$256,257Average Value$170Average Price per Sq Ft87Homes For Sale
A former industrial town on the cusp of change
Petersburg, Virginia, is aiming to ride swift currents to a revitalized identity. Rumors of its progress have been circulating for years, in part due to the fact that the city has a charming downtown near the Appomattox River, just 20 miles south of Richmond, the state capital. It’s the kind of picturesque stretch that’s attractive to people with a growing interest in local food, beverage, art and community. “We’re the most historic small city in the country, and nobody knows anything about it,” says Kyle Tucker, president of the Historic Petersburg Foundation and owner of the Petersburg Company. “The revenue that could be brought in here, and the jobs, it’s a lot.” But another huge boost arrived in August 2022, with Gov. Glen Youngkin’s multiagency Partnership for Petersburg. The governor outlined over 40 initiatives to tackle, ranging from retail to education.
Add in a debate around installing a casino, whose public referendum is November 2024, and it seems like Petersburg may in fact turn the corner from its former industrial glory days into a new vision of the future. When tobacco company Brown & Williamson closed shop in the early 80s, it left the city in a state of decline. In 2016, the governor had to send in a finance secretary because the city almost went bankrupt. But many view the casino as an opportunity to reel in much-needed tax revenue and job creation. Fort Gregg-Adams and Bon Secours Medical Hospital are currently among the largest employers in the area. The median age of a Petersburgian is 37, but 17% of people living there are 65 years or older. “Singles, retirees, young newlyweds, empty nesters,” says Beverly Coleman, a longtime member of the Petersburg Rotary Club, speaking of those who are moving to Petersburg. “We finally got a city manager who’s pretty stable now. We’ve had some comeback energy.” In 2024, The Hotel Petersburg reopened after a $14 million makeover, symbolizing downtown's urge to reinvent itself.
Explore the historic Old Towne Petersburg district in Petersburg, VA
Old Towne Petersburg's bustling Sycamore St is home to many businesses and restaurants.
Appomattox Park invites Petersburg residents to fish its historic waters.
Bon Secours Hospital is Petersburg's favorite medical facility and largest employer.
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1850s brick rowhouses and investment properties
Single-owner properties are still the majority of what sells in Petersburg, but well over 30% of housing is part of a multi-unit building. It’s possible to find a triplex investment property in the Centre Hill Historic District for less than $100,000. Fixer-upper properties are prevalent in Petersburg. Small homes with yards in need of renovation range from $90,000 to $130,000. But history is what defines a lot of the homes here, and sometimes that feature can contribute to a higher price tag. A four-story brick rowhouse from 1850, situated in Old Towne, can sell for $300,000.
“In the downtown area, those houses are historic, dating to back before the Civil War, even,” says Joyce Navary, a Realtor with Weichert Realtors. “ In the near downtown areas, not quite yet the suburbs, those houses are historic as well. They’re larger brick homes with columns and original hardwood floors. It’s amazing to see that people have kept them up. But south of downtown, in the Walnut Hill neighborhood, that’s where you can find a starter home from the 50s or 60s, like a brick rancher with three bedrooms and two baths.”
Triplex homes in Petersburg can be found for reasonable prices.
Find the perfect fixer upper for your starter homes in Petersburg.
Beautifully kept historic 4 story homes are popular in Petersburg.
Find wonderful colonial influenced historic homes in Petersburg.
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Schools receive $3 million through Partnership for Petersburg
Petersburg City Public Schools receives a D-plus rating from Niche. It’s been one of the city’s biggest focuses for improvement, besides crime. Correcting absenteeism and improving literacy rates have been part of Youngkin’s plan in the Partnership for Petersburg. The school system has been awarded $3 million to help with any loss of academic progress during breaks. Another strategy has been to enlist Virginia State University students as tutors. VSU, a historically black university, enrolls over 4,000 undergraduates but it also has graduate programs. A new public library was built in 2014, on the site of a former car dealership. Ample parking is available, and the library is often used as an event space.
Vernon Johns Middle School is a C rated Petersburg school according to Niche.
