Southern Virginia’s Growing Amish Community: Tradition Meets Economic Revival
Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Virginia, a quiet revolution is underway. Over the past decade, Amish families from Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland have migrated to the region, drawn by affordable farmland and a slower pace of life. This influx has led to the establishment of vibrant new communities in counties like Halifax, Pittsylvania, and Mecklenburg, revitalizing rural economies and fostering cultural exchange.
A New Home in the South
The Amish population in Virginia has surged in recent years, with over a dozen new settlements founded since 2013. Southern Virginia’s Halifax County, home to the Nathalie Community, is a prime example. Over 30 Amish-owned businesses now operate here, including furniture shops, sawmills, bulk food stores, and greenhouses.
“We wanted land where we could raise our families and live by our faith,” said Samuel Beiler, a community leader in Nathalie. “Southern Virginia offered us that, plus the chance to build businesses that serve both our community and our neighbors.”
The Amish migration has brought economic vitality to struggling rural towns. Local farmers like Robert Hargrove, who grows soybeans near South Boston, have partnered with Amish craftsmen. “They’ve brought skills we’d lost here—blacksmithing, woodworking. It’s a win-win,” Hargrove said.
Business Boom: From Bulk Food to Bespoke Furniture
In Pittsylvania County, the Heritage Hill Country Market opened in 2023 as the first Amish-run store in the area. Owner David Miller, who moved from North Carolina, designed it as a “destination for everyone,” offering bulk goods, deli sandwiches, and Amish-made jellies.
“We’re not just targeting the Amish,” Miller explained. “Locals love our homemade bread and cheeses. It’s about building bridges.”
Further south in Mecklenburg County, the Chase City settlement (founded in 2024) has already launched a produce stand and a harness shop. Meanwhile, Halifax County’s Nathalie Community boasts an auction barn drawing buyers from across the state. “The Amish bring quality and honesty,” said Mary Johnson, a regular at the auctions. “You won’t find better tomatoes or handcrafted chairs anywhere.”
Cultural Exchange and Challenges
Integration hasn’t been without friction. Horse-drawn buggies now share narrow country roads with modern vehicles, leading to collisions. A 2025 Cardinal News report highlighted a rise in accidents, including a crash near Farmville that orphaned eight Amish children.
“We’re working with local officials to make roads safer,” said Bishop Eli Stoltzfus of the Farmville community. Reflective tape on buggies and driver education campaigns have become common, but solutions remain elusive.
Despite these challenges, the cultural exchange thrives. At Pineview Bulk Food and Deli near Farmville, Amish and non-Amish patrons line up for custom sandwiches. “I come for the roast beef subs, but I stay for the conversation,” said local teacher Emily Carter.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Growth
The Amish prioritize sustainable farming, rotating crops and avoiding synthetic fertilizers. This approach has impressed neighboring farmers. “They’ve taught me ways to improve soil health without chemicals,” said soybean farmer Tom Wilkins.
Tourism is also rising. Visitors flock to spots like Burke’s Garden (“God’s Thumbprint”), a secluded valley with two Amish-owned general stores. “People come for the beauty and leave with homemade jams and quilts,” said Sarah Lewis, a tourism director in Tazewell County.
Voices from the Community
- Linda King, owner of Spring Hollow Market near Dillwyn: “We opened in 2023 to serve both Amish and locals. Our deli’s become a lunchtime hotspot.”
- Michael Davis, Halifax County resident: “Their woodworking shop rebuilt my grandmother’s rocking chair. It’s like new again.”
- Bishop Aaron Zook, Chatham settlement: “We’re here to stay. Our faith and hard work will keep these communities strong.”
Key Businesses & Addresses:
- Heritage Hill Country Market: Chatham, VA (Amish-owned bulk goods & deli)
- Pineview Bulk Food and Deli: 1565 Pineview Rd, Farmville, VA (open Mon-Sat)
- Nathalie Community Auction Barn: 4122 Cluster Springs Rd, Nathalie, VA (seasonal auctions)
- Spring Hollow Market: Dillwyn, VA (deli & Amish goods)
- Country Corner Dairy: Charlotte Court House, VA (cheese & general store)
Note: Most Amish businesses close Sundays. Check local listings for hours.
With their emphasis on faith, family, and self-reliance, Virginia’s Amish communities are writing a new chapter in the state’s rural history—one stitch, nail, and heirloom tomato at a time.
Citations:
[1] https://amishamerica.com/amish-virginia/
[2] https://www.wvtf.org/news/2025-02-24/cardinal-conversation-virginias-growing-amish-population-and-buggy-collisions
[3] https://amishamerica.com/amish-country-store-chatham-virginia/
[4] https://gohalifaxva.com/directory/halifax-county-amish-community/
[5] https://cardinalnews.org/2025/02/20/as-more-amish-move-into-rural-virginia-crashes-between-buggies-and-motor-vehicles-are-on-the-rise-finding-a-solution-is-complicated/
[6] https://amishamerica.com/charlotte-county-virginia-amish-food-store/
[7] https://www.southsidecentral.com/wordpress/2009/07/27/an-inside-look-at-halifax-countys-amish-community-part-2/
[8] https://www.aol.com/deadly-clark-county-crash-know-180235585.html
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[10] https://www.reddit.com/r/Virginia/comments/1buf6iw/without_sounding_racistwhere_and_why_are_all_the/
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[15] https://www.amish365.com/where-are-the-amish-in-virginia/
[16] https://visitfarmville.com/shopping/
[17] https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Amish&find_loc=Fairfax%2C+VA
[18] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/virginia/amish-va
[19] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1qmAKJcSIE
[20] https://amishamerica.com/amish-pearisburg-virginia/
[21] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctrB-ZRC9gY
[22] https://lakeanna.guide/business-listing/this-n-that-amish-outlet/
[23] https://amishamerica.com/pineview-bulk-food-deli-farmville-virginia/