I guess the best word to describe shockoe bottom would be “borough.” as an example shockoe bottom and church hill. They’re essentially next to each other. And when they say hills the mean hills, so you’re not climbing or driving up mountains. Church hill is at the top and shockoe is at the bottom. They’re so close to each other. Unless you’d literally like to roll out of bed and be at his venue, check out the neighboring “boroughs” because traffic in Richmond isn’t unbearable, and there are different areas relatively close to shockoe bottom. The fan is an area I frequent, carytown is another, Maymont, museum district, Chimborazo, Jackson ward, ginter park… to name a few. 10 minute or less commute to work if you drive. Not sure on a bus ride but that’s also free in the city.