Amelia County is a rural county in Central Virginia, about 40 miles southwest of Downtown Richmond along U.S. Route 360, where Main Street Homes builds new homes. Its county seat is the historic village of Amelia Court House.

Life in Amelia moves at a country pace. Homes sit on wide lots surrounded by farmland and woods, and the Appomattox River winds along the county's edge. You can cast a line at Amelia Lake in the morning, browse the stalls at a county festival on the weekend, and still reach Chesterfield's shopping and Route 288 in about 35 minutes. This guide covers where Amelia sits, how to get around, what to do, and how to set up your new home.

Amelia County at a Glance

Amelia County is a 359-square-mile county in the Piedmont region of Virginia, with Amelia Court House as its county seat and U.S. Route 360 as its main highway.

Where Is Amelia County, Virginia?

Amelia County sits southwest of Richmond, between Chesterfield County to the east and Prince Edward County to the southwest. Its other neighbors are Powhatan County to the north, Dinwiddie County to the southeast, Nottoway County to the south, and Cumberland County to the west.

The Appomattox River forms the county's northern and western border, and Namozine Creek runs along the east side. The land is rolling Piedmont country, with farms, timberland, and small crossroads communities. Besides Amelia Court House, communities include Jetersville, Mannboro, Mattoax, and Namozine.

Amelia is part of the Richmond metro area. For a look at the wider region, see our Central Virginia relocation guide.

Why Home Buyers Choose Amelia County

Home buyers choose Amelia County for land, open space, and a lower real estate tax rate, with Chesterfield and Richmond still within reach.

• Room to spread out: Homesites in the county are often measured in acres. At Main Street Homes' Redfield South community, homesites are 3 acres or more.
• A lower tax rate: Amelia's 2026 real estate tax rate is $0.46 per $100 of assessed value, and the county's sales tax is 5.3%. See the taxes section below for details.
• Outdoors close to home: The 2,217-acre Amelia Wildlife Management Area has a 100-acre lake, river frontage, and trails for hiking and horseback riding.
• History all around: The county was formed in 1735, and the final days of the Civil War played out on its roads in April 1865.
• Small-town traditions: The Amelia Day Festival and the Amelia County Fair, held since 1914, bring the county together each year.

Getting Around: Commutes, Highways, and Travel

U.S. Route 360 is Amelia County's main road, running east to Chesterfield County and Richmond and west toward Farmville and Southside Virginia. Drive times below are from the county offices in Amelia Court House with light traffic.

From Route 288, drivers can reach I-64, I-95, and the West End. Washington, D.C., the beach, and the mountains are all within a few hours. Our Central Virginia guide covers airports, Amtrak, and East Coast road trips.

Public transportation: The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) does not serve Amelia County. The Blackstone Area Bus System, under the Piedmont Area Transit name, has run a weekday route linking Amelia Court House with Crewe, Burkeville, Blackstone, and Farmville. [VERIFY: current Blackstone Area Bus route, days, and stops in Amelia County with the Town of Blackstone or Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.] Piedmont Senior Resources, the area agency on aging for Amelia and nearby counties, offers non-emergency medical transportation.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Recreation

Amelia County's outdoor life centers on the Amelia Wildlife Management Area, the Appomattox River, and Sailor's Creek Battlefield.

• Amelia Wildlife Management Area: This 2,217-acre area run by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources sits between Route 60 and Route 360 in the north end of the county. It includes the 100-acre Amelia Lake and 4.5-acre Saunders Pond for fishing, a concrete boat ramp for small boats, and about 175 acres of bottomland along the Appomattox River. Visitors can hike, ride horses, watch wildlife, hunt, and camp in primitive sites. A 6-station rifle range and a shotgun range are open September 1 through March 31. Visitors need a Virginia hunting, fishing, or trapping license, a boat registration, or an access permit. It is about 20 minutes from Amelia Court House.
• Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park: This 379-acre state park has seven short interpretive trails from 0.2 to 0.9 miles, picnic areas, and a visitor center. It is about 25 minutes west of Amelia Court House.
• County parks and courts: Joe H. Paulette Memorial Park in Amelia Court House hosts the county fair. Lighted pickleball and tennis courts at Joe Paulette Memorial Park and at Russell Grove are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. with a $30 yearly county membership.
• Golf: Amelia Golf & Country Club is a semi-private, 9-hole course in Amelia Court House that dates to 1946.

