This Is What Small Town Virginia Is Like

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  • Опубликовано: 3 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 1 тыс.

  • @NickJohnson
    @NickJohnson  2 года назад +14

    Here are all of my videos about the United States: ruclips.net/p/PLq-_cmf3H6yoRYg-ZZSFNFo4dBKxg85JC

    • @charlesgall7829
      @charlesgall7829 2 года назад +1

      Thank you. Love your work!

    • @rickonethousand6304
      @rickonethousand6304 2 года назад +1

      Those aren't traffic cams. They're sensors to count traffic. I dont think you can get a ticket by camera in VA.

    • @monicatsotetsi8523
      @monicatsotetsi8523 2 года назад +1

      @@rickonethousand6304 yes you can-I used to drive through Virginia on a regular basis on I-85 and I-95 and got ticketed several times. On I-85, there are signs everywhere that state that “traffic is maintained by aircraft.”

    • @rickonethousand6304
      @rickonethousand6304 2 года назад

      @@monicatsotetsi8523 lol...it doesn't say that. That doesn't even make sense. They say surveilled by aircraft. I've seen them but never gotten a ticket or known anyone who has gotten one. The chance of a plane flying over you at the exact same time is slim. The signs are mostly there to scare people.
      Im pretty sure the main thing cameras are used for are red lights, but it may be possible. I'm not sure.
      Whatever the case, those are sensors in the photo, not cameras.

    • @jeromygriffin5991
      @jeromygriffin5991 2 года назад +1

      You missed a spot on that “bad side of town is a little spot overlooked haha. But emporia not recommended. Unless your retired

  • @CFisk
    @CFisk 2 года назад +260

    I just consider Emporia a speed trap 🤣 it's insane how quick and frequently the speed limit changes from 55 to 45 to 35, back up again, back down again, etc... on Hwy 58. I got my first speeding ticket there on my way back to Western NC. I'm pretty sure the speeding tickets are what keeps the town economy going.

    • @dh8651
      @dh8651 2 года назад +12

      It is

    • @redbeard1976
      @redbeard1976 2 года назад +20

      I hear this a lot from many people. Cops have nothing better to do.

    • @xwrtk
      @xwrtk 2 года назад +9

      I’ve been past a few times before in the car. It has been annoying for whoever was driving the car that I was in. Luckily, no cops around to give a ticket. Agree speed trap.

    • @sonandsanford4963
      @sonandsanford4963 2 года назад +13

      I was going to post something similar. I haven't been through there since 2001. My exgirlfriend went to Regent University at VA Beach and me traveling there from Durham, NC. I live in So Cal now but l'll never forget the amount of blue lights I've seen on 58 passing through there.
      Ps. I've actually performed welding on one of the Sadler Brothers car when he drove at Orange county speedway in NC.
      Also, Moses Malone NBA player was from nearby Petersburg, VA you mentioned, I think.

    • @PetiteKalashnikovna
      @PetiteKalashnikovna 2 года назад

      Destin, Florida is the same way. It’s just another money-making scheme in the guise of road safety z

  • @a.williams6167
    @a.williams6167 2 года назад +17

    The problem with Emporia, the Sadlers. This town would have great potential if the Sadler’s weren’t hoarding all of the real estate. They buy and hold, and leave the properties empty to keep others from purchasing and prospering. If the town folks had sense, they would stop spending their money with Sadler businesses and force their hands to lift off of the real estate. Sadlers equal greed

    • @cecillyrowe6339
      @cecillyrowe6339 3 месяца назад +2

      wow that's TERRIBLE!!! you would hope hometown celebs would benefit their hometown!!!! thanks for exposing!!!

  • @juliewbarnes
    @juliewbarnes 2 года назад +97

    I was born and raised in Emporia, VA. It was an awesome place to grow up and I miss it daily. It may not seem like much to other folks, but it’s a special place with special people. Time moves a littler slower there. One day, I hope I get to move back!

    • @aleenajaay
      @aleenajaay 2 года назад +9

      my family was born and raised here and it’s such a warm welcoming feeling ❤️ i hate to see comments of people who never been here talk so bad.

    • @jeromygriffin5991
      @jeromygriffin5991 2 года назад

      You both are big liars Emporia is the worst. Ever been around a lot of ppl who cap ((lie)) and are so two faced ((like every ware in the world)) Emporia should be Number one on that list.

    • @CarolynnMarkey
      @CarolynnMarkey 2 года назад +4

      yeah I don't know what this guy wants....hes so negative

    • @jeraldsmith7008
      @jeraldsmith7008 2 года назад +5

      He just wants clicks to drive his ad revenue.

