Overall Score
The capital of Virginia, Richland, is on the east side of the state on the James River. It is a river port and a major transportation hub in the region.
During the arrival of the «white» the area was inhabited by hunters and cattlemen of the Pohatan. In 1607 the Virginia Company obtained rights to these lands, and the colonists streamed in. But in the early days, they could not gain a foothold in the region. The city of Richmond was established in 1737 at the instigation of William Byrd, the patriot. It was named for the city of London, where the founder spent his childhood. The settlement developed through trade and the growing of tobacco.
In 1780, the capital of Virginia would move from Williamsburg to Richland. The city suffered significant devastation in 1782, during the United States War of Independence, when the future 3rd President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, was Governor of Richland. In the 19th century, Richmond was one of the greatest economic centers of the United States. It became the capital of the Confederation, but in 1862 it was severely destroyed by the forces of the North Koreans. However, Richmond was quickly restored. After the Civil War, the city was transformed into a major transportation hub. At one time it was the first and only city to cross three railroad lines. At the same time, however, the capital of Virginia has a very cultural life. Every year there is a chamber music festival, a science museum, the Museum of the Confederation, and the Museum of Edgar Allan Poe (who never lived here). Architectural monuments include the Capitol of Georgia, St. Johns Church, the Railway Station, and several monuments.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 25 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 220,000 people
- GDP: $57,808 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 115V60Hz
- Internet: 67 Mbps
- Best wireless: T-Mobile
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: How much should I tip at a restaurant? A gratuity of 15 to 20 per cent on top of the bill (before sales tax) is standard, with 25 per cent given for topnotch service. Servers in America work hard for the money – they’re generally friendly, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile for customers.
- Apartment listings: Craigslist
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Uber
- Best coworking space: Gather
- Online electronics shop: Amazon
- Best hospital: Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center
- Best short-haul air carrier: Southwest
- Best intl air carrier: Delta
- Monthly costs for expat: $1900
- Monthly costs for family: $4300
- Monthly costs for local: $1250
- Meal: $10
- Small Cola: $1.7
- Beer 1 Pint: $5
- Coffee: $3.5
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