Recreation programs

Amelia County Parks and Recreation runs programs year-round from its office at 16330 Dunn Street. Programs include:

• Youth basketball and cheerleading, soccer, indoor futsal, football, and Dixie Girls softball
• Adult basketball, softball, and volleyball leagues
• Open gym on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• A weight and exercise room on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Exercise classes, including step aerobics and Tae Bo
• Indoor pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
• A morning indoor walking program on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Summer sports camps

Sign up online through the county's registration page or call (804) 561-4100.

Shopping, Dining, and Local Favorites

Everyday shopping in Amelia County is centered in Amelia Court House and along Route 360.

• Groceries: Food Lion is on Patrick Henry Highway (Route 360) in Amelia Court House, and Dollar General has stores in the county.
• Local dining: The county's dining list includes Mi Jalisco on Goodes Bridge Road, Eazy's Kitchen and Bar on Court Street, and Ji Xiang Chinese Restaurant on Patrick Henry Highway.
• Bigger shopping trips: The Hull Street Road corridor in Chesterfield, including Hancock Village, is about 30 minutes east. Chesterfield Towne Center is about 50 minutes away.
• Day trips nearby: Metro Richmond Zoo in western Chesterfield County is about 20 minutes from Amelia Court House.

Richmond's breweries, restaurants, concerts, and sports are about an hour away. See our Central Virginia guide for ideas.

Arts, History, and Annual Events

Amelia County was formed in 1735 and named for Princess Amelia, a daughter of King George II of Great Britain. It has played a part in Virginia history ever since.

• Civil War history: In early April 1865, General Robert E. Lee's army stopped at Amelia Court House on April 4 and 5 while waiting for supplies. On April 6, the Battle of Sailor's Creek was fought nearby, three days before the surrender at Appomattox Court House.
• Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park: The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has exhibits and a museum. The Overton-Hillsman House, used as a field hospital during the battle, can be toured on request. The park hosts a battle commemoration in April, a butterfly festival in summer, and a Veterans Day luminaria.
• Amelia County Historical Society: Its collection of documents, photos, and artifacts is at 16501 Church Street in Amelia Court House. It is open Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Gems and minerals: Amelia is known for amazonite crystals from the Morefield Mine. [VERIFY: whether Morefield Gem Mine is open to visitors in 2026.]

Annual events

• Amelia Day Festival: Held each May on the historic Courthouse Square to celebrate the county's birthday. The 2026 festival on May 9 featured more than 200 vendors, food, live music, and fireworks.
• Amelia County Fair: Held each August at Joe H. Paulette Memorial Park since 1914. The 2026 fair ran August 13 through 16 with a midway, farm and garden exhibits, and more.
• Spring Clean-up: The county holds a countywide cleanup each spring.

Health Care and Wellness

The nearest emergency rooms to Amelia Court House are about 30 to 40 minutes away in Chesterfield County and Farmville. Drive times are from the county offices in Amelia Court House.

VCU Medical Center in Downtown Richmond, the region's comprehensive Level I trauma center, is about an hour away.

Amelia Court House has two pharmacies on Patrick Henry Highway (Route 360): Walgreens and Amelia Pharmacy. The nearest urgent care centers are east on Hull Street Road in Chesterfield County, including Bon Secours Urgent Care Swift Creek and Patient First, about 30 minutes away.

For fitness, the county's weight room, open gym, exercise classes, and indoor walking program are listed in the parks section above.

Schools, Libraries, and Lifelong Learning

Public schools in Amelia County are run by Amelia County Public Schools, which has three schools: Amelia County Elementary School, Amelia County Middle School, and Amelia County High School. The school board office is at 8701 Otterburn Road. You can review school data on the Virginia Department of Education's School Quality Profiles. School assignments can change, so confirm with the division for your address.

• Preschool: A Head Start preschool is located on Dunn Street in Amelia Court House, next to the library.
• Library: The James L. Hamner Public Library is at 16351 Dunn Street. It is open Monday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library first opened in 1972 in rooms of the county courthouse.
• Colleges nearby: Longwood University in Farmville is about 35 minutes away, and Hampden-Sydney College is about 40 minutes away. Brightpoint Community College has a campus in Midlothian, and the colleges and universities of Richmond are about an hour away.
• Lifelong learning: The Amelia County office of Virginia Cooperative Extension offers programs on farming, gardening, and more. The Historical Society is open for research.

