Richmond

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Richmond with Sabrina Moreno and Karri Peifer.

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 Alerts

Alert

Richmond Members

Membership

Axios Richmond Partners

Ukrop's gets a bigger footprint inside Richmond-area Kroger

A renovated Midlothian Kroger will soon feature a dedicated section for Ukrop's favorites.

Business

The Kroger on Midlothian near Winterfield is getting a bigger and bolder section for Ukrop&#x27;s products. Why it matters: It&#x27;s like Ukrop&#x27;s Super Markets never left us.

Inside the Italian market tucked into a Church Hill garage

Giorno Market is bring Euro summer to Richmond with imported Italian goods, peachy umbrellas and no AC.

Things to Do

Sabrina here. The closest thing to an Italian summer in Richmond might be a converted garage in Church Hill.Why it matters: Almost everything at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Giorno Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/giornomarket/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="65986078-f114-408c-bd3d-a97c6e941fea" data-vars-headline="Inside the Italian market tucked into a Church Hill garage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/giornomarket/?hl=en" target="_blank">Giorno Market</a> is imported from Italy, its peachy umbrellas are reminiscent of those on the Amalfi Coast and the lack of AC will make you feel very European in no time.

Richmond restaurant hit with erroneous $60K water bill

Her usual bill is about $1,500, but a meter issue led to a $58,486 charge and a cash crunch.

News

A Richmond restaurant owner says the city mistakenly pulled roughly $60,000 from her bank account this week for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="utility bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/08/richmond-dpu-utility-billing-problems-new-system-payments-account-numbers" data-vars-content-id="1c440395-771c-4e8c-bb8c-1adac040b2f5" data-vars-headline="Richmond restaurant hit with erroneous $60K water bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/08/richmond-dpu-utility-billing-problems-new-system-payments-account-numbers" target="_self">utility bill</a> that typically would&#x27;ve been around $1,500.Why it matters: The erroneous charge left <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harry&#x27;s at Hofheimer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/16/scotts-addition-speakeasy" data-vars-content-id="1c440395-771c-4e8c-bb8c-1adac040b2f5" data-vars-headline="Richmond restaurant hit with erroneous $60K water bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/16/scotts-addition-speakeasy" target="_self">Harry&#x27;s at Hofheimer</a> owner Natalie McNamara scrambling to get her money back and raised fresh questions about the city&#x27;s billing system amid ongoing problems.

Chesterfield bucks Richmond-area trend with lower-density plan

Its draft plan would cut residential density 9.6% as neighboring localities embrace denser growth.

Chesterfield expects to add more than 100,000 residents by 2050. But its proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-term plan" data-vars-click-url="https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/chesterfieldcounty-va-planmod/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-683" data-vars-content-id="ea6c7aba-aa20-4a0d-870b-0b7b2e055277" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield bucks Richmond-area trend with lower-density plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/chesterfieldcounty-va-planmod/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-683" target="_blank">long-term plan</a> calls for less residential density countywide, not more. Why it matters: Chesterfield&#x27;s approach to growth stands out in the region. <ul><li>While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/17/richmond-zoning-code-draft-three-duplexes-housing-corridors" data-vars-content-id="ea6c7aba-aa20-4a0d-870b-0b7b2e055277" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield bucks Richmond-area trend with lower-density plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/17/richmond-zoning-code-draft-three-duplexes-housing-corridors" target="_self">Richmond</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Henrico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/06/lakeside-garden-district-mixed-use-development-traffic" data-vars-content-id="ea6c7aba-aa20-4a0d-870b-0b7b2e055277" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield bucks Richmond-area trend with lower-density plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/06/lakeside-garden-district-mixed-use-development-traffic" target="_self">Henrico</a> have explored adding more housing in neighborhoods and commercial corridors, Chesterfield is moving in the other direction.</li></ul>

Report: Richmond renters save nearly $10K a year over buyers

Renting a Richmond starter home costs about $811 less each month than buying one.

