also, Ukrops is the best grocery store around. They pack and load your groceries. There is no tipping allowed. It is part of their service and it is very nice (especially when you have little ones). It is one of the nicest grocery stores I have ever been in. I shop there regularly.
Feel free to ask away. I know what it is like to move here from someplace else. I have found the people to be very friendly and there are so many of us that are from someplace else!

Thanks for all the helpful info!
If other people around there are as friendly..."I think I'm gonna like it THERE (...)"
We'll check all those places once we're there. We've seen some woody areas, nature center-like, driving around Midlothian - looked great for walks and jogging. Very nice.
Our main concern for now is the school. We have three kids in elementary school. Catholic school is what we were originally thinking about (that's where our children are at now). Hearing how great the public schools in Chesterfield are, we are considering this option now too. Tough choice...
We will also be looking for a preschool for our (soon)four year old.

Thanks again,
if there is something more about Midlothian (or Richmond) you'd like to share (special places, fun things to do), I would be happy to learn more!

It might sound random but...
There's a really great rock climbing indoor gym in Midlothian called Peak Experiences. They have a website if you want to google it. There are a lot of neat kids programs. It might be something to consider (after you've settled in obviously) if one of your kids is "hobbieless" and hasn't found something he/she is really passionate about.

My ten year old has tried rock climbing just recently and he loved it. We'll sure check it out!

generic: Is your elementary Gordon? I have heard very good things about Gordon. It is smaller than some of the other schools around. St. Edwards catholic school is on the Southside over on Huguenot rd. I know some kids who go there and are doing fine. The class sizes are about 25 for the middle school aged kids, that I know. I would give the public school a shot. If you are in the Gordon area, Winfrey Baptist Church has a preschool. They are located on Midlothian TPK. St. Edwards catholic church has a preschool. My daughter went to Redeemer Episcopal(a long time ago!), but that is probably out of the way for you. Mt Pisgah Methodist Church off of Midlothian Tpk has a preschool. Most of the churches have preschools. I have not heard bad things about any of these. I am out of the loop on them now though. Kindergarten is full day in Chesterfield County. And a lot of people hold their kids back if they have a late birthday. The cut off is September 30th. Summer babies and fall babies are usually held out for another year of preschool. I have a Sept and she waited. I have a May and she is young for the class. This is just helpful hints for you since your school cut off may be later in the year.
You can play soccer starting in Kindergarten. Some soccer clubs are FC Richmond, Midlothian Youth Soccer League. Gordon will have an atheletic association which will have baseball/softball, basketball and football.
I am not sure what your kids are into, but there are tons of activities and sports around. The weather is warmer(summers are going to be tough for you the first year!). It is humid. Join a pool!!!If I recall, you are from Minn? If it snows an inch, the schools will close and the roads will be an icy mess for a week. We are usually blessed every year by a few snow days. You will laugh at the way people hunker down for the snow. It is fun though. It also gets icy here and it is dangerous driving.
Anyway, I can't think of any more right now. Talk to you later.

<b>generic</b>....and all others interested in Richmond....

Here is a link to my trip report of Richmond that I took last fall.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34536848

We really enjoyed our trip to Richmond and the area. Our friend relocated there from Pennsylvania several years ago, and he is glad he made the move.

Enjoy your time in Virginia. Peace.

Robyn :)&gt;-

Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. (and Peace)
I've read artstuff's Richmond Report. It will sure come useful once we arrive down there. We'll have the whole (hot) summer to get to know the place and (hopefully) people.
Gordon is the neighborhood school. I'm thinking now, we have to get there first and scout all the schools together with the kids. And FINALLY decide.
Pool is a must. How about the beach? Is it to far to drive for an one-day trip? Can you recommend any nice places for a Family-Day-at-the-Ocean?
Thanks.

We too are moving to Richmond from Dallas at the end of June. We are building in Tarrington and will be living in a townhome until our house is completed (not looking forward to this). I am looking for some advice on a great vet in the area for my dogs and a good pediatrician for my baby. I am looking preferably within 15-20 minutes from Tarrington, but if anyone has any recommendations outside of the area, I am certainly willing to travel. Any advice woulod be greatly appreciated.

Heather

We have lived in Richmond for 31 years after growing up in Phila. We have almost raised 3 lovely children who have gone to various private and public schools. We have only lived in 2 homes, but have had various school choices due to the magnet system in Henrico County. Our oldest is in medical school, our middle (who went to the Math and Science Specialty Center) graduated from UVA in engineering and our youngest (16) is in an IB program, which she has been in since 6th grade. We have been incredibly pleased with the options for our children and they have thrived. We really don't know housing in Southside and haven't bought a house in 18 years. Welcome and good luck!

all 4 Penn: Midlothian Animal Clinic is on Rte 60/midlothian tpke west. It is about 5 miles from where you are living. We have been bringing our cat there and have been pleased. My friend has had dogs and cats and some major operations for their pets and they are pleased. Their number is 794-2099.
My pediatrician is Dr. Zachary. His number is 794-1072. He has a young girl doc now working with him. She seems very nice. We have been going to him since we moved here 7 years ago. We have liked him very much. Another recommendation is a Dr. Mulraney. She is a doc in a larger group. I have several friends that go to her. Dr. Zachary is on Huguenot Rd about 3 miles from your development. I live right near your development.
You will be pleased with the move. The area is great for raising kids. The schools are very good. My kids went to Weaver Elementary, but Robious is excellent also. I have also heard good things about James River High.
Welcome to the area!

Thanks so much for the advice. I am going to call and set up interviews when we get up there in 2 weeks. It certainly makes me feel good about moving to the area afte

about moving to the area.