Ettrick rests on the southern edge of Chesterfield County, right next to the independent city of Colonial Heights and across the Appomattox River from Petersburg. “It’s a small town. If you’re driving through and blink, you might miss it,” says Theresa Barlow, an associate broker with Ingram & Associates who has been selling properties for 23 years. But it’s Ettrick’s compact size that ensures all residents are close to areas of interest. “If you walk two streets down the block, you’re in Colonial Heights, which has got a mall and shopping centers. If you turn to the south, you’re at Virginia State University, a historically black college,” Barlow says. A military base, Fort Gregg-Adams, is also near, Barlow notes. Ettrick’s Colonial Revival and ranch-style homes tend to fall between $200,000 and about $325,000.
The neighborhood of Ettrick offers convenient location and affordable home prices.
Appomattox Park in Ettrick offers several miles of scenic walking trails.
1/2
Homes in Ettrick and Matoaca
Homes tend to be found on Ettrick’s east and west sides, the west side technically being Matoaca. There’s a distinction between properties in each community. “Ettrick is much more of a city. But in Matoaca, you can still get homes with a lot of land,” Barlow says. Wherever one lives, one can expect to find streets on the narrow side and gravel driveways. Houses tend to follow Colonial Revival, ranch-style and split-level designs. A house in need of a little TLC can start around $135,000, while move-in ready two- and three-bedroom homes start around $200,000. Three-bedroom Colonial Revival homes built from the ‘90s to 2020s tend to sell for around $325,000. “Homes in Ettrick are more affordable than in other areas like Colonial Heights,” Barlow says. “They tend to be smaller residential homes, and there’s not a lot of new constructions.” The new developments that can be found tend to be concentrated in the northern parts of Ettrick and Matoaca. Barlow also notes that, as Virginia State University is right there, a lot of homes in Ettrick are rented by college students.
Spit-level homes in Ettrick sit on lots with simple landscaping.
Split-level homes with side-yard driveways reside in Ettrick.
1/2
The highway and a railroad
The Petersburg Amtrak station is located in the center of Ettrick. By train, residents can reach Washington DC in just above 3 hours. Interstate 95 runs through neighboring Colonial Heights and connects with Interstate 85. Richmond is about a 30-minute drive. Residents can also commute to Fort Gregg-Adams in about 15 minutes.
The Petersburg Amtrak Station is conveniently located in the neighborhood of Ettrick.
Interstate 95, adjacent to Ettrick offers easy transportation options to residents.
1/2
Schools and a historically black university
Kids might attend Ettrick Elementary, Matoaca Middle and Matoaca High School. Ettrick Elementary and Matoaca Middle have C-plus ratings from Niche, while Matoaca High has a B. Matoaca High’s Center for Innovative Technology prepares students for information technology careers, students taking core classes and picking a specific career pathway such as cybersecurity or game design and programming. Ettrick is also home to Virginia State University, a historically black university.
Ettrick Elementary has been serving students since the 1920s.
Virginia State University, a historically black university founded in 1882, resides in Etrrick.
1/2
Shopping, soul food and seafood
An assortment of stores and restaurants can be found in neighboring Petersburg and Colonial Heights. The Southpark Mall hosts various retailers, a food court and a movie theater. Target, Sam’s Club and Walmart can be found by Dimmock Square shopping center right by the mall. Croaker’s Spot isn’t just beloved by locals: in February 2024, it was selected to be featured on an episode of America’s Best Restaurants. Operating out of a former farmers market building, this black-owned seafood restaurant carries on the culinary legacy of Mr. Croaker, a Richmond restauranteur with a knack for finding the best soul food in the eastern US. Other eating options include Cook Out, a regional fast food chain, and the nautically themed Captain Tom’s Seafood.
The Southpark mall is a popular location for Ettrick residents for shopping and dining.
It’s not just Ettrick locals who are raving about the seafood at Croaker’s Spot.
1/2
Recreation in Ettrick
Athletes enjoy heading to Ettrick Park, which offers baseball diamonds, a football field, basketball courts and tennis courts. There are also playgrounds for kids to explore and a rentable recreation center. For scenic trails, a few can be found alongside the Appomattox River like at Appomattox Riverside Park. The full Appomattox trail is about 5 miles. Locals might also explore the plethora of museums around the Petersburg area, the Keystone Antique Truck & Tractor Museum being one highlight. Beyond trucks and the tractors, the museum also has an extensive collection of vintage cars.
Ettrick Park is a great place for the whole family to enjoy.
The Keystone Antique Truck and Tractor Museum near Ettrick is a popular destination.
1/2
Events in Ettrick
Every April, Ettrick throws a Spring Festival, featuring an Easter parade and numerous local vendors.
