Richmond

Richmond Alerts

Alert

blue

Axios Richmond Partners

Axios Richmond

Standard

A picture of the Richmond skyline with the letters RIC

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Richmond.

Axios Richmond Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Richmond Members

Membership

Scoop: Scandinavian candy store opening in former Idle Hands space

Trolley Car Sweets and Treats could open in early June on Strawberry Street if all goes as planned.

News

A Scandinavian candy store is taking over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Idle Hands&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/idle-hands-bread-co-reopens-richmond-fan-robinson" data-vars-content-id="09fe3cbb-9ad6-400f-9a9e-d4db8852be52" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Scandinavian candy store opening in former Idle Hands space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/idle-hands-bread-co-reopens-richmond-fan-robinson" target="_self">Idle Hands&#x27;</a> former space on Strawberry Street, Axios has learned.Why it matters: If all goes well, Richmonders might only have to wait until early June to try it.

Henrico to demolish Best Products HQ, save iconic eagle statues

The former headquarters will be demolished for a new arena project, but its famed limestone eagle statues will stay..

Business

The former Best Products headquarters in Henrico will soon be demolished for the county&#x27;s planned arena-anchored development, dubbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Products Reimagined" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/05/henricos-23-billion-greencity-development-and-arena-project-could-be-in-jeopardy" data-vars-content-id="a775ffd1-9445-4008-92c3-654b98ee02eb" data-vars-headline="Henrico to demolish Best Products HQ, save iconic eagle statues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/05/henricos-23-billion-greencity-development-and-arena-project-could-be-in-jeopardy" target="_self">Best Products Reimagined</a>. Why it matters: The iconic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Art Deco eagle statues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWGsuM5Gk4S/" data-vars-content-id="a775ffd1-9445-4008-92c3-654b98ee02eb" data-vars-headline="Henrico to demolish Best Products HQ, save iconic eagle statues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWGsuM5Gk4S/" target="_blank">Art Deco eagle statues</a> that once flanked the building off I-95 and East Parham Road will be preserved.

Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass

That optimism runs counter to the growing anxiety among Democrats.

People are betting that Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" data-vars-content-id="5a67a115-3355-437a-b350-5f8e905b73b6" data-vars-headline="Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" target="_self">redistricting referendum</a> will pass, and the odds have only grown more confident in recent days.Why it matters: That optimism runs counter to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing anxiety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/26/abigail-spanberger-virginia-redistricting-election-00845675" data-vars-content-id="5a67a115-3355-437a-b350-5f8e905b73b6" data-vars-headline="Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/26/abigail-spanberger-virginia-redistricting-election-00845675" target="_blank">growing anxiety</a> among Democrats due to strong early voting turnout in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican-leaning districts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/23/virginia-redistricting-referendum-early-voting-turnout-gop-vs-dem-richmond-vpap" data-vars-content-id="5a67a115-3355-437a-b350-5f8e905b73b6" data-vars-headline="Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/23/virginia-redistricting-referendum-early-voting-turnout-gop-vs-dem-richmond-vpap" target="_self">Republican-leaning districts</a>.

Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby

Plus: "Tiptoe through the Tulips" in the Fan, an Asian Street Food Festival and a pie and coffee pop-up.