Petersburg High School supports approximately 1,100 Petersburg students.
Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology, in Petersburg.
Virginia State University's beautiful campus is a short drive from Old Towne Petersburg.
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Crater Road connects to commuter routes and retail
Locals say that Crater Road is the main drag: It goes through downtown and is lined with retail, eventually reaching out into the suburbs. While downtown, it passes by a convergence of Interstates 85 and 95. It’s also fed by U.S. Route 460 – a key egress when leaving west of the city, toward destinations like Lynchburg, about 2 hours away. Richmond International Airport is 25 miles north. The bus depot at Petersburg Station strikes an almost Art Deco look with its modern clock tower. Completed in 2011, this transit hub is considered a part of the downtown revitalization process, with covered walkways and plenty of glass, brick and steel used as building materials. Petersburg Area Transit operates 11 local routes and has a Richmond Express line with four daily departures.
Kayaking on Wilcox Lake at Legends Park
Legends Park is the biggest public green space in Petersburg, stamped by the standout features of Wilcox Lake, open to canoes and kayaks. The park is over 300 acres, but only 18 of those have been developed, giving it an immersive quality suitable for relaxing hikes. Many also go there to play tennis or baseball. Just over a mile south is the Dogwood Trace Golf Course, which is owned and operated by the city. For more fitness opportunities, residents can go to Petersburg Family YMCA, which received a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2019.
There are also quirky public green spaces. Navary recounts helping a group buy up parcels of land, so they could plant fruit trees. The Little Creek Kung Fu Daoist Temple of Virginia provides families with free produce, including some exotic varieties, like passionfruit. “So it also educates people about what’s good and what’s healthy,” Navary says.
Enjoy fishing and beautiful nature trails around Wilcox Lake.
A family enjoys Legend Park's colorful playground,
Petersburg residents take advantege of the beautiful course found at Dogwood Trace Golf Course.
Petersburg resident enjoy having a local YMCA to get their fitness in check.
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Downtown dining scene focuses on comfort food
Crater Road leads to retail destinations like Food Lion and Walmart, but when it’s time to sample locally owned eateries, many head to Old Towne. Places like Alibi bring a dose of Americana with burgers and beers presented inside an old school pub atmosphere. Comforting eats appear nearby at Croaker’s Spot, a seafood and soul food restaurant. Saucy’s Sit-Down BBQ feels positively hip with its neo-industrial décor. Every burgeoning food scene needs a microbrewery, and Trapezium fills that niche near the river with plenty of open-air seating. Demolition Coffee features brick inside and out, and at this cozy spot patrons can munch on bagel sandwiches and pastries.
Food Lion is a Petersburg staple for refilling the family pantry.
Enjoy a fresh lunch and great environments in Petersburg's Alibi.
Petersburg residents order their favorite lunch at Croaker's Spot.
Trapezium Brewing is a favorite watering hole with fresh brick oven made pizza.
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Friday for the Arts is a monthly community event
There’s an artistic angle to Petersburg that has helped its image as an up-and-coming city. In particular, the second Friday of every month brings an art walk event to Old Towne. “It’s called Friday for the Arts,” says Navary. “It brings people out to look at the exhibits of the month, and to enjoy the little breweries and cafes.” One of the participating organizations, the Petersburg Area Art League, offers workshops and art classes.
River Street Market in Petersburg happens every Saturday for local produce and crafts.
Petersburg residents shopping local honey products found at the RBC Pecan Festival.
Live musicians perform at the weekly River Street Market held in Petersburg.
A variety of vendors make shop at the weekly River Street Market in Petersburg.
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Police staffing has increased by 20%
A key focus of the Partnership for Petersburg is reducing crime. From 2022 to 2023, there was a 20% increase in police staffing and a 33% percent reduction in the local crime rate. For example, in 2022, there were 857 property crimes reported, making the property crime rate 2,566 per 100,000 residents. By contrast, the national property crime rate in 2022 was 1,955 per 100,000 residents.
