Trying to choose between Windsor Farms and The Fan can feel like comparing two great but very different lifestyles. You might love the idea of tree‑lined streets and privacy, yet also crave the energy of cafes and walkable blocks. This guide breaks down the tradeoffs that matter most so you can focus on what fits your daily life, renovation plans, and budget. You will walk away with a clear plan to tour smarter and decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Windsor Farms vs The Fan at a glance
Windsor Farms is a planned garden‑suburb from the 1920s known for large lots, elegant architecture, and a cohesive, park‑like setting. Its design roots and neighborhood rules have preserved a timeless feel and a quiet residential rhythm that many buyers value. You will also find cultural landmarks like Virginia House and Agecroft Hall within the neighborhood fabric.
The Fan is an early‑20th‑century urban district of rowhouses and small‑lot single‑family homes with strong walkability and a lively retail and dining scene. It is listed as a historic district and celebrated for its consistent urban form, active associations, and everyday convenience. If you want to step out your door and be near coffee, restaurants, and city life, The Fan delivers that in a single neighborhood.
Home types and lot size
Windsor Farms: estate scale and private review
Windsor Farms features detached, architect‑designed homes in styles like Colonial Revival, Georgian, Tudor, and Cape Cod on substantially larger parcels than typical city lots. The original plan intentionally prioritized a low‑density, garden‑suburb character with generous yard space and a sense of privacy, which still reads on the ground today. The neighborhood operates under recorded Covenants & Restrictions with an Architectural Review Committee that must approve exterior work and that sets rules on subdivisions and maintenance. If you plan an addition or major exterior update, review the Windsor Farms covenants and ARC process early to understand timelines and requirements.
The Fan: historic rowhouses and city lots
The Fan’s streets are lined with two‑ to three‑story rowhouses and closely spaced homes built primarily between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Lots are small by suburban standards, which shapes how you use outdoor space, where you park, and how you might expand. The district’s historic designation means exterior changes are typically reviewed through public processes in addition to standard permits. Expect more constraints on exterior alterations than a non‑historic area, yet with the benefit of a protected, cohesive streetscape.
Walkability and everyday life
Where you run errands and dine
If daily walkability is a top priority, The Fan stands out. It regularly scores in the 90s on Walk Score, which signals access to restaurants, coffee, small businesses, and cultural venues within a short stroll. By contrast, Windsor Farms is oriented to driving for most errands and dining. You will still be a quick car ride to Carytown, the Museum District, and the river, but the day‑to‑day experience is quieter and car‑forward.
- Explore The Fan’s walkable dining and retail mix on the neighborhood’s visitor overview.
- Compare neighborhood mobility with Walk Score for The Fan and Windsor Farms.
Parks, culture, and vibe
Windsor Farms reads as park‑like with mature trees, curving lanes, and access to cultural anchors such as Virginia House. It is ideal if you prefer serenity, private outdoor space, and a refined suburban feel inside the city. The Fan delivers an urban rhythm with neighborhood events, proximity to Monroe Park and VCU, and a steady hum of people out and about. If you get energy from street life, this is likely your match.
Parking, commute, and transit
Parking works very differently in each neighborhood. Many Windsor Farms homes include driveways and garages, and curb parking is less constrained, which makes life simpler if you have multiple vehicles or frequent guests. The Fan relies more on on‑street and alley parking, and several blocks participate in the City’s Residential Permit Parking program. If street parking matters, review the City’s parking and permit details for the exact block you are considering.
Commute patterns also differ. From Windsor Farms, you are minutes by car to Carytown, the Museum District, the James River parkways, and major connectors like I‑195 and I‑64. The Fan puts many downtown and VCU destinations within a short walk, bike ride, or quick drive. Transit access is stronger in The Fan, while Windsor Farms residents typically rely on cars.
Renovations and rules
Both neighborhoods protect their character, but they do it in different ways. Windsor Farms uses private Covenants & Restrictions enforced by an Architectural Review Committee. That means you will seek ARC approval for exterior work and must follow standards related to materials, design, and in some cases subdivision. Start by reading the Windsor Farms covenants and ARC guidance so you know what is feasible.
