If you’re apartment-hunting on Richmond’s north side, you’ve probably seen “Colonial Apartments” pop up in your search. You’re not imagining things. This community has been part of the Henrico County rental scene since 1970. It still shows up as one of the more budget-friendly options in an area where rent keeps climbing.
I spent time digging through current listings, floor plans, and resident-facing details. My goal: put together an accurate picture of what this community actually offers in 2026. Here’s what you need to know before you schedule a tour.
Colonial Apartments at a Glance
Colonial Apartments sits at 5501 Pony Farm Dr, Richmond, VA 23227. It technically falls inside Henrico County rather than the city of Richmond itself, even though it carries a Richmond mailing address. The community spans two stories. It includes 612 units, making it one of the larger apartment communities in this part of the metro area.
Builders completed Colonial in 1970. The property offers a mix of townhouse and garden-style floor plans. You’ll find one, two, and three-bedroom layouts with one or two bathrooms. Sizes range from roughly 586 to 1,003 square feet. That range covers everything from a compact one-bedroom up to a family-sized three-bedroom unit.
Rental rates fluctuate with the season and current promotions. Treat any specific number as a snapshot, not a guarantee. As of mid-to-late 2026, one-bedroom units started around $1,040 to $1,178 per month. Two-bedroom units ran roughly $1,358 to $1,738. Always confirm current pricing directly with the leasing office, since availability and specials shift regularly.
Location and Neighborhood Context
Colonial’s location works in its favor. It suits anyone commuting into downtown Richmond or the city’s fast-growing job centers. The property sits just minutes from downtown, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and Scott’s Addition. That last neighborhood draws plenty of attention for its breweries, restaurants, and adaptive-reuse loft buildings.
Commuters get easy access to both I-95 and I-295. That makes trips north toward Ashland or south into downtown Richmond fairly painless outside peak traffic hours. Rutland Commons, a nearby shopping and dining hub, adds everyday convenience without requiring a long drive.
Outdoor space fans will appreciate the proximity to Three Lakes Park. This Henrico County park offers a nature center, fishing lakes, and walking trails. It’s a solid option for weekend recreation without leaving the immediate area.
Families should note that Colonial falls within the Henrico County Public Schools district. That district includes L. Douglas Wilder Middle School among the schools serving this address. Always verify current school zoning directly with Henrico County Public Schools before making a decision based on schools alone. Attendance boundaries can shift over time.
Floor Plans and Pricing Breakdown
Colonial organizes its units into townhouse and garden-style layouts across three bedroom counts:
One-bedroom units: These generally run around 586 square feet. They represent the most budget-friendly option in the community. Expect a straightforward layout suited to a single renter or a couple who prioritizes affordability over space.
Two-bedroom units: These offer noticeably more room, typically in the 778-square-foot range. They work well for roommates or small families who need a dedicated second bedroom.
Three-bedroom units: These top out around 1,003 square feet. They suit larger families or renters who want extra space for a home office or guest room.
Every floor plan includes an in-unit washer and dryer. That eliminates trips to a shared laundry room. Colonial also renovated many of its kitchens. The community added separate dining areas apart from the main living space. Bathrooms come with larger vanity setups than you’d expect from a community built in 1970.
Amenities Worth Knowing About
Colonial keeps its amenity list practical rather than flashy. That fits its positioning as a value-oriented community:
- Swimming pool for warm-weather relaxation
- Tennis courts for residents who want an active outdoor option
- Fitness center on-site, cutting out the need for a separate gym membership
- Free parking throughout the property, a genuine perk compared to communities that charge monthly parking fees
- Public transportation access, useful for residents who don’t want to rely entirely on a car
- Gas heat paired with a one-price utility plan. This plan bundles unlimited water and gas for heating, hot water, and cooking into a single predictable charge
That utility bundling deserves a second look. Predictable utility costs make budgeting easier. This matters especially for renters juggling multiple bills across a Richmond winter that can swing colder than people expect from Virginia.