Written By
Paul Spencer
Photography Contributed By
Kristinah Archer
Video By
Brad Davis
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Reach out to
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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
On average, homes in Petersburg, VA sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Petersburg, VA over the last 12 months is $254,750, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled on a half-acre corner lot in the sought-after Walnut Hill neighborhood, this beautifully renovated two-story home offers timeless appeal with contemporary updates. Built in 1917, the residence features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, blending historic character with modern convenience for a truly unique living experience. Step inside to discover original refinished hardwood floors and classic
The wait is over, Marrano's Winston townhome model in Midtown Townhomes is now for sale! Located on a desirable corner lot in a 2-unit building backing a landscaped berm for privacy, this professionally designed townhome is full of the most desirable features and model home extras, such as custom window treatments, Whirlpool stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, soft-close white maple
Just listed features a recently renovated duplex in the historic and rapidly developing Interstate 95 corridor of Petersburg, offering a turnkey opportunity for investors or owner-occupants. The property includes a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom layout with a reliable, long-term tenant in the lower unit paying $1,600/month, while the upper unit is vacant, professionally staged, and move-in ready. Recent
Step inside this small and charming rambler home, full of character and thoughtfully laid out for comfortable, easy living. Located on a quiet street in Petersburg, this home offers the appeal of historic charm paired with modern conveniences, all just minutes from schools, parks, shopping, and commuter routes. As you enter the front door, you’re welcomed into a living space filled with natural
1595 Berkeley Avenue is a beautifully restored 3 bedroom, 2 and a half bathroom, 3,162 sq.ft. Colonial Revival home located in Petersburg’s Walnut Hill Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Exceptional curb appeal features a stately brick exterior, prominent front porch columns, a large covered front porch, corner lot, concrete driveway, and wrought iron and
Nestled on a half-acre corner lot in the sought-after Walnut Hill neighborhood, this beautifully renovated two-story home offers timeless appeal with contemporary updates. Built in 1917, the residence features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, blending historic character with modern convenience for a truly unique living experience. Step inside to discover original refinished hardwood floors and classic
Beautifully renovated two-story home built in 1949, offering 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. This residence combines historic character with modern updates throughout. First floor Features Living room and bedroom with luxury vinyl plank flooring and ceiling fans; Renovated kitchen with new flooring, granite countertops, updated lighting, and new stainless-steel appliances; Two upstairs bedrooms with
Charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home located on a quiet street and ready for its next owner! This cozy property offers the perfect opportunity for a first-time homebuyer looking to stop renting and start building equity — or for an investor seeking strong rental potential and positive cash flow. Solid layout, good rental history, and excellent investment upside. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a
The wait is over, Marrano's Winston townhome model in Midtown Townhomes is now for sale! Located on a desirable corner lot in a 2-unit building backing a landscaped berm for privacy, this professionally designed townhome is full of the most desirable features and model home extras, such as custom window treatments, Whirlpool stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, soft-close white maple
Just listed features a recently renovated duplex in the historic and rapidly developing Interstate 95 corridor of Petersburg, offering a turnkey opportunity for investors or owner-occupants. The property includes a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom layout with a reliable, long-term tenant in the lower unit paying $1,600/month, while the upper unit is vacant, professionally staged, and move-in ready. Recent
Completely renovated 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home offering 1,998 square feet of beautifully updated living space. The inviting living room features an electric fireplace and flows seamlessly into the kitchen, creating an ideal layout for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen showcases quartz countertops, all new appliances and fixtures, a center island with bar seating, and a dedicated eat-in
TO BE BUILT!!!!! Spacious 3-Bedroom 2.5 Bathrooms Welcome to this beautifully designed modern two-story home offering 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, thoughtfully laid out for comfort and functionality. This open-concept floor plan features a large living room perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family, seamlessly flowing into a full-sized kitchen designed for everyday living and
Investment opportunity awaits with this 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in Petersburg. Featuring a fenced yard, paved driveway, and one-car garage, this property offers solid fundamentals and strong rental potential. The home needs some TLC, providing the perfect chance to renovate and build equity. Located within walking distance to the bus line, making it attractive for long-term tenants and consistent
