Petersburg (Richmond, Chester: high crime, houses, neighborhoods)

[Potter82]

Hi!!!

My husband and I will, possibly, be moving to the Petersburg area within the next few months. His job will be located in that town and I will be looking for work in the Richmond area. I am originally from Baltimore and I'm very familiar with feeling unsafe due to high crime. We currently live in a very small town in Western Maryland, where crime is almost non-existent. My question is to any person born and raised in Petersburg or someone from a really big city. How bad is Petersburg? We are not looking for a lot of entertainment and action, because we can travel to Richmond for that. I am just worried about safety. I have read some posts on here about most of Petersburg being unsafe. Well, is this coming from someone that grew up in complete peace and safety or someone that has travelled the world? I need an unbiased opinion from someone that has experience and all of the facts. And....can anyone recommend a good neighborhood in Petersburg? We are pretty much set in our choice to live in that area. I have read about Walnut Hill and Old Towne being good choices. Thanks!

[onevthoki]

I think you would like Walnut Hill based on what you are describing. But I am posting a link to a recent story on one of the local stations. NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA | Neighbors band together to fight crime in Petersburg

You might want to look at the Chester Village Green subdivision of Chester.

[Potter82]

Thanks for posting the article. The last time I lived in Baltimore, there was a drug dealer that would sell her drugs on our steps. The police never did anything. Eventually, she was on the front page of the paper for murder! I didn't enjoy living in that type of situation, but luckily we were never hurt by anyone. I need some perspective on the Petersburg area. So, from the article I gather that theft is a big issue in ?most? of Petrsburg? Is there a lot of murder going on? Are the murders drug related? Does anyone know if these thieves are breaking into homes with security systems?

My husband and I really don't want to spend a ton for a home like they tend to be in the Richmond area. It seems that you get more bang for your buck in Petersburg and that is also where he will be working.

One more question..sorry.....Is Olde Towne a bad neighborhood, aslo? Thanks again for your reply!!! Oh..and are the neighborhoods spread out? In Baltimore and where I live now..all of the houses are on top of one another. This theft is it going on near the downtown area or out in the 'burbs?

[felicitile]

I currently live in Petersburg and have for the last two years. My husband and I bought and are renovating an historic home. From my perspective, Petersburg and specifically Old Town is great! I live in Centre Hill (next to OT) and walk downtown weekly. The restaurants are really good, the shops are fun and the houses/buildings are great.

Really, if you move into one of the historic districts you shouldn't have to worry about too much crime. Don't leave your doors unlocked or anything, but you aren't going to see murders in front of your house or drug deals in broad daylight. Everyone always mentions Walnut Hill and sure, WH is nice, but my friends that live over there see quite a bit more crime than I do downtown. Nothing major, but still. Centre Hill and Old Town are closest to the police station so I think that helps to deter crime in these areas. I'd absolutely move here again and really don't understand people that look down on it. I'd never, never move to a subdivision and most of Chesterfield Co. makes my skin crawl. I hate suburban sprawl, I need a town with character.

Let me know if I can answer anymore questions!

[Potter82]

Originally Posted by felicitile

I currently live in Petersburg and have for the last two years. My husband and I bought and are renovating an historic home. From my perspective, Petersburg and specifically Old Town is great! I live in Centre Hill (next to OT) and walk downtown weekly. The restaurants are really good, the shops are fun and the houses/buildings are great.

Really, if you move into one of the historic districts you shouldn't have to worry about too much crime. Don't leave your doors unlocked or anything, but you aren't going to see murders in front of your house or drug deals in broad daylight. Everyone always mentions Walnut Hill and sure, WH is nice, but my friends that live over there see quite a bit more crime than I do downtown. Nothing major, but still. Centre Hill and Old Town are closest to the police station so I think that helps to deter crime in these areas. I'd absolutely move here again and really don't understand people that look down on it. I'd never, never move to a subdivision and most of Chesterfield Co. makes my skin crawl. I hate suburban sprawl, I need a town with character.

Let me know if I can answer anymore questions!

Thank You!!!
Your advice has helped me make a better decision. I, also, met someone here, where I live, that grew up in Petersburg. She had some positive advice, too. My husband and I don't like subdivisions either. We are still not sure if we will be moving to Petersburg or not, but if we do I think Old Towne is the place for us. Thanks a million!