Over the past decade, Virginia has experienced a significant rise in its Amish population. While Amish migration into the state was limited during the 1990s and early 2000s, the last ten years have seen the formation of over a dozen new settlements. These communities, often stemming from Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, are drawn to Virginia for its lower land costs, rural settings, and farming potential. Let’s explore Virginia’s most notable Amish settlements, highlight their small businesses, and guide you on where to visit.
Charlotte County – Virginia’s Largest Amish Settlement
Population: Approx. 515
Established: 1997
Origin: St. Mary’s County, MD (via Lancaster, PA)
Notable Buggy Color: Charcoal gray
Charlotte County is home to the largest Amish settlement in the state. Centered near Charlotte Court House, these Amish are known for operating family-run enterprises such as:
- Southside Produce Auction, 1952 Ridgeway Rd, Phenix, VA 23959
- Furniture makers, dairy farms, and roadside stands
- Traditional sawmills and handmade baked goods stalls
You’ll find phone shanties scattered along the backroads—simple structures used to share limited telephone access. Though spread out, this community welcomes visitors to the auction held regularly throughout the year.
Halifax County – A Prosperous Amish Hub
Population: Approx. 435
Established: 2005
Origin: Dover, Delaware
Location: Nathalie, VA
The Halifax Amish drive rounded-sided buggies distinct from other groups. Prosperity is visible in the well-kept farms and newer homes. Local businesses include:
- Amish Country Variety Store, 1135 Clays Mill School Rd, Nathalie, VA 24577
- Halifax Amish Furniture, custom-built hardwood furniture
- Several quilt shops, storage barn builders, and farm markets
This growing community now consists of four congregations and numerous entrepreneurial ventures.
Farmville (Prince Edward County) – Fast Growth and Tradition
Population: Approx. 270
Established: 2016
Origin: Lancaster County, PA
Just west of Richmond, this Lancaster-style community boasts familiar Amish surnames like Zook and Stoltzfus. Its centerpiece is:
- Pineview Bulk Food & Deli, 1514 S Boston Rd, Farmville, VA 23901
Offering handmade sandwiches, Amish canned goods, and furniture
Despite a few unfortunate traffic incidents involving buggies, Farmville continues to flourish as a bustling settlement.
Northern Neck (Richmond County) – Amish & Mennonite Harmony
Population: Approx. 235
Established: 2019
Location: Near Farnham and Warsaw, VA
This is the only Virginia settlement where both Amish and Old Order Mennonites coexist. You’ll find roadside stands and small shops selling handmade items and baked goods, though addresses are often unlisted due to the community’s preference for privacy.
Pearisburg (Giles County) – Scenic Solitude in the Appalachians
Population: Approx. 165
Established: 1993
Location: Walker Valley near Pearisburg, VA
Deep in the Appalachians, the Pearisburg Amish run:
- Walker Valley Market, 2558 Clendennin Rd, Pearisburg, VA 24134
Known for made-to-order deli sandwiches, jams, furniture, and baked goods
Tucked away behind the hills, the peacefulness of the valley and its surrounding nature make it a special destination.
Burke’s Garden (Tazewell County) – “God’s Thumbprint”
Population: Approx. 100
Established: Early 2000s
Location: Remote valley surrounded by mountains
Known for its volcanic-basin appearance, Burke’s Garden is both scenic and isolated. Highlights include:
- Mattie’s Place, 6156 Burke’s Garden Rd, Tazewell, VA 24651
- Burke’s Garden General Store, 6084 Burke’s Garden Rd, Tazewell, VA 24651
Here, you can rent bicycles and ride through the valley, or pick up baked goods and crafts at either store.
Other Amish Settlements in Virginia (New & Smaller Communities)
In the past five years, Virginia has added multiple new settlements:
- Rose Hill/Jonesville (Lee County) – Founded 2020, approx. 125 Amish
- Gladys (Campbell County) – 2020, approx. 95 Amish
- Chatham (Pittsylvania County) – 2013, approx. 75 Amish
- Monterey (Highland County) – 2019, approx. 65 Amish
- New Castle (Craig County) – 2024, approx. 35 Amish
- Chase City (Mecklenburg County) – 2024, approx. 20 Amish
- Meadows of Dan (Carroll/Patrick County) – 2021, approx. 20 Amish
- Gretna (Pittsylvania County) – 2019, approx. 20 Amish
- Java (Pittsylvania County) – 2024, approx. 15 Amish
- Rural Retreat (Wythe County) – 2023, approx. 15 Amish
While these are much smaller, some feature roadside stands or seasonal produce sales.
Historical Amish Settlements in Virginia
Virginia once hosted several now-extinct Amish settlements:
- Midland (Fauquier County) – 1892 to 1901
- Norfolk/Princess Anne County – Known for dairy and produce sales; dissolved due to modernization
- Stuarts Draft (Shenandoah Valley) – 1942 to 1981
- Portsmouth – 1927 to 1945
These communities dissolved over time due to pressures of urbanization and internal church division.
Visiting the Amish in Virginia – What to Know
While tourism is not central to these communities, visitors are welcome to shop and explore respectfully. The best communities for visiting Amish-run businesses are:
- Charlotte County
- Farmville
- Halifax County
- Pearisburg
- Burke’s Garden
Each features at least one market or deli where visitors can enjoy fresh-made food, shop for local goods, and enjoy rural scenery. Be aware that Amish homes are often spread across large areas, so planning ahead with business names and addresses is essential.
