Firstly why Richmond, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Richmond
• State: California
• Population: 116,580 people
• Richmond’s quick summary would be Known for its diverse community and the Richmond Art Center.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 10,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 13,000 annually
• Net Migration: -3000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,000
• Number of Homeless people: 600

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers affordable housing and access to urban amenities appealing to families

Perk #1: Richmond Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 45%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Asian
• The median income is (and growing)  $80,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Richmond is $75,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-5000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Richmond’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 160 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $5,306
• Property Tax %: 1.19%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,600
• Rent for an average house: $2,300
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Marina Bay
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Richmond, El-Sobrante, San-Pablo, Pinole, and probably could include Hercules
• Avg. Age of Homes in Richmond: 66 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Richmond’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Richmond are  Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
• Richmond Job Scene: stable job market primarily in manufacturing and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: emerging tech ecosystem focused on environmental sustainability and clean tech , ,
• Richmond Resident’s pay $1,400 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Richmond: 10.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 130 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 8

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Richmond

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $150 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-580 connects Richmond to San Francisco and Greater Bay Area
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on Cutting Boulevard
• Transportation Score: 50 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Richmond: 62,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Richmond: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: Richmond Municipal

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Richmond’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Richmond is best described as experiences mild winters with cool temperatures and warm summers with occasional fog
• Winter Weather in Richmond i’d describe as cool with wet weather
• Spring Weather in Richmond can be described as mild with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Richmond are mostly cool and foggy
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Richmond is usually cool and cloudy
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 2 days in summer
• Days in a row in Richmond below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 25 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by industrial activities
• Richmond Winter Air persistent air quality concerns largely due to refineries

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Richmond Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Richmond 5
• While the number of trade schools inside Richmonds’s city limits are 4
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Richmond Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Richmond Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Richmond only Doctors is about 60
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Richmond only Police Officers is about 120
• Crime Rate Index: 70/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Richmond’s Monthly utility bill average is $160
• Richmond’s Monthly Gym Membership: $53
• Richmond’s Water Quality Score: 79

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Richmond

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban area with a mix of industry and community initiatives
• You might enjoy local theater productions at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Richmond  offers a mix of casual bars and eateries where the community can gather for an enjoyable evening

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Richmond

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a variety of international cuisines with strong local influences
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 25 scattered around Richmond
• The Popular Sports Team is Richmond High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Richmond can be described as liberal city with a focus on environmental justice
• Richmond’s Longer standing religious establishment is Richmond Rescue Mission

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Richmond Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Richmond has 17 Parks?
• Tilden Regional Park is Richmond’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Richmond Farmers Market normally open Saturday 10am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and waterfront activities

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Richmond Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Richmond can be described as urban pace with a focus on community and cultural diversity
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Richmond community events park picnics volunteer projects
• The Cities people commute to from Richmond are San-Pablo 4 miles away El-Cerrito 5 miles away Berkeley 6 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Richmond or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on Cutting Boulevard. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Richmond’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Marina Bay is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Richmond are San-Pablo 4 miles away El-Cerrito 5 miles away Berkeley 6 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 70 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Richmond has 0 days in a row below freezing and 2 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Richmond people have an average (positive or negative) $-5000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   600 homeless people living in Richmond. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal city with a focus on environmental justice could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Richmond.

Retiree & Senior Life in Richmond

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for tax incentives catering to property ownership needs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Pavilion at Richmond
• Richmond Senior Center offers programs for seniors including arts classes and wellness activities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Richmond, California?

If Richmond, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Richmond, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!