Filling some very big shoes, Sophie ’16 is following in Hillary 13′ and Laura ’12 footsteps with the creation of more City Guides! Our city guides were started in an effort to highlight various cities across the U.S. to help you discover and learn about a city you may not have considered but could make a great spot for your first job or internship.
First up is Sophie’s hometown of Richmond, VA:
Image Source: http://www.funfix.com/Miscellaneous/articles/Fun-Things-to-do-in-Richmond-VA.html
Population: 210,308
Unemployment Rate: 6.2%
Cost of living index: 99/100 (100 is average)
Major industries: Advanced manufacturing, creative and knowledge-based services, finance, insurance, and real-estate, green technology, health and life services, transportation and linguistics
Climate: Winter—38.5°F, Summer—76°F
Professional Sports: Nationals, Wizards, Caps, Redskins, DC United
Closing Time: 2 AM
Best known for: Virginia State Capitol, Patrick Henry’s “give me liberty or give me death” speech in Hanover Courthouse, Edgar Allan Poe
Best Dish: Everything!
Why We Chose It:
Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is a vibrant, Southern-esque place to live in after graduation for many reasons, in part helped by it’s recent appearance in Forbes “10 Up and Coming Cities for Entrepreneurs” article. Not only will you experience the fantastic views of the James River (hello, kayaking, water rafting, biking, running galore!), festivals, museums, and cafes, but you will also be surrounded by people your age. The University of Richmond, Virginia Union University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the Medical College of Virginia prompt many undergraduate and graduate students to frequent this cultured city. Moreover, if you are still a city person at heart, Richmond is only an hour and 50 minutes away from D.C. (and has barely any traffic in comparison)!
Transitioning from Lewisburg and a population of 5,620 to Richmond may seem daunting; however this mecca of culture, art, and vast opportunity could become what you call home in due time. As stated above, this city is known for attracting a broad range of people such as those intrigued by advanced manufacturing, creative and knowledge-based services, finance, insurance, and real-estate, green technology, health and life services, and transportation and linguistics.
Many herald Richmond for its abundance of leisure activities. Some notable places are the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, and the Hippodrome. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers new exhibits and collections ranging from African, American, Ancient American, East Asian, European, to South Asian backgrounds – and for free! It is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm, and has extended hours on Thursday and Friday until 9 pm. As for the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, it is only blocks away from his first, original Richmond home. As the website states, the museum “boasts the world’s finest collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s manuscripts, letters, first editions, memorabilia and personal belongings, and provides a retreat into the early nineteenth century Richmond where Poe lived and worked”. The Hippodrome creates an old-time-y feel as a restored historic theater where Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong performed back in the day. The swanky atmosphere is perfect for a more refined brunch, lunch, dinner, or celebrating at a private event.
Why You’ll Love it:
Finally, I would like to underscore the restaurant and bar scene, which can appeal to any picky palate. Heritage, Capital Ale House, Cinebistro, Rappahannock, Akida Japanese, and Ruang Tong are just a few of the plethora of options at your disposal. Having cheaper to more upscale places to eat at, many leisure activities to do, rich history at the tip of your fingers, and numerous industries to explore – Richmond is the place to be for any budding, gilded professional!
Not ready to leave Bucknell? We didn’t think so.
Check out the Bucknell Club of Richmond!
385 alumni are in the area.
Check out B-Link if you want to talk to people willing to speak about career advice and job opportunities at such places as:
Geico
Vantera Consulting LLC
Verizon Wireless
DuPont Protection Technologies
ICF International
Special Olympics International
Deloitte Consulting
Or in industries such as:
Dentistry
Art
Advanced manufacturing
Finance
Insurance
Real-estate
Green technology
Health and life services
Transportation and linguistics
This post was written and researched by Bucknell Sophomore Sophie Hattery.
Sources:
– http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/51/51760.html
– http://www.bls.gov/web/metro/laummtrk.htm
– http://www.areavibes.com/richmond-va/cost-of-living/
– http://www.yesrichmondva.com/richmond-advantages/Key-Industries