March 5, 2026
New Apartments Being Built in Richmond VA: A Complete Guide to Richmond's Construction Boom
Richmond Virginia is in the middle of a massive apartment construction wave. Here is where new complexes are going up, what it means for renters, and how to plan your move into a brand new unit.
Richmond's Apartment Construction Boom by the Numbers
Richmond Virginia is building apartments at a pace the city has not seen in decades. Thousands of new units have come online in the last few years, and thousands more are currently under construction or in the permitting phase.
This is not happening by accident. Richmond's population has been growing steadily, driven by a combination of factors: a strong job market anchored by healthcare, finance, and technology; relative affordability compared to Northern Virginia and Washington DC; and a quality of life that keeps showing up on national "best places to live" lists.
The result is a construction boom that is reshaping entire neighborhoods. If you are looking for a new apartment in Richmond, you have more options than at any point in the last 20 years — but navigating the new construction landscape requires some knowledge.
Where New Apartments Are Going Up in Richmond
Scott's Addition
Scott's Addition has transformed from an industrial warehouse district into one of Richmond's hottest neighborhoods. The area continues to see new apartment projects breaking ground alongside the breweries, restaurants, and creative businesses that made it popular in the first place.
New construction in Scott's Addition tends to be mid-rise, 4-6 story buildings with modern amenities: rooftop decks, co-working spaces, fitness centers, and garage parking. Rents for new units in Scott's Addition typically range from $1,400 to $2,200 for a one-bedroom.
Manchester
Manchester, just across the river from downtown, has become one of the most active construction zones in the city. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown, river access, and relatively available land has made it a magnet for developers.
New Manchester apartments range from large-scale complexes with hundreds of units to smaller boutique buildings. Many new projects are mixed-use, with ground-floor retail and restaurants. Rents are generally slightly below Scott's Addition, making it attractive to renters who want new construction without the premium.
Shockoe Bottom and Tobacco Row
The historic Shockoe area continues to evolve. New apartment construction here often involves adaptive reuse of historic warehouse and industrial buildings, blending exposed brick and original architecture with modern finishes.
Some new ground-up construction is happening as well, particularly near the eastern edge of the neighborhood. The Main Street Station area has seen renewed interest from developers as infrastructure improvements continue.
Broad Street Corridor
The Broad Street corridor from downtown through Scott's Addition and into the West End is seeing significant multifamily development. Several large projects are in various stages of construction along this stretch, taking advantage of the Pulse bus rapid transit line that connects the corridor.
Southside and Midlothian
New apartment construction is not limited to the city core. The Southside and Midlothian corridor along Route 60 has seen a surge in new complexes, often larger suburban-style communities with more square footage per unit and amenities like pools and dog parks.
Short Pump and West End
The West End continues to add new apartment inventory, particularly near the Short Pump Town Center area and along the West Broad Street corridor. These tend to be larger complexes targeting professionals and families who want newer units with easy access to shopping and highways.
What This Means for Richmond Renters
More Options and Better Amenities
The construction boom is good news for renters. More supply means more competition among landlords, which means better amenities, more move-in specials, and in some cases, stabilizing or declining rents in older buildings that now compete with shiny new ones.
New construction apartments in Richmond typically offer features that older Richmond apartments simply do not have: in-unit washers and dryers, modern kitchens with quartz countertops, keyless entry, package lockers, EV charging stations, and dedicated co-working spaces.
Timing Your Move Into New Construction
Moving into a brand new apartment building comes with some unique considerations:
Construction delays are normal. If a building promises a June opening, build in a cushion. Many new buildings open weeks or months later than initially advertised. Do not give notice at your current apartment until you have a firm, confirmed move-in date.
First residents deal with punch-list issues. Being among the first to move into a new building means you may encounter unfinished common areas, minor unit defects, and amenities that are not yet operational. This is normal and usually resolved within the first few months.
Move-in windows are tight. New buildings with dozens or hundreds of units opening simultaneously will have strict move-in scheduling. You may get a specific 3-4 hour window on a specific day. Having professional movers who can work efficiently within that window is critical.
Elevator access is limited. Even in buildings with elevators, move-in days mean sharing elevator time with other new residents. Your movers need to be efficient and organized so you are not paying for hours of waiting.
The Cost of New Construction vs. Older Richmond Apartments
New construction commands a premium. Here is a general comparison of what you can expect in Richmond:
Compare that to older apartment stock in similar neighborhoods where studios start around $900 and one-bedrooms around $1,100. You are paying 20-40% more for new construction, but you are getting significantly better finishes, amenities, and energy efficiency.
Many new buildings offer move-in specials — one or two months free on a 12-month lease, waived application fees, or reduced deposits. These specials are more common when buildings first open and are trying to fill units quickly.
How to Plan Your Move Into a New Richmond Apartment
Moving into new construction requires more coordination than a standard apartment-to-apartment move. Here is what you need to do:
Confirm everything in writing. Get your exact move-in date, your move-in time window, elevator reservation requirements, loading dock access details, and any building rules about moving (required insurance, floor protection, etc.) in writing from your new building's management.
Book movers early. If your new building has 200 units opening in the same month, every moving company in Richmond is going to be busy. Book as soon as you have a confirmed date.
Measure before you buy new furniture. New construction floor plans look spacious on paper but measure your actual rooms, doorways, and hallways before ordering that sectional sofa.
Document everything on move-in day. Take photos and video of every room, every surface, every appliance before you unpack. New does not mean perfect — document any scratches, dents, paint issues, or appliance problems on day one so they do not come out of your deposit later.
Moving Into Your New Richmond Apartment
Whether you are moving into a brand new building in Scott's Addition or a newly renovated unit in the Fan, you need a moving team that knows Richmond's apartment buildings inside and out.
At Apartment Movers Richmond Virginia, we have moved hundreds of residents into new construction buildings across the city. We know the loading dock procedures, the elevator reservation systems, and the building manager requirements. We show up on time, work within your move-in window, and protect both your belongings and your new apartment's floors and walls.
Planning a move into a new Richmond apartment? Get your free quote today.