South Hill blends rural roots with modern-day growth
History, culture and a thriving community converge in South Hill, a small but flourishing town in southcentral Virginia. An abundance of engaging events, access to outdoor recreation and shopping, and a rich railroad and agricultural history weave a dynamic tapestry that continues to draw residents. “I know this sounds cliché, but South Hill is a small town with a big heart,” says Administrative Assistant and Town Clerk Leanne Feather. “From the outside looking it, it doesn’t look like much because we have less than 5,000 people, but there’s a lot of diversity, growth and opportunity here.” Additionally, South Hill is equidistantly located between Raleigh and Richmond, putting locals in proximity to vibrant cities while maintaining its southern charm and down-to-earth identity. “South Hill is a good mix of the hustle and bustle with the small-town, rural feel,” Feather says.
While South Hill’s roots run deep through its community, the town is seeing steady growth, in part due to Microsoft investments in expanding its Mecklenburg operations. “The Microsoft investments have been enticing for new residents,” Feather says, adding that South Hill’s healthy economy and health care system also draw people to the area. “Growth is happening county wide,” she says. “You don’t see very many towns that are experiencing the change and the renaissance that’s happening in South Hill.”
South Hill offers a mix of styles from cottages to ranch-style homes
Homes cluster closer together in South Hill’s town center and space out on larger lots as main streets branch out to residential streets and stretch out to the community’s more rural outskirts. Ranch-style homes are most common, sprinkled amidst cape cods, split-levels and farmhouse-inspired cottages. Larger homes, typically with over 3,000 square feet, tend to feature more colonial influences, and houses built in the early 2000s take on Neo-Traditional styles. Prices typically hover between $160,000 and $765,000, though outliers include generous parcels of land and larger homes that may fetch around $1 million.
Public schools include a new campus with career academies
Students in South Hill are part of the Mecklenburg County Public School District, which earns a B-minus from Niche. Kids may begin their education at South Hill Elementary School, which earns a B score. In 2022, Mecklenburg County moved its middle and high schoolers into a new state-of-the-art campus at the Mecklenburg County Middle and High School in Baskerville. The two schools, not yet rated by Niche, share a campus, which was designed with innovation and education at the forefront. The new facility features six career academies, including STEM, Advanced Technology and International Business.
Parks, trails and lakes offer year-round outdoor recreation
South Hill’s town parks provide space and facilities for outdoor recreation. “There are opportunities galore when the weather is nice,” Feather says. “People love our parks, and the Tobacco Heritage Trail is great for people who like to get outside.” With a trailhead on the southwestern edge of town, the Tobacco Heritage Trail spans 150 miles across five counties. Unpaved and paved stretches of the path are popular for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Centrally located Centennial Park is a hub for outdoor recreation and events. The park features two lighted tennis courts and covered pavilions, as well as a multi-purpose stadium field used for a variety of sporting games and events. Its newly constructed amphitheater holds up to 1,500 people. Athletic teams flock to Parker Park, a state-of-the-art sports facility featuring nine baseball and softball fields, three basketball courts and more. The venue often hosts tournaments and larger scale sporting events. Proximity to Kerr Lake and Lake Gaston offers access to water recreation such as swimming, boating and fishing.
Downtown South Hill blends small-town charm with retail variety
Anchored around the Town Hall along Route 1, South Hill’s town center is a conglomerate of locally owned restaurants strewn between small businesses and services. “There’s a diversity of business in our downtown area, on what we consider our Main Street,” Feather says. Café’s like Bringleton’s Coffee House sit amidst stores like gift shops, thrift stores and specialty shops like RoValley Records. “There are lots of opportunities for those who love thrift shopping and antiques,” Feather says. “And one of the longest-running businesses in South Hill is Harper’s Jewelry, which has stayed family-owned since it opened.” More small-town stores and businesses are peppered throughout the community. Stalwart establishments include The Hungry Farmer, a casual restaurant serving American classics, and the Lake Country Flea Market, an indoor market filled with antiques and collectibles. The Town Square Shopping Center off East Atlantic Street houses a Food Lion, T.J. Maxx and a handful of chain restaurants and other services. Walmart further down the street fulfills additional grocery needs and essentials.
Historic theater, museums and events bring South Hill to life
Apart from recreational spaces, South Hill keeps residents active and engaged through its many historical attractions and community events. “People love to attend the farmers market from April to October, and the local chamber of commerce has a lot of events,” Feather says. “We’ll have big events like outdoor concerts in the summertime in Centennial Park and seasonal events like Hometown Christmas in December.” The weekend-long holiday event comprises a Christmas tree lighting event, a Christmas artisans’ market and children’s activities. South Hill’s history is on display season after season. The South Hill Visitor Center doubles as a Railroad Museum, complete with an old train caboose, two operating railroads, toy trains and a plethora of additional photographs and artifacts telling South Hill’s story. “People love to roam around and learn about the railroad history,” Feather says.
A prominent fixture of downtown South Hill is the Colonial Center for the Performing Arts. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater is one of the last remaining vaudeville theaters in Virginia. “The Colonial Center is a fantastic gem in South Hill,” Feather says, adding that the institution is celebrating its 100th season this year. “A lot of what comes out of the center is community theater. Local thespians get involved and the center does an amazing job cultivating the minds of the youth through classes and youth programs.” The center puts on a range of productions, from plays to musicals, and most recently has hosted family movie nights. “Even if you don’t go see a program there, the building is beautiful to just poke your head in and see,” Feather says. “Plus, rumor has it it’s haunted.”
Interstate 85 and major routes connect South Hill to cities
While South Hill’s downtown area is quite walkable, most residents rely on cars for transportation. Interstate 85 follows South Hill’s eastern border, connecting locals north to Interstate 95 and south into North Carolina. Raleigh is about 76 miles away and Richmond is about 80 miles away, and residents can access airports here. South Hill also offers proximity to Route 1 and Route 58, linking to surrounding communities.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
