Laburnum Park: Not Your Typical Urban Neighborhood

If you're looking for a historic neighborhood with spacious homes, large lots, and beautiful streets, Laburnum Park might be the perfect place for you. Located in the Northside of Richmond, VA, Laburnum Park is one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Richmond for those who value charm, character, and convenience. Many of the adjacent neighborhoods, like Ginter Park, Sherwood Park, Bellevue and Rosedale, are equally popular. It's always good to know as much as you can about a neighborhood so let's explore Laburnum Park's history, architecture, real estate market, amenities, and commute.

A Brief History of Laburnum Park

Laburnum Park was once part of a large estate owned by Joseph Bryan, a prominent businessman and philanthropist in Richmond. He built a 50-room mansion called "Laburnum" on the land in the late 1800s and early 1900s, which still stands today as a historic landmark near the corner of Westwood Avenue and Brook Road. After Bryan died in 1919, his heirs decided to subdivide the estate into residential lots that could benefit from the streetcar lines. Between 1919 and 1930, most of the homes in Laburnum Park were built using classic materials such as brick, concrete, wood siding, shingles, stucco, and slate. Styles included Bungalow/Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Classical Revival, French Renaissance, Queen Anne, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Tudor Revival.

What to Expect from the Real Estate Market in Laburnum Park

Laburnum Park has established itself as a highly coveted neighborhood among homebuyers. With its limited availability, homes in this area rarely become available for sale, making them all the more desirable. As soon as a property hits the market, it is swiftly snatched up by eager buyers who recognize the numerous advantages of residing in this picturesque community. One of the key factors attracting home seekers to Laburnum Park is the assortment of larger historic homes with unusually large yards. These residences not only provide ample space for families to grow and thrive but also exude a unique charm and character that is often absent in newer construction. As a result, potential sellers can rest assured knowing that when the time comes to part ways with their beloved homes, they can expect to receive top dollar for their properties. 

What to Enjoy in Laburnum Park

Laburnum Park offers a variety of amenities and attractions for its residents and visitors. Some notable highlights include: Bryan Park: A 262-acre city park with a pond, soccer fields, an azalea garden, and paved pathways for walking, running, and biking. It also hosts Richmond's largest year-round outdoor market, RVA Big Market, every Saturday. Laburnum House: A 50-room mansion built by Joseph Bryan, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is a landmark of the neighborhood and a historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the history of Laburnum Park?

• Laburnum Park emerged as an early-20th-century suburb, characterized by its tree-lined streets and grass medians. The area developed as one of Richmond's original "streetcar suburbs," where families could enjoy spacious homes while remaining connected to the city center.

• What types of homes can I find in Laburnum Park?

• Homes in Laburnum Park are mostly classic architectural styles but do vary somewhat. Styles include Arts and Crafts, Victorian, Colonial Revival, Four Square, Dutch Colonial and a few others. Most homes are nearly 100 years old so they include a lot of details and character that you won't find in most newer homes.

• What draws home buyers to Laburnum Park?

• Some are drawn to the somewhat unique design with wide boulevard-style streets that include tree-lined grass medians. Some appreciate the proximity to the Veritas School and Holton Elementary. Some are drawn to the tight-knit community, larger homes and unusually large yards.

• How would you describe the real estate market there?

• Competitive. Much of the City is competitive but Laburnum Park is relatively low density (read: smaller number of houses) for an urban neighborhood. When houses go on the market, they tend to sell quickly.

• How easy is it to access different parts of the City from Laburnum Park?

• The Downtown Expressway / 195 as well as both Interstates 95 and 64 have entry and exit points very close to the neighborhood. Downtown is close enough that using the interstates aren't completely necessary. Most points in the West End and Southside can be reached in roughly 15 minutes.

Things to Do in Laburnum Park

Laburnum Park's central location, proximity to amenities and the ease with which other areas can be reached are among residents’ favor things about the neighborhood. Some of the most frequently visited places are below: