I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify the fastest-growing towns in Virginia from 2016 to 2025. These communities have shown remarkable resilience and appreciation, offering valuable insights for investors and homeowners alike.
What’s particularly fascinating is how many of these top performers are modest-sized towns rather than suburban hotspots. The data reveals a pattern of growth spreading beyond traditional economic centers, suggesting a broader transformation of Virginia’s real estate landscape.
Each town below presents a unique investment story, with percentage gains ranging from nearly 99% to an astonishing 169% over just nine years. I’ve focused on the financial implications for each market to help guide your property decisions.
25. Louisa
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 98.88%
- Home value in 2016: $176,895
- Home value in 2017: $185,956
- Home value in 2018: $197,764
- Home value in 2019: $208,062
- Home value in 2020: $221,829
- Home value in 2021: $253,165
- Home value in 2022: $287,740
- Home value in 2023: $306,754
- Home value in 2024: $326,221
- Home value in 2025: $351,815
Your investment in Louisa would have nearly doubled in nine years, yielding an average annual return of 11%. The steady appreciation curve suggests this central Virginia town has sustainable growth potential. For buyers, the sub-$400K price point still offers accessibility compared to nearby markets, while sellers who purchased pre-2020 are positioned for substantial equity harvesting.
24. Union Hall
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 99.97%
- Home value in 2016: $402,488
- Home value in 2017: $410,510
- Home value in 2018: $421,864
- Home value in 2019: $438,698
- Home value in 2020: $445,137
- Home value in 2021: $499,145
- Home value in 2022: $638,326
- Home value in 2023: $694,834
- Home value in 2024: $736,521
- Home value in 2025: $804,867
Union Hall’s lakeside properties have perfectly doubled in value, with a remarkable acceleration between 2021-2022 (28% in one year). The high-end market here ($800K+) suggests wealthy buyers are driving demand in this Smith Mountain Lake community. For investors, this represents luxury segment growth with continuing upside potential, though the entry point now requires significant capital commitment.
23. Church Road
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 100.46%
- Home value in 2016: $147,400
- Home value in 2017: $154,310
- Home value in 2018: $162,422
- Home value in 2019: $171,866
- Home value in 2020: $180,768
- Home value in 2021: $206,655
- Home value in 2022: $232,157
- Home value in 2023: $269,250
- Home value in 2024: $278,190
- Home value in 2025: $295,480
Your Church Road investment would have doubled in value while maintaining affordability in the sub-$300K range. The most aggressive growth occurred between 2022-2023 (16%), indicating recent discovery by the market. This small community southeast of Petersburg offers an excellent value proposition for first-time investors seeking maximum appreciation potential while minimizing capital outlay in a rural setting.
22. Nickelsville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 100.78%
- Home value in 2016: $81,113
- Home value in 2017: $86,551
- Home value in 2018: $89,024
- Home value in 2019: $93,692
- Home value in 2020: $96,798
- Home value in 2021: $113,512
- Home value in 2022: $130,269
- Home value in 2023: $136,335
- Home value in 2024: $158,013
- Home value in 2025: $162,858
Nickelsville represents one of the most accessible entry points in this entire list, with 2025 values still under $165K despite doubling since 2016. The exceptional ROI combined with low capital requirement makes this southwestern Virginia town ideal for rental property investors seeking maximum cash flow potential. The 16% jump between 2023-2024 suggests momentum is still building in this ultra-affordable market.
21. Lakeside
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 101.24%
- Home value in 2016: $161,856
- Home value in 2017: $172,417
- Home value in 2018: $185,134
- Home value in 2019: $196,411
- Home value in 2020: $211,576
- Home value in 2021: $236,528
- Home value in 2022: $261,212
- Home value in 2023: $298,521
- Home value in 2024: $309,016
- Home value in 2025: $325,714
Lakeside’s appreciation curve shows remarkable consistency, with its strongest performance (14%) coming between 2022-2023. This Richmond suburb offers the dual advantage of metropolitan proximity with 100%+ growth, creating an optimal blend of location value and investment return. For buyers, the mid-$300K price point still presents a reasonable entry to a market where rental demand continues to strengthen the investment case.
20. Gate City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 102.97%
- Home value in 2016: $81,846
- Home value in 2017: $88,625
- Home value in 2018: $90,185
- Home value in 2019: $94,628
- Home value in 2020: $99,173
- Home value in 2021: $114,010
- Home value in 2022: $129,275
- Home value in 2023: $139,251
- Home value in 2024: $157,781
- Home value in 2025: $166,122
Gate City offers exceptional investment metrics with homes still under $170K despite doubling in value since 2016. The 13% surge between 2023-2024 indicates this southwestern Virginia town near the Tennessee border is gaining market momentum. Your capital would stretch furthest here, making it ideal for building a rental portfolio with multiple properties while maintaining strong appreciation prospects.