    • @deirdre108
      @deirdre108 2 года назад

      So there is a mayor AND a city manager? I ask because usually a town/city has one or the other.

  • @aerrae5608
    @aerrae5608 2 года назад +118

    I mean if you're going to move to one in the hopes it will improve, you should probably plan to be part of that process. Open a business, maybe renovate something old into some livable and AFFORDABLE apartments (You want to lift up the old residents not chase them out! Make it look good but don't overcharge. Help other people start businesses. Hell that's almost a whole career in itself and I bet if you were pivotal in turning that town around you'd be well respected indeed. It should definitely be seen as an opportunity for those with strong determination and a good vision for the future.

    • @PsycInColour
      @PsycInColour 2 года назад +2

      …and a lot of disposable income

    • @aerrae5608
      @aerrae5608 2 года назад +1

      @@PsycInColour Naturally. Can't build something back up without capital.

    • @PsycInColour
      @PsycInColour 2 года назад +1

      @@aerrae5608 and unfortunately this will be the issue that holds most people back from transforming areas just because they’ve moved there.

    • @art_see_shan1849
      @art_see_shan1849 2 года назад

      Exactly

    • @thekingcrawleynetwork6665
      @thekingcrawleynetwork6665 2 года назад +10

      I’m from this town…the issues with getting things done is much deeper than that…on the surface yes what you said is great…but in small town…certainly families usually control the majority of business…so if they don’t want you to have something…you don’t get it…it’s not like the city where you have more infrastructure and things in place…the Slates…Spiveys…Sadlers and Harrells control a large part of how this town operates…may have left out a name or two but these folks control what comes and goes in the town….I don’t suggest anyone move here with any grand ideas…it’s not set up to allow that

  • @amethystmistarts5532
    @amethystmistarts5532 2 года назад +33

    I really appreciate the Mayor of Emporia's candor about her town! Honesty about the town goes a long way in showing the good people who live there.

  • @teaspoon966
    @teaspoon966 2 года назад +92

    I think you struck GOLD. Do more of this kind of videos, please! I'm sure there's a ton of remote workers who are looking for a place! And a lot of interesting lore, events, etc. in rural America!

    • @tomkoa521
      @tomkoa521 Год назад

      Nooooo.. absolutely not with Emporia! 😂😂😂

  • @jovegajo
    @jovegajo 2 года назад +9

    Its actually really nice to see that they have a vision to improve their town. That kind of optimisitic and pragmatic view of the future is what we need. I also live in a small-town in Virginia and have a lot of hope for the future here.

  • @delbomb3131
    @delbomb3131 2 года назад +8

    I've experienced way more drama in rural towns than big cities. In big cities people really minded their own business, rural areas are gossip playgrounds and decent jobs tend to be good ole boy games where promotions are based on who you know rather than what you bring to the business. Don't get me wrong, i love living in a small town. But it's not roses, especially for a new resident

  • @erbiumfiber
    @erbiumfiber 2 года назад +19

    Thanks Nick! Drove through Emporia last summer when driving between Richmond, VA and Myrtle Beach, SC and trying to avoid I-95 just to see these kinds of small towns. It was fascinating and I saw many nice small towns in the area so please make some more videos like this.

  • @AlwaysonTayaTime
    @AlwaysonTayaTime Год назад +6

    My Mother landed here almost 20 years ago and she can't imagine another place being home. She lives outside of town, but runs a small consignment business on Halifax St. Appreciate you coming here and showing the place. It's lovely, and the people are good, community oriented people. There's just a lack of money in rural Virginia small cities like Emporia.

  • @chipbaldwin2440
    @chipbaldwin2440 2 года назад +23

    Hi Nick! Great video! I live in a really small town in Virginia that has a college in it. I study there and many people that go to the college leased buildings downtown and have started their business. Your video is spot on!

  • @pinkchristals8159
    @pinkchristals8159 2 года назад +7

    I just recently moved from Emporia, when I saw Logan’s Diner, I almost cried. I grew up in the town and I know majority of the workers in most of these stores/restaurants. Thank you for covering such an important part of my childhood.

  • @promiselongiii1793
    @promiselongiii1793 2 года назад +17

    Born and raised. Moved away, unfortunately had to move back and had not plan on staying here as long as I have.
    The only good thing about living here is that it is in the country. Country living is best.
    Mayor Carey is giving you the real deal.
    The truth is that the old money is keeping new money from coming here.

