Colonial Heights, VA

Colonial Heights sits right along the Appomattox River, about 20 miles south of Richmond and just across the water from Petersburg. It has the quiet, settled feel of an established suburb with deep historical roots dating back to the Revolutionary War, when Lafayette stationed troops along the bluffs. Because the city covers only about eight square miles, historic landmarks like Violet Bank and the riverside earthworks at Fort Clifton sit right alongside quiet subdivisions and everyday neighborhoods.

ATTRCorvokarasu at English Wikipedia / Public domain

Getting around is simple, though you will definitely need a car. Interstate 95 cuts right through the city alongside Route 1, making daily commutes to downtown Richmond or nearby Fort Gregg-Adams quick and direct. Most of the retail action centers around Southpark Mall and the Boulevard, which keeps grocery runs, big-box stores, and dining grouped together while leaving residential streets peaceful. The city is compact, but without dedicated bike lanes, driving is the easiest way to handle day-to-day errands.

ATTRFinesslyn / CC BY-SA 4.0

When you want some outdoor time, the river is the go-to spot. The paved trail stretching out from Roslyn Landing Park is a favorite for morning jogs, walking dogs, and launching kayaks into the Appomattox. Across town, neighborhood parks offer tennis and pickleball courts, ballfields, and playgrounds for kids. Community gatherings bring neighbors together throughout the year, especially the annual spring festival held up at Fort Clifton Park overlooking the water.