19. Ford
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 103.35%
- Home value in 2016: $117,713
- Home value in 2017: $121,628
- Home value in 2018: $125,052
- Home value in 2019: $133,138
- Home value in 2020: $144,338
- Home value in 2021: $168,360
- Home value in 2022: $183,107
- Home value in 2023: $218,664
- Home value in 2024: $228,147
- Home value in 2025: $239,366
Ford’s investment trajectory shows an impressive 20% spike between 2022-2023, indicating a discovery phase by buyers seeking value. The current $240K price point represents an excellent value-to-appreciation ratio in this community south of Richmond. For investors, Ford offers strong cash-on-cash return potential combined with equity growth that has consistently outpaced inflation by a substantial margin.
18. Amelia Court House
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 104.61%
- Home value in 2016: $151,519
- Home value in 2017: $164,329
- Home value in 2018: $175,971
- Home value in 2019: $181,523
- Home value in 2020: $192,181
- Home value in 2021: $221,141
- Home value in 2022: $239,865
- Home value in 2023: $267,959
- Home value in 2024: $280,689
- Home value in 2025: $310,016
Amelia Court House has more than doubled your investment while maintaining a balanced growth trajectory of 7-12% annually. The 10.4% jump between 2024-2025 suggests growing momentum rather than peaking values in this historic community. Your investment strategy here should focus on the balance of affordable entry point ($310K) with proven appreciation consistency, making it suitable for both homeowners and investors seeking steady wealth building.
17. Fort Blackmore
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 104.72%
- Home value in 2016: $72,687
- Home value in 2017: $77,959
- Home value in 2018: $80,499
- Home value in 2019: $83,204
- Home value in 2020: $87,142
- Home value in 2021: $106,239
- Home value in 2022: $118,327
- Home value in 2023: $121,662
- Home value in 2024: $144,205
- Home value in 2025: $148,807
Fort Blackmore represents exceptional value with homes still under $150K despite doubling since 2016. The dramatic 22% surge between 2020-2021 followed by 18.5% growth between 2023-2024 shows two distinct investment waves. This southwestern Virginia community offers possibly the best rental yield potential on this list due to ultra-low acquisition costs coupled with significant appreciation – ideal for investors prioritizing positive cash flow from day one.
16. Damascus
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 105.31%
- Home value in 2016: $100,527
- Home value in 2017: $99,421
- Home value in 2018: $103,194
- Home value in 2019: $109,426
- Home value in 2020: $116,550
- Home value in 2021: $133,325
- Home value in 2022: $149,485
- Home value in 2023: $167,530
- Home value in 2024: $198,026
- Home value in 2025: $206,392
Damascus presents a compelling case with over 105% appreciation despite a brief dip in 2017, demonstrating remarkable resilience. The extraordinary 18% jump between 2023-2024 signals accelerating demand in this Appalachian Trail community. Your investment would benefit from Damascus’ outdoor recreation appeal, creating both short-term rental potential and long-term appreciation in a market still priced under $210K.
15. Dungannon
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 106.63%
- Home value in 2016: $60,694
- Home value in 2017: $64,723
- Home value in 2018: $67,623
- Home value in 2019: $70,433
- Home value in 2020: $71,979
- Home value in 2021: $86,668
- Home value in 2022: $102,748
- Home value in 2023: $105,498
- Home value in 2024: $120,239
- Home value in 2025: $125,413
Dungannon offers unmatched affordability at just $125K despite doubling in value, representing the lowest entry point on this list. The dramatic 20% surge between 2020-2021 followed by 14% between 2023-2024 demonstrates two strong growth phases. Your investment dollars stretch furthest here, allowing for multiple property acquisitions with minimal capital outlay in this southwestern Virginia town – perfect for building a high-yield rental portfolio.
14. Stanley
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 106.85%
- Home value in 2016: $125,112
- Home value in 2017: $126,935
- Home value in 2018: $136,539
- Home value in 2019: $141,830
- Home value in 2020: $153,301
- Home value in 2021: $175,431
- Home value in 2022: $210,181
- Home value in 2023: $228,163
- Home value in 2024: $241,141
- Home value in 2025: $258,800
Stanley’s proximity to Shenandoah National Park has driven 106.8% growth with a remarkable 19.8% surge between 2021-2022. The consistent appreciation creates excellent leverage opportunities for buyers in this tourism-influenced market. Your investment benefits from both outdoor recreation demand and steady price appreciation, creating multiple exit strategies at a still-accessible $258K price point.
