Her in our part of VA we have a Publix that moved in about 3.5 miles from our home. We were, and still are, not impressed. It is just like any other standard grocery store but with higher prices.
15 miles away, down in Fredericksburg, the Wegmans is fantastic and their prices aren't bad. They are so much better than Publix. We make it a point to go down there about once per week to get the things we can't get at the Commissary at Quantico.
I used to live right by you as you have described. Moved this year after 30 years.
I miss Wegmans!!! The closest one to me now is Erie Pa.
but I learned to love Meijer as a close 2nd.