Living in Oregon Hill, Richmond, VA
Oregon Hill, Virginia, is a small neighborhood within the capitol city of Richmond. It's a historic district that lies on the north side of the James River, on the high ground overlooking Belle Island, just south of Virginia Commonwealth University and between the Hollywood Cemetery and S. Belvedere Street. Convenient access to the university makes this a favorite housing option for students, but it has also seen new development in recent years.
Things to Do in Oregon Hill
Consisting of only 18 city blocks, tiny Oregon Hill, VA, feels at times like a hidden, old-fashioned gem removed from the bustle of downtown Richmond. The neighborhood features more green area than most parts of downtown, with the historic Hollywood Cemetery and its winding paths, as well as quiet neighbors on Oregon Hill's western border. The Northern Bank trail offers river views to joggers and cyclists, and even access to snorkeling on Texas Beach. The entrance is just south of Riverside Park, and the eastern end of the trail connects residents to Gambles Hill Park.
Though largely residential, the Oregon Hill neighborhood does have two great independent restaurants that have generated buzz about the neighborhood. For residents who love to cook at home with fresh ingredients, the Grace Arents Community Gardens offers space to plant vegetables and meet with like-minded neighbors.
Oregon Hill Real Estate
Homes for sale in Oregon Hill can be tricky to find. The neighborhood is small, and recent construction of new housing along the river has been fully occupied. Homes here range from historic two-story row homes with flat fronts and traditional clapboarding to new condos. New development has raised the prices of homes here recently, but there are still many rental offerings that cater to VCU students—most of these units are the same historic row homes that have yet to be upgraded with modern amenities.
Getting Around Richmond
Living in Oregon Hill puts residents within easy reach of downtown Richmond's major employers as well as the State Capitol building. GRTA bus service offers many connections at VCU, which is just a block or two to the north of Oregon Hill. Oregon Hill, Virginia also features easy highway connections to I-195 and to U.S. Route 301, which take residents directly to scenic Belle Island for hiking and picnicking along the James River.
Fun Facts About Oregon Hill
Oregon Hill started out as a grand estate of William Byrd III. A member of a wealthy and powerful family in the commonwealth before the Revolutionary War, Byrd gambled away his fortune. His estate burned down a century later, opening the area to industry and the far more modest housing that still exists in the neighborhood today.
