moving to virginia?

I've lived all over Virginia. Let me help you pick your spot.

Orders to Fort Lee, a new job in Richmond, or just ready for a fresh start. I'll help you compare towns, commutes, and schools, then tour homes with you on video before you ever arrive.

Lavonya Payne smiling in a doorway holding her Central Virginia home buyer guide
5 Virginia townscalled home before Petersburg stole my heart
my virginia road trip

How I ended up in Petersburg

I've moved around this state enough to know what each corner feels like day to day. That's what I bring to your move.

  1. Where it started

    Gloucester

    I grew up here. Small town, water everywhere, and everybody knows everybody.

  2. Most of my life

    Hampton Roads

    I spent most of my life in Hampton Roads, so I know coastal living, military neighbors, and planning your day around the bridge-tunnels.

  3. A taste of NoVA

    Fredericksburg

    Moving to Fredericksburg gave me a taste of Northern Virginia life: faster pace, bigger prices, and a lot of I-95.

  4. Moved for work

    Richmond

    A job brought me to Richmond. I learned the city, the suburbs, and what the commute really looks like from every direction.

  5. Home now

    Petersburg

    Then I fell in love with the charm of Petersburg. The history, Old Towne, the people. It's where I'm raising my family, and it might be where you raise yours.

    Brick storefronts and cobblestone street in Old Towne Petersburg, VA
PCSing to Fort Lee?

Military moves, made simpler

I grew up around military families in Hampton Roads. I know your timeline is set by your orders, not by the market.

0% downPossible with a VA loan for eligible service members and veterans. I'll connect you with a lender who does VA loans every day.
Video toursLive walkthroughs from wherever you're stationed now, plus I'll attend the inspection for you.
Heroes rebateFront Range Heroes buyers can get a commission rebate plus lender credits toward closing costs.
where should you live?

Compare the towns around Petersburg

Every family weighs it differently. Here's the quick version, and I'm happy to give you the long one on a call.

Chesterfield

Suburban, growing, lots of new construction

The big county between Petersburg and Richmond. New communities, shopping, and an easy shot up to Richmond for work.

Great for families, Richmond commuters, new build buyers

Petersburg

Historic, full of character, Old Towne charm

Brick storefronts, restaurants in Old Towne, and homes with real history. Close to Fort Lee and right on I-95 and I-85.

Great for old-home lovers, first-time buyers, Fort Lee families

Colonial Heights

Small city, close to everything

A tight-knit small city right next to Fort Lee, with shopping and dining close by and its own school division.

Great for military families, short commutes

Dinwiddie

Rural, room to breathe

Land, quiet roads, and space for a garden or a few animals, with Petersburg just down the road.

Great for acreage, privacy, a slower pace

Prince George

Wraps around Fort Lee

The county surrounding Fort Lee, with neighborhoods close to post and larger lots as you head out.

Great for Fort Lee commutes, bigger yards

Not sure yet?

Tell me your commute, budget, and must-haves, and I'll send you a short list of towns and homes that fit.

Start my questionnaire
from anywhere

Buying before you get here

Tour on live video

I'll walk every room, open the closets, and tell you what the photos don't show, like road noise and the smell of the basement.

I'm your eyes on site

I attend the inspection, send you photos and video, and drive the neighborhood at rush hour so you know what you're signing up for.

Close from anywhere

Many closings can be signed remotely, so your keys can be waiting when the moving truck pulls up.

good questions

Relocation FAQ

Can I buy a home in Virginia while I'm still out of state?

Yes. We can tour homes on live video, I'll attend inspections for you, and many closings can be signed remotely. Lots of my relocation buyers see their home in person for the first time after they've bought it.

Where do military families live near Fort Lee?

Colonial Heights, Prince George, Petersburg, Chesterfield, and Hopewell are all popular with Fort Lee families. The right fit depends on your commute, schools, and how much space you want.

How far is Petersburg from Richmond?

Petersburg is about 25 miles south of downtown Richmond, mostly along I-95, so plenty of people live in the Petersburg area and commute to Richmond.

Can I use a VA loan to buy near Fort Lee?

Yes. Eligible service members and veterans can use a VA loan with as little as 0% down. I'll connect you with a lender who works with VA loans every day.

welcome to virginia

Start with the Moving to Virginia guide

The best Central Virginia communities for different lifestyles, how to buy from out of state, a relocation checklist, and my trusted local vendors.