Chase City is a quiet town with growing tech roots
Founded in 1873, Chase City is a historic town in the heart of Mecklenburg County that offers a peaceful pace of life in south-central Virginia. Alongside its quiet charm, Chase City is home to two Microsoft data centers, part of a growing tech presence in southern Virginia. Microsoft’s investments in infrastructure and technology support the town’s quiet revival and are drawing more residents to the community. “Chase City is up-and-coming in regard to business opportunities, especially with Microsoft moving in,” says Connie Bagley, a local Realtor with Southern Virginia Realty. “It’s slow change, but it’s positive change.” Still, the community is maintaining its small-town feel. “Residents like that the town is still quiet, rural and not extremely busy,” Bagley says.
Residential streets feature mostly older homes with variety
Homes here are modestly spread out on residential streets branching off from Main Street and 2nd Street. “There’s a good mix of styles, but they’re mostly older homes,” Bagley says. “And there are a lot of older homes.” Many of those mid-twentieth century houses retain their original character. Ranch-style and colonial-style homes sit alongside split-levels and small vernacular cottages. “There are even some Victorian homes,” Bagley adds. Prices typically start at around $100,000, though fixer-uppers can cost less. Prices top out at around $275,000. Parcels of land on the outskirts of the town are also available for purchase.
Public schools include a new campus with career academies
Students in Chase City are served by the Mecklenburg County Public School District, which earns a B-minus overall grade from Niche. Kids may begin their education at Chase City Elementary School, a C-plus-rated primary school serving prekindergarten through fifth grade. Mecklenburg County's middle and high school students relocated to a new state-of-the-art campus at Mecklenburg County Middle and High School in Baskerville in 2022. The two schools share a campus, which was built with education and innovation in mind. The new facility houses six career academies, including STEM, Advanced Technology, and International Business. Niche has not yet rated the schools.
Roanoke River and conservancy offer nature-focused recreation
Chase City offers a blend of recreational and ecological attractions that highlights the region’s natural beauty and commitment to sustainability. The Mecklenburg Country Club provides a classic setting for golf and social gatherings, while nearby access to the Roanoke River and its surrounding protected areas invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its diverse landscapes. The river offers a range of water-based activities, such as kayaking, fishing and wildlife viewing. An ecological initiative launched by Microsoft, the Chase City Conservancy is a 230-acre preserve with restored wetlands, native pollinator habitats and over 3 miles of ADA-accessible pathways.
Restaurants and stores are clustered near Main and 2nd streets
The small town offers a mix of establishments scattered throughout the community, most of which are clustered along 2nd Street and Main Street. The blend of convenient fast-food chains and locally owned restaurants provides residents with plenty of dining options. Eateries that reflect Chase City’s small-town character include both The Rock and Gino’s Italian Restaurant. Food Lion sells groceries and other essentials, while Dollar General and Dollar General Market offer other necessities. Additional shopping and dining options are located 30 minutes away in South Hill, about 20 miles east.
Convenient routes connect to South Hill and beyond
Residents of Chase City depend on cars for transportation. Route 47 and Route 49 are the main thoroughfares in Chase City, connecting residents to nearby communities and larger highways. Route 47 links to South Hill, where locals can get onto Interstate 85 and U.S. Highway 1. Richmond sits about 100 miles north, while Raleigh, North Carolina, is about 100 miles south.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