    • @TheWinterShadow
      @TheWinterShadow 2 года назад +2

      That's the most factual statement on this thread.

    • @LostKinda
      @LostKinda 2 года назад +4

      Yup the sadler brothers buying prime real estate and leaving it to crap because they were scared one wawa was too much competition from every gas station they own.

    • @TheWinterShadow
      @TheWinterShadow 2 года назад +1

      @@LostKinda Facts.

    • @SoullessSuicide
      @SoullessSuicide 2 года назад

      Also, Emporia is tied to Greensville county and that wasn't shown here. Most of the functions that were mentioned are held in the county. FYI a small movie theater and bowling are about a 20min drive south in NC. There is a lot of potential but the old $ doesn't want anything to disrupt things here. This town is at a crossroads of 58 and 95 so you would think this place would have a ton of places for travellers to stop but nope. They shot down the idea of bringing back the train station for fear it will change things. It would be a great boost to have done so. I think if we had some more Active Youth in the community to get involved and perhaps elected on city council or the board we can try to steer things in the right direction. They are trying but it is slow moving.

  • @billberna
    @billberna 2 года назад +63

    Small towns in Virginia that might fit your criteria and offer more: Farmville, Bedford, Appomattox, AltaVista. I love the idea of this video series on small towns.

    • @TheRealQua
      @TheRealQua 2 года назад

      Pamplin another one!!

    • @normanharris5817
      @normanharris5817 2 года назад +2

      Also South Hill

    • @claudeoverstreet8791
      @claudeoverstreet8791 2 года назад +1

      Bedford is great!

    • @es1442
      @es1442 2 года назад +2

      Lexington

    • @blessyourheart175
      @blessyourheart175 2 года назад +5

      Virginia has so so many small towns that are absolutely treasures. I was born and raised in VA and I still find small towns that I’ve never heard of.

  • @southernhippie9058
    @southernhippie9058 2 года назад +19

    I grew up near a small town in central NC and no thank you. I won't live anywhere with less than 200,000 people now. Anything less does not have the logistics for my lifestyle. I like to have choices. I think anyone living in a city should make sure they would be happy in one of those small towns before they move there. Sometimes the idea is better than the reality.

    • @xpicklepie
      @xpicklepie 2 года назад +1

      I can relate. And there is more privacy and anonymity in a bigger city. All I know is that my bad luck almost vanished overnight when I went 40 miles away to a large metro.

    • @deirdre108
      @deirdre108 2 года назад

      I get what you're saying. Grew up in a small town but live in a large city. I just want a Trader Joe's within a half-hour of me!

  • @myboringpowerpoints7782
    @myboringpowerpoints7782 2 года назад +57

    From what the mayor was saying it seems like a bowling alley and movie theater would help the area a bit. A community theater would be nice, too. All could provide jobs and stimulation.

    • @jsjssgshsusygxsbclaraxx
      @jsjssgshsusygxsbclaraxx 2 года назад +7

      I liked how she used "fast paced live" and "movie theatre" in the same sentence

    • @jonathansullivan8651
      @jonathansullivan8651 2 года назад +10

      there used to be a movie theatre there lol.. back in like 83'...

    • @photodumper
      @photodumper 2 года назад +4

      She needs to get herself together before she can get the town together but that party is doing nothing but turning America into a third world country.

    • @angieg2561
      @angieg2561 2 года назад +2

      Can’t squeeze blood out of a turnip. If the population can’t afford food and lives on food stamps, do you think they can afford $20 movie tickets? Down the road, “thriving” Danville (it’s not thriving it’s just marketed as thriving) couldn’t even sustain their bowling alley and it shut down. Community theatre is nice but, how do you justify the “Arts” when the population struggles paying basic electric bills, gas bills, food bills, housing bills?? Again, using “thriving” Danville as the example--they can’t even fill the seats of their city auditorium with free events. Crime is still so bad that these downtown Danville events require police at every building entrance. The only ones who don’t know this are the new from out of town transplants who got suckered in to retiring there with Danville’s notoriously bad death camp hospital.
      If a town must hire a marketing company to convince people that it’s a great place to live, do you really think it’s a great place to live? If it’s a great place to live, it wouldn’t need a marketing campaign.
      This is not a local problem it’s a problem ALL over the USA. These towns and cities grew from the farming economies and industrial factories which no longer exist. They can’t sustain themselves and live off of government subsidies. They are welfare cities. Obviously, it isn’t working. It’s prolonging the economic depression these towns experience.

