Is Farmville, VA a jewel in the rough? (Richmond, Hampton: best town, real estate)

[robsworld]

I recently moved to Farmville, Virginia for a work, and I must say this little town has many great attributes. It could definetly use additional growth, but it is moving in the right direction. I think with the addition of a couple of nice restaurants and a few more cultural events this could be one of America's next great small towns...especially for retirees. What do you think?

[FarmVegan]

I agree completely with you, robsworld, and made a post here a few months ago to that effect. Moving, like you, from another place to Farmville, I have a different perspective than a lot of "townies," who know all the bad things, old feuds, etc. -- but they don't understand that a place like Farmville looks a lot like Mayberry to people tired of relentless traffic and no "sense of place."

The restaurants and other things are slowly coming, as you say, though the current economic slowdown has hit the town. Like you, I look forward to a lot of retirees coming over the next 10 years - they should have steady, if not huge, income and will want to be able to shop and eat in town rather than drive to Richmond or Lynchburg.

There are two new (small) restaurants coming to Mid Town Square, according to the Farmville Herald.

Having Longwood U., Hampden-Sydney College, and Centra Southside Hospital here -- all of which are doing well -- guarantees that Farmville will continue to attract both young and older people to the area. And Green Front and the other downtown furniture/antique shops will, I hope, continue to bring day-shoppers to the area.

The Hampton Inn is reportedly at 90% occupancy at all times, and the Herald just reported last week that another hotel may be built on the edge of the golf resort property. That's in addition to the Holiday Inn Express that is supposed to be built near the others off US 460. (The Town of Farmville has a 6% lodging tax, so all the overnight stays provide revenue to allow the Town to continue sprucing-up.)

The new library building is going up on Wilck's Lake, and the Town will extend the Dogwood Trail to the library.

As I noted in my earlier post, you can visit FarmvilleDirectory.com for listings of local shops/businesses, and leave reviews there, too. I found they've got a Twitter account (@Farmville_VA) too.

[krisalyx]

oh yes it's probially the best town you've never heard of, but i hate going to richmond for anything i mean the place just makes my skin crawl.

[roanoker 4]

Farmville has a beautiful small downtown area. I think most people bypass this town and just stop at the fast food places along the highway and they don't drive into downtown. There seems to be ample parking at all of the shops. Maybe the town should put up more signs along Highway 460 to bring more people downtown. I know how small towns work though, many of the locals know they live in a nice place and they want to keep it that way. If you want more excitement go to Lynchburg or Richmond!

[badger74]

"If you want more excitement go to Lynchburg or Richmond!"

Now that's a first. ;-)

[passo82]

Farmville's boring

[robsworld]

I'd agree, if you are looking for a trendy scene, Farmville probably isn't the place for you, but for those who are looking for a quiet, more traditional way of life this is a great place. Its a great place for young families to raise kids or older folks to retire. If you enjoy community/church activities, hunting, fishing, continuing education, golf, walking/hiking trails, gardening...etc. Your kids can play sports, build a fort in the woods, get a dirt bike and build a jump...maybe a good way to get them away from the tv and xbox...If you have any imagination and don't need a bunch of bars and restaurants to define your lifestyle then check out Farmville!

[Mr_Jonas]

Originally Posted by roanoker 4

If you want more excitement go to Lynchburg or Richmond!

[HatesFlordia]

Considering moving there, are their nice (meaning average/middle class affordable) equine/horse friendly homes to rent? Also what is the summer and winter like weather like (at its best and worst?)

[roanoker 4]

Farmville may not be the coolest place on the planet for 20 and 30ish folks but it may be ideal for retired folks seeking refuge from crime ridden cities, high real estate taxes and traffic malaise.