Richmond has a funny way of changing. One day, you notice a new building downtown, a busier stretch of Broad Street, or a neighborhood with restaurants that weren't there a few years ago. Suddenly, a familiar part of town feels a little different.
As a lifelong Richmonder, I love watching our city evolve. But for anyone buying a home here, Richmond's growth in 2026 raises a practical question: How will these changes affect where you want to live? Let's talk about the developments worth watching and what they mean for your home search.
Richmond's Growth Is Showing Up All Over the Map
Some of Richmond's biggest changes are happening downtown, where older office buildings are finding new uses and major employers are expanding. The new CoStar campus, which opened in July 2026, is a great example.
Large employment centers can bring more activity to surrounding streets, support local businesses, and create additional interest in nearby housing. Healthcare investment, including expansion projects involving VCU Health and Bon Secours, also contributes to the region's changing employment landscape.
Meanwhile, residential development continues throughout the suburbs, and public improvements are creating new opportunities around the James River. Each project has its own timeline and potential impact, which is why I encourage buyers to look at what's happening around individual neighborhoods.
Want a closer look at what's changing? Come along as I break down 20 BIG Things Coming to Richmond, Virginia in 2026, including the projects influencing where people work, live, and spend their free time.
The Diamond District and Riverfront Are Worth Watching
Two projects I find especially interesting are the Diamond District and Mayo Island. Both could influence how residents experience parts of Richmond that are already familiar to longtime locals.
The Diamond District redevelopment is bringing plans for housing, retail, public spaces, and entertainment around the new baseball stadium. Agreements finalized in 2026 advanced infrastructure and future development, although portions of the larger project remain ahead.
Along the James River, Mayo Island's transformation into a natural area park is progressing. Planned trails, green spaces, and river access could eventually provide another wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors.
For buyers, the key is understanding which amenities already exist and which are still coming. I'd also look at nearby traffic, parking, construction activity, and how easily you can reach these spaces from the neighborhood.
Better Connections Could Change Your Richmond Commute
Here's something I always tell people relocating to Richmond: distance on a map rarely tells the entire story.
Living across the James River from work can involve a very different commute than living on the same side of town. Routes like I-64, I-95, Route 288, and the Downtown Expressway can also feel quite different during peak travel hours.
Projects such as the Fall Line Trail and GRTC's proposed North-South Pulse expansion are designed to improve regional connections. Parts of the trail are already accessible, while the transit expansion and other trail sections remain in various stages of planning or construction.
Before buying, I'd drive your potential commute, check existing transit routes, and look closely at planned improvements. Future infrastructure is useful context, but your daily routine should work with the transportation options available today.
How Richmond's Growth Looks Different Across the Suburbs
One of my favorite things about the Richmond metro is the variety. You can find urban neighborhoods, established suburbs, and newer communities without traveling an enormous distance.
Here's how some of those differences play out:
Short Pump and Glen Allen: Convenient shopping, restaurants, employment centers, and a mix of established and newer housing. Traffic around West Broad Street is worth considering.
Midlothian and Moseley: Established communities around Midlothian and expanding new-construction options farther west. Pay attention to commuting routes, HOA fees, and future construction phases.
Mechanicsville and Ashland: Residential neighborhoods, small-town surroundings in Ashland, and access to northern Richmond employment corridors. Some locations offer more space, with additional driving for everyday errands.
Each area responds differently to regional growth. That's why I like helping buyers compare the Richmond neighborhoods that fit their lifestyle before narrowing their search to individual homes.
For another look at the changes across our region, watch my video Everything NEW Coming to Richmond in 2026. I'll walk you through some of the projects and improvements shaping Richmond's next chapter.
What I'd Check Before Buying in a Growing Richmond Neighborhood
This is where I'd spend most of my time as a buyer. Understanding the bigger developments is helpful, but the details surrounding a particular house will have the greatest impact on your experience.
Start With What's Already Approved
A big development announcement sounds exciting, but projects can take years to complete. I'd check the local planning department's records to see what's approved, funded, or already under construction.
