Richlands offers country living and a close community
Although Richlands’ ample natural resources made it attractive to farmers, coal miners and steel producers over the years, industry never quite boomed in this small Appalachian community. Today, the town is large enough to have its own hospital and Walmart, but it remains quiet. "There's a real tight sense of community and trust," says Judy Horne, a broker with Goldwell Real Estate and local to the area. "A lot of people don't even lock their doors at night." Homes in Richlands tend to have slightly lower prices and are surrounded by lush mountainsides. "It's small, not even an urban area," Horne says. "It's more country."
Homes tend to be older and lower priced for the region
Outside of a central historic district, most Richlands homes were built from the 1920s to the 1990s. Ranch-style homes, bungalows and Colonial Revivals are common. There is also a significant number of manufactured homes. According to Horne, "affordable pricing" is a draw to the area, and many of the properties are older. "It's getting to be more of a buyer's market," says Horne, noting that this gives homebuyers a few more options.
Prices for older homes range from $50,000 to $175,000. Properties from $200,000 to $350,000 typically have updated interiors and larger floor plans. There is a severe risk of flooding along the Clinch River, and homes by the water may need additional flood insurance.
Hiking, kayaking and sports in the Appalachian foothills
There's nature all around Richlands, with hiking trails, fishing holes and campgrounds among the mountain foothills. Within an hour's drive, locals can reach the maze-like rock crevices at The Channels or connect with the Appalachian Trail.
Closer to home, Richlands Recreation Park offers outdoor sports courts and a summertime pool. The park's indoor facility has a gym and sports courts, so kids can keep playing into the winter. The Clinch River has several spots for launching kayaks as it runs through town, and the local government is working to extend a riverside walking path through downtown.
Well-rated Richlands schools and technical education
Richlands Elementary School gets a B-plus rating on Niche. Right next door, Richlands Middle School is rated B, and Richlands High School is rated B-minus. High school kids can take courses at the Tazewell County Career and Technical Center in fields like automotive technology, welding and cosmetology. Students can also take dual enrollment courses at the nearby Southwest Virginia Community College.
Summer events and live music bring a small downtown to life
A small downtown district along Front Street is centered around Greenway Park. Greenway's lawn and stage are regularly used for summer movies, live music and bonfires. Locals can stop by to catch music performances during the Fourth of July Freedom Fest or the Summer Vibes & Vintage Rides event in July. Right across from the park, the Richlands Branch of the Tazewell County Public Library has activities like an art club and story times.
Retail is limited, but local dining spots like Cuz's stand out
Most shopping options are found in strip malls along Front Street. Grocery stores include Food Lion and Grant's IGA Supermarket. There's also a Walmart in Claypool Hill, 5 miles south. "We have the basic fast-food stuff, but we don't have a lot of dining options," Horne says.
There are a few standout restaurants in the area, including the recently opened Coaltown Taps, a trendy brewery with trivia nights and live music. Less than 10 miles outside of town, Cuz's Uptown Barbecue's menu and décor have a playful mix of Asian and Appalachian roots. Bright pink walls are lined with art that the owners picked up during their travels, and the surrounding farmland grows some of the restaurant's herbs and vegetables. "Pretty much anybody that's been through here will know about Cuz's," Horne says. She adds that it's "a good staple for the community."
Richlands is rural, with airports and cities hours away
Although Richlands has its own hospital, the Clinch Valley Medical Center, most other city amenities are a drive away. U.S. Route 40 runs through town, connecting 40 miles east to Bluefield . Sixty miles to the southwest, Bristol , has more shopping options. To reach an airport, both Roanoke and Charleston are about 150 miles away, or a 2-and-a-half-hour car ride.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