13. Jetersville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 106.90%
- Home value in 2016: $136,226
- Home value in 2017: $149,542
- Home value in 2018: $160,252
- Home value in 2019: $170,967
- Home value in 2020: $181,132
- Home value in 2021: $210,887
- Home value in 2022: $226,266
- Home value in 2023: $250,051
- Home value in 2024: $253,730
- Home value in 2025: $281,851
Jetersville has delivered consistent 7-16% annual growth rates, creating a stable investment trajectory with minimal volatility. The substantial 11% jump from 2024-2025 suggests this rural community between Richmond and Lynchburg continues to attract buyers. Your investment benefits from balanced market fundamentals and gradual price discovery, creating reliable equity building without the speculative risk seen in faster-moving markets.
12. Cape Charles
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 108.99%
- Home value in 2016: $173,767
- Home value in 2017: $167,707
- Home value in 2018: $180,203
- Home value in 2019: $196,419
- Home value in 2020: $200,857
- Home value in 2021: $246,986
- Home value in 2022: $305,676
- Home value in 2023: $340,149
- Home value in 2024: $350,720
- Home value in 2025: $363,153
Cape Charles demonstrates remarkable resilience, rebounding from a 3.5% dip in 2017 to achieve 109% total growth. The explosive 23% increase between 2020-2021 and 24% between 2021-2022 shows pandemic-driven coastal demand. Your investment in this Chesapeake Bay community combines vacation rental potential with strong appreciation fundamentals, though the $363K entry point now requires more substantial capital commitment than most towns on this list.
11. Rileyville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 112.70%
- Home value in 2016: $147,771
- Home value in 2017: $154,223
- Home value in 2018: $164,544
- Home value in 2019: $167,304
- Home value in 2020: $182,938
- Home value in 2021: $219,085
- Home value in 2022: $256,524
- Home value in 2023: $277,235
- Home value in 2024: $293,407
- Home value in 2025: $314,302
Rileyville’s 112.7% growth includes an exceptional 19.7% surge between 2020-2021 and 17.1% between 2021-2022. The Shenandoah Valley location combines natural beauty with investment performance, creating dual appeal. Your capital would benefit from both ongoing tourism demand and continued migration to scenic rural communities, supporting both traditional resale and vacation rental strategies in this market.
10. Dinwiddie
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 113.46%
- Home value in 2016: $124,816
- Home value in 2017: $130,739
- Home value in 2018: $137,264
- Home value in 2019: $145,732
- Home value in 2020: $156,996
- Home value in 2021: $180,693
- Home value in 2022: $201,815
- Home value in 2023: $239,656
- Home value in 2024: $249,953
- Home value in 2025: $266,437
Dinwiddie has delivered exceptional 113.5% growth with a particularly impressive 18.8% surge between 2022-2023. The consistent upward trajectory indicates sustainable demand fundamentals in this community south of Petersburg. Your investment benefits from a balanced price-to-appreciation ratio at the $266K mark, creating solid cash flow potential while continuing to build equity at rates significantly outpacing typical market returns.
9. Hopewell
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 116.60%
- Home value in 2016: $100,142
- Home value in 2017: $108,776
- Home value in 2018: $114,642
- Home value in 2019: $122,180
- Home value in 2020: $130,510
- Home value in 2021: $148,661
- Home value in 2022: $169,466
- Home value in 2023: $217,290
- Home value in 2024: $206,612
- Home value in 2025: $216,904
Hopewell demonstrates remarkable volatility with 28% growth between 2022-2023 followed by a 4.9% correction in 2024, yet still achieving 116.6% total appreciation. This price action suggests a potential speculative phase that’s now stabilizing in this industrial river city. Your investment approach should focus on the still-affordable $217K entry point combined with proven long-term performance, though prepare for potential short-term fluctuations in this dynamic market.
8. Dewitt
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 117.27%
- Home value in 2016: $120,782
- Home value in 2017: $128,027
- Home value in 2018: $132,794
- Home value in 2019: $143,462
- Home value in 2020: $156,906
- Home value in 2021: $183,961
- Home value in 2022: $201,140
- Home value in 2023: $241,842
- Home value in 2024: $248,333
- Home value in 2025: $262,421
Dewitt has delivered exceptional 117.3% growth with a remarkable 20.2% surge between 2022-2023. The consistent appreciation curve suggests sustainable demand in this community near Fort Lee military base. Your investment benefits from both military relocation demand and organic market growth, creating multiple demand drivers at a still-accessible $262K price point with excellent cash flow potential.
7. East Highland Park
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 123.85%
- Home value in 2016: $114,634
- Home value in 2017: $124,244
- Home value in 2018: $132,642
- Home value in 2019: $143,034
- Home value in 2020: $152,327
- Home value in 2021: $172,548
- Home value in 2022: $194,524
- Home value in 2023: $250,341
- Home value in 2024: $241,012
- Home value in 2025: $256,610
East Highland Park has demonstrated exceptional 123.9% growth with dramatic market discovery between 2022-2023 (28.7%). The modest correction in 2024 followed by 6.5% growth into 2025 suggests market stabilization in this Richmond community. Your investment strategy should capitalize on the proximity to Richmond’s urban amenities combined with values still below $260K, creating excellent rental demand fundamentals alongside proven appreciation potential.
