Considering Lynchburg (buying, schools, quality of life)

[seersucker]

There are some nice homes on the streets that are "state" names. Also Dumas has had nice homes on the market from time to time. The areas there are mixed. There are some pretty rundown areas just off Rivermont, so you just have to be careful.

[Michi_B]

Thanks, that's also helpful. I'm sure a Realtor can probably help me when I get ready, but getting opinions from people who aren't actively trying to sell me something is a good idea, too.

Originally Posted by seersucker

There are some nice homes on the streets that are "state" names. Also Dumas has had nice homes on the market from time to time. The areas there are mixed. There are some pretty rundown areas just off Rivermont, so you just have to be careful.

[badger74]

"Also...'hood' like crime/gangs/robberies/drugs"

That one. The other advice after mine is good. A good transitional area is the state named streets just off Fort (Penn, Rhode Island Vermont etc) and Rivermont around Easton and a few blocks east of that.

[Mr_Jonas]

Originally Posted by badger74

Burg to get new up to date theater complex. Overdue on this one. Value City is no loss.

River Ridge mall getting new movie theater | Lynchburg News Advance

I nice step in the right direction! More of that

[badger74]

It's all about progress. My view is usually 5 to 10 years down the line. The changes in just the last five years have been amazing for a smallish southernish town.

[new2ri]

I am considering moving to Virginia, but do not want to raise my kids in a deeply divided racial or extremely religious climate of any kind. My husband is a Baptist pastor, but coming from the west we have a much more open attitude to others and their beliefs.
Are all the area of the state like this or are others more progressive? I am looking for an racially integrated place to raise my family.

Thanks

[sregorat3]

Not to be rude, but if you read these posts and feel that Lynchburg is a racially troubled area, you know very little about VA. Best for you to do a little research, visit, and put away some of the preconceptions you've formed. Charlottesville, considered by many to be more "progressive" than Lynchburg, seems to have much less to offer those who don't fit in to the education or "blue blood" classes. Every city that I've been to, including some great Midwestern cities, have areas that are considered marginalized. Where you come from is most likely very similar. If you want to go to a place where there is a great deal to offer all races, go to cities such as Richmond, Atlanta, or DC; they also have marginalized areas, but large numbers of minorities that fare better than the American average. By the way, since when are Baptists considered "progressives?"

[new2ri]

I'd get on a soap box, but since my religion has been highjacked you have a point. Unfortunately many Baptist do not understand their own faith. One of the of beliefs that our religion was founded on was freedom. Freedom for anyone to worship or believe what they chose without persecution. Rhode Island was the first place in the US to have cvil law instead of religious law. It is also the home of the first Catholic church and Jewish Synagog in America. The state was founded by a Baptist minister after being banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his religious views. Just a short piece of history.

I lived near Tucson, AZ for nearly 11 years and loved live and let live attitude. I also learned a lot about holistic living (at the risk of sounding like a hippy) Dr. Andrew Wild from the UofA is a leading expert in natural or alternative medicine. They also had a great ethnic mix and were supportive a "green" living. I would still be there if could stand the 110 degree temps.

In short I am looking for a place where I can raise my kids where race is a non issue, being an independent is ok (not extremely conservative or liberal,) where objective thought is not "unAmerican."

I also love being within driving distance of the ocean, good seafood, farmers markets, out door concerts and film festival.

I am wondering if the portrayal of a south that is stuck in the Cvil War and still living in segregation (by choice on both sides) is accurate.

[solendore]

Okay, I am 16 and I am an Asian-American Decent....Christian, Moderate (not liberal nor conservative) I am supposedly moving to this town because my dad got a nuclear eng job here... and this town certainly doesn't seem like someone like me would fit in... but I have to deal with it... so could you guys give me some tip? How is racism against Asians there? which is the best part of town I should live? what high school should I attend?

[badger74]

Not really any racism to speak of. The 24503 is the best area by far unless you live out in Forest which is a suburb. EC Glass is the most competitive HS school and VES is the best private. Asian Food is very popular with a surprising number of restaurants for a small city in Virginia.