Priced below market value. Brick rancher with 1725 Sq. Feet. Offering large family room with newer woodstove insert with blower, spacious dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, sitting room (Baseboard heating), Kitchen with access to rear yard and vinyl flooring. Paved driveway, newer vinyl insulated windows. Hardwood floors throughout most of the home with some rooms with carpet over top
Live in the most architecturally interesting house on the prettiest street in Old Petersburg with the city's best park, Central Park, right next to your house. You really need to experience the early 20th century charm for yourself. And this very solid and beautiful house is currently undergoing some repairs and renovations which should be completed by March 2026, although you could move into the
This cozy home is waiting for you. Located in the historic John Bragg Memorial Park area, this beautiful neighborhood is rich in history. Just a short walk to Rotary Park on Pocahontas Island. There is so much to see. This home offers a full front porch waiting to catch the morning sun or evening breeze. Nice open space with a large eat-in kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. Huge backyard. Home is
Discover the all-new Aubrey Apartments! Experience renovated 1, 2, and 3 bedroom homes on our scenic 16-acre property in Petersburg, VA. Enjoy premier amenities like a bark park, playground, picnic area, fitness center, and remodeled clubhouse available for rent. Conveniently located near Fort Lee, Colonial Heights, and Virginia State University, we offer easy access to Old Towne, Fort Lee, and
**All properties are to be viewed via virtual tour on our website, in person tours will be conducted upon approval and before paying the security deposit** Freshly Painted 2 Bedroom Duplex with Professionally Cleaned Carpet & Vinyl Flooring Featuring: Living Room, 1 Bath, Kitchen with Range, Refrigerator, Washer & Dryer Hookups. Close to interstate, restaurants, shopping, and more! Heating and
In the heart of Petersburg, VA, High Street Lofts is the urban dweller’s dream apartment community. Located in Petersburg's most historic residential neighborhood, our cozy two-bedroom apartments boast nearby access to dining, shopping, entertainment, nightlife, and so much more. Not to mention, head to the nearby Union Train Station to explore the bright and bustling Old Towne Petersburg
Petersburg, Virginia's Premier Luxury Apartment Community!The Ancient Romans viewed water, "acqua", not only as a necessity of life but also as a thing of beauty. 1200 Acqua Luxury Apartments is a community centered around Roman lifestyle values. Minutes from the city, but just far enough to rest and recoup from the busy world. Our tranquil apartment homes are architecturally appealing open
Large house in downtown historic district. Partially furnished including first floor master and all kitchen facilities. This is an executive rental for executives or business interests who want top-tier amenities for residential or commercial usage.
Spacious 2b/2ba with outdoor patio, polished concrete floors, brick walls, large windows - Great historic downtown location, restaurants and retail at your doorstep.Designer Apartment Lofts in the heart of Historic Downtown! Great floor plans, many with walk-in closets, full-size front loading washer and dryer, energy star designer appliances. Some with private outdoor patios, brick walls and
You won't want to miss this fully restored and practically brand-new home in the heart of historic Petersburg! Sporting a massive chef's kitchen with pantry, formal dining room, and expansive, light-filled living room, this home feels large and airy once you step inside. The owner's spared no expense to turn this 2-bedroom, 1 bath bungalow into a 3 bedroom with 2 full bath home. Each bathroom
Helping You Find Home! Charming Cape-style home in Petersburg! This lovely 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features a large living room perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The spacious eat-in kitchen offers ample cabinet and counter space. Enjoy the outdoors from the welcoming front porch or rear deck, plus a fenced backyard for added privacy. A wonderful place to call home! Available for Move-In,
When you come home to Petersburg ArtistSpace Lofts, you are sure to find your statement of style, comfort and convenience. Petersburg ArtistSpace Lofts is an apartment community located in the heart of Petersburg, Virginia that has been designed with unique touches to enhance your creative lifestyle. Whether you consider yourself an artist or just like to be surrounded by beauty, Petersburg
Characterized by the remnants of cobblestone streets, notable historic landmarks and an array of eclectic storefronts, Old Towne Petersburg immerses residents in a picture of the past despite its modern-day urban surroundings. The northern border of this neighborhood is the Appomattox River, a tributary of the larger James River that flows through nearby Richmond. While Old Towne remains faithful to preserving its national historic identity, recent construction projects have helped to breathe new life into the neighborhood: “Old Towne Petersburg is being rejuvenated with an abundance of shops and restaurants,” says Cheryl Hagelstein of Front Door Realty LLC. This area is also home to a prominent arts scene and several creatively driven organizations, including the Petersburg Area Art League, the Walton Gallery and the Ward Center for Contemporary Art.
