Okay, so first off, I don’t actually sell Lynchburg. Well, I suppose it’s more accurate to say in some ways I do and in some I don’t. What I do is sell homes, or actually help people buy and sell homes. I don’t try to convince people to buy a home that doesn’t suit them. In fact, it’s not my goal to “make” people buy anything. But I’m getting off topic. When talking in terms of me “selling Lynchburg,” what I really do is point out the advantages of the lifestyle and amenities our area offers. If you like those things, I believe you’ll like it here.
This happens mostly with folks who move here from out of the area, and these days there are a lot of them. (Recently, I spent the morning with a couple relocating from Front Royal, Virginia, and the afternoon with a retired couple from Iowa). Some people come here from not very far away and are somewhat familiar with our area. Others move here from places hither and yon, and their basic knowledge of the region as a whole is scant at best.
The bottom line is, whether I’m talking to people who are moving here from outside the area, or current residents considering job opportunities both here and elsewhere, I spend a good bit of time talking up the finer points of what a life in Lynchburg has to offer. And the vast majority of people, both new and long-time residents, appreciate those qualities. But occasionally a former resident will take to the blogosphere to pontificate on all that Lynchburg lacks, perhaps from the perspective of an unsuccessful attempt at entrepreneurism. What do I do with that? What do you do with that?
Well, because I live here by choice (and I like it here), I take the opportunity to remind myself of all those reasons why I stay. And, I recall the last time I took someone on a tour of our area and what it felt like to see my town through the eyes of someone else; someone who’s never seen it before and I got to witness them discover what I already know and love. Then, my perspective changes.
Here’s a glimpse into what that looks like:
Maybe I meet these folks for the first time at the Craddock-Terry Hotel downtown. As they get into my car, we talk about their stay, the restaurants they’ve already visited and what it’s like to spend the night in a renovated warehouse. We head across downtown, talking about the many renovated buildings, start-up businesses and the history of The Academy. I will often relate the fact that downtown was not too long ago in a decline, but the hard work and investment of lots of committed people has brought it back and continues to make it better and better.
We travel down Rivermont and I point out Randolph College, The Cavalier, Rivermont Park, the Villa Maria and Virginia Baptist Hospital. This naturally leads to discussions of our area’s higher education offerings, the excellent healthcare available in Lynchburg and the amazing history around every corner.
Inevitably, we pass countless runners, joggers, bikers and strolling moms and we talk about the running community, the Virginia 10 Miler, the Blackwater Creek Trail and the extensive hiking and trail riding options available both in Lynchburg and across the region. As Boonsboro Road turns into Route 501 South, I point out that by turning right and heading up 501 a couple miles, one can get on the Blue Ridge Parkway, access the Appalachian Trail or head up to Natural Bridge for the day.
We pass the exit for Peaks View Park and I mention again our area’s outdoor recreation options, city park system and maybe even the disc golf courses nearby. Further down 501, we chat about the real estate market and I get the chance to share how the stability of our economy leads to affordable housing, and how the gradual development of our area has led to there being neat little “pockets” of homes in a wide range of price ranges and styles. Whether you’re a recent college grad on a tight budget, or a growing family with more means and a need for space, we can find it for you, and likely in a quiet neighborhood convenient to many amenities.
By the time we hit Wards Road, I’m talking about the growth and expansion—and yes, the traffic—that centers on that part of town. (My Front Royal couple asked me, “How many cycles do you have to sit through at a stop light?”) I hint at perspective (after all, I’m from New Jersey) and let me tell you, Wards Road is nothing in comparison. So, we have an honest talk, but the fact that so many of the places they would patronize are in one place, convenience factors into the equation as well.
As we turn onto 460 East/29 North, I mention the Lynchburg Regional Airport. I point out that 20 miles to the west is Bedford, and all the charm and history it holds. I motion ahead and say that 20 miles to the east is Appomattox, a town with a history like no other place in America. As we pass the Liberty University campus, I mention the vast array of offerings at LU: ice-skating, skiing and snowboarding, plays and musicals both collegiate and professional, collegiate level sporting events, musical acts and world-renowned speakers and, of course, the construction.
Looping around Candler’s Mountain Road and heading back up Route 29 North, we pass RR Donnelly and I am able to refer again to our area’s broad and diverse marketplace, with more international companies and industries represented than most communities our size. We talk about the work of Region 2000 and the cumulative effect their sustained efforts have had on strengthening our economy.
Oh, and there’s the Hillcats Baseball Stadium… and there’s where Scaremare is held every year… and a hour north is Charlottesville… and then there’s the wineries… and Wintergreen… and it’s just about three hours to Washington DC… and I know we’re back at the hotel, but I didn’t get a chance to tell you about boating and fishing on the James and the Batteau Festival and the Sedalia Center and….
See, no sales pitch required. Lynchburg sells itself.