Pet Policy and Breed Restrictions
Colonial allows pets, but it enforces breed restrictions on dogs. Check these carefully before applying. Restricted breeds typically include Akitas, American Bulldogs, American Staffordshire Terriers, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Dogo Argentinos, German Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes, Pit Bulls, Presa Canarios, Rottweilers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Wolf Hybrids.
If you own one of these breeds, call the leasing office directly before touring. Breed policies occasionally change. Some communities make case-by-case exceptions with additional documentation or deposits.
Should You Rent at Colonial Apartments?
Colonial makes the most sense for renters who prioritize value and location over brand-new finishes. You’re getting a 1970s-built community. Don’t expect the granite countertops and stainless appliance packages you’d find in a newer luxury build across town. What you do get is a genuinely convenient location. You also get a bundled utility plan that simplifies monthly budgeting, plus rental rates that undercut many comparable communities closer to downtown.
This community suits commuters who work downtown or near VCU. It also suits renters who want quick highway access without paying downtown prices. Anyone who values outdoor amenities like a pool and tennis courts, without a resort-style price tag, fits well here too.
It may not suit renters who prioritize brand-new construction, an in-unit dishwasher as a must-have, or a pet with a restricted breed and no flexibility in their search.
Weighing Colonial against other Richmond-area rentals? Compare unit sizes, included utilities, and commute times side by side before you commit to a lease. Browse our full lineup of apartment community guides for more Richmond-area and nationwide options worth comparing.
How to Apply
Contact Colonial’s leasing office directly at (804) 781-3866. Ask about current availability, schedule a tour, or check on active move-in specials. Specials change frequently. Ask specifically what’s currently running, since promotions like reduced deposits or a free month often apply only to select units and only for a limited application window.
Want the most accurate, real-time pricing and floor plan availability? Check the official Colonial Apartments listing on Apartments.com. Third-party aggregator sites don’t always reflect same-day vacancy changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Colonial Apartments located? Colonial Apartments sits at 5501 Pony Farm Dr, Richmond, VA 23227. The property technically falls within Henrico County rather than the city of Richmond, despite carrying a Richmond mailing address.
How much does it cost to rent at Colonial Apartments? Pricing fluctuates with availability and current promotions. As of mid-to-late 2026, one-bedroom units started around $1,040 to $1,178 monthly. Two-bedroom units ran roughly $1,358 to $1,738. Contact the leasing office for current rates.
What size units does Colonial Apartments offer? Units range from roughly 586 square feet for one-bedroom layouts up to 1,003 square feet for three-bedroom units. Both townhouse and garden-style floor plans are available.
Does Colonial Apartments allow pets? Yes, but the community enforces breed restrictions on dogs. Restricted breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and several others. Call the leasing office to confirm current policy before applying if you own a dog.
What schools serve Colonial Apartments? The property falls within the Henrico County Public Schools district. That district includes L. Douglas Wilder Middle School among the schools serving this address. Confirm current attendance zoning directly with the school district, since boundaries can change.
What amenities does Colonial Apartments include? Residents get access to a swimming pool, tennis courts, an on-site fitness center, free parking, and public transportation access. Units also include in-unit washers and dryers and a bundled utility plan covering water and gas.
How far is Colonial Apartments from downtown Richmond? The property sits just minutes from downtown Richmond, VCU, and Scott’s Addition. Commuters get convenient access to both I-95 and I-295 for trips in either direction.
Is Colonial Apartments a good option for families? It can work well for families needing extra space, thanks to available two and three-bedroom units and proximity to Three Lakes Park. Families should confirm current school zoning directly with Henrico County Public Schools before finalizing a decision.
Final Thoughts
Colonial Apartments won’t win any awards for cutting-edge finishes. That’s not really the pitch here. What you’re getting is a well-located, value-priced community in a part of Henrico County that puts downtown Richmond, VCU, and major highways all within easy reach. The bundled utility plan simplifies monthly budgeting. The pool-and-tennis-court amenity package covers the basics without inflating your rent.
Does your priority lean toward location and affordability over brand-new construction? Then Colonial deserves a spot on your tour list. Confirm current pricing and availability directly with the leasing office before you commit, since both shift regularly in this market.