Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA

Background Image

Virginia State University - Petersburg, VA

Area Guide

Share Guide

Embrace opportunity at VSU

Historic Land-Grant Public Suburban Top-Ranking Trojans

Founded in 1882, Virginia State University is one of only two land-grant universities in the state and one of the top 12 historically black colleges in the country. VSU is located on 231 acres along the Appomattox River, roughly a mile northwest of Downtown Petersburg. The university offers an award-winning Fine Arts Program and a top-ranking Criminal Justice program. In all, VSU offers 31 undergraduate, 17 graduate, and two doctoral programs. The VSU Trojans participate in NCAA Division II as part of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Sports teams include basketball, football, and baseball.

With a history dating back to the 1600s, Petersburg is a fascinating city with a rich history. The Old Town Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features beautiful architecture housing a variety of shops and restaurants. Downtown Petersburg is also known for its arts scene. Catch a live performance at Sycamore Rouge or attend the monthly "Friday of the Arts" event, which features live music and local artists.

VSU is located in the village of Ettrick, settled around 1765. The name was given to the area by a Scottish merchant who saw similarities to his hometown of Ettrick in Selkirk, Scotland. Look along East River Road for rentals near VSU, or along Main Street if you prefer to be closer to the river. With downtown less than four minutes away, living downtown and commuting to campus is also a terrific option.

Rent Trends

As of April 2025, the average apartment rent in Petersburg, VA is $1,036 for a studio, $1,092 for one bedroom, $1,203 for two bedrooms, and $1,639 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Petersburg has decreased by -1.1% in the past year.

  • Studio

  • 492 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,036/month

    Average Rent

  • 1 BR

  • 674 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,092/month

    Average Rent

  • 2 BR

  • 933 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,203/month

    Average Rent

  • 3 BR

  • 1,277 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,639/month

    Average Rent

Transportation

46

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

38

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Walnut Hill Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

515 Students

3
out of 10

Lakemont Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

349 Students

2
out of 10

Pleasants Lane elementary

Public

Grades K-5

540 Students

1
out of 10

Cool Spring Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

530 Students

1
out of 10
Rating Unavailable

Peabody Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

921 Students

3
out of 10

Vernon Johns Jr. High School

Public

Grades 8-9

579 Students

Rating Unavailable

Southside Va Training Center

Public

Grades PK-12

Rating Unavailable

Central St. Hosp. Ed. Pr.

Public

Grades PK-12

Rating Unavailable
Rating Unavailable

Petersburg High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,080 Students

2
out of 10
Rating Unavailable

Central St. Hosp. Ed. Pr.

Public

Grades PK-12

Rating Unavailable

Southside Va Training Center

Public

Grades PK-12

Rating Unavailable

Points of Interest

Top Apartments Near Virginia State University

Houses Near Virginia State University

Property Management Companies

Search Nearby Rentals

Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2025.