A trip down Old Street illustrates the neighborhood’s unique blend of centuries-old properties and newer commercial spaces; among the historic structures is Appomattox Iron Works, an industrial iron-production complex consisting of nine buildings that were built prior to the Civil War. Right next door is the Buttery Baking House, a modern bakery with a menu full of breakfast favorites. Farther along Old Street, residents can sit down for afternoon tea at the Blue Willow Tea Room and browse collectibles in Pennistons Alley Antiques, both of which are housed in twin Federal townhouses built in 1815. Over on East Bank Street, Demolition Coffee is a popular industrial-themed café where locals flock to secure their morning caffeine. For a night on the town, Trapezium Brewing Company and Old Towne’s Alibi, a pub-style eatery, both offer a vintage atmosphere and craft drinks.
19th-century Federal and Italianate-style row houses alongside standalone brick homes reflect a large portion of the historic residential properties in Old Towne. Other commonly seen housing styles include single-family homes and townhouses that display Second Empire, traditional-style and Colonial-inspired architecture. Many of the residential properties in this area feature various brickwork constructions, vividly colorful facades and eclectic exterior finishings. Smaller remodels can be found on Pocahontas Island, the oldest and easternmost part of the neighborhood that’s home to a historically Black community and the Pocahontas Black History Museum. For the most part, homes in Old Towne tend to range in price between approximately $125,000 and $425,000.
The Appomattox River provides the backdrop for much of the community’s events and offers residents convenient access to related recreational opportunities, including bass fishing, canoeing and hiking along the Appomattox River Greenway trail. One of the greenway’s several trailheads is located at Appomattox Park, a small open green space with a parking lot; an additional trailhead can be found at Patton Park, an urban green space situated just outside the neighborhood. The nearby Petersburg Family YMCA offers both indoor and outdoor recreation activities in addition to hosting fitness classes, youth programs and community-focused activities.
Students in this area are zoned for Petersburg City Public Schools; young learners can jumpstart their academic journeys at Walnut Hill Elementary School, which receives a C-minus rating from Niche. Students might then head to Vernon Johns Middle School, which feeds into the C-minus-rated Petersburg High School. Although run by the Chesterfield County School district, the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology is also located in Petersburg and stands as a premier magnet school that draws students from 14 localities.
One of the highlights of Old Towne’s dynamic community is the River Street Market, a weekly gathering of vendors billed as a blend of arts, produce and culture. There are also a number of historic buildings in this neighborhood that have established themselves as event spaces; the Appomattox Iron Works building uses its renovated outdoor area to host festivals such as Arborfest. The Petersburg Union Station, which finished construction in 1910, became defunct in the latter half of the 20th century and has since been transformed into a popular venue for large events and celebrations.
Commuters have convenient access to Interstate 95, which runs north-south near the neighborhood’s eastern side and travels approximately 25 miles into the Richmond area. Petersburg Area Transit (PAT) operates multiple bus lines throughout the city, many of which have stops in Old Towne. PAT also operated specialized transportation and express routes to Richmond for individuals with disabilities and senior citizens.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Petersburg Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
33,203
Median Age
40
Population under 18
22.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$44,703
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$55,582
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.4%
College Graduates
21.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Fairly friendly
Bike Score®®
40/ 100
Fairly friendly
Walk Score®®
40/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Transit Score®®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
