Is Richmond right for you?
The honest answer: yes — and here's why.
Not a marketing angle. A real read on what it's like to call RVA home.
A real community
An active, visible LGBTQ+ scene — 40,000+ turn out for Virginia PrideFest, plus year-round organizations, arts, nightlife, and culture.
Protected here
Since 2020, the Virginia Values Act has protected Virginians from housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Know your rights as an LGBTQ+ homebuyer in Virginia
Livable & attainable
A river running through the city, a food scene above its weight, more attainable housing than many larger East Coast metros — big-city life without the big-city price.
Know your rights as an LGBTQ+ homebuyer in Virginia
Frequently asked questions
Is Richmond, Virginia a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ home buyers? Yes. Richmond has an established LGBTQ+ community with year-round organizations and events, including Virginia PrideFest, Diversity Richmond, Side by Side and the Richmond LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. State law backs it up: the Virginia Values Act, effective July 1, 2020, added sexual orientation and gender identity to the Virginia Fair Housing Law's protected characteristics, making housing discrimination on those grounds illegal statewide.
Are LGBTQ+ home buyers legally protected in Virginia? Yes. The Virginia Fair Housing Law prohibits housing discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and military status, alongside race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, disability and source of funds. Complaints in Virginia are handled by the Fair Housing Office at the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
What does an LGBTQ+ affirming realtor actually do differently? The real estate work is identical: pricing, negotiating, inspections, contracts. What changes is what you do not have to manage. You do not have to decide how to introduce your partner, wonder whether two names on a loan application will draw a comment, or explain your family. I am part of this community. Fair Housing law means I cannot and will not steer anyone toward or away from any area based on who they are; what I can do is give you straight facts about homes, costs and logistics so you decide for yourself.
How do I find an LGBTQ+ friendly realtor in Richmond, VA? Look for an agent who says it publicly and specifically rather than hinting at it, who names the community organizations they are actually involved with, and who can explain your Fair Housing protections without being prompted. Ask directly how they handle a couple buying together, and listen for whether the answer is about the transaction or about you. Referrals from local LGBTQ+ organizations and the Richmond LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce are a reliable starting point.
Do you only work with LGBTQ+ clients? No. I represent every buyer and seller in the Richmond area, and I always have. Being visible about this is about making it obvious that this is a safe place to start the conversation, not a limit on who I work with. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Free download
New to buying — or new to RVA? Start with the free bundle.
Get my free guide bundle — two guides in one download. The First-Time Homebuyer's Guide to Richmond (the whole process, the down-payment help you may qualify for, and what to expect) plus my LGBTQ+ Relocation Supplement. No pressure, just answers.
The 7 steps from "maybe someday" to keys in hand
Virginia down-payment & closing-cost assistance you may qualify for
What to expect at every stage of the process
Written for first-time buyers — and every buyer is welcome
PLUS my LGBTQ+ Relocation Supplement — community, your rights in Virginia, and cost of living, included free.
"Steve was an amazing realtor from start to finish! As first-time homebuyers, we had a lot of questions and needed plenty of guidance, and he was patient every step of the way. He was always responsive, listened carefully to what we were looking for, and never wasted our time showing us homes that didn’t fit our needs or budget.
What we appreciated most was that Steve was never pushy. He gave honest advice, respected our decisions, and made us feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Buying your first home can be overwhelming, but Steve made it an enjoyable experience. We couldn’t have asked for a better realtor and would highly recommend him to anyone looking to buy or sell a home!"
Chuck & Jean Paul, Richmond, VA
Hi, I'm Steve.
I'm a Richmond REALTOR® with River Fox Realty, and I'm proud to help every buyer and seller find their place in RVA. If you've ever worried about feeling fully seen and supported through one of the biggest decisions of your life — know that you're welcome at my table, fully and without exception.
The guide is the easiest first step: no cost, no pressure, no phone call required. When you're ready to talk, I'm here — at 804-787-0636 or steve@riverfoxrealty.com.