Local Life in RVA | Neighborhood Spotlight: Glen Allen

Neighborhood Spotlight: Glen Allen

Glen Allen isn’t just where I live — it’s where I watch the seasons shift, know which coffee shops open early, and wave at neighbors I’ve actually helped move in. It’s a community that blends suburban calm with close-to-it-all convenience, which is a big reason so many people are drawn to it — and stay.

Tucked into Henrico County just north of Richmond, Glen Allen offers a balance of great schools, green spaces, and grocery stores you don’t have to GPS. Homes range from well-kept traditionals to newer builds with space to grow, and the neighborhoods — from Twin Hickory to Wyndham to Glen Allen Heights — each have their own rhythm.

Want trails? There’s Crump Park and Meadow Farm, where you’ll find kids chasing ducks, dogs living their best lives, and history lovers wandering through the 19th-century farmhouse. Looking for Saturday morning routines? Think farmer’s markets, youth sports fields, and local coffee in your favorite to-go mug.

Need errands? You’re close to Short Pump — Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Target, and enough dining options to keep your DoorDash habits in check — but far enough away to avoid the weekend swarm. There’s an ease to life here. A rhythm. You can run into a neighbor at Lowe’s and actually remember their name. (And their dog’s.)

Prefer quiet evenings and block parties over traffic and noise? You’ll fit right in. This isn’t a spot that tries to impress you with flash — it grows on you with comfort. It’s where people plant gardens, ride bikes after dinner, and put twinkle lights on their porch just because.

What makes Glen Allen special isn’t just its location — it’s the way it lives. It’s walkable enough to feel connected, quiet enough to sleep with your windows open, and close enough to Richmond to never miss out. Whether you’re looking for award-winning schools, friendly sidewalks, or just a place where you can exhale at the end of the day — Glen Allen delivers.

The real win? Glen Allen makes everyday life feel manageable. You don’t have to choose between a backyard and a commute, between charm and chain stores. It’s a place where people put down roots — not just because the houses are nice, but because the lifestyle fits. And if you ever want the inside scoop on the area, you know who to call.