Why We Exist

Richmond isn’t just where we live. It’s where we’ve grown up, grown apart, and found our way back. It’s where the James River slows us down and the murals of Jackson Ward remind us who came before. It’s where neighbors wave from porches in Northside, where food trucks park at Forest Hill Park, and where somebody’s aunt always knows somebody you should meet.

But Richmond’s magic—its culture, connection, and calm—isn’t always obvious to newcomers. And even lifelong locals can feel unmoored when life shifts beneath them: a breakup, a new baby, a job loss, a cross-country move. That’s where KnowRVA comes in: to help people root emotionally, socially, and spiritually in Richmond.

Church Hill neighborhood evening scene with front porches and warm light
The kind of Richmond moment we want everyone to experience—where life slows down just enough to feel real.

What We Actually Do

We introduce you to the people who help you stay, not just move. That might be a realtor who sees your family’s story, not just your pre-approval letter. It could be a local recruiter who places you at an org that matches your values. Or maybe it’s someone who knows a yoga teacher that doesn’t make you feel awkward for being new.

Here are some of the kinds of locals we connect you to:
  • Realtors who specialize in first-time or emotionally complex buyers
  • Movers who show up, help out, and don’t add stress
  • Therapists and spiritual counselors who get the transitions we face
  • Recruiters, doulas, school insiders, yoga folks—you name it

We’re not a directory. We’re not a lead-gen farm. We’re not a “top 10 best places to live” SEO site. We’re neighbors, locals, and storytellers trying to make sure Richmond stays Richmond by helping people actually belong here.

Coffee shop scene in Richmond with locals meeting and connecting
We’re building connections that feel like recommendations from a friend—not a list on a screen.

How We Make Matches

Before we suggest anyone, we want to know you. What are your values? How do you define quality? Are you in a hurry, or just trying to get grounded? Whether you need someone quiet and efficient or outgoing and emotionally attuned, we try to align you with the right person, not just someone nearby.

We gather signals about you—budget, personality, pace, even interaction style—and use that to fine-tune who we connect you with. Think: MBTI, OCEAN, or even vibe-based optimization. If it makes a better match, we’ll try it. But above all, we prioritize people who are kind, communicative, and high-quality.

A notebook sketch showing matchmaking traits used for personalizing referrals
Our matching process is a mix of tech and tenderness — data-backed, human-powered.

What Grounds Us

We believe that when people feel emotionally and socially anchored, they make better decisions, show up stronger in their communities, and build more beautiful lives. That’s not just good for the individuals. That’s good for Richmond.

"If we help the right people stay, we keep Richmond safe, soulful, and worth loving." — a Northside neighbor, after a backyard conversation

That’s the soul of KnowRVA. Helping people build the kind of life that doesn’t just work—but *feels like home*.

You're about 80% home.

What We Hope You’ll Do

Reach out. Talk to us. Let us help. Tell us your story—why you’re here, what you’re hoping for, who you’re becoming. You’re not just a user. You’re part of the city’s story now.

Group of diverse people in Richmond enjoying a sunny block party
This is what happens when people don’t just move to Richmond — they stay for it.