6. Bellwood
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 125.07%
- Home value in 2016: $136,555
- Home value in 2017: $150,086
- Home value in 2018: $160,446
- Home value in 2019: $175,391
- Home value in 2020: $186,332
- Home value in 2021: $212,539
- Home value in 2022: $239,287
- Home value in 2023: $292,452
- Home value in 2024: $296,106
- Home value in 2025: $307,350
Bellwood’s remarkable 125.1% appreciation includes an extraordinary 22.2% surge between 2022-2023, demonstrating exceptional market momentum. The modest 3.8% growth between 2024-2025 suggests price consolidation in this Richmond suburb. Your investment benefits from both urban proximity and proven growth fundamentals, creating excellent rental demand in a market where values have more than doubled yet remain accessible at the $307K level.
5. Highland Springs
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 134.95%
- Home value in 2016: $103,051
- Home value in 2017: $112,155
- Home value in 2018: $121,557
- Home value in 2019: $132,608
- Home value in 2020: $141,141
- Home value in 2021: $160,169
- Home value in 2022: $186,599
- Home value in 2023: $237,827
- Home value in 2024: $231,121
- Home value in 2025: $242,115
Highland Springs has achieved extraordinary 135% growth with a remarkable 27.5% surge between 2022-2023, followed by a brief correction in 2024. The rapid return to growth in 2025 (4.8%) demonstrates resilience in this Richmond suburb’s market fundamentals. Your investment combines urban proximity with significant appreciation potential and a still-accessible $242K price point – an increasingly rare combination in Virginia’s competitive real estate landscape.
4. Bensley
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.57%
- Home value in 2016: $103,432
- Home value in 2017: $110,837
- Home value in 2018: $120,637
- Home value in 2019: $131,136
- Home value in 2020: $140,638
- Home value in 2021: $161,622
- Home value in 2022: $186,876
- Home value in 2023: $240,279
- Home value in 2024: $236,198
- Home value in 2025: $246,760
Bensley’s extraordinary 138.6% growth includes a dramatic 28.6% surge between 2022-2023, demonstrating exceptional market momentum in this Richmond-area community. Despite a minor correction in 2024, the 4.5% growth into 2025 shows market resilience. Your investment benefits from Richmond’s economic influence while maintaining a sub-$250K price point, creating an optimal blend of metro-adjacent returns with middle-market accessibility.
3. Montrose
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 151.95%
- Home value in 2016: $95,186
- Home value in 2017: $103,385
- Home value in 2018: $116,402
- Home value in 2019: $124,408
- Home value in 2020: $132,880
- Home value in 2021: $153,787
- Home value in 2022: $177,447
- Home value in 2023: $237,090
- Home value in 2024: $229,085
- Home value in 2025: $239,825
Montrose has delivered exceptional 152% appreciation with an extraordinary 33.6% surge between 2022-2023, followed by a modest correction. The 4.7% growth into 2025 demonstrates market resilience in this eastern Henrico community. Your investment benefits from Richmond’s economic expansion while maintaining a value proposition under $240K, creating powerful cash flow potential in a market where property values have more than doubled since 2016.
2. McKenney
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 153.67%
- Home value in 2016: $92,909
- Home value in 2017: $101,544
- Home value in 2018: $109,302
- Home value in 2019: $118,382
- Home value in 2020: $132,249
- Home value in 2021: $151,614
- Home value in 2022: $172,738
- Home value in 2023: $218,720
- Home value in 2024: $220,312
- Home value in 2025: $235,686
McKenney offers the second-highest growth rate on our list at 153.7%, with a remarkable 26.6% surge between 2022-2023. This rural community south of Petersburg demonstrates how small towns can deliver outsized returns. Your investment benefits from an exceptionally low base price ($92K in 2016) while still offering attainable entry at $235K today, creating ideal conditions for both cash flow investors and those seeking maximum equity accumulation.
1. Petersburg
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 169.06%
- Home value in 2016: $87,663
- Home value in 2017: $97,394
- Home value in 2018: $104,421
- Home value in 2019: $115,389
- Home value in 2020: $125,295
- Home value in 2021: $145,706
- Home value in 2022: $169,136
- Home value in 2023: $228,964
- Home value in 2024: $224,791
- Home value in 2025: $235,861
Petersburg crowns our list with an astonishing 169.1% appreciation – nearly tripling in value from 2016 to 2025. The explosive 35.4% surge between 2022-2023 represents the single highest year-over-year growth on this entire list. This historic city’s renaissance exemplifies the potential of undervalued markets, with early investors receiving exceptional returns while maintaining relative affordability at $235K today – an increasingly rare combination in Virginia’s competitive landscape.
