Explore Carytown: Richmond’s Walkable Wonderland

If Glen Allen is calm and convenient, Carytown is its artsy, caffeinated cousin. Known for its colorful storefronts, quirky boutiques, and some of the best people-watching in Richmond, Carytown is the spot you go when you want walkability with personality.

You won’t find cookie-cutter here — you’ll find charm layered in murals, mismatched chairs at sidewalk cafés, and more vintage finds than your closet can handle.

Carytown is a vibe — and it’s not trying to be anywhere else. Stretching along West Cary Street just west of VCU, it’s home to more than 200 locally owned businesses, including independent bookstores, rooftop brunch spots, and shops where the owners know your name (and your dog’s).

Craving brunch? You’re covered. Shopping for gifts, houseplants, or vinyl records? Carytown’s got a store for that. Want a date night that includes Thai food, a documentary at the Byrd Theatre, and late-night gelato? That’s just a Thursday.

It’s not just the fun stuff, either. Carytown living includes historic homes, classic Richmond rowhouses, and a strong sense of community tucked behind the bustle. You’ll see folks walking their dogs, pushing strollers, or sitting on their front porch catching up with neighbors. It’s that kind of place — layered, local, and lived-in in all the best ways.

Parking can be a challenge, sure. But most residents agree it’s a small tradeoff for being able to walk to dinner, groceries, and more tacos than you can count. And when the farmer’s market pops up nearby, or the sidewalks fill with locals for one of the area’s festivals, you’re reminded just how lucky you are to live in the middle of it all.

Carytown isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to experience. And if you’re the kind of person who values creativity, community, and being close to it all, you just might find yourself calling it home.