The Fan’s protections are public. As a recognized historic district, exterior alterations and demolitions usually require design review through local processes, which is separate from your building permits. Expect more planning up front for visible changes and a focus on maintaining the district’s urban form and details. In both places, the earlier you clarify approvals, the smoother your project will go.
Price, inventory, and resale
On price, the neighborhoods usually sit in different tiers. In recent neighborhood summaries, Redfin reports Windsor Farms medians around 1.2 million dollars, while The Fan’s median is closer to 640 thousand dollars. Medians change with the market, but the relationship is consistent: Windsor Farms is one of Richmond’s higher price bands, and The Fan is a premium urban market that typically prices below Windsor Farms. For current context, review the Windsor Farms Redfin neighborhood page and pair that with fresh, block‑level MLS comps.
Inventory and turnover also feel different. Windsor Farms often has fewer, larger single‑family listings with longer hold times between sales because many homes are held for years. The Fan shows a mix of condos, rowhouses, and single‑family homes with somewhat higher turnover. Both neighborhoods have strong demand within their segments, so think about your time horizon and buyer pool when planning resale.
How to choose: a quick decision guide
Use these practical tradeoffs to clarify your priorities:
Yard and privacy vs walkability and convenience
- Choose Windsor Farms if you want larger yards, more privacy, and a quieter street experience.
- Choose The Fan if you want dense walkability, short daily trips, and active street life.
Renovation freedom vs design review
- Windsor Farms requires ARC approval under private covenants for exterior work.
- The Fan uses public historic‑district reviews for visible changes. Either way, verify approvals before you plan an addition or exterior remodel.
Parking and vehicle lifestyle
- Windsor Farms typically offers easier driveway and garage access.
- The Fan relies more on street and alley parking, and some blocks require permits. Check the City’s Residential Permit Parking information for your block.
Long‑term value framing
- Windsor Farms occupies a top price tier with estate‑scale lots.
- The Fan holds enduring demand for walkable urban housing with limited supply.
A simple on‑the‑ground checklist
- Do a vibe test. Walk The Fan on a weekday evening to feel the energy. Then drive Windsor Farms during peak times to assess traffic patterns and driveway access.
- Measure your outdoor needs. Stand in a typical Windsor Farms yard and picture play space, gardens, or a pool. In The Fan, check how you would use a patio, balcony, or compact backyard.
- Confirm renovation rules before you fall in love. Ask whether a property is under the Windsor Farms ARC or The Fan’s historic review. Start with the Windsor Farms covenants and your agent’s permit guidance.
- Validate parking and guests. In The Fan, look for alley access or dedicated spots and confirm permit requirements on the City’s parking page. In Windsor Farms, review garage size and street width.
- Ground your budget in current comps. Use neighborhood medians as a guide, then pull a 6‑month comp set for the specific blocks you want. Your agent can fine‑tune price expectations and strategy.
Next steps with a local plan
If you are torn between yard space and walkability, it helps to test both quickly with a curated tour. Our team sets up back‑to‑back showings that highlight the tradeoffs you care about, checks renovation pathways in advance, and builds a price strategy with live comps. When you are ready to move, we coordinate vendors, inspections, and logistics so you can enjoy the process.
Ready to compare Windsor Farms and The Fan the smart way? Start your neighborhood strategy with Michela Worthington and the OwnRVA Group.
FAQs
Which neighborhood has bigger yards in Richmond?
- Windsor Farms generally offers larger lots and more private outdoor space than The Fan, consistent with its garden‑suburb plan.
How walkable are Windsor Farms and The Fan?
- The Fan is highly walkable with a Walk Score near 93, while Windsor Farms is largely car‑dependent with a Walk Score near 28. Compare both on Walk Score before you tour.
What remodeling approvals are required in each neighborhood?
- Windsor Farms uses private Covenants & Restrictions with an ARC for exterior changes, while The Fan’s exterior work is typically reviewed through public historic‑district processes. Clarify approvals before planning an addition.
Which neighborhood typically costs more?
- Recent summaries show Windsor Farms medians around 1.2 million dollars and The Fan around 640 thousand dollars, though prices shift over time. Check live comps for your target blocks.
How does parking work in The Fan?
- Many homes rely on street or alley parking, and some blocks require Residential Permit Parking. Review your block’s details on the City’s parking page before you buy.
