Questions about Danville (Richmond, Hampton, Roanoke: renting, crime, chapel)

[bigboyz06]

What kind of city is Danville? Does it have a good economy/growing?

[Watchful]

Originally Posted by bigboyz06

What kind of city is Danville? Does it have a good economy/growing?

Others will know much more than me, but my impression is that the economy has really struggled since the closing of the Dan River Mills a few years ago. Looks like city population has declined from 53K to 43K since 1990.

Lots of incredible old infrastructure...driving around, my California son said this would be an amazing place for film production.

The rise and fall of Dan River Inc. - WSLS 10 NBC in Roanoke/Lynchburg Va

[roanoker 4]

Danville/Martinsville is ripe for a major auto factory, such as Toyota. Its work force is in need of a resurgence, plus it has great access to major markets in NC. It is encouraging our state government hasn't written this area off entirely. Danville is a beautiful City, especially downtown and the people there are very hospitable. In other words, it is a "diamond in the rough". I think many people live in Va, but work in NC. I just drove through Martinsville and the town seems to be more lively with more
Business, just my observation.

[AngelaDawn]

I moved to Danville from upstate NY over 19 years ago. Danville has been putting money into rehabilitating downtown, but they need to get a handle on the crime so people will want to go downtown. Things have picked up for downtown somewhat but it has a very long ways to go. Crime seems to be on the rise in Danville with killings, shootings, robberies, home invasions, etc. Right now, I sure would not recommend anyone moving to Danville. I am currently doing my research to relocate.

[RobWills]

I've been in Danville for about a year and am leaving for NH in a few weeks. Even living here a short time, like Angela I've seen an uptick in crime with two recent murders and another shooting in the last month. There is lots of poverty and run down neighborhoods which look as though they were thriving a few decades ago.

There isn't much to do in town unless you like Wal*Mart and restaurants. Within a few hours though, you can enjoy everything else VA and NC have to offer, which is a lot.

I will say that you can live VERY cheaply here. I am currently renting a 2/3 BR house with a fenced yard and garage for $600/month in a nice quiet neighborhood.

[JayJayCB]

From my experiences of going to school around Greensboro, it does seem like Danville is economically struggling somewhat due to reasons listed above. Danville was a textile mill town for the longest time, not the case these days. Plenty of Virginians around Danville and Martinsville work in the Triad region of NC (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point). Danville is only 45 minutes or so from Greensboro, not too bad at all. Some people around Danville might even work in the Triangle region (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) even though that area is further away. Point is, there's more interaction with NC metros and it makes sense since it's right on the state line. Danville is even closer to Charlotte than Richmond! Richmond, the Hampton Roads, and Northern Virginia (DC suburbs) are all quite far from Danville. I do like the location for Danville, though. Less than two hours from larger cities like Greensboro or Raleigh, but still a somewhat small town/country vibe. Also, not too far from the beautiful mountains of Virginia!

[bigboyz06]

Thanks for the info guys.