Things to Do

Easter is almost here, and Richmond has a packed weekend to show for it.Thursday, March 26🎨 Have some fun sketching at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sketch Party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.quirkgallery.com/events" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.quirkgallery.com/events" target="_blank">Sketch Party</a> in the Quirk Hotel lobby. 4-7pm. Free, with pens and paper included.🖼️ The Valentine is hosting a free 30-minute gallery tour of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new &quot;Dissent!&quot; exhibition" data-vars-click-url="https://thevalentine.org/event/dissent-richmond-short-story-tour/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thevalentine.org/event/dissent-richmond-short-story-tour/" target="_blank">new &quot;Dissent!&quot; exhibition</a>, which &quot;explores the first 60 years of American independence.&quot; 6-6:30pm. Free.🛼 Go take part in River City Roller Derby&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="open skate night" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/renaissance-faire-on-wheels-tickets-1985005014433" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/renaissance-faire-on-wheels-tickets-1985005014433" target="_blank">open skate night</a>, which is renaissance faire-themed. 7-9pm. $9.31.⭐️ &quot;The Outsiders&quot; musical part of the Broadway in Richmond season is at Altria Theater through Sunday. Times vary. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start at $66" data-vars-click-url="https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1049591" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1049591" target="_blank">Tickets start at $66</a> for Thursday but jump to $90.50 for the weekend shows.Friday, March 27🎥 There&#x27;s an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Italian and French Film Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://filmstudies.richmond.edu/events/italian-french-film-festival/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://filmstudies.richmond.edu/events/italian-french-film-festival/" target="_blank">Italian and French Film Festival</a> at U of R through Sunday that ends Monday at the Byrd Theatre. Times vary. Free except registration is required for Byrd Theatre.🥳 Brookland Park Biz is having its first-ever &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walk the Block&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVcJjHake71/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVcJjHake71/" target="_blank">Walk the Block&quot;</a> event, which will take place every final Friday of the month. Imagine &quot;First Fridays&quot; but on Brookland Park Boulevard. 6-midnight at some spots. Free.⚔️ Huzzah! Nevermore in Northside has a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renaissance Faire gallery showcase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWJzjOYEfih/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWJzjOYEfih/" target="_blank">Renaissance Faire gallery showcase</a> with themed accessories. Dressing up is encouraged. 7-9pm. Free.💃🏻 The Canal Club is hosting &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fever Floor: An R&amp;B Studio 54 Party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tixr.com/groups/thecanalclub/events/timalikesmusic-175772?fbclid=IwY2xjawQw_dRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1dXpFWDJhMHplNkY2OVZmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlyj6UgCDbOBSlJGCzPlnc6wI4P4tSAMz_w8alsbEhD6IMmJRNEXxCy9T3x0_aem_H0DuubG_hABE-jkOdlcRQw" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tixr.com/groups/thecanalclub/events/timalikesmusic-175772?fbclid=IwY2xjawQw_dRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1dXpFWDJhMHplNkY2OVZmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlyj6UgCDbOBSlJGCzPlnc6wI4P4tSAMz_w8alsbEhD6IMmJRNEXxCy9T3x0_aem_H0DuubG_hABE-jkOdlcRQw" target="_blank">Fever Floor: An R&amp;B Studio 54 Party</a>&quot; with TimaLikesMusic, a dj who went on The Kelly Clarkson Show after going viral. 9pm. $24.63.Saturday, March 28🐰 Easter is starting early at Short Pump Town Center with &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter in the Plaza," data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1474138964496498/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1474138964496498/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Easter in the Plaza,</a>&quot; which will have an Easter Bunny, goody bags and face painting. 10am-8pm. Free.🦙 There&#x27;s also an &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter Celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/933768949464540/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/933768949464540/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Easter Celebration</a>&quot; for kids at Reveille United Methodist on Cary Street Road with a petting zoo and an egg hunt starting at 10:45am. 10am-noon. Free.🥧 ILYSM Books on Brookland Park Boulevard is having a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pie and coffee pop-up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVtcriaDjCn/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVtcriaDjCn/" target="_blank">pie and coffee pop-up</a>. 10am-6pm. Free.😋 17th Street Market is hosting the second <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Asian Street Food Festival," data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/AASOCV/posts/-its-happening-join-us-for-the-2nd-asian-street-food-festival-get-ready-for-a-fu/1361484346018408/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AASOCV/posts/-its-happening-join-us-for-the-2nd-asian-street-food-festival-get-ready-for-a-fu/1361484346018408/" target="_blank">Asian Street Food Festival,</a> which highlights the region&#x27;s diverse Asian American communities. 11am-6pm. Free.🐣 Chesterfield is having its &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter Eggstravaganza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1387372952510847/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1387372952510847/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Easter Eggstravaganza</a>&quot; at the County Fairgrounds with an egg hunt, bouncy houses, food trucks, live music and a chance to win a bike. Noon-6pm. Free.💀 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dead People&#x27;s Stuff Vintage Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DV6b_vDjns_/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DV6b_vDjns_/" target="_blank">Dead People&#x27;s Stuff Vintage Market</a> is back at Main Line Brewery on Ownby Lane with vintage clothing, food trucks and antiques. Noon-6pm. Free.🌷 The annual &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tiptoe Through the Tulips" data-vars-click-url="https://wish.org/va/tiptoe-through-tulips" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wish.org/va/tiptoe-through-tulips" target="_blank">Tiptoe Through the Tulips</a>&quot; event, which features thousands of flowers in the alley behind the 2600 block of Hanover Avenue, is back. 1-4pm. $30, with all proceeds donated to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia.🍻 Adults can have their own Easter egg hunt at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Strangeways Brewing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1530943144661884/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1530943144661884/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Strangeways Brewing</a> in Scott&#x27;s Addition, which will have 500 hidden eggs with prizes. 5pm registration, 6pm start time. Free.Sunday, March 29🐭 Rare Olde Times Pub in Henrico has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Disney trivia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1469987331578860/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1469987331578860/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Disney trivia</a>, though it might also include Pixar. 6-7:30pm. Free but top four teams get $115 in gift cards.🦖 The Richmond Raceway has &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dinosaur Adventure," data-vars-click-url="https://www.universe.com/events/dinosaur-adventure-richmond-va-tickets-MHBGXZ" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.universe.com/events/dinosaur-adventure-richmond-va-tickets-MHBGXZ" target="_blank">Dinosaur Adventure,</a>&quot; an exhibit with life-sized dinosaurs that roar as if they&#x27;re real, obstacle courses and more. 9am-7pm. Tickets are $31.80 for anyone 13 and up.