Real Estate

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/04/09/richmond-rent-cheaper-buying-savings" data-vars-content-id="cca37cc5-3e2b-4a42-882c-e30f506c3811" data-vars-headline="Report: Richmond renters save nearly $10K a year over buyers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/04/09/richmond-rent-cheaper-buying-savings" target="_self">still</a> much cheaper to rent a starter home in RVA than it is to buy one, per a just-released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/july-2026-rent/" data-vars-content-id="cca37cc5-3e2b-4a42-882c-e30f506c3811" data-vars-headline="Report: Richmond renters save nearly $10K a year over buyers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/july-2026-rent/" target="_blank">Realtor.com study</a>. Why it matters: If you&#x27;re stuck renting instead of owning, you could be saving thousands a year.

Richmond retreats on neighborhood density

The latest zoning draft limits most neighborhood lots to two units and shifts growth to major corridors.

The latest — and potentially final — draft of Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="zoning code rewrite" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/25/richmond-code-refresh-third-draft-duplexes-church-housing" data-vars-content-id="fcc06ae0-fe19-49f7-9dbd-f752eb4f32ee" data-vars-headline="Richmond retreats on neighborhood density" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/25/richmond-code-refresh-third-draft-duplexes-church-housing" target="_self">zoning code rewrite</a> backs away from allowing more density in largely single-family neighborhoods.<ul><li>The change came directly in response to residents&#x27; concerns, Mayor Danny Avula told reporters Monday. </li></ul>

Exclusive: Richmond leads Virginia in 2026 home sales growth

Sales rose as prices flattened, though homes under $350,000 remain scarce across the region.

Metro Richmond is seeing the strongest home sales growth among Virginia&#x27;s major metro areas at this year&#x27;s halfway mark. Why it matters: Richmond is showing that a hot housing market doesn&#x27;t always mean hotter home prices.

Richmond group pushes plan to prevent resident displacement

The four-part proposal includes zoning incentives, tax relief and a citywide housing database.

Pro Code Refresh group <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Homes for All Our Neighbors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/16/richmond-survey-shows-overwhelming-concern-over-housing-affordability" data-vars-content-id="c9e8b7c1-b516-4e3f-8c2d-2535299ada85" data-vars-headline="Richmond group pushes plan to prevent resident displacement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/16/richmond-survey-shows-overwhelming-concern-over-housing-affordability" target="_self">Homes for All Our Neighbors</a> is calling on City Hall to adopt new measures to help current Richmond residents stay in the city amid rising housing costs and a growing population. Why it matters: The group <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ux-NgSBhTRQzcwALOD9JWcH_rnKilPv_/view" data-vars-content-id="c9e8b7c1-b516-4e3f-8c2d-2535299ada85" data-vars-headline="Richmond group pushes plan to prevent resident displacement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ux-NgSBhTRQzcwALOD9JWcH_rnKilPv_/view" target="_blank">says</a> its proposals for targeted &quot;displacement mitigation&quot; can help locals most at risk of being pushed out over housing costs.

Thomas Jefferson's boyhood home in Goochland lists for $17M

Tuckahoe includes 500 acres, a schoolhouse and a whole lot of history.

Thomas Jefferson&#x27;s boyhood home in Goochland County just hit the market. Why it matters: If you have $17 million lying around, it could be yours. Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Historic Tuckahoe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/historictuckahoe/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="09176828-8ba6-46e5-8971-03faeb31152e" data-vars-headline="Thomas Jefferson&#x27;s boyhood home in Goochland lists for $17M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/historictuckahoe/?hl=en" target="_blank">Historic Tuckahoe</a>, formerly Tuckahoe Plantation, was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="listed for sale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/frankhardysir/eng/sales/detail/773-l-4544-cd2zef/12601-river-rd-richmond-va-23238" data-vars-content-id="09176828-8ba6-46e5-8971-03faeb31152e" data-vars-headline="Thomas Jefferson&#x27;s boyhood home in Goochland lists for $17M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/frankhardysir/eng/sales/detail/773-l-4544-cd2zef/12601-river-rd-richmond-va-23238" target="_blank">listed for sale</a> on Monday.

Richmond's potato building gets the love it deserves

An architecture-loving creator spotlighted the quirky Markel Building and its baked potato inspiration.

