I still live in the town where I was born and grew up. Lynchburg is a college town. All through high school, different friends would talk about how they could hardly wait to move out and go away to college because there was "nothing to do" in our town. I, however, felt a bond to the city and liked to introduce people to new things to do, especially downtown (which was in the very beginning stages of a revitalization which is full blown now).
I looked around and saw a myriad of things to do. There were Blue Ridge hiking trails in every direction, beautiful historical neighborhoods for pleasant walks, antique stores and yard sales with hidden treasures, and four wheeling trails. There was also the James River. It wasn't exactly crystal waters, but it was fun for tubing and paddleboarding. And of course, my friends were always up for the discount movie theaters, Putt-Putt, cheap pizza places, capture the flag nights with the youth group, and all the completely average, but so special pastimes of adolescents.
Ironically, most of my acquaintances (even those who had talked about "getting away") ended up staying in town for college, while I went away. The people at my college in South Carolina were surprised I left Lynchburg when I could have attended college here. They also assumed I must have wanted to get away. This wasn't the case though. I went to South Carolina for the college itself and my degree program. Leaving home was a con, not a pro. I moved back after graduation.
The locals in Lynchburg have always complained about all the LU students, so I wasn't keen to be associated with the students. In my hometown, I am frequently asked if I went to LU. When I respond no, the follow up question is if I work for LU. Again, the answer is no.
Even though I wanted people to know I wasn't a student, I often laughed at the specific fears and comments, especially related to traffic. "I can feel it in the traffic when they're back." "Don't go down Wards Rd. unless it's an emergency. The students just got back." In response to any bad driver in Lynchburg, muttering under their breath, "Students!"
But these last few years, I've finally noticed it tangibly for myself. Our city is growing, and not just temporary growth during the school year. I can't count how many times someone in my family has said, "Another apartment complex? Who is supposed to move into that?" Yet there are more and more apartment buildings going up further and further out from the center of town. Even new neighborhoods with single family homes have smaller lots with houses closer together. New students are still coming to LU, but more are staying. And more people are coming to Lynchburg from all sorts of demographics for all different reasons. There are more businesses drawing people in, more people retiring here, more people wanting to start their families here, more people looking for a good medium-sized city.
It's a bittersweet sensation. On the one hand, there is pride (I hope from a healthy love, not blind preference for the familiar without evaluation of its value). I was born here. I've always loved this town and now, my affection feels justified. Thousands of other people are moving here because they see value in this particular city, even without "native" pride.
On the other hand, it's sad. With this level of growth, change is coming too. Lynchburg will have less of a "small town America" feel. Buildings which were useless junk a decade ago are being purchased and rehabilitated because the space is needed and has become valuable again. In some ways, it's been exciting because this includes some beautiful historic buildings which were on the tipping point of no return. But it also means prices are up.
There may come a day when I don't frequently run into people I know, or beloved businesses or hangout spots are bought out by more lucrative enterprises because rent is high. There may be fewer empty lots and greens spaces one day (though for now, there has been a positive investment in public parks, walking trails, etc.)
There will be good and bad with the growth. For now, I'll lean into the good. Welcome in! Come enjoy what I've loved and known for so long.
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