Livability

Anchored by the historic city of Lynchburg with a regional population of 260,000, the Lynchburg region is brimming with community-driven towns, farms to farmette, and a variety of housing options. Whether you’re seeking apartment complexes, townhouses, or single-family homes, you’ll find it all here.

This vibrant region presents a unique blend of historic charm, rural ranches, and modern living spaces, making it an attractive option for many. Home to hundreds of “Century Farms,” family farms and orchards present country living opportunities on the edge of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Further into town, the recently revitalized downtown Lynchburg area offers over 1,500 renovated loft-style apartments and condos available for sale or rent. Additionally, the cost of housing in Lynchburg is notable for its affordability, standing at 20% lower than the state and national averages — whether you decide to rent or buy. And with more than 700 real estate professionals who serve Central Virginia through the Lynchburg Association of Realtors, the possibility of finding your perfect home has never been closer to a reality.

Lynchburg has also been ranked as one of the Top 10 Most Secure Mid-Sized Cities in the U.S. by Sperling’s Best Places, reflecting the region’s commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for residents.

Immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, adrenaline-pumping excursions, and easygoing adventures in the Lynchburg region. Here, you’ll find a diverse array of activities driven by the great outdoors, including some of the best hiking and biking experiences in the region at The Peaks of Otter in Bedford County, the Appalachian Trail in Amherst County, and the Alpine Trail in the wooded hillside of Riverside Park – not to mention the Liberty Mountain Trail System at Liberty University and Sweet Briar College’s extensive trails. Outdoor recreation isn’t just limited to weekends, as Lynchburg boasts over 40 miles of urban walking trails, many of which weave right through the downtown area, making it easy for residents and visitors to enjoy a quick outdoor escape.

For those who appreciate a vibrant food scene, the Lynchburg region doesn’t disappoint. The region offers top-notch culinary experiences with farm-fresh cuisines crafted by big-city chefs, creating a delightful blend of flavors and dining options. Sports fans can catch a Hillcats game — Lynchburg’s Minor League baseball team — for an exciting outing. Post-game, the area provides access to numerous breweries and wineries, perfect for unwinding and enjoying local beverages.

Art and culture enthusiasts will also find plenty to explore in the Lynchburg region. The James River Arts & Culture District is a hub of creativity, featuring the renowned Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College and showstopping musical performances at the Academy Center of the Arts. The Bower Center for the Arts offers classes, exhibits, performances and more, while Second Stage brings events, rentals, and studio spaces to the community. Downtown Lynchburg comes alive during the First Fridays Events, where galleries and exhibits open their doors to the public, showcasing the rich artistic talent of the community.

Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, indulging in exquisite cuisine, or exploring cultural treasures, the Lynchburg region offers a vibrant and fulfilling recreation scene for all.

Want to know what it’s like living in the Lynchburg region? Here, you’ll find a blend of convenience, quality education, and top-notch healthcare, all nestled within the picturesque setting of the eastern seaboard. The region provides easy access to major transportation routes, with I-80 and I-64, Virginia’s two largest interstates, located just over 50 miles away. For air travel, the Lynchburg Regional Airport offers a daily nonstop flight to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, which saw a record-breaking 53 million passengers in 2023.

Education is a cornerstone of our region, with highly-ranked K-12 schools in the Lynchburg public school district serving nearly 8,000 students. The district is celebrated for its diversity, being ranked as the No. 4 most diverse school district in Virginia by Niche. Top-ranking schools such as Paul Munro Elementary School and the college-preparatory E.C. Glass High School ensure that students receive an excellent education.

In addition to stellar education, healthcare in the Lynchburg region is exemplary, with Centra Health’s Bedford Memorial Hospital earning an A for hospital safety from Leapfrog in 2024 and the Lynchburg VA hospital which provides a robust list of physical and mental health services to the community.