Petersburg, Virginia, located 20 miles south of Richmond, is a small city undergoing significant revitalization. With a picturesque downtown near the Appomattox River, it attracts those interested in local food, art, and community. The city has seen a boost from Gov. Glen Youngkin’s Partnership for Petersburg, which includes over 40 initiatives aimed at improving various sectors, including retail and education. The potential installation of a casino, pending a public referendum in November 2024, could further enhance tax revenue and job creation. Petersburg's housing market features a mix of historic 1850s brick rowhouses, multi-unit buildings, and fixer-uppers, with single-owner properties being the majority. The city’s largest employers include Fort Gregg-Adams and Bon Secours Medical Hospital.
Petersburg offers a range of things to do, such as kayaking on Wilcox Lake at Legends Park, golfing at Dogwood Trace Golf Course, and enjoying fitness facilities at the renovated Petersburg Family YMCA. The downtown dining scene features comfort food at places like Alibi, Croaker’s Spot, and Saucy’s Sit-Down BBQ, while Trapezium Brewery and Demolition Coffee add to the local flavor. The monthly Friday for the Arts event showcases the city’s artistic side, with art walks and exhibits in Old Towne.
Transportation is facilitated by Crater Road, which connects to major commuter routes and retail areas, and the Petersburg Station bus depot, part of the downtown revitalization. The city has also focused on reducing crime, with a 20% increase in police staffing and a 33% reduction in the local crime rate from 2022 to 2023.
