Rice's rail trail is its most popular attribute
The quiet community of Rice, originally Rice’s Depot, popped up around a station on the Southside Railroad in the mid-19th century. Trains no longer run through the area, as Norfolk Southern abandoned the tracks in 2005. Instead, the rail right-of-way is now occupied by one of the area’s most popular attractions, High Bridge Trail State Park. The pedestrian and bike trail attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but is also a draw for potential homebuyers. “The trail is actually a pretty huge deal,” says Lee Simmons, the principal broker and owner of Lee Simmons Signature Realty, who has worked in the area for over a decade. “When I help people shop for houses, a lot of people notice the trail and want to be close to it.” Today, Rice is a rural exurb of Farmville, offering lower prices than the nearby city alongside plenty of open space.
The High Bridge Trail attracts hundreds of thousands each year
The High Bridge Trail is a 32-mile rail trail that fully opened in 2012. Now a state park, the trail is named after the historic bridge built over the Appomattox River in the 1850s. Renovated in 2012, the bridge is now the trail's highlight for pedestrians and bikers. “You’re looking at over 250,000 visitors per year on that trail,” Simmons says. Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic State Park was a Civil War battle site and is partly within the community. The Sandy River Reservoir was impounded in the 1990s and features a boat ramp and a fishing pier, as the lake is stocked with bass, sunfish and catfish.
Ranch-style homes throughout the rural community
Ranch-style homes are most common throughout the rural community of Rice. Many sit down long driveways on large plots of land. While most were built in the mid- to late-20th century, several new builds have gone up within the area. Properties needing work often go between $80,000 and $180,000, while move-in-ready homes sell from $220,000 to $350,000. Larger Colonial-style or new traditional houses sell between $400,000 and $500,000.
Single pipeline through Prince Edward County Public Schools
Rice students can attend Prince Edward County Public Schools, with the system offering a single pipeline. Prince Edward County Elementary and Prince Edward County Middle each receive C-minus grades from Niche. Prince Edward County High receives a C grade and has a career and technical center that includes programs in cybersecurity, culinary arts and business. Farmville, 6 miles away, is home to Longwood University, which enrolls over 3,000 undergraduate students.
Scattered businesses in Rice, with more shopping and dining in Farmville
While Rice’s character is rural, the center of the community has a handful of businesses. Dollar General sits alongside Prince Edward Highway, as does The Farmer’s Daughters, a garden supply store. Down the road, Lib’s Place sells arts and crafts across from a gas station. And the Sandy River Distillery is open Thursday through Sunday for house-made spirits and pizzas, alongside special events with local vendors. Otherwise, locals can head into Farmville for shopping and dining. Walmart Supercenter is 7 miles away, while downtown offers local favorites such as the Brew House for burgers and beer.
Highway 460 heads to nearby Farmville
U.S. Highway 460 cuts through Rice and is the community’s main thoroughfare. The highway leads 6 miles west to Farmville, while Richmond is roughly 60 miles to the northeast. Residents generally own cars to get around, as no public transportation serves the area. The nearest hospital, Centra Southside Medical Center, is in Farmville. For air travel, locals head to Richmond International Airport, which offers flights to 26 destinations.
