Lynchburg, VABest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

Lynchburg experiences four stunning seasons. The average highs and lows are 84°F and 62°F (summer) and 48°F and 25°F (winter).

The average annual snowfall in Lynchburg is 13 inches.

The average annual rainfall in Lynchburg is 42 inches per year, just above the national average.

Lynchburg averages 215 sunny days a year.

Lynchburg has plenty of parks and outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy. Ride your bike or run along the Blackwater Creek Trail, a 3-mile trail on an old railway bed. Spend time along the James River at Riverside Park, which features trails, a splash pad and a train exhibit. And, for your four-legged friend, the Lynchburg Dog Park is a great spot to let your pet run off-leash.

See a stellar collection of paintings and photographs at the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College. Admission is free, but there are also some fantastic workshops for kids and adults that charge small fees. Additionally, Downtown Lynchburg comes to life on the first Friday of every month with art and music highlighting organizations that help bring art to the community.

Local kids love Amazement Square, a hands-on museum where they can form a band and rock out on stage or paint on the walls in a paint box. The museum has four spacious floors filled with interactive exhibits, workshops and educational programming. Amazement Square is also a Certified Autism Center.

Lynchburg is a historical city. It was incorporated as the Town of Lynchburg in 1805. During the Civil War, Lynchburg was used as a supply and hospital center. And if you love tomatoes, you can thank Lynchburg! Local legend says that Thomas Jefferson proved that tomatoes weren’t poisonous apples, as many people believed by eating one here.

The Lynchburg Community Market, which began in 1783, is one of the country’s longest-running farmers markets. Visitors can shop for fresh fruits and vegetables and beautiful art pieces or grab lunch at one of the many restaurant vendors. Farmers come year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering locally produced goods and specialty items.

Mizumi Japanese Bistro is the spot in town for hibachi and tonkotsu ramen.

Local musicians set the soundtrack at Three Roads Brewing Company, which took over a former car dealership. The brewery also makes artisan sodas.

Mission House Coffee is a local Lynchburg favorite. Grab a cup of their freshly roasted, ethically sourced coffee or a salad or sandwich and spend the afternoon working in the cafe. An added bonus? They give back to local nonprofits in the community.

Lynchburg is known for its innovative environment, and several industries in the area are growing rapidly; however, the largest in the region are health care and social assistance, education, and manufacturing. More than 6,000 residents work in the manufacturing sector, which is 22% higher than the national average. Some of the largest employers include Liberty University, Centra Health and Lynchburg City Schools.

In 2024, the sales tax rate in Lynchburg is 5.3%.

Yes, Virginia has a state income tax.

Several highly rated health care providers are in the greater Central Virginia area, and Lynchburg residents have easy access to the Centra Lynchburg General Hospital, which is known for its cardiology department.

Several colleges and universities are located in Lynchburg, including Liberty University, the University of Lynchburg and Central Virginia Community College.