Written By
Alexander Breuhan
Video By
Chris Freeman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Norris Hardy,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Great New Construction waiting for you to move in. Great location with easy access to Highway, Hospital, University, Recreation Park, Great School District, Shopping Centers and more. Property to be completed mid summer. Get this Beautiful property under contract quick to customize with your own flooring, colors and kitchen decor.
**** THIS HOME IS MOVE-IN READY!! Four Bedroom,2,5 baths, with a first floor primary suite. This craftsman style home has a very open great room/kitchen are that leads to a private rear deck. Up-stairs are three more nice size bedrooms, a full bath, and an actual Laundry RoomOnly minutes to I-95, Fort Lee, and Colonial Heights..
Welcome home to this charming three bed, one and a half bath bungalow in Chesterfield. This home also boasts a very large backyard. Conveniently located to Interstate 95, Fort Gregg-Adams, and VSU. The home is also right by the newly redone Ettrick Park that features playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. There is an extra room that can be used as an office. Do not miss this great
This wooded lot is ideal for those seeking a spacious lot in a suburban setting. Possibilities abound with this generously sized space providing flexibility in the future.
This smartly designed home offers spacious living on a starter home level. You will be living in a well designed home with lots of cabinets, open floor plan, and a large primary bedroom with two complimentary bedrooms. These lots are compact and easy to maintain.
Custom Built Brick Tri-Level in South Chesterfield walking distance from Virginia State University.Upgraded Gourmet Kitchen ( Gas Cooking )Hardwood Floors throughout the home even underneath the Carpeting ... 3 Bedrooms ... 3 Full Baths ... Gas Cooking & Heating / Heat Pumpalso integrated in the system.Upgraded Vinyl Tilt In - Thermo Windows throughout. All Appliances convey AS/IS no
Come take a look at this newly available lot just minutes away from Colonial Heights and zoned for Chesterfield County Public Schools. This could be the perfect place for your future home!
This 1700 sq. ft. renovated 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom, brick, ranch style home is a must see. It features a huge living room a brick fireplace with built-in bookshelves, 3 very generous sized bedrooms, a formal dining room, large kitchen, over-sized laundry/utility room, and a sunroom. New windows, flooring, H.V.A.C system, and plumbing are a few highlights of what this spacious home has to offer.
This 4.5-acre parcel in Chesterfield County offers privacy and natural beauty for those who appreciate the outdoors. Currently zoned Agricultural (A). Enjoy convenient access to Route 1, I-95, Virginia State University, and Fort Gregg-Adams. Buyers are advised to verify intended use with Chesterfield County and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) prior to purchase.
BACK ON MARKET AT NO FAULT OF SELLER. Come check out this beautifully renovated and move-in ready home in South Chesterfield! This 3-bedroom and 3-full bath has been completely updated with modern finishes and thoughtful design! Enjoy a bright open layout with new vinyl flooring, fresh paint, stylish lighting, and a stunning kitchen featuring a kitchen island, quartz countertops, stainless steel
Discover this beautifully fully renovated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering 1,554 sq ft of modern living space, privately situated on a generous 1⁄2-acre lot. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully updated to blend comfort, style, and functionality.Step inside to an inviting, open layout filled with natural light and contemporary finishes. The renovated kitchen features updated
Charming Renovated Ranch – Ideal Home or Investment Near Virginia State University! Discover this beautifully updated ranch-style home, offering the ease of single-level living and an unbeatable location just steps from VSU. Originally built in 1960, this home has been thoughtfully renovated to combine timeless charm with modern convenience—perfect for a homeowner or a savvy investor seeking
Branders Bridge offers spacious, newly renovated two-story townhomes! Each home features all new appliances, a new heating and cooling system, and a new front-loaded washer and dryer. Our large bedrooms include ceiling fans, which is just one of many reasons residents choose Branders Bridge. We are conveniently located near I-95, Fort Lee, Temple Avenue, and Virginia State University. Branders
This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath duplex offers the perfect blend of character, comfort, and location. Situated within walking distance to Virginia State University, this move-in-ready home is ideal for students, professionals, or anyone seeking easy access to campus, major roads, and local amenities.Step inside to a bright and freshly painted interior featuring new windows, cozy living space,
Property Id: 23499401400 Meridian Ave 2 Bedrooms 1 Bath Ready to move in 4/15/2026 -Central Heat and Air -Carpet throughout -Stove and Fridge included -Off-Street Parking -Water, Trash, Sewer included -24hr maintenance -Spacious Rooms -Large Living Room -Closet space -Washer and dryer included for $50 monthlyStop by our
This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath duplex offers the perfect blend of character, comfort, and location. Situated within walking distance to Virginia State University, this move-in-ready home is ideal for students, professionals, or anyone seeking easy access to campus, major roads, and local amenities.Step inside to a bright and freshly painted interior featuring new windows, cozy living space,
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
