Blog / Military Relocation

PCSing to Fort Gregg-Adams: A Complete Relocation Guide for Military Families

Shannon Russell

• August 21, 2026 • 11 min read

A military family standing outside their new Virginia home with moving boxes on the porch, afternoon sunlight

"I work with military families coming to Fort Gregg-Adams every single month. The number one thing they tell me is how relieved they feel once they understand the area and have a plan. There is no reason to navigate this move alone. As an MRP-certified agent and a Navy veteran's wife, I have built my entire practice around making this process smoother for the families who serve our country."

— Shannon Russell, MRP

If you just received orders to Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly Fort Lee), welcome. This installation sits in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia -- anchored by Petersburg, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights -- and is a major hub for Army logistics, sustainment, and training. The base is home to the Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM), the Army Logistics University, and the Quartermaster, Ordnance, and Transportation schools.

Whether you are here for a permanent change of station (PCS) with your family, or you are unaccompanied for training, this guide covers everything you need to know about finding a home, understanding the neighborhoods, and settling into the community.

Getting to Know the Fort Gregg-Adams Area

Fort Gregg-Adams is located about 25 miles south of Richmond, placing it in a sweet spot for military families: close enough to Richmond for big-city amenities and medical care, but far enough to offer more affordable housing, quieter neighborhoods, and a slower pace of life.

The base itself is surrounded by three main communities:

Petersburg — A historic city with beautiful old architecture, a revitalizing downtown, and some of the most affordable housing in the region. Old Towne Petersburg is seeing new restaurants, breweries, and shops open regularly.
Hopewell — A small river city at the confluence of the Appomattox and James Rivers. Waterfront parks, a growing dining scene, and easy access to the base make it popular with military families.
Colonial Heights — A classic Virginia suburb with excellent schools (ranked among the best in the Tri-Cities area), well-maintained neighborhoods, and convenient shopping along Southpark Boulevard.
Prince George County — Rural, spacious, and increasingly popular for families who want land and privacy. New construction communities are going up, and the commute to the base is a straight shot.

Best Neighborhoods for Military Families Near Fort Gregg-Adams

Prince George County

Prince George is the most direct neighbor to Fort Gregg-Adams. Several subdivisions sit just outside the base gates, making for commutes of under 10 minutes. Homes range from established neighborhoods with mature trees to brand-new construction communities on larger lots. Prince George County Public Schools serve the area, and many military families appreciate the quiet, rural atmosphere.

Colonial Heights

Colonial Heights is a tight-knit suburban city with some of the highest-rated schools in the region. The commute to Fort Gregg-Adams is about 15 minutes via I-95 or Boulevard. The housing stock is mostly well-maintained mid-century ranches and colonials, with newer townhome communities as well. Southpark Mall and a wide range of shopping and dining options are right in town.

Hopewell

Hopewell has seen a renaissance in recent years. The historic downtown along the Appomattox River features the Beacon Theatre (a restored venue hosting live music and events), The Boathouse at City Point, and walkable access to the river. Housing is more affordable here than in Colonial Heights, and the commute to the base is 10 to 15 minutes. Hopewell schools have been investing in new programs and facilities, and several new housing developments are underway.

Petersburg

Petersburg is rich in history and character. Old Towne Petersburg is undergoing a revitalization with new restaurants like The Brickhouse Run (an English pub in an 1816 building), Trapezium Brewing, and Resolution Winery. Housing is among the most affordable in the region, and you can find everything from historic Victorians to newer suburban homes. The commute to Fort Gregg-Adams is 10 to 15 minutes.

Chesterfield County & North of the Base

For families willing to take a slightly longer commute, Chesterfield County offers highly rated schools, larger homes, and established suburban communities. Areas like Woodlake, Brandermill, and the neighborhoods around Route 288 and Hull Street Road are about 25 to 35 minutes from the base. This is a good option for families who want the best of both worlds -- proximity to the base and access to Richmond metro amenities.

Housing Options: On-Post vs. Off-Post

Fort Gregg-Adams offers on-post family housing through a privatized partnership. If you prefer to live off post, BAH rates in the Tri-Cities area generally go further than in other Virginia military markets. Many military families find they can afford a larger home, more land, or a newer build in the surrounding communities.

I help military families compare the total cost of on-post versus off-post living, factoring in utilities, commuting, and quality of life. Many families are surprised by how far their housing allowance can stretch in the Tri-Cities area, especially in Prince George and Hopewell.

Schools and Family Resources

The Tri-Cities area offers a variety of public and private school options. Colonial Heights Public Schools consistently receive high marks from parents and state assessments. Prince George County Public Schools serve most of the area directly adjacent to the base. Hopewell City Schools and Petersburg City Schools each have specialized programs, including STEM academies and early college options.

For military families with children, the School Liaison Office at Fort Gregg-Adams can help with school registration, special education support, and connecting with local school districts before you arrive.

Commute and Transportation

One of the best things about Fort Gregg-Adams is that the commute situation is straightforward. The base sits right off I-95, and there are no major water crossings to contend with (unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the Peninsula or Southside Hampton Roads). Most neighborhoods in Petersburg, Hopewell, Prince George, and Colonial Heights are within a 10- to 20-minute drive.

For families who want to live in Chesterfield or even southern Richmond, the commute via I-95 is about 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. The reverse commute direction (north in the morning, south in the evening) helps avoid the worst of Richmond's rush hour congestion.

VA Loans and Financing for Military Buyers

As an MRP-certified agent, I work with lenders who specialize in VA loans and understand the unique needs of active-duty and veteran buyers. The VA loan is an incredible benefit: zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates. But it does require proper documentation and a knowledgeable lender who can guide the process.

I can connect you with trusted local lenders who have closed hundreds of VA loans in this area and know exactly how to structure an offer that sellers take seriously.

Local Spots and Community Life

One of the things military families love most about the Tri-Cities area is that it feels like a real community, not just a transient stop. The Beacon Theatre in Hopewell hosts live concerts and events year-round. The River Street Farmers Market runs through the growing season. Saucy's Sit-Down Bar.B.Q. in Hopewell has won multiple Southern Living awards for its brisket and ribs.

For outdoor recreation, the Appomattox River offers kayaking and fishing, and Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield has miles of hiking and biking trails. Richmond is a 25-minute drive north, with museums, restaurants, the James River, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.