Living in Waverly VA 👪 What to Know Before Moving to the Town of Waverly Virginia
Waverly is an incorporated town in Sussex County, Virginia, known for its rural location and general quietness. It is 20 miles from Petersburg and is 55 miles from the Richmond International Airport, making it a great location for both a slow life and access to urban amenities.
Housing and overall living costs in Waverly are significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership accessible to even young families. However, if you are fond of going out, the nightlife in Waverly may be a bit limited.
Call On The Fly Moving at 804-836-4954 to start planning your move with a free quote!
Where is Waverly, VA?
Waverly is in Sussex County, located some distance southeast of Richmond and northwest of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. Waverly is located within the Richmond, VA metro area, and does not have any neighboring communities on its borders. The distance from Waverly, VA to Petersburg, VA is 22 miles, while the distance from Waverly, VA to Richmond, VA is 46 miles.
Transportation in Waverly VA
Most workers in Waverly drive alone to work, with commute times reaching an average of 37 minutes. The most commonly used route is Route 460, which provides access to cities from Waverly for amenities, employment, and retail.
Waverly Population & Demographics
Located in Sussex County, Virginia, Waverly is a small town that has a deep and rich history with a tight-knit community. Let’s take a close look at key demographics:
- Population & Density: 2,324 residents spread across 3.1 square miles, resulting in a density of approximately 753.3 people per square mile.
- Racial Composition: Broadly homogeneous, with 78% Black or African American, 19% White, and other demographics making up the remainder.
- Gender Ratio: Slightly female-majority, with women accounting for 51% of the population.
- Age & Citizenship: The median age is 38.6 years; 99.4% of residents are native-born U.S. citizens, with only 0.6% born abroad.
- Education: 17.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Income & Poverty: The median household income is $50,156—below the national average—though offset by a low poverty rate of 7.84% and an accessible real estate market.
- Notable Residents: Historic ties include actor Warren Beatty and several prominent Virginia political figures.
- Racial and Ethnic Breakdown: Black or African Americans 78%, White 19%, Two or More Races / Multiracial: ~1.7% – 2%
Is Waverly VA Safe?
Yes, Waverly is a safe community to live in! Waverly’s overall crime rate is 58% lower than the national average, with 984 crimes annually per 100,000 people.
The property crime rate is 54% lower than the national average, while the violent crime rate is
67% lower, with not a single murder reported in the town in 2020. The community of Waverly is served by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office.
Cost of Living in Waverly Virginia
Good news: Waverly is an affordable place to live in. According to Payscale, Waverly’s cost of living is 15% less than the national average.
Housing expenses in Waverly, VA are 47% lower than the national average, with groceries lower than the national average as well. This makes living much more comfortable for residents compared to high cost of living areas.
Average Costs in Waverly Virginia
- Gas Prices: $3.01
- Bunch of Bananas: $0.76
- Gallon of Milk: $4.71
- Doctor's Visit: $137.22
Average Rent & Homes for Sale in Waverly VA
Despite the small size of Waverly, it is a town with a wide variety of real estate for a variety of prices, suitable for almost anyone. Properties here vary from townhouses to newly-constructed suburban houses. Most of these are single detached homes built in 1981. The median home price in Waverly is $245,000, which is lower than the average Virginia home price of $453,389.
42% of Waverly residents rent their residences. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Waverly and nearby areas is around $1,600 per month for about 1,100 sq. ft.
If you want to make yourself a part of this community, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Waverly, VA.
Waverly Virginia Weather
The Waverly Virginia weather has four seasons. Summer can last at least 3 months, with average temperatures reaching 81°F. July is the hottest month of the year, which can exceed up to 88°F or as low as 69°F. The town receives a good amount of rainfall with occasional severe rains, which can cause floods, heavy thunderstorms, and possible tornadoes.
The cold season in Waverly lasts 3 months, with the coldest month being January, dropping to 31°F and a high of 49°F. Snowfall can reach up to 3.8 inches, with the lowest at 1.0 inches.
Things to Do in Waverly
Want to know about the best things to do in Waverly, VA? A wide variety of typically rural shopping experiences will be available to you, such as at Adams' Peanuts! You should also check out some of the best things to do in Waverly, VA below.
Big Woods Wildlife Management Area
Explore a pine-studded nature preserve that also offers hunting during the right seasons!
32775 Cedar Sign Post Rd, Wakefield, VA 23888, United States, (804) 367-1000
Sussex County Young Men's Athletic Club
Intent on playing some sports while in Waverly? You’ll want to stop by this excellent athletic park, with all manner of sports fields and amenities!
