Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg is called “The Hill City” for its steep topography and fantastic views. Residents enjoy access to Crabtree Falls, the longest waterfall on this side of the Mississippi, and to nearby Peaks of Otter. Hiking trails abound, from portions of the Appalachian Trail, to Apple Orchard Trail, Blackwater Creek Natural Area, Candlers Mountain to Camp Hydaway, Flat Top, and Holliday Lake. For history buffs, Lynchburg boasts the Appomattox Courthouse, site of the Confederacy’s surrender to the Union on April 9, 1865. It’s home to an annual Beer and Wine Festival, and ranked fifth best place for business in the state by Forbes Magazine. Although not a large town in and of itself, Lynchburg is convenient to Roanoke, Charlottesville, and Danville. 

Lynchburg is defined by college life. It’s home to Liberty University and Lynchburg College, both of which rank among the city’s top employers, as well as Sweet Briar College, Central Virginia Community College, and Virginia University of Lynchburg. With so many universities in town, students should have no trouble finding housing.

All along the west bank of the James River, south of Fifth Street, is the heart of Lynchburg: the City Center. Here students of all area universities can find historic buildings, local shops and eateries, and multifarious housing accommodations to suit every need. On average, rent prices here are lower than elsewhere in the city and state, making it an affordable option for those who don’t mind a short commute.

Students of Liberty University flock to the developments along Timberlake Road, which stretches west of Liberty University and Virginia University of Lynchburg. Oakmont and Oak Meadows neighborhoods offer a host of housing options along the winding path of Dreaming Creek.

North of Timberlake along Burton Creek are other options for area students. Although slightly further from campus, they have the advantage of close proximity to the Fort Hill Village Shopping Center and Hwy 501, while still being largely student occupied.

Others look along Lakeside Drive/Oakley Avenue, where students can find housing near Lynchburg College. This area boasts greater diversity in general, as well as access to College Lake.