Section Image

Petsworth

Petsworth

$376,574 Average Value

Quiet, rural living with river access in Petsworth

Petsworth is a rural Gloucester County community between the York and Piankatank Rivers. U.S. Route 17, the main highway on southeastern Virginia’s Middle Peninsula, runs through Petsworth. While most errands require a drive into nearby Gloucester Courthouse, Petsworth offers a quiet home base with access to fishing, hiking and nature. Hundreds of years ago, this area saw a bit more action, as it was a strategic site for the Confederacy: Fort Nonsense Historical Park commemorates Petsworth’s role during the Civil War. The fort was built to guard the area from Union forces, but it faced the opposite direction of the attacks. According to local legend, this mishap prompted a resident to remark, “My, what a piece of nonsense.” The name stuck.

Petsworth offers homes in the country

Many homes are situated along quiet country roads, although there are some residential clusters. New Traditional, modern transitional and ranch-style homes sit on wooded, level lots amongst the area’s farms and trees. Prices range from about $80,000 to $750,000. Single-story properties under 2,000 square feet typically cost less than $300,000, while larger, 21st-century builds with accompanying larger lots fetch top prices. About 87% of homes are owner-occupied.

Public and private schools in the Petsworth area

Gloucester County Public Schools, rated B-minus on Niche, serve the area. Students may attend Petsworth Elementary and Peasley Middle, which are both rated B, before advancing to B-minus-rated Gloucester High School. The high school completed a full-scale, multi-year renovation in 2025. Alternatively, Christchurch School is a nearby private high school; this A-plus-rated institution provides an Episcopal education, offering both day and boarding options at its campus on the Rappahannock River. In 2024, the Christchurch varsity sailing team took top honors at the Atlantic Coast Championship.

Fishing, camping and off-roading in Petsworth

Outdoor recreation in Petsworth revolves around the water and the woods. Fishing boats can enter the Piankatank River, a tributary that empties into the Chesapeake Bay, from Deep Point Boat Ramp. In addition to several fish species, this river environment is home to birds like herons and bald eagles. Nature lovers can go camping at Thousand Trails by the Piankatank River. Beaverdam Lake also has a boat launch and a fishing pier; this 635-acre reservoir is surrounded by trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Locals can ride motocross bikes, dirt bikes and four wheelers in the shady woods at Robert’s Track and Trails.

Shopping and dining in and around Petsworth

Residents can head to the intersection of George Washington Memorial Highway and Davenport Road to get food from Dollar General and family-owned Dutton’s Grocery. Farmer’s Daughter Produce sells pumpkins in the fall, Christmas trees in the winter and produce in the spring and summer. Big-box stores like Walmart and The Home Depot are about 9 miles down Route 17.

Petsworth doesn’t have any restaurants, but Gloucester Courthouse has several eateries, shops and community events on Main Street. Clothing boutiques, a florist and other specialty stores line this pedestrian-friendly downtown area. Porter’s On Main provides a warmly sophisticated ambiance along with steak, seafood and cocktails. The Gloucester Daffodil Festival on Main Street signals the start of spring. This long-running celebration features local vendors, live music and a parade of floats decorated with daffodils.

Traffic slows Route 17 during rush hour

Petsworth is a car-dependent area with no public transportation. However, U.S. Route 17 keeps this rural community connected to the wider region. Riverside Walter Reed Hospital is about 7 miles down Route 17 and Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is about 30 miles south. Commuters use this highway to reach Newport News Shipbuilding and other major employers south of Petsworth. “Route 17 does get backed up in the mornings and afternoons because the shipyard traffic can get heavy,” says Jacob Lewellen, lifelong resident of Gloucester County. “But heading west, it’s a pretty relaxing drive; there aren’t a lot of stoplights, so you’re just cruising.”

Laura Copan
Written By
Laura Copan

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Katie and David Dew, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Oct 25
    Open Sat 11AM - 1PM

    2480 Lees Neck Farm Rd, Saluda, VA 23149

    $425,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,547 Sq Ft
    • 2480 Lees Neck Farm Rd

    Welcome to your own slice of peaceful country living. Nestled on a beautiful 5-acre parcel, this inviting property offers the perfect blend of functionality & rustic charm.Designed for those who love open space, animals, & picturesque scenery, it’s perfect for horse enthusiasts, hobby farmers, or anyone seeking a tranquil rural lifestyle. The property includes a 2-stall barn w/convenient lean-to,

    Agent Photo
    Lisa Atkins
    Iron Valley Real Estate Hampton Roads
    (804) 607-9508
    Section Image
    Section Image
  • Saturday, Oct 25
    Open Sat 10AM - 4PM

    10665 Farys Mill Rd, Gloucester, VA 23061

    $259,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,000 Sq Ft
    • 10665 Farys Mill Rd
    • New 12 days ago

    OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10/25/25 10am to 4pm Just Renovated. New Roof; Hardi Plank siding; Windows; HVAC System -Heat Pump, Freshly painted throug/hout house. Large Remodeled Kitchen with new Gray cabinets 42" uppers, new countertops, Stainless Steel Fridge, Dishwasher, Stove and Microwave Oven. New flush mounted lights throughout home,New Electrical Service 200 Amp panel, house has been

    Wendy Keesler Keller Williams Realty

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Oct 25
    Open Sat 11PM - 2PM

    9016 Marlfield Rd, Gloucester, VA 23061

    $368,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,320 Sq Ft
    • 9016 Marlfield Rd

    Crisp, updated, and easy to love. Inside you’ll find new LVP floors, fresh paint, new trim/baseboards and doors, plus a kitchen refresh with quartz countertops, new cabinetry, new tile, and RO drinking water. Baths are updated with new tub/shower units, fixtures, fans, and lighting. Systems are dialed: new ACIQ smart HVAC, new propane tank/lines with two heaters as a secondary heat source, fully

    Stacey Taylor Keller Williams Town Center

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Petsworth Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,835
Median Age
46
Population under 18
21.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$88,170
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$103,841

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90%
College Graduates
23.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.2%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
11''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

23 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

4 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

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.
Petsworth
Katie and David Dew
Isabell K. Horsley R. E., Ltd.
Section Image