Need a CLEAR, HONEST view of what Lynchburg is like?

[ConceivedinKY51]

Originally Posted by sregorat3

There are quite a few places that would keep me from visiting Alexandria again, as well. I'm not sure where you got your pictures, but If they look really slummy, my guess you are looking at pictures from a small part of the city. There is a reason that while most cities are declining in population, Lynchburg is growing, while most cities have declining retail sales, Lynchburg's is increasing, while most areas are seeing warning signs in their job growth index, Lynchburg's is increasing. Lynchburg consistently (and quietly) is rated as a great place for job growth, for starting businesses, and for quality of life. The city has one of the lowest crime rates in the state as compared to other cities and the cost of living is very reasonable. I'm very well traveled and spend a good bit of time in just about every decent sized city in VA (excluding Tidewater); Lynchburg is my favorite, with Roanoke being a close second.
Most of the people who post opinions on Lynchburg have been here infrequently, have just passed through, or have only what they read somewhere to base opinions on. There are quite a few folks here who will try to steer you towards Roanoke and mention all the bad about Lynchburg and why their city is better. If you do thorough research (getting opinions on this site is just a start, and really can't provide you with much info on Lynchburg) it should be easy to get solid info on the city, it's walkability, and the quality of life it might afford. By the way, the walkability link that Diamond Dave posted is really neat, but you'll find that, for the most part, the most walkable areas tend to be some of the most rundown or commercial areas. Where my home is in Lynchburg, we would have a walkability score of 58, but within 3 blocks of my house, I have a college, a grocery store, a convenience/gas, a Barnes & Noble, deli-cafe, bank, Post Office, 3 churches, a large park, 2 pizzerias, an upscale restaurant, a bar/neighborhood grill, a florist... and more, with no more than 2 lanes to cross. I'd say that is walkable- and I've got bus service from 5 AM to 11 PM. There are very few places in Roanoke or Charlottesville that are so convenient yet so livable. There are also plenty of apartment options in the same area. Fort Hill is ano0ther area that is very easy to get around without having to have a car (particulary in the 5000-6000 blocks). Just for kicks, if you think that the slum photos are realy representative of Lynchburg, do some googling for poverty rates in Virginia. You'll find that Lynchburg is not nearly as poor as the sender of the photos would like you to believe. If you want to check out some reports about Lynchburg, this city website has them linked. My favorite rating was in National Geographic and it rated Lynchburg as the best city in the state for outdoor adventure.

I'm sure Chattanooga is nice, also, as I've heard that it is like Roanoke- but bigger. I've been there a couple of times and have seen some seedy looking areas, but some nice areas as well. It should have a bus service that rivals places like Richmond, as it is in a whole different category than any city west of I-95.

As for abandonship's perspective, you've already seen that you can't believe every post you read. There are some that don't like Lynchburg, but if it was really bad, would they be staying... and would Lynchburg be growing?

If you have specific questions, feel free to PM me. I'd be happy to help out.

Thank you. I'm so sorry if I sounded angry......just feeling frustrated. I will PM you. And I appreciate your feedback.

[R0ADRUNNER]

[SIZE=2]I have lived in the Lynchburg area all of my 67 years. I have read some of the post from individuals that appear to have a grudge against Lynchburg.

The so called slums are not like the ones in NY or NJ. The city keeps an eye on property that is becoming rundown and notifies the owners to fix it or it is condemned and torn down if no one comes forward to claim the building and bring it up to required standards.

Come to Lynchburg and get a feel for the city and people. There are "rails to trails" for a gentle walk or bike ride. Also Liberty University has a jogging, hiking, running and mountain bike trails across Candlers Mountain open to the public.

Most of the retail stores are now located along Wards Road and Candlers Mountain Road. Downtown is being "revitalized". This month Southern Living has a article on Lynchburg.

There are six colleges in the Lynchburg area; Sweet Briar, Randolph (formerly Randolph Macon Women's College), Lynchburg College, Liberty University, Central Virginia Community College and a Seminary
founded by African Americans

Hope this helps.
[/SIZE]

[ConceivedinKY51]

Originally Posted by R0ADRUNNER

[SIZE=2]I have lived in the Lynchburg area all of my 67 years. I have read some of the post from individuals that appear to have a grudge against Lynchburg. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2] The so called slums are not like the ones in NY or NJ. The city keeps an eye on property that is becoming rundown and notifies the owners to fix it or it is condemned and torn down if no one comes forward to claim the building and bring it up to required standards.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]Come to Lynchburg and get a feel for the city and people. There are "rails to trails" for a gentle walk or bike ride. Also Liberty University has a jogging, hiking, running and mountain bike trails across Candlers Mountain open to the public.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]Most of the retail stores are now located along Wards Road and Candlers Mountain Road. Downtown is being "revitalized". This month Southern Living has a article on Lynchburg. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]There are six colleges in the Lynchburg area; Sweet Briar, Randolph (formerly Randolph Macon Women's College), Lynchburg College, Liberty University, Central Virginia Community College and a Seminary[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]founded by African Americans[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]Hope this helps.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]

Thanks, Roadrunner! It did help. I'm planning on taking a trip there in a month or so. I feel that some people who write negative comments maybe are really young and want what they consider to be an "exciting" nightlife, lots of bars, whatever. Since I'm 57 and been there, done that I don't view things the same way nor want the same things. From what I'm read in a positive vein, Lynchburg seems more down to earth, conservative, etc. That's what I want!

Thanks for your feedback!!

[R0ADRUNNER]

ConceivedinKY51

You may or may not know Lynchburg is an "Independent City" it is not in a county. You only get taxed by one local government. There are three counties that border Lynchburg; Amherst, Bedford and Campbell counties. You may wish to visit each countie's web site and read about what they have to offer. I think you will find additional information under www.REGION2000.org also.

R0adrunner

[ConceivedinKY51]

Originally Posted by R0ADRUNNER

ConceivedinKY51

You may or may not know Lynchburg is an "Independent City" it is not in a county. You only get taxed by one local government. There are three counties that border Lynchburg; Amherst, Bedford and Campbell counties. You may wish to visit each countie's web site and read about what they have to offer. I think you will find additional information under www.REGION2000.org also.

R0adrunner

Thanks, again, Roadrunner. I will check out that site. I did find out that Lynchburg is an "Independent City" just recently.