Construction workers lead Richmond homeownership gains

But they're not the ones most likely to own a home.

Skilled trades and construction workers saw the biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/richmond-real-estate-2026-homebuyers-inventory-competition-mortgage-rates" data-vars-content-id="86fc5fbb-eab7-4430-b020-085567ecf1bf" data-vars-headline="Construction workers lead Richmond homeownership gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/richmond-real-estate-2026-homebuyers-inventory-competition-mortgage-rates" target="_self">homeownership</a> gains in metro Richmond over the past decade, according to a new analysis shared with Axios.Why it matters: They&#x27;re outpacing teachers, police and health care workers, per the National Association of Realtors&#x27; analysis of census data comparing homeownership rates in 2014 and 2024.

Richmond home sales jump, but buyers face inventory crunch

Even as sales climb, low supply and competition keep Richmond a seller's market this spring.

Real Estate

Richmond is headed into the spring real estate market with renewed sales activity compared to last year, but little relief on supply. Why it matters: Richmond&#x27;s real estate market is something of an outlier compared to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/housing-market-predictions/" data-vars-content-id="7aef990f-ce6b-4367-9c58-8997da46ac7f" data-vars-headline="Richmond home sales jump, but buyers face inventory crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/housing-market-predictions/" target="_blank">national scene</a>, but there&#x27;s still some bright spots for homebuyers.

Richmond rents climb even as U.S. prices fall

While U.S. rents fall amid a building boom, Richmond prices keep rising as demand outpaces supply.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rents are falling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/rent-prices-metro-map" data-vars-content-id="962446a9-90e2-4b58-84c3-8139e549afc5" data-vars-headline="Richmond rents climb even as U.S. prices fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/rent-prices-metro-map" target="_self">Rents are falling</a> across the county, driven by a building boom that&#x27;s flooded the market with new apartments.Why it matters: Richmond is one of a handful of metros where rent is going up, not down.

Richmond zoning overhaul sparks heated debate

With draft three due this spring, rival groups are rallying Richmonders over housing density.

The fight over how to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best update" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/19/richmond-duplex-zoning-single-family-change" data-vars-content-id="00e3de1a-b08c-4c4a-8dc3-1877d876fc31" data-vars-headline="Richmond zoning overhaul sparks heated debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/19/richmond-duplex-zoning-single-family-change" target="_self">best update</a> the city&#x27;s decades-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="zoning code" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/17/richmond-zoning-districts-new-single-family-homes" data-vars-content-id="00e3de1a-b08c-4c4a-8dc3-1877d876fc31" data-vars-headline="Richmond zoning overhaul sparks heated debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/17/richmond-zoning-districts-new-single-family-homes" target="_self">zoning code</a> is heating up as Richmond approaches the two-year mark on the effort.Why it matters: The city hopes to have a final proposal before City Council by summer, but first there&#x27;s at least one more draft to go, possibly more, as debates rage in community meetings and online neighborhood groups.

Report: Richmond now 11th hottest rental market

New RentCafe data shows RVA drawing heavy search interest from Virginia Beach and NYC renters.

Richmond is one of the most in-demand cities in the nation for renters, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report from RentCafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/cities-to-watch-this-year/" data-vars-content-id="5b17f7ec-8d61-423f-8865-037f1833ce1f" data-vars-headline="Report: Richmond now 11th hottest rental market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/cities-to-watch-this-year/" target="_blank">report from RentCafe</a>.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re planning to look for an apartment sometime soon, expect competition from other locals, and from folks outside of RVA.

A former speakeasy mansion for sale in Church Hill

The 1910-era Bagley Mansion once hid a Prohibition-era speakeasy and now lists for $2.75M.

A Queen Anne mansion that once doubled as a speakeasy is on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="market in Church Hill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3516-E-Broad-St-Richmond-VA-23223/12522854_zpid/" data-vars-content-id="72c3647f-4a55-4deb-a855-1619976863c8" data-vars-headline="A former speakeasy mansion for sale in Church Hill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3516-E-Broad-St-Richmond-VA-23223/12522854_zpid/" target="_blank">market in Church Hill</a>. Why it matters: If you&#x27;ve got $2.75 million to spare, it can be yours.

Richmond sees fewer home value dips

Zillow says Richmond saw smaller home value losses than cities like Austin and Denver.