Jobs, Business Parks, and Working From Home

Many Amelia County residents commute east on Route 360 to jobs in Chesterfield County and the Richmond area. Route 288, about 35 minutes away, connects to job centers across the region, and Downtown Richmond is about an hour away. See the commute table above.

In the county, the Amelia County Industrial Park offers 112 acres of land for business on Route 360 at Goodes Bridge Road, with water, sewer, and broadband. Local jobs include county government, the school division, farms, and small businesses in Amelia Court House.

Working from home is possible in much of the county, but internet options vary by address. Check the internet section below before you choose a homesite. Many Main Street Homes plans include a bonus room or extra bedroom that works as a home office.

Setting Up Your Home: Utilities and Services in Amelia County

Utility providers in Amelia County depend on your exact address. Many homes use a private well and septic system, and electric service is split between a cooperative and Dominion Energy. Always confirm providers for your address before you move.

Water and Sewer

The Amelia County Sanitary District provides public water and sewer to about 450 homes and businesses in and around Amelia Court House. Its water comes from five groundwater wells. To start service or report a problem, call (804) 561-4565.

Elsewhere in the county, homes typically use a private well and septic system. These are permitted through the Virginia Department of Health.

Electricity

Two electric providers serve Amelia County: Southside Electric Cooperative and Dominion Energy. Your provider depends on your address, so check with both before you move. Southside Electric Cooperative is a member-owned cooperative based in Crewe that serves 18 Virginia counties, including Amelia.

Natural Gas or Propane

Amelia County is inside the service territory of Columbia Gas of Virginia, but gas lines do not reach every road. Because of that, many homes use propane or all-electric heating, such as heat pumps. Propane companies deliver throughout the area. To find out if natural gas is available, confirm by address with Columbia Gas of Virginia.

Trash Collection

Amelia County does not offer curbside trash pickup. Residents take household trash to one of six county convenience centers, listed below. Some private haulers may offer curbside service by subscription. [VERIFY: private haulers serving Amelia County.]

Recycling

Every county convenience center is also a recycling drop-off site. The county's Environmental Management office runs the recycling program and answers questions at (804) 561-3039.

Convenience Centers, Landfill, and Debris Disposal

Amelia County has six convenience centers for trash and recycling:

The centers are open Mondays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are closed Sundays and Wednesdays. The public area at Maplewood Landfill is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for trash and recycling.

Bulk Item and Yard Waste

For furniture, appliances, tires, brush, and household hazardous waste, contact Environmental Management at (804) 561-3039 for current rules and fees. The county also holds a Spring Clean-up each year. [VERIFY: bulk item, yard waste, and hazardous waste rules with Amelia County Environmental Management.]

Internet and TV

To see which internet providers serve an address, search the FCC National Broadband Map. Options in Amelia County include fiber in some areas, cable near Amelia Court House, fixed wireless, 5G home internet, and satellite.

RiverStreet Networks has been building a fiber network across Amelia County with county, state, and federal grant funds, and some areas already have service. In 2026, the company reported financial trouble and was removed from a regional state grant project that includes Amelia, and local officials are working on next steps. Check with the county for the latest on fiber in your area.

County Services Contacts

Service providers, routes, and rates can change and can differ from one address to the next. Before you buy, confirm water, sewer, electric, gas, trash, and internet service for your specific address with Amelia County and each provider.

Real Estate Taxes and Cost of Homeownership

Amelia County's 2026 real estate tax rate is $0.46 per $100 of assessed value, the same rate as in 2024 and 2025. Taxes are due each year on November 1.

• Vehicle personal property tax: $4.25 per $100 of assessed value in 2026. For qualifying personal vehicles, state car tax relief covers 22.55% of the tax on the first $20,000 of value in 2026. The county does not prorate this tax. You are taxed on what you own on January 1.
• Vehicle license tax: The county replaced its window decal with a yearly license tax on the personal property bill. It is $30 per motor vehicle.
• Sales tax: 5.3% (4.3% state plus 1% local). Amelia County is not part of the Central Virginia region that charges 6%.
• Meals tax: Amelia County recently began collecting a meals tax on prepared food and drinks. [VERIFY: current meals tax rate with Amelia County Finance.]

Rates can change each year, so confirm with the Amelia County Treasurer.

New to Amelia County? Your First 30 Days

Use this checklist to get settled in Amelia County. Our Central Virginia guide covers statewide rules for new Virginia residents in more detail.

