Is South Hill Virginia a dangerous place to live as a single professional woman? (Richmond: real estate)

[vanjour]

I am likely relocating to South Hill for work because I have no other choice. I have read different things about the area. I know it is a depressed and, supposedly, a rather depressing place to live...my main question: is it actually dangerous?

In comparison to Hampton Roads or Richmond, how much more or less dangerous is it? In what way?

Anyone who can shed some light on these concerns, thank you.

[gibbysgal]

My dad worked in South Hill for a short period of time and we have vacation home in the next town. There is nothing there. In the places I have been there, I am not fearful. There is a large amount of people who only come on weekends or during the summer for the lake activities. However keep in mind that there really is nothing there. It doesn't compare to Richmond or Hampton because it is practically nonexistant.

[SonicYouth]

South Hill is like one Indian owned gas station off I-85. Like gibbysgal said, there's nothing there, so if isolation worries you, that would be the only safety concern. Richmond and South Hill are WORLDS apart.

[miss_peabody]

nothing to be worried about I lived in the area for many years and moved out due to boredom

[slowlane]

South Hill is a very small town alongside I-85 in a timber and tobacco-growing area. It has a Holiday Inn, and a small hospital which serves a several-county rural area. No special industry that I know of. The population is about evenly causacian and african-american. A large artificial lake is just to the South and attracts recreational fishers/boaters who have built cottages. You can easily read the local weekly newspaper here: http://www.vancnews.com

[Cathytown22]

I don't agree that South Hill is a depressing place to live. I am in Seattle now, and with all the wonders of this beautiful city, there are many times I miss living in my hometown, South Hill. I miss the nice people. I miss the rolling hills, I miss the quiet nights, I miss the pace of small-town life and I miss swimming at Whittle's Mill. South Hill is not a depressing place and certainly not dangerous, just a nice small town. You'll be within easy driving to Richmond anytime you need congestion or a mugging. The best thing about South Hill is Swimming and hanging out at Whittle's Mill. Search "Whittle's Mill" and you'll see what I'm talking about.

[oabecc]

I agree, while South Hill may not compare to Richomnd, it can hold it's own in charm, friendliness and southern way of life. While I would not want to live there I would not be opposed if I needed to.

[munirah3]

South hill is a small retirement community for older individuals. There is nothing there for young children. Maybe if you start a family there and move out when the children need exposure for their well being.

[gemstone1]

Nice people, rolling hills, quiet nights.....it is that and more, but if I was still of working age, the entire area is not one I would have considered moving to. The area is depressed, there are no local economic drivers outside of the Agriculture/Forestry sector, there are drastically limited opportunities for a career path, shopping, education, or cultural activities.
However, if you are looking for good value in a real estate purchase, friendly people, outdoor activities such as hunting/fishing, a place to escape the hustle-bustle of a large metro area, then SOVA just may be the place for you. If you don't mind shopping at one department (?) store, one over priced grocery chain, one Walmart, or traveling some distance for actual shopping choices, then SOVA may be your place.

Make no mistake, I love it here, but I am retired and can afford to travel some distance to spend my money where there are multiple options and competition for consumer dollars.

Safe ? This is an area where you can still leave your doors unlocked.

Regards
Gemstone1