Spanning about 11 square miles, Hopewell is the second-oldest continuously inhabited place in Virginia. City Point, Hopewell’s first settlement, was established in 1613 and sits on a rocky bluff overlooking the Appomattox and James rivers. A Revolutionary War battle was fought at this site, and General Ulysses S. Grant set up his headquarters here during the Civil War, attracted to the area due to its proximity to Petersburg. Today, many military families settle in Hopewell because of its proximity to Fort Gregg-Adams, and City Point has become a popular park with trails and historical markers. Hopewell is part of Virginia’s Tri-Cities, an area of three independent cities that also includes Colonial Heights and Petersburg. This city of about 23,000 residents is also close to U.S. Interstate 295 and lies about 20 miles south of the state capital of Richmond.
Settled in 1613, Hopewell is Virginia’s second oldest continuously inhabited town.
Dog walking at Petersburg National Battlefield-City Point Unite.
Walking through the grounds at Petersburg National Battlefield-City Point Unite.
Enjoying a beautiful day on the Appomattox River at Hopewell.
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Recreation along the Appomattox and James rivers
Most of Hopewell’s recreation is centered around its rivers. Boats are parked on the Appomattox at the Hopewell City Marina, where there’s a kayak ramp, fishing piers and access to the James, which is a mile away by water. Nearby, Hopewell City Park has a nature-inspired playground, a sandy beach, a fishing pier and the Hopewell Riverwalk, a wooden boardwalk that follows the Appomattox and offers views of historic City Point. With hot, humid summers and mild winters, Hopewell’s outdoor spaces can be enjoyed almost any time of year. The city also offers the Hopewell Bowling Center, the Appomattox Regional Library – Hopewell Branch or the Hopewell Community Center.
Boating on the Appomattox River is accessible from the Hopewell City Marina.
You can see people walking on the boardwalk at Hopewell City Park on the Appomattox River.
Hopewell City Marina is great for launching boats into the river or simply enjoying fishing.
The Hopewell Bowling Center offers fun for the whole family.
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Single-story properties with prices lower than the national average
According to Theresa Barlow, an associate broker with Ingram & Associates who has been selling homes for 23 years, there’s one design that’s by far the most common in Hopewell: ranch-style houses. “Here’s a rancher, there’s a rancher, everywhere a rancher,” she says. “If there’s a two-story, it’s hard to find, and it’s probably a split-level.” Other housing styles include Cape Cods, modest cottages and minimal traditional properties. Homes sit along cracked sidewalks on gridded streets. Lots are typically small and may be surrounded by a wood or chain-link fence. The median sales price in Hopewell is about $221,000, compared to the United States’ median of about $430,000.
Ranch style homes are very popular in Hopewell.
Here is Hopewell is a split-level brick home in Cobblestone an over 55 community.
Welcome to the City of Hopewell in Virginia a community neighborhood.
Hopewell has plenty of single-family homes in the neighborhood.
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Downtown Hopewell, Southpark Mall and the city’s industrial economy
On Main Street, there’s a small business district around the 1928 Art Deco-style Beacon Theatre, a movie and Vaudeville show palace turned performance venue. Shops and restaurants line East Broadway, a narrow two-lane strip with brick sidewalks and ample street parking; however, the city has seen a high turnover rate for these businesses. Many spots have had difficulty staying open for more than a few years, and Hopewell has its fair share of empty storefronts. Even so, The Boathouse is a mainstay. “The Boathouse is where you go when you want to book reservations for a party or have a date night,” Barlow says. “It’s pretty vibrant there.” Organizations like the Hopewell Downtown Partnership hope to breathe new life into the community through economic development, design enhancements and more. For a larger shopping destination, Hopewell is about 9 miles from Southpark Mall and its surrounding big-box stores, fast-casual restaurants and sit-down eateries. “I’ll run there even if I want to get something quick,” Barlow says.
Largely developed around a guncotton factory during World War I, Hopewell’s economy has always been supported by industry. Companies like Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Evonik Industries, Hercules, Honeywell and Smurfit-Stone have plants in the city that can cause a pervasive odor that intensifies when it’s hot or raining. Residents occasionally receive water-boiling advisories due to contamination from these plants. Pollutants have also been linked to a higher risk of developing cancer. According to a report by ProPublica, the cancer rate in Hopewell near certain plants is 1 in 770 residents, which is 13 times higher than the EPA’s acceptable threshold.
The historic Beacon Theater in Hopewell, VA has significance in musical culture.
Artisan Alley Store on Broadway Avenue in Downtown Hopewell Virginia.
The popular Southpark mall is just minutes away from Hopewell.
Locals diners in Hopewell enjoy outdoor seating overlooking the Appomattox River.
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Annual events like Hopewell Harvest Fest
The community organizes several events each year, from a Fourth of July fireworks show on the Appomattox River to Hopewell Harvest Fest, featuring hayrides, food trucks, a petting zoo and more. The Hopewell Farmers Market occurs every Thursday from April to October, and Light Up the Night, a holiday celebration with a parade and grand illumination, is the city’s largest event.
Getting around the region
U.S. Interstate 295 borders the community to the west and leads north toward Mechanicsville and south toward Prince George County. While this stretch only encompasses about 2 miles, it’s a known speed trap, earning it the nickname "Million Dollar Mile.” Virginia State Route 10 connects to U.S. Interstate 95, which leads about 20 miles north to downtown Richmond. Fort Gregg Adams, where many locals work, is about 6 miles southwest. To get around using public transportation, the Hopewell Circulator bus runs along some of the city’s main roads. The city is also home to the Hopewell Heliport, while Richmond International Airport, with direct service to 30 different major domestic destinations, including hubs for Delta, American and United Airlines, is about 20 miles north. In case of medical emergency, TriCities Hospital is in Hopewell.
Hopewell is close to Fort Gregg-Adams, shopping and the Appomattox River.
Interstate 295 passes by Hopewell and takes residents to downtown Richmond in 30 minutes.
Hopewell is adjacent to Fort Gregg-Adams.
The Hopewell Circulator bus runs an hourly route through town.
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Hopewell City Public Schools
Students can attend Hopewell City Public Schools, a district that receives a C-minus from Niche. The city has three elementary schools, one middle school and a single high school. Hopewell High gets a C from Niche and offers CREW, a project-based learning program encouraging students to collaborate with their peers and communities to solve real-world problems.
Hopewell High School in Hopewell, Virginia.
The entrance to Carter G. Woodson Middle School.
Patrick Copeland Elementary School in Hopewell, Virginia.
An aerial view of Harry E. James Elementary School.
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Crime-reduction efforts via Project SAF
After a 75% increase in violent crime from 2022 to 2023, the Hopewell Police Department and community stakeholders took action. One example of those efforts is Project SAF, which stands for safe, alive and free. The program identifies individuals at risk of becoming involved in violence and puts them in contact with a life coach who tailors their outreach to a person’s specific needs. As of January 2024, the violent crime rate had fallen by 34%. Property crime saw a 10% decrease from 2022 to 2023, with larceny making up most nonviolent crimes.
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