• Driver's license: New Virginia residents have 60 days to get a Virginia driver's license. The nearest full-service Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customer service center is in Farmville at 300 N. Virginia Street, about 35 minutes away.
• Vehicle title and registration: Title and register your vehicles within 30 days. The Amelia DMV Select at 16360 Dunn Street, Suite 104, handles vehicle titles, registrations, and plates on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It does not issue driver's licenses or ID cards.
• County vehicle registration: Add your vehicles to your county personal property account with the Commissioner of the Revenue, online through the county's eServices portal or at (804) 561-2158.
• Voter registration: Register online at elections.virginia.gov.
• Utilities: Set up electric, water or well service, propane, and internet for your address.
• Library card: Visit the James L. Hamner Public Library on Dunn Street.
• Parks and recreation: Sign up for leagues, classes, and court memberships with Amelia County Parks and Recreation.
• Emergency alerts: Sign up for CodeRED alerts from Amelia County.

New Homes in Amelia County by Main Street Homes

Main Street Homes builds new single-family homes in Amelia County at Redfield South, off Patrick Henry Highway (Route 360) on South Redfield Drive. Homesites are 3 acres or more, with room for gardens, outdoor living, and a detached garage option.

• Status: Redfield South is nearly sold out, with only a few homesites left.
• Floor plans: Choose from 11 floor plans with three to five bedrooms. They include the Amelia, a one-level living plan, and several plans with a first-floor primary bedroom, such as the Augusta II and the Parkview.
• Model home: Tour the Augusta II model home in Tuckmar Farm at 3806 Tuckmar Pond Drive, Moseley, VA 23120.
• Design Studio: Single-family buyers select their finishes at our Design Studio at 15871 City View Drive, Suite 100, Midlothian, VA 23113, with certified Design Consultants.
• Energy Advantage+: Every home is built to our Energy Advantage+ standards and verified with duct blaster and blower door testing.

Main Street Homes has built thousands of energy-efficient homes in Central Virginia since 1996, and the company is employee-owned. We are neither a custom builder nor a production builder. We will not give you an eraser to move walls, nor will we build a cookie-cutter home.

Ready to find your place in Amelia County? Explore our communities or call or text our Online Sales Specialists, Savannah and Daniel, at (804) 979-2954.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Amelia County

Is Amelia County, VA, a good place to live?

Amelia County offers land, open space, and a 2026 real estate tax rate of $0.46 per $100 of assessed value, about an hour from Downtown Richmond. It has a wildlife management area with a 100-acre lake, a Civil War battlefield state park, and yearly events such as Amelia Day and the Amelia County Fair.

How far is Amelia County from Richmond?

Amelia Court House is about 40 miles southwest of Downtown Richmond, about an hour's drive on U.S. Route 360. Route 288 in Chesterfield is about 35 minutes away, and Richmond International Airport is about one hour and five minutes away.

Who provides electricity in Amelia County?

Southside Electric Cooperative and Dominion Energy both serve Amelia County. Your provider depends on your address, so confirm before you move.

Does Amelia County have trash pickup?

Amelia County does not offer curbside trash pickup. Residents use six free county convenience centers for trash and recycling, and the public area at Maplewood Landfill is open 24 hours a day.

Does Amelia County have public water and sewer?

The Amelia County Sanitary District serves about 450 homes and businesses in and around Amelia Court House. Elsewhere, homes typically use private wells and septic systems.

What is the real estate tax rate in Amelia County?

The 2026 real estate tax rate is $0.46 per $100 of assessed value, unchanged since 2024. Taxes are due each year on November 1.

Are there new homes for sale in Amelia County, Virginia?

Main Street Homes builds new single-family homes on homesites of 3 acres or more at Redfield South, off Route 360. The community is nearly sold out, so call or text our Online Sales Specialists at (804) 979-2954 to ask about the remaining homesites.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Main Street Homes of VA, Inc. shares this article for general informational purposes only. References to businesses, organizations, attractions, utilities, and service providers are included as a resource for our readers and do not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Main Street Homes of VA, Inc. The information, data, and details in this article are deemed accurate at the time of writing and were last verified on October 4, 2026. Because rates, services, schedules, boundaries, and providers can change, we encourage readers to confirm details directly with the appropriate locality, agency, or business before making any decisions. Main Street Homes of VA, Inc. supports the federal Fair Housing Act and the Virginia Fair Housing Law and is committed to equal housing opportunity for all.