Petersburg Apartments and Rentals

Just south of Richmond, Virginia, the city of Petersburg is one of the country’s most historic locales, famous for its central role in Civil War. It’s currently the bustling home to one of the largest U.S. military training facilities and a resurgent downtown arts scene, which continue to make it a dynamic place today.

People looking for apartments for rent in Petersburg will enjoy the area’s rich past and wealth of cultural resources, as well as the pleasant living environment and natural surroundings.

Settled as Fort Henry in 1645, Petersburg is inextricably tied to its long history, having served as a Revolutionary War battlefield and, most famously, as the site of a lengthy siege in the final year of the Civil War. An important rail depot, the city was a critical target for the Union Army as it sought to cut off Confederate supply lines and end the war. As a home to the U.S. Army’s Fort Lee, Petersburg continues to hold military importance, but these days the city is considerably more peaceful, boasting quiet streets and serene historical sites.

Petersburg today is home to around 32,000 people. Residents of Petersburg apartments can browse the galleries and boutiques of historic Old Towne, visit the many area museums or pick up produce at the local farmers market.

Virginia State University, in the neighboring village of Ettrick, enrolls 5,300 students and caters to Petersburg area residents with a wide range of programs. Richard Bland College of the College of William and Mary offers associate degree programs, and John Tyler Community College in Chester is also a popular choice for Petersburg students.

Fort Lee is one of the largest drivers of local economic activity, employing around 4,100 civilians and with as many as 70,000 troops passing through each year for training. Major private employers include pharmaceutical company B.I. Chemicals, roller bearings manufacturer Brenco and the Southside Regional Medical Center. Medical services, manufacturing and tourism are important economic sectors, and downtown revitalization efforts have helped build the small business base.

Petersburg offers very reasonable living and many great rental options at affordable prices. Slightly more than half of Petersburg residents choose to rent apartments.

U.S. Census Bureau data showed the median gross rent from 2008 to 2010 was $771. Additional research found one bedroom apartments renting for between $400 and $900 per month.

Petersburg’s most prominent attraction is its Civil War history, and the city is full of fascinating reminders of the war’s impact. The Petersburg National Battlefield draws visitors from around the country to see old fortifications and artifacts, while also offering a natural retreat with hiking trails and wildlife. Other area museums include the Pamplin Historical Park and National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, three city museums with Civil War history and artifacts dating back to the Revolutionary War, and two military museums at Fort Lee: The United States Army Women’s Museum and the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum.

In addition to military history, Petersburg provides plenty to do, with a summer farmers market, a developmental league baseball team, the Petersburg Generals, and great sports facilities for athletes of all types, including three local golf courses. Residents can also enjoy great art, shopping and dining in the historic Old Towne district, which features classic architecture dating back to the 19th century.

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