Nearly a third of homes in metro Richmond lost value last year, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43162039.81/aHR0cHM6Ly96aWxsb3cubWVkaWFyb29tLmNvbS8yMDI1LTExLTE3LTUzLW9mLVUtUy1ob21lcy1sb3N0LXZhbHVlLWluLXRoZS1wYXN0LXllYXIlMkMtdGhlLW1vc3Qtc2luY2UtMjAxMj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892B4a2844d7" data-vars-content-id="bce92a11-795c-4244-a807-585183449978" data-vars-headline="Richmond sees fewer home value dips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43162039.81/aHR0cHM6Ly96aWxsb3cubWVkaWFyb29tLmNvbS8yMDI1LTExLTE3LTUzLW9mLVUtUy1ob21lcy1sb3N0LXZhbHVlLWluLXRoZS1wYXN0LXllYXIlMkMtdGhlLW1vc3Qtc2luY2UtMjAxMj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892B4a2844d7" target="_self">Zillow</a>.

Richmond ranked a top housing market for 2026

Home sales and prices are expected to climb again, keeping RVA hot for another year.

For 2026, Richmonders should expect real estate to bring lower mortgage rates but a still-tough <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" data-vars-content-id="ec05e03d-c07a-4a08-ba00-5f6895ce9871" data-vars-headline="Richmond ranked a top housing market for 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" target="_self">housing market</a>.Why it matters: RVA was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/14/richmond-hottest-real-estate-markets-zillow" data-vars-content-id="ec05e03d-c07a-4a08-ba00-5f6895ce9871" data-vars-headline="Richmond ranked a top housing market for 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/14/richmond-hottest-real-estate-markets-zillow" target="_self">once again</a> named one of the hottest housing markets of the year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="by Realtor.com" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/national-association-of-realtors-unveils-top-10-homebuying-hot-spots-for-2026" data-vars-content-id="ec05e03d-c07a-4a08-ba00-5f6895ce9871" data-vars-headline="Richmond ranked a top housing market for 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/national-association-of-realtors-unveils-top-10-homebuying-hot-spots-for-2026" target="_blank">by Realtor.com</a>.

Zillow's most-clicked Virginia home in 2025

Spoiler: It's an active lighthouse. Guess how much it costs.

Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most popular Zillow listing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/learn/most-popular-homes/" data-vars-content-id="8c18b5ad-5e52-4ea2-ab04-3dfe1541d3e5" data-vars-headline="Zillow&#x27;s most-clicked Virginia home in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/learn/most-popular-homes/" target="_blank">most popular Zillow listing</a> this year was also the only active lighthouse listed among the platform&#x27;s fan favorites in every state.Why it matters: It&#x27;s literally in the Chesapeake Bay.

How many people live mortgage-free in Virginia

Virginia ranks among the lowest in the U.S. for homes owned outright

Virginia ranks among the lowest in the U.S. for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homes owned outright" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/42583109.34/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTEvMTYvbW9ydGdhZ2UtZnJlZS1ob21lcy1tYXA_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Bbd090865" data-vars-content-id="4d4a926c-f27b-4e57-ae65-7780cc80934f" data-vars-headline="How many people live mortgage-free in Virginia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/42583109.34/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTEvMTYvbW9ydGdhZ2UtZnJlZS1ob21lcy1tYXA_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Bbd090865" target="_self">homes owned outright</a>, according to new Census Bureau data.Why it matters: The numbers underscore how <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising housing costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/14/richmond-home-sales-market-changes-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="4d4a926c-f27b-4e57-ae65-7780cc80934f" data-vars-headline="How many people live mortgage-free in Virginia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/14/richmond-home-sales-market-changes-pandemic" target="_self">rising housing costs</a> are keeping many Virginians — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="especially younger homeowners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/12/02/new-home-purchases-soaring-housing-costs" data-vars-content-id="4d4a926c-f27b-4e57-ae65-7780cc80934f" data-vars-headline="How many people live mortgage-free in Virginia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/12/02/new-home-purchases-soaring-housing-costs" target="_self">especially younger homeowners</a> — from fully owning their homes, contributing to higher debt loads and financial strain.

A symbol map of 54 U.S. metro areas showing estimated change in median rent from February 2025 to February 2026. Rents decreased in 34 metros, mostly in the South, and increased in 20 metros, mostly in the Northeast and Midwest. Virginia Beach increased the most, by 5.3%, and Austin decreased the most, by 5.9%.

Real Estate 🏠

Construction workers lead Richmond homeownership gains

Richmond home sales jump, but buyers face inventory crunch

Richmond rents climb even as U.S. prices fall

Richmond zoning overhaul sparks heated debate

Report: Richmond now 11th hottest rental market