What Makes LYH a Great College Town

Lynchburg, Virginia, named one of the 25 Best College Towns in the United States

By Laura Lee

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Lynchburg’s natural beauty and academics lured Jadin Wilkening 1,500 miles from her Colorado Springs home to attend Randolph College. The senior majoring in computer science and mathematics often takes breaks from her studies to admire the scenery. “Randolph College has a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the center of campus,” she says. “I typically use the aerobics studio to do yoga early in the mornings, and watching the sunrise over the mountains is truly indescribable.”

Last year, Wilkening received a Randolph Innovative Student Experience (RISE) grant to cover her expenses for a summer internship with NASA’s disasters program in Maryland and Washington, D.C. She says the real-world experience along with the school’s curriculum are preparing her for a career in software engineering or web development.

Off-campus, Wilkening loves running the trails along Blackwater Creek or eating oysters on the patio at Water Dog. But her favorite thing about Lynchburg is the deeply rooted Black history and the people who have paved the way before her, from music idols and sports legends to astronaut Leland D. Melvin. “I’m proud to be learning and experiencing life in such a beautiful city.”

Wilkening is one of more than 22,000 students attending Lynchburg’s five colleges and universities, including Randolph College, Liberty University, the University of Lynchburg, Virginia University of Lynchburg, and Central Virginia Community College. Sweet Briar College in Amherst and Centra College of Nursing also serve the area.

Head of the Class

Travel + Leisure magazine just named Lynchburg one of the 25 Best College Towns in the U.S., praising the city’s walkability, urban trail system and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. 24/7 Wall Street has ranked Lynchburg among the 25 Best College Towns in America, where one in five residents are college students. In Lynchburg, 33 percent of the population has a bachelor’s degree, compared to the national average of 23.5 percent, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. But that’s just scratching the surface. Here are a few more reasons why students feel at home in Lynchburg.

Outdoor Activities:

Lynchburg’s rolling hills, scenic river, and beautiful four seasons invite everyone to enjoy the outdoors. Encompassing 40 miles, the James River Heritage Trail System winds through urban sites and scenic landscapes. Students flock to the Liberty University Snowflex Centre to enjoy mountain sports year-round, including tubing, skiing and hiking. Mountain biking has become increasingly popular with the addition of jump trails and a gravity trail at Peaks View Park. The Liberty Mountain Trail System also has over 50 miles of trails rising over 1,360 feet in elevation offering trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. For more adventure, the historic Appalachian Trail is just 30 minutes away.

Affordable Housing and Friendly Neighborhoods:

Lynchburg is small enough to be safe and accessible, while large enough to offer a plethora of activities and diverse neighborhoods. Students can choose from a range of housing options on and off campus. GoBankingRates.com named Lynchburg No. 1 among “Amazing East Coast Cities with Affordable Housing,” and according to apartments.com, the average rent in Lynchburg is $955/month — 36 percent lower than the national average.

• Downtown Lynchburg is the heart and soul of the city. Jefferson Street and Main Street have recently undergone a revitalization. The district is popular for its historic hotels, dining scene, cultural opportunities, community market, and urban walking trails.
• Rivermont is known for its historic homes and Riverside Park, boasting 50 acres with walking trails and stunning views of the James River. Along Rivermont Avenue and Bedford Avenue, students find a variety of shops and restaurants like The Dahlia, The Flour District, Rookies, and Rivermont Pizza.
• Just southwest of downtown, Wyndhurst offers a variety of apartment complexes. Students renting off campus are in close proximity to grocery stores, the YMCA and cafes like The Neighbors Place and The Muse.
• Cornerstone is a traditional planned community with 1,000 residences and commercial areas. Students can enjoy shared amenities such as lit walkways, a saltwater pool, and a 25-acre park. Along with hotspots like Iron and Ale, Mission House Coffee, and Mellow Mushroom.

Great Coffee and Cheap Eats:

Lynchburg’s coffee shops are always buzzing. Whether it’s meeting friends at Rivermont’s Golf Park, cramming at 5th Street Grind, or listening to live music at The White Hart, students will find plenty of spots to hang out. Students also congregate at low-key burger joints and pizza parlors that don’t break the bank. Old licensed plates and college pendants don the walls at The Cavalier Store, a local institution turning out burgers and dogs. Open from breakfast to late at night, The World Famous Stadium Inn has been a popular hangout since 1927. With locations in Cornerstone and Downtown, the Texas Inn or “T Room” was founded in 1935. It’s open until 2 a.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Internships and Jobs:

Opportunities don’t end once students receive their diplomas. Universities partner with employers across the region to ensure students get real-life experience during college and job offers post-graduation. Lynchburg’s top industries include nuclear engineering, manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and higher education. Growth sector industries include health care and social assistance; hospitality and tourism; education and training; and IT/STEM. Search for jobs and internships using the Jobs Portal. An online tool that pulls active job postings from hiring companies in Lynchburg.

What Students Are Saying

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