Richmond may radiate a “genteel and understated nature” as the New York Times observed, but things happen here. It’s a wealthy city, ranking #21 in Prosperity, including #18 for the presence of Fortune 500 Companies in town. And at #30, Richmond punches above its weight in our deep Place category—which includes Neighborhoods, and Parks & Outdoor Activities. Experience modern Richmond in the neighborhood of Jackson Ward, once the epicenter of the city’s black culture; the restaurants and galleries of Broad Street reward exploration on foot or bike. The James River Park System sees more than a million visitors a year clamber over rocks in the river, launch paddle boards and kayaks, swim and inner tube. But it is the artistic face of Richmond that surprises the most: there are more than 100 murals painted in the city by artists from around the world and every September, the RVA Street Art Festival invigorates neglected areas, benefits Richmond arts charities, and puts on a great local party.