Richmond&#x27;s baked potato-inspired office building is finally getting the love it deserves, thanks to a roving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="architecture-loving content creator." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DadrEcutX2I/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="feefba92-8865-4318-bfe4-37b437f379b2" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s potato building gets the love it deserves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DadrEcutX2I/?hl=en" target="_blank">architecture-loving content creator.</a> Why it matters: Once maligned as one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;10 ugliest buildings in the world" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-markel-building-richmond-virginia" data-vars-content-id="feefba92-8865-4318-bfe4-37b437f379b2" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s potato building gets the love it deserves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-markel-building-richmond-virginia" target="_blank">&quot;10 ugliest buildings in the world</a>,&quot; The Markel Building is a local treasure and now at least one influencer seems to agree.

The 3 biggest debates left in Richmond's zoning rewrite

Officials are narrowing in on housing rules, church land use and household occupancy limits.

After two years of public meetings, proposals and feedback, Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive zoning code overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/10/richmond-zoning-code-refresh-debate-duplex-single-family-housing-density-2026" data-vars-content-id="a9c9fc7f-7e72-49c1-9d45-8f15b9d0270f" data-vars-headline="The 3 biggest debates left in Richmond&#x27;s zoning rewrite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/10/richmond-zoning-code-refresh-debate-duplex-single-family-housing-density-2026" target="_self">massive zoning code overhaul</a> is entering its final stretch with the third (and hopefully final) draft expected next month. Why it matters: City leaders — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and many locals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/07/10/richmond-affordable-housing-survey" data-vars-content-id="a9c9fc7f-7e72-49c1-9d45-8f15b9d0270f" data-vars-headline="The 3 biggest debates left in Richmond&#x27;s zoning rewrite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/07/10/richmond-affordable-housing-survey" target="_self">and many locals</a> — seem to agree that Richmond needs more housing. What&#x27;s left to decide is how much new housing the city will allow and where.

Richmond buyers are waitlisting homes that aren't for sale

Through Unlisted, a growing number of buyers are trying to connect with homeowners before a "For Sale" sign goes up.

Richmonders are joining waitlists for houses that aren&#x27;t for sale — yet.Why it matters: Richmond&#x27;s inventory has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="getting tighter" 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="61929241-86eb-4003-96f1-334a86c216c6" data-vars-headline="Richmond buyers are waitlisting homes that aren&#x27;t for sale" 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">getting tighter</a> for years, single-family homes are moving fast and often above asking, and that scarcity has buyers looking for an edge.<ul><li>That&#x27;s where a website called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Unlisted" data-vars-click-url="https://unlistedhomes.com/" data-vars-content-id="61929241-86eb-4003-96f1-334a86c216c6" data-vars-headline="Richmond buyers are waitlisting homes that aren&#x27;t for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://unlistedhomes.com/" target="_blank">Unlisted</a> comes in.</li></ul>

Richmond joins movement to end pet rent

A petition urges lawmakers to cap pet deposits and monthly pet rent charges.

Some Richmonders are getting in on a growing movement to end <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pet rent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/05/dog-rent-rules-security-deposit" data-vars-content-id="62a5b12b-aa4a-4889-b3f6-27586cc5fcad" data-vars-headline="Richmond joins movement to end pet rent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/05/dog-rent-rules-security-deposit" target="_self">pet rent</a>. Why it matters: Pet rent and upfront fees can tack hundreds of dollars onto the cost of renting housing in the city.

Richmond bucks "accidental landlord" trend amid hot housing market

About 1.5% of listings flipped to rentals, as strong demand keeps metro Richmond's housing market competitive.

Around 1.5% of metro Richmond&#x27;s rental listings on Zillow are from sellers the platform calls &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accidental landlords" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" data-vars-content-id="54953c9b-21e9-42eb-b8ba-6df1cd9bedde" data-vars-headline="Richmond bucks &quot;accidental landlord&quot; trend amid hot housing market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" target="_blank">accidental landlords</a>.&quot;Why it matters: That&#x27;s one of the lowest shares in the nation of people who pulled their homes off the market and rented them out instead.

Real Estate 🏠

Report: Richmond renters save nearly $10K a year over buyers

Richmond retreats on neighborhood density

Exclusive: Richmond leads Virginia in 2026 home sales growth

Richmond group pushes plan to prevent resident displacement

Thomas Jefferson's boyhood home in Goochland lists for $17M