Relocation to Petersburg (Richmond, Appomattox: crime, houses, neighborhood)

[Virginia1]

Well being a graduate of wonderful Petersburg High School "79" I have a slight affinity for the town. I left as soon as I graduated, I saw it coming. Petesburg took a huge hit when Brown and Williamson closed down (tobacco company) and Southpark Mall in Colonial Heights set up shop there. If I had to move back and I had children I would live in Prince George. I like the Old Towne area, but it's for weekends, to browse and have lunch. As you said, where is the recreation. If you like hoops, you can play at Lee park, but be careful, the boys think they are getting paid to play and take it too serious. Fights break out on occasion. Hopewell.......no no no, ever heard of Kepone, that was that nasty chemical dumped in the river many years ago, never recovered since. Have you checked out Chesterfield, may have to commute, but choices of recreation may be better . Good luck

[VSUGRAD00]

I for one am offended by the statement made by this individual's response. I was born and raised in Petersburg and am neither a drug dealer, pimp or ho. What I am is a college graduate, homeowner and single mother. Oh, by the way I AM pursuing a Master's degree and still living in Petersburg. Petersburg has alot of history and is building up in certain areas. As you look at other places, they too have PROBLEMS. Come and visit for yourself and you will see.

[jsylvester]

Originally Posted by ravenb

Woah, what an almost unanimous reaction here! But the horrendous thing is, I've got employment there!! May i know what is the crime rate in Petersburg? And would you work there?

Hello Raven:

I recently moved to Petersburg from the Caribbean. Although I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Marketing, I have not been able to locate employment. I read in your message that you obtained employment, and I am interested in finding out how you found your job, in Petersburg?

Thanks,

Juliet

[richmondpics]

Juliet,

You should have no trouble finding a job 15 minutes north in Richmond... Petersburg is a small city which is IMO economically distressed, though it seems to slowly be turning a corner.

[sabrina99]

Originally Posted by ravenb

Hello,

Does anyone have any advice on living in Petersburg? We are moving there and are totally unsure of where to stay in the city. Can anyone help?

Thanks!

walnut hill is a very nice area to live in petersburg...also walnut hill elem. is a great school...i went there now my 7 year old goes there...hope this helps you...bye

[baby girl 2]

I am thinking about relocating to this area. I am a single mother of two boys 1 and 7 years old. I am persuing my education in business accounting. Could you please give me some information. All of your help will be greatly appreciated.

[wisginian]

Originally Posted by ravenb

Right! I am settled in Petersburg by now. I ended up in the Walnut hill area. But this place is lacking recreation facilities, imo. Can't find a place to run or shoot some hoops

Best of luck in Walnut Hill. It may be nice now, but not for long I'm afraid. When driving home one evening about 8:30 pm my car was STONED on Sycamore St. Their are frequent robberies in the area (many not reported). Lock everything down! When we can we are leaving Petersburg for other parts.

[MaryBB]

Originally Posted by wisginian

Best of luck in Walnut Hill. It may be nice now, but not for long I'm afraid. When driving home one evening about 8:30 pm my car was STONED on Sycamore St. Their are frequent robberies in the area (many not reported). Lock everything down! When we can we are leaving Petersburg for other parts.

Where on Sycamore- was it south, near those apts? Did you call police?

I live in Walnut Hill and yes, I'm aware of theft, poverty and unemployment and people asking for handouts. But I still like living here. I think it takes a different attitude. The houses are still comparatively inexpensive. I like to take long walks in my neighborhood and I love old houses and the old town area and the closeness of everything. We don't use public schools- I wouldn't want to even in a good area and our low mortgage allows us to pay private school tuition.

People that want new houses in subdivisions won't want to live in Petersburg. But people who -I guess have a little more venturing spirit might like it. Lots of people are investing here.

[VA_Native]

Originally Posted by wisginian

Best of luck in Walnut Hill. It may be nice now, but not for long I'm afraid. When driving home one evening about 8:30 pm my car was STONED on Sycamore St. Their are frequent robberies in the area (many not reported). Lock everything down! When we can we are leaving Petersburg for other parts.

Even though Petersburg is turning around for the most part, i have to agree with you. Walnut HIll is declining. I'm kind of shocked to here about the robberies in that area. But from what I here it's the same people that keeps breaking in houses around Walnut Hill.

[whiller]

re: Can't find a place to run.

Have you checked out Petersburg National Battlefield Park? Miles of great wooded trails!