    • @CydnotCharrise1
      @CydnotCharrise1 2 года назад +1

      @@angieg2561 Let me tell you something about the arts. If your little town gets some artists/musicians to come into your small town you can be thankful. Having lived in places like Haight Ashbury, in Hollywood and now in the California desert, I have seen these places become gentrified ( and often then the artists leave not being able to pay new rents ). If you allow them to buy mom and pop fixers ( galleries and living space as an example ), you will get tourists. This will increase property values and people will come.

  • @PsycInColour
    @PsycInColour 2 года назад +34

    I moved from a UK city to a small village
    Good side: Beautiful nature trails,low crime rate,quicker access to services
    Bad side : Superficial people,Everyone in your business,Less restaurants/entertainment.
    I wouldn’t go back to the city now but I do love the days I go to visit!

    • @jm-je4tl
      @jm-je4tl 2 года назад

      How are village people superficial?

  • @williamivey9432
    @williamivey9432 2 года назад +16

    I was born and raised in Emporia. It was a great place to grow up. It was a much different place. Living there now is different but this video and the mayor left out some very important details about our little town. We do have child care and a place kids can play basketball. No one mentioned the YMCA. Many events happen at the Y. Child care is available as well as Basketball, Pickle Ball and it is a great place for seniors to meet and greet, work out, play cards, puzzles and other activities. We have another child care, Rainbow World. Emporia has more than one Grocery store. There is a Walmart and a Food Lion no one mentioned. There is a Starbucks and a Cracker Barrell and many Fast Food Restaurants. Emporia lost a lot of businesses over the years and hopefully more will come in the future. No one mentioned the Emporia Arts council that has name brand entertainment at least 4 times a year. No one mentioned the great Public Library where kids go for different programs or our Hospital and Peanut Festival held once a year or the many Church events. Yes, Emporia is small and has problems but It is still a great place to live. Life and the town you live in is what you make it. The video seemed to focus on the bad things and left out many of the good things that I mentioned. We are not perfect but our greatest asset is the loving and caring citizens of the community.

    • @cecillyrowe6339
      @cecillyrowe6339 3 месяца назад

      I was greatly impressed by this! l wish l could more there!!

    • @thaabitshabazz4117
      @thaabitshabazz4117 16 дней назад

      I was raised in Emporia around Washington Park and Fairground.
      I came and visit my mom and almost hit one of those flower pots on Main Street which I believe is too close to the road.
      This was not there while I was there and I left in 2004.
      I had to go back and look at the video and didn't realize this was Mrs. Carey, Rev. Carey mom

  • @robertboyer8801
    @robertboyer8801 2 года назад +3

    You put a smile on my face Nick! I was raised in Emporia and miss it everyday. Yes, you knew everyone and all of us know Mr. Wrenn. Safe, simple and in my opinion, wonderful place to grow up!

  • @InterstateRaziTV
    @InterstateRaziTV 2 года назад +10

    Fun Video as always Nick!

  • @mattlindsey
    @mattlindsey 2 года назад +24

    Keep up the great work, Nick! Wife and I are hunting the US with you for a new place to be! I think it's cool/fitting that you're in real estate now as well! We are Oregonians looking for.... somewhere!

    • @lesliecas2695
      @lesliecas2695 2 года назад +3

      Anyplace but California, Oregon or Washington.

    • @wood4life
      @wood4life 2 года назад

      Hampton roads, Va

  • @MrGoblue1131
    @MrGoblue1131 2 года назад +1

    at 50 and looking very much towards retirement and relocation, I greatly appreciate these kind of videos Nick. Thanks man.

  • @whisperstv2888
    @whisperstv2888 2 года назад +7

    Awesome!! I really appreciate your channel so much!! So informative! Thank you so much!🙏🥰👍💯

  • @nicop5353
    @nicop5353 2 года назад +8

    I love this channel it’s top tier content

  • @mylt1z28
    @mylt1z28 2 года назад +33

    FYI, there were no speed cameras in any of this video. Those cameras on the traffic lights are actually optical sensors to detect cars, they replaced the old loop style sensors that were in the pavement. Speed and red light cameras are a totally different setup.

  • @keltaruusutravels4024
    @keltaruusutravels4024 2 года назад +5

    When Bobby talked about the fish fry, I was hooked.
    I liked the major. She was honest about the good and bad. Never seen an honest politician before. Refreshing.

