Located just outside the metro Richmond area of Virginia lies Henrico County. Punctuated by a more rural environment, but still within a short distance of all that the capital city has to offer, Henrico County is, according to the latest census conducted by the United States in 2010, home to about 307,000 people. This county, generally considered by most to be a suburb of the greater Richmond area, encompasses about 245 squares miles with the majority (234 square miles) of that being land and the remainder (11 square miles) being comprised of water.
The neighborhood of Lakeside lies within Henrico County and boasts 11,849 residents according to the US Census of 2010. It comprises an area of 4.4 square miles with most of that (4.3 square miles) being land and the rest being water. Easily reached from Interstates 64, 195 and 95, Lakeside is only minutes from downtown Richmond, making it very convenient for those residents who live, work and play in the metro area. In spite of its proximity to the metro area, however, Lakeside is still shielded from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Home of Joseph Bryan Park, Lakeside is also where the award-winning Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is located. With such a robust focus on nature, beauty and aesthetics, the neighborhood of Lakeside is one that is highly popular. Whether you are a recent college grad who is working at your first job in Richmond, you are a young couple with children or you are empty-nesters, you will find that Lakeside has plenty of benefits to offer you.
Lakeside Avenue is replete with a variety of primarily small businesses that cater to nearly all of your wants and needs. With offerings as diverse as spas to animal hospitals -- and just about everything in between, Lakeside Avenue businesses allow you to get all your needs taken care of right within your own neighborhood. Founded by visionary Lewis Ginter in 1884 so that the wealthy and well heeled could come to play and relax, this part of Lakeside Avenue today is marked by a quaint charm that can sometimes be difficult to find in these fast-paced times. The area offers possibilities for dining, golfing and other pursuits with more than 200 shops that line the street.
After Lewis Ginter -- already an accomplished businessman -- went to Australia for an update on his company, he returned to the United States determined to recreate the vast and colorful gardens that he saw. He developed the gently rolling land that would become Lakeside and, eventually, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. In addition, he created amenities that were designed to appeal to those well-to-do individuals including the Lakeside Wheel Club and Lakeside Park. The park featured a state-of-the-art entertainment complex for the turn of the 20th century. It included a bowling alley, golf course, casino/dance pavilion, zoo and more. Perhaps there was originally a lake in existence at Lakeside that contributed to its name but, at least for now, is little more than a small creek that has been dammed up. In 2014, the 50 acre botanical gardens won second prize in a contest for the best botanical garden in the country put on by USA Today,
Highlighted by wide, grass-lined streets that are well maintained, Lakeside is a safe and quiet neighborhood that, nonetheless, offers plenty of city conveniences nearby. Most of the homes in the neighborhood have ample-sized yards that beckon children to come and enjoy the outdoors. These swatches of grass would also be ideal for letting the family dog get some exercise if you are not up for walking him. Many of the homes in Lakeside were built in the 1930s and 1940s.
Another buffer against the busyness that is the metro Richmond area that residents of Lakeside can enjoy is Bryan Park. Originally dedicated as a memorial to Joseph Bryan, the founder of Richmond's largest newspaper, today Bryan Park is home to about 450,000 azaleas that were planted among 75 beds. Residents of Lakeside as well as visitors to the area can enjoy the 50 different varieties of the plant that exist within the park today. In addition, there are also hiking and biking trails that enable families to spend quality time enjoying nature's beauty right within their own neighborhood.
Lakeside boasts an elementary school that adds to Lakeside's strong sense of community. In addition, there is a vibrant neighborhood association that is dedicated to highlighting the many amenities of this Northside neighborhood. The real estate market in Lakeside is robust and a good value, enabling it to appeal to many potential homeowners. With so many of the homes featuring front yards and porches, it is only natural that they become places to gather, chat and get to know the neighbors -- much like life used to be during a less complicated era, but with all the fantastic amenities of Richmond just minutes away.