Look for proposed apartment buildings, new subdivisions, road improvements, and commercial projects near the property. Understanding the actual timeline helps you plan for construction activity and changes to the surrounding area.
Take Your Daily Routine for a Test Drive
I always encourage buyers to look beyond the house itself. Visit the neighborhood at different times, and pay attention to the roads, nearby businesses, and activities that will become part of your regular routine.
A few things I'd specifically check include:
Commute: Drive your actual route during the hours you'll travel.
Shopping: Locate your nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, and everyday services.
Schools: Confirm current attendance boundaries with the appropriate district.
Outdoor spaces: Check how easily you can reach parks, trails, and recreation.
Future development: Review upcoming building phases, roadwork, and neighborhood plans.
Housing costs: Compare HOA fees, property taxes, maintenance needs, and insurance.
The neighborhood that looks wonderful online should also feel comfortable when you're buying groceries on a Wednesday or heading home after a long workday.
Think About How Much Change You Want Around You
Some buyers love the energy of new restaurants, construction, and growing activity. Others prefer established streets, mature trees, and neighborhoods where most of the building is already finished.
Both are perfectly reasonable priorities. During our home search, I'd help you explore the places that offer the balance of activity, convenience, and breathing room you're looking for.
Should You Buy Near Richmond's Newest Developments?
Buying near a major project can bring opportunities to enjoy new amenities and improved connections. It can also involve temporary construction, additional traffic, and changes to the surrounding neighborhood.
I would never encourage someone to choose a property solely because they expect nearby development to increase its value. Home prices depend on local housing supply, demand, property condition, and many other factors.
Instead, start with your budget and the lifestyle you want today. Then consider how nearby development could influence that experience over the years you plan to own the home.
Richmond Is Growing. Let's Find Where You Fit.
Richmond's growth in 2026 is exciting, especially for those of us who have watched this city change over the years. New housing, expanding employers, improved trails, and redevelopment projects are giving people new ways to experience the region.
And the wonderful thing is that you have choices. Some neighborhoods put you closer to downtown activity, while others offer quieter streets, larger yards, or familiar suburban conveniences.
As a native Richmonder, I love helping relocation buyers understand these differences before they make a decision. Reach out to me, and let's talk about the neighborhoods, commutes, and everyday details that will help you feel at home here.
FAQs About Richmond's Growth in 2026
Is Richmond still growing in 2026?
Yes. Richmond and its surrounding counties continue to see investment in housing, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, and redevelopment, although the type and pace of growth vary by location.
What major developments are changing Richmond?
Notable projects include the Diamond District redevelopment, CoStar's expanded downtown campus, Mayo Island restoration, the Fall Line Trail, and proposed transit improvements. Each has its own development schedule and potential impact on surrounding areas.
Will Richmond's growth increase home prices?
Growth can influence housing demand, but higher property values are never guaranteed. Local inventory, property condition, location, and buyer competition all influence pricing.
Which Richmond suburbs are seeing new development?
Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover all have areas experiencing residential or commercial growth. Communities around Moseley, Midlothian, Glen Allen, and other developing corridors are worth comparing based on housing preferences and commuting needs.
About Holly Fye
I'm Holly Fye, a native Richmonder, VCU graduate, and MBA, helping buyers, sellers, and relocation clients throughout Richmond and the surrounding counties. I've lived here my entire life, so when I help you move to Richmond, I want you to understand more than what's inside the house.
We'll talk about the roads you'll drive, the neighborhoods you'll spend time in, the conveniences you'll appreciate, and the trade-offs you may never notice from another state.
I come from a family of firefighters and educators who served these communities for decades. That background shaped how I approach my work, and service has always been part of who I am. I'll give you an honest perspective on Richmond and its surrounding communities, including Ashland, so you can understand both what makes an area special and the considerations that come with living there.
My professional background includes education, personnel management, and real estate, and I've earned 45+ five-star Google reviews from clients I've had the privilege of helping. My goal is simple: I want you to feel informed, cared for, and confident about where you decide to put down roots.
