Firstly why Petersburg, Virginia?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Petersburg
• State: Virginia
• Population: 32,868 people
• Petersburg’s quick summary would be Petersburg’s old tobacco warehouses and Civil War history shape downtown along the Appomattox River.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 2,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 3,000 annually
• Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 150

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its historical significance attracting families and history enthusiasts

Perk #1: Petersburg Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 58%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $42,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Petersburg is $48,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Petersburg’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,840
• Property Tax %: 1.05%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Petersburg
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Petersburg, Colonial-Heights, Hopewell, Fort-Lee, and probably could include Prince-George
• Avg. Age of Homes in Petersburg: 80 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Petersburg’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Petersburg are  Government, Healthcare, and Manufacturing
• Petersburg Job Scene: small job market focused on government and local services
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech presence focused on education and local services , ,
• Petersburg Resident’s pay $300 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Petersburg: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 20 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Petersburg

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-95 runs through Petersburg linking it to Richmond
• Commute Time: 20 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on I-95
• Transportation Score: 30 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Petersburg: 22,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.7
• No. of Car Washes: 1 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Petersburg: dmv.virginia.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 57 of 100
• Local Airport: Richmond International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Petersburg’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Petersburg is best described as hot summers cold winters with rainfall year-round
• Winter Weather in Petersburg i’d describe as cold with rain
• Spring Weather in Petersburg can be described as mild with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Petersburg are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Petersburg is usually cool and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 15 days in summer
• Days in a row in Petersburg below Freezing: 1
• Average Annual Rainfall: 48 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality primarily impacted by local industry
• Petersburg Winter Air generally good air quality with minimal pollution risks

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Petersburg Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Petersburg 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Petersburgs’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Petersburg Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Petersburg Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Petersburg only Doctors is about 20
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time Petersburg only Police Officers is about 80
• Crime Rate Index: 65/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Petersburg’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Petersburg’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Petersburg’s Water Quality Score: 66

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Petersburg

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: historic city with a strong sense of community and culture
• You might enjoy shows at the Petersburg Center for the Arts
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Petersburg  has a charming nightlife with local bars and restaurants reflecting the city’s history and culture

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Petersburg

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers small local restaurants and family-friendly dining
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 10 scattered around Petersburg
• The Popular Sports Team is Petersburg High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Petersburg can be described as politically mixed area facing socio-economic challenges
• Petersburg’s Longer standing religious establishment is Petersburg United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Petersburg Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Petersburg has 15 Parks?
• Petersburg National Battlefield is Petersburg’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Petersburg Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, historical tours, and picnicking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Petersburg Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Petersburg can be described as quiet urban pace with a focus on local history and community
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Petersburg hiking local trails picnicking at parks community events
• The Cities people commute to from Petersburg are Arlington 5 miles away Washington-D.C. 6 miles away Fairfax 10 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Petersburg or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on I-95. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Petersburg’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Petersburg is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Petersburg are Arlington 5 miles away Washington-D.C. 6 miles away Fairfax 10 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 65 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Petersburg has 1 days in a row below freezing and 15 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Petersburg people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   150 homeless people living in Petersburg. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area facing socio-economic challenges could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Petersburg.

Retiree & Senior Life in Petersburg

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from local incentives enhancing affordability of housing
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Gardens at Virginia
• Petersburg Senior Center features diverse programs social activities and resources for older citizens

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Petersburg, Virginia?

If Petersburg, Virginia ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Petersburg, Virginia, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!