423 W Main St, Waverly, VA 23890, United States
Hampton Roads Winery
Try the best wines in Sussex County at the nearby Hampton Roads Winery!
6074 New Design Rd, Elberon, VA 23846, United States, (757) 899-0203
Waverly, VA Additional Attractions:
Waverly is served by the Sussex County parks & recreation department. See all the events that are planned in Waverly with the Waverly community calendar.
Waverly Restaurants
Waverly may be small, but there’s still plenty of restaurants that deserve to be checked out in the area! Check out some of the best places to eat in Waverly, Virginia below.
Pino's Pizza
A favorite of Waverly residents, this local pizza place has the best of this classic Italian-American dish in town!
101 S County Dr, Waverly, VA 23890, United States, (804) 834-8880
China Kitchen
What town would be complete without a Chinese restaurant? Thankfully, Waverly has its own excellent example!
109 W Main St, Waverly, VA 23890, United States, (804) 834-8140
La Tavola
La Tavola is an excellent choice to dine in when living in Waverly VA! They have the best sandwiches and pizzas that will quench your cravings for Italian food in the area.
7019 General Mahone Hwy, Waverly, VA 23890, (804) 676-0160
Jobs in Waverly VA
Waverly is a small place, and that means that most employment here is concentrated outside of the town, but there are still plenty of opportunities here! The most popular Waverly VA jobs positions are in health care, with the top three being Nursing Home Administrator, Correctional Officer, and Nurse Practitioner. The average salary for a worker in Waverly is $46k a year, while the average hourly wage is $24.33, according to Payscale.
See the latest openings for jobs in Waverly here.
Waverly Schools
Waverly is served by the Sussex County Public School District, which maintains three schools and has about 1,000 students. Of the schools in the Waverly area, the most notable are the Sussex Elementary School, Sussex Central Middle School, and Sussex Central High School. While a bit sparse on options, we’re certain you’ll be satisfied with education in Waverly.
Students and others residing in Waverly are served by the Waverly branch of the Blackwater Regional Library.
Waverly, VA Statistics & Information
- Located in Sussex County
- Waverly Area: 3.08 square miles
- Waverly Zip Codes: 23890-23891
- Waverly Area Codes: 804
- Waverly Elevation: 112’
- Waverly Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Closest airport to Waverly, VA: Wakefield Municipal Airport, XXJX+M3 Wakefield, Virginia, USA, 6.3 miles from Waverly
Map of Waverly, VA
Explore Waverly’s large variety of things to do, places to eat, and more with this map!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Weather Like In Waverly VA?
Waverly VA has four seasons. It’s mostly humid and has muggy Summers and short but cold winters. Snow is possible in Waverly Virginia, with average temperatures reaching 30°F in winter to 89°F in summer.
Are There Any Famous People From Waverly?
Yes. Waverly Virginia is associated with Garland “Peck” Gray and Elmon T. Gray, who were Virginia state senators. Artists like Miles B. Carpenter are also connected to Waverly VA. The movie stars, Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty, also lived in Waverly in their younger years, where their father worked as a school principal.
What Is Waverly, VA Known For?
Waverly VA is known for being a small town nestled within Sussex County with deep historical roots tied mostly to the railroad and political events. It was established in 1854, with its downtown developed mostly by the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad. Other local historic sites that Waverly is known for are the Waverly Down Historic District, which has preserved the image of an old Virginia depot town.
Is Waverly, Virginia A Good Place To Live?
Yes. Waverly Virginia is perfect for people who want a small-town lifestyle within a rural setting and is within driving distance of Richmond, Wakefield, and Petersburg. However, it does have limited shopping and entertainment, with longer drives for medical services, major retailers, and jobs if needed. It’s best suited for residents who like affordable locations, space, and a slow lifestyle.
What To Do In Waverly, VA?
Explore the Waverly Downtown Historic District, enjoy the local shops, and learn about Waverly’s railroad history. For outdoor lovers, check out Chub Sandhill Natural Area Preserve, which is a longleaf pine habitat filled with walking areas and wildlife viewing.
Move to Waverly Virginia With On The Fly Moving
Thinking about living in Waverly, Virginia? On The Fly Moving’s crew of top-rated and professionally trained Waverly movers is here to make absolutely certain your relocation is as smooth as possible. Let trained professionals handle your move on your behalf! Call now or fill out our form for a free quote.
Call On The Fly Moving at 804-836-4954 to start planning your move with a free quote!
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