Young Couple Looking for Place Near Ft Lee (Richmond, Petersburg: apartments, rentals)

[mcallie]

Hi everyone; I've been stalking this forum for awhile and am hoping you all can clarify a few things for me.

First, a little background... My husband and I are moving to Virginia in August from Florida. We are newlyweds and recent college grads, and Ft Lee will be my husband's first duty station.

From what I can see, the tricity area around Ft Lee is not the greatest. It seems seedy and rundown. I've read that Prince George is nice, but it seems rural and isolated. Chester county seems like a nice area, but would it be a good area for a young couple?

Here is our challenge: we would like to live within a 30 minute commute to Ft Lee, and preferably in a nice neighborhood among other young people. From my research, the Fan seems ideal, but also might be too far? The idea of living in a historic district is appealing, and any thoughts on Church Hill, and Shockoe Slip and Bottom are appreciated.

We are looking to spend about $1000/month, 1-2 bedrooms.

Thanks for your input!

[richmondpics]

I think Ft Lee is doable within about 30 minutes from the Fan. Chesterfield is a nice, but vast suburbia. If you're looking for walkable neighborhoods with lots of young people, a place like the Fan is ideal.

[MaryBB]

People will jump on me for suggesting but all I'm saying is take a look at Old Town, Petersburg. It's small but very close to Ft Lee. Petersburg is evolving into an artsy town and people are turning very historic old buildings into residences, more restaurants with music, galleries, antiques, Saturday farmers market all within walking distance if you live down in Old Town. The downside is that surrounding Petersburg is much poverty & all that goes with it. I don't think crime is worse than Richmond areas you are interested in. It's much smaller than Richmond but just about 30 min drive from Richmond and prob not even 10 mins from Ft Lee. And rentals less expensive in Petersburg.

[onevthoki]

Mary, you were echoing my thoughts. Callie, since schools will not be an issue, you should be fine. My husband is retired military (currently working at Ft. Lee) and we just relocated to Chesterfield County. We are in Chester and he gets on 295 and then off at the next exit! Make sure you look into joining the spouses club when you get to Ft. Lee; since this is your first duty station it should help with learning the military way of life. Also, we ladies are a great resource for doctors and TONS of other things you will always need to find out. If you have any questions just DM me and I will be happy to answer. Welcome!

[mcallie]

Petersburg definitely looks like a more convenient commute. Mary and onevthoki, do you think Petersburg is safe enough for me to live alone when my husband is deployed?

Thanks for all your help; it's much appreciated!

[onevthoki]

Not sure; I really haven't been here long enough to give an accurate answer for that. Out of curiosity, why aren't you trying to get housing on the installation? If your husband is going to deploy, there will be a VERY strong community/lifeline for you there. And safety is pretty much a given. And the sheer convenience of having everything there... commissary (hallelujah for that benefit!), the clinic, and gas station specifically.

[MaryBB]

I live in Walnut Hill area of P'burg so not sure what to say about the oldtown area crimewise. I would take a drive down there. There are loft apartments, maybe you could make an appointment with them & inquire about safety. Also check the Petersburg police for crime stats. I honestly doubt there is more crime in Petersburg than in the areas of Richmond you are curious about.
I agree about Ft Lee area- driving into the area on 36 is not attractive, but I have heard from a military wife who lived there - she felt safe. & I don't know what its like when you get in but might be a very good idea to look into.
ONe place that is beautiful if you like to walk or hike or run- Petersburg Battlefield on 36, 2600 acres, it is my favorite place, so pretty & peaceful. You can get a yr pass for $15.