Richmonders are embracing long commutes to D.C.
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Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios
The commute to work for some Richmonders looks like a three-hour round trip to D.C.
Why it matters: The pandemic made WFH changes permanent, altering our commuting habits and where we live — which in Richmond has stoked locals' fears about becoming another D.C. suburb.
The big picture: Northern Virginia has seen the highest out-migration rate per capita this decade out of all the state's metro areas, according to a report from UVA's Weldon Cooper Center.
- Many people fleeing NoVa are moving to the Richmond-metro area, where costs are lower, says the report.
- And nationally, Richmond is a desirable destination for renters — especially those wanting to relocate from pricier and bigger cities while remaining employed by companies based there.
Yes, but: We were wondering who these people are, besides Sen. Tim Kaine, who infamously commutes to D.C. from Richmond on the regular and once got stuck for 27 hours on I-95.
- Here's what three commuters, all of whom referenced cost of living as a reason for their move, said.
Ceri Richards works in HR at the Washington Post in D.C. and moved to Richmond last year after living in Alexandria.
- Richards' commute: riding the Amtrak from Main Street Station to Union Station in D.C. and then metroing to work once a month.
- While cost of living and a bigger home were factors for the move, so was being closer to family. Her son is at VCU and she has family in Charlottesville.
Sam Sheline headed to Richmond in 2021 and commutes into D.C. once a week for two days in-office at his National Geographic job.
- His commute: Amtrak to Alexandria, then Metro to the office. He crashes with his sister for the night and passes the three-hour trip via work, podcasts, reading, or a movie.
- He and his wife moved here so they could afford a house with more room and outdoor space before starting a family.
Paul Burford used to drive into D.C. once a week from Richmond for 1.5 years for his job at the U.S. Agency for International Development.
- His family chose to build a home in Chesterfield, where they've lived since June 2022.
- The round trip could be close to $75 in tolls, Burford said, and brutal mentally.
- He then became fully remote, took a $15,000 pay cut for the Richmond locality pay and now commutes once a quarter.
What they're saying: "We never would have been able to afford building a home in the D.C. area," Burford said. "I feel like even if we wanted to move back now, we would be priced out."
Go deeper: Super commuters share their tips for how to survive the long haul to D.C.