Lynchburg, VA

[LynchburgLover]

That's "The South" (capital letters, please )

But I'm sorry to hear that you couldn't find a clique. You're right, though, which is why my point was it's a great place for families with children. No city is right for every single group. San Francisco would probably not be a good fit for the original poster.

I hope you found a good fit. Take care.

[mrsalad]

I too did a stint in Lynchburg for a couple years. LOONNGG!!

Now based in Charlotte as well, but still spent a lot of weekdays in the Lynch for work. After a couple years, forced myself to talk the boss into some telecommuting options so I could actually look forward to my weekends.

In short, Lynchburg is not a location for the unmarried, whatever the reason. Also, neither the townsfolk not the town think outside the box.

Do what I did, If you have to work there, try striking up a telecommuting deal. It's not impossible these days.

[LynchburgLover]

I'm glad you've found a home in Charlotte.

[thejoe]

It ain't a Southern Thang it's a Lynchburg Thang!

[Mr_Jonas]

Originally Posted by cymach

Sorry, I've been laughing my ass off all afternoon on this!

Nothing to be sorry about, if I put a smile on your face - that is a good thing!

[Mr_Jonas]

Originally Posted by mrsalad

In short, Lynchburg is not a location for the unmarried, whatever the reason. Also, neither the townsfolk not the town think outside the box.

I am married and have kids but this place is not for me.

If others love it, that is very good for them and i am happy for them.

[venutian]

I've read most of the comments posted about Lynchburg, VA. I lived there for two years. Experiences differ. There are exceptions, but wages are lower in Lynchburg than other cities in VA, particularly the DC suburbs. However, I was fortunate that I didn't have to work there. If you're the least bit progressive politically, as I am, living in Lynchburg can test your patience. However, there is a small progressive community that's as savvy as you'll find in larger cities (which was a relief while I lived there). Unfortunately, Liberty University tends to overshadow life there and there is little ethnic or religious diversity. Most residents of Lynchburg tend to be very provincial in thinking and outlook, as seems to be the case in the Forest neighborhood where I lived. On the other hand, the area is quite beautiful, and in some places, stunningly so. The city itself is not ugly as several posters have described. Streets are tree-lined and even the lower income neighborhoods tend to be tidy. There are no "projects" or large swarths of low-income housing. The older historical neighborhoods are quite beautiful. People tend to be friendly but stand-offish. Bottom line--speaking for myself--is that the area is a great place to have a second home. While crime is low, and most schools in the area are decent (none can compare with the schools in major metro areas even in Virginia), I do not want to raise children there due to the lack of diversity and the narrow-minded nature of most people.

[solytaire]

I agree with others. Lynchburg is a beautiful town, with very nice people. But it is not for the feint of heart if you care the least bit about diversity or openmindedness. Its a very remote feeling place culturally imo. Despite the attempts to build and expand shopping centers and such, its still a very closed minded, uneventful and small town atmosphere. However, if thats your thing, and/or if you have a family to raise, Lynchburg might be ideal.

[cymach]

Unfortunately for some, fortunately for others maybe, Lynchburg will never be much more than what we see today, give or take a few additions (restaurants, hotels, shops). With Babcock moving their Corp HQ, GE having moved a good deal out, heard Areva is moving some operations out, the economy and culture will depend more and more on LU, and like Venutian states, they dominate and will continue to dominate the culture and mentality.

[badger74]

AREVA is adding jobs in Lynchburg--not reducing them. They are also expanding elsewhere in Virginia.

Virginia joins the battle for Areva’s office expansion - Charlotte Business Journal:

B&W is adding far more jobs than they are moving to Charlotte.

Genworth (no longer GE) had some tough times but has bounced back very well. It cut people all over its operations including Richmond. I would see some growth as they get back into the expansion of business mode.

The statement that any of these will not continue to grow in L is baseless.


As to the "dominance" of LU. There is an large proportion of town that is as anti- LU as you can get. Most just don't vare but appreciate what LU does to balance the economy. And they do play some good football.