Fellow ARFCOM Virginians, I need your help!

I recently sold my place in the Hampton Roads area and need to find a temporary apartment in the Richmond area. I work in an office that is located downtown, but I prefer to live outside the city. I don't really like the Chesterfield or Mechanicsville areas. I want to sign a 12-month lease and learn the Richmond area before choosing and buying a home. Any help or insight is very much appreciated. Thanks!

Copper Spring, and some the places along West Broad / Mayland in that area are really nice. Check them out.

I lived around there for a few years about 10 years ago and from that would generally agree.  The only caution I would have is general economic changes around the area.  It seems like a lot of vacant/rundown strip malls are popping up as the newer options open further west.  

You may want to check out Malvern Manor as well if you're going to be working downtown.  Nice neighborhood, some good food/bar options close by (carytown and libbie/grove area) and quick access to the downtown expressway.

The Oaks at Gayton are nice too and in the Short Pump area.

Avoid anything managed by Twohy, though it's mostly in the Fan area and Museum District... Absolute slumlord.

Far East (Elko, Sandston, Varina) or West (Short Pump, Gayton, Hungry Road, Lakeside, Glenside, Deep Run, Twin Hickory, etc.) Henrico or Bust. Stay around places where you can easily get to 64. If you don't mind a little longer drive, look at West New Kent around Bottom's Bridge.