Over the James River, only a few miles from Richmond’s heart, is Gravel Hill. The tucked-away Southside neighborhood offers residents tree-lined streets, well-built homes and city amenities. And Gravel Hill is just off Forest Hill Avenue, an evolving commercial hub. “Gravel Hill is in a great location that is seeing a lot of growth and expansion right now,” says Thiago Pereira Da Motta, Realtor with Fathom Realty Virginia. Da Motta has sold homes across Richmond and Henrico for nearly five years. “We’re seeing a lot of new shops and local restaurants opening around here, along with renovations on Forest Hill Avenue. It’s near the river and parks. It’s got a good balance of city amenities.”
Gravel Hill is a neighborhood located minutes away from many local shops and restaurants.
Residents in Gravel Hill can take their dogs through the James River Park trail system.
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Mid-century ranch-styles and split levels
Gravel Hill’s tucked-away residential streets comprise towering trees, speed humps and low speed limits. Roads lack central yellow lines and sidewalks, but locals still enjoy evening strolls or community bike rides. Buyers will mainly find sprawling ranch-style homes and split levels built in the 1950s and ’60s, perched on lots ranging from a quarter to a half-acre with simple landscaping and mature trees. Homes typically have about 1,500 square feet with at least three bedrooms, but many have additional bedrooms and extra square footage. Homes usually cost between $300,000 and $500,000. And houses here sell fast. “The last house I sold here sold very fast,” Da Motta says. “It had a bunch of offers, and it sold on the second day. It’s very competitive and not much inventory, so houses sell quickly.”
Gravel Hill homes are primairly made up of either Ranch style homes and Split Level style homes.
Mid 1960's Split Level homes can be found throughout Gravel Hill.
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Shopping at Stratford Hills or dining at Galley
Gravel Hill is known for its ample shopping and dining options that branch off Forest Hill Avenue. Shoppers often hop over to Food Lion for groceries. The grocery store is by Papa John’s and Top’s China, convenient spots for take-out or delivery. Down Forest Hills Avenue, on Gravel Hill’s western end, are The Shops at Stratford Hills. Target and Publix anchor the sprawling shopping center. Locals also head to Stratford Hills to break a sweat at Anytime Fitness, get a haircut at Sports Clips or thrift at Goodwill. Residents grab a booth at Galley for dinner and split the Sweet Hot pizza. Or at Natalie’s Taste of Lebanon, locals order the Mezze Platter to sample authentic Lebanese cuisine. For dessert, down the street is Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop.
Publix is a newer addition to the Gravel Hill neighborhood and features a deli counter.
The Galley is a local favorite in the Gravel Hill neighborhood.
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Finally, Gravel Hill students can finish their primary education at Huguenot High School.
Local students attend the recently renovated Huguenot High
Kids growing up in the area attend Richmond Public Schools, which Niche gave an overall C-plus. Children kickstart their education at Southampton Elementary School, which has a student-to-teacher ratio of 15-to-1 and a C-minus. Students head to Lucille M. Brown Middle School, which Niche gave an overall C-minus. Students progress to Huguenot High School to earn their diplomas. In 2014, the high school got a brand-new building with state-of-the-art facilities, including a ceramics workshop, culinary arts space and a two-story media center that overlooks the expansive grounds. Niche gave the school an overall C.
Traversing the James
From Gravel Hill, access to nature is easy and abundant. Only a few blocks north, residents can explore the extensive James River Park system, which features over 22 miles of interconnected trails open to both bikes and foot traffic. Locals often hop on the Buttermilk Trail to wind along the James River or head to Pony Pasture to cool off in class II rapids. Families bring the kids to the Westover Hills UMC Tot Lot on Westover Hills Boulevard. This well-maintained playground features modern playscapes and picnic tables. And under 4 miles east down Forest Hill Avenue is Forest Hill Park, a popular outdoor respite. The park has paved and undeveloped trails, a tucked-away pond and a small playground. Plus, the pickleball and tennis courts are busy with local athletes during the summer.
The Pony Pasture boat launch is a in Gravel Hill is a great way to get out on the water.
Gravel Hill residents have an easy access to the James River rapids through Pony Pasture Park.
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The bus system passes through Gravel Hill making it easy for residents to get around town.
Navigating Richmond
Residents primarily drive in Gravel Hill, but the GRTC Transit System serves the community. A bus stop sits in front of the Food Lion, within walking distance of most homes in the neighborhood. Drivers typically hop on Powhite Parkway for a 6-mile trip into the heart of Richmond. The community is also near major roadways like Chippenham Parkway. Chippenham Hospital is about 3 miles away. When traveling, residents catch a flight at Richmond International Airport, about 17 miles away.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Caleb Boyer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Pony Pasture Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Powhite Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Hiking
Forest Hill Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Picnic Area
James River Park - The Wetlands
Bike Trails
Trails
River
Westover Hills UMC Tot Lot
Picnic Area
Playground
Parking Lot
Transit
Airport
Richmond International
29 min drive
Bus
Forest Hill & Windsor View
Bus
Forest Hill & Woodberry La
Bus
Forest Hill & Retig
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Gravel Hill
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Gravel Hill, Richmond sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Gravel Hill, Richmond over the last 12 months is $499,600, up 22% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
At Forest Ridge Apartments in Richmond, VA, comfort meets convenience in our beautifully designed studio and two-bedroom townhomes. Nestled in a wooded cul de sac, our community is perfectly located near essential amenities like shopping centers, restaurants, and major highways - making living here a breeze for commuters. Here, find a living experience you'll be happy to come home to. Enjoy
Available for rent the front 1 bedroom apartment with own private entrance in a duplex house. It is a 1 Bedroom in quiet and safe location on a dead end street, with stores and bus stop 2 blocks away on Forest Hill Avenue. 1 Bedroom with Office, Living Room, Kitchen, and 1.5 Baths. All appliances, plus washer and dryer, and Lawn Care included. Central air and heat pump. All
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Caleb Boyer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
524
Median Age
52
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
31.9%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$92,187
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$111,889
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.2%
College Graduates
46.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
5''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
28/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
28/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
28/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