    • @lesterjones9335
      @lesterjones9335 2 года назад +1

      You don't want to eat fish out that water

  • @williambrown1814
    @williambrown1814 2 года назад +7

    Grew up in Emporia , joined the Air Force traveled all over the United States and abroad found out Emporia wasn't so bad , sure there's always from for improvements but that's every place you go

  • @EclecticEndeavorsbyDemi
    @EclecticEndeavorsbyDemi 2 года назад +7

    Thank you for exploring this. I've lived in major cities for the last 20 years and watched them grow larger and uncomfortable. I'm from a smaller city and would like to get back to that. I see cities like this having nothing but an opportunity for some small business options especially those that provide remote work and or online ordering warehouses.

  • @charlesgall7829
    @charlesgall7829 2 года назад +5

    Hi Nick,great idea showing these places to live in . Maybe it is the next "big" thing. All the best of luck to that Mayor and manager.

  • @jimjim2119
    @jimjim2119 2 года назад +15

    I have respect for the Mayor to point out the deficiences of the area.

  • @acesbazaarhealth2246
    @acesbazaarhealth2246 2 года назад +3

    Emporia is really a truck stop at the junction of US 58 and I-95. Nobody coming thru is going downtown Emporia. If you can’t complete on 58, starting a business is out. I wouldn’t even renovate and rent a house there. Roanoke Rapids is only marginally better.

  • @bryanhachey
    @bryanhachey 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for this video! please do most of these! More people need to see small town America in depth!

  • @simixlee
    @simixlee 2 года назад +17

    I actually lived in Emporia. It's really nice, people underestimate the tiny town.

    • @msmissy143
      @msmissy143 2 года назад +2

      Girl, dont listen to them. All HELL will be breaking out in the big Cities and where you are. YOU STAY PUT...You'll be glad you did. He really should let people know that, but he doesn't even know. He'll be looking for rural before long.. But folk wont get it until stuff hits the fan for real, for real! God bless you!

    • @simixlee
      @simixlee 2 года назад +2

      @@msmissy143 You're so right! You go girl!

  • @michaelwhiting668
    @michaelwhiting668 2 года назад +11

    I loved that town. The had the nicest people. The roads were the best ever. Homes prices were normal prices.
    Parking was everywhere. No traffic. This place is heaven.

    • @DouglasUrantia
      @DouglasUrantia 2 года назад +5

      Yes, if you're retired and have a good pension.

    • @MrCarloszeca
      @MrCarloszeca 2 года назад +1

      Yes, if you just want to spend the rest of your life, sitting on a couch and watch tv.

  • @kazeryu17
    @kazeryu17 2 года назад +21

    Emporia is definitely one of the most notorious speed traps in Virginia. On the bright side, it is conveniently located between Norfolk VA, Richmond VA, and Raleigh NC, so if you want to drive into a city, you have options.

    • @im_a_rampart_main_say_hell7394
      @im_a_rampart_main_say_hell7394 2 года назад +1

      Also 1 of the worst places to live in VA still don't know if we're still no 1 in crack houses that's not a flex that's a guess from what I've heard that's why I live in the country and only come here for work and groceries

    • @kazeryu17
      @kazeryu17 2 года назад +1

      @@im_a_rampart_main_say_hell7394 I remember, nick did a list of the top 10 worst places to live in Virginia, and most were along highway 58.

    • @deirdre108
      @deirdre108 2 года назад

      So there's no supermarket in the town except for the butcher shop?

    • @kazeryu17
      @kazeryu17 2 года назад

      @@deirdre108 there's a shopping center with a Walmart super center, and a grocery store within walking distance of downtown.

    • @deirdre108
      @deirdre108 2 года назад

      @@kazeryu17 👍🏼

  • @willasage23240
    @willasage23240 2 года назад

    I recommend your channel to everyone because it’s so good!

  • @jugatsu23nichi
    @jugatsu23nichi 2 года назад +16

    Hey Nick, I loved this! Looking forward to more Tiny towns 2.0!

  • @1exxi
    @1exxi 2 года назад +3

    I’m from emporia, and I must say. Pls don’t come here we are already over populated plus 95 301 and 58 traffic tend to block up the whole town especially when there’s a wreck on 95. Pls don’t come to emporia it’s not all sunshine and rainbows like you think from your weekend trip, promise.

  • @oliverstianhugaas7493
    @oliverstianhugaas7493 2 года назад +3

    Emporia mayor is just a nana sitting on the porch drinking lemonade and telling you a story, i like her leadership style.

  • @davebrooks2942
    @davebrooks2942 2 года назад +7

    Good job I think it's good that you interview people in the town. I live in Middle Tennessee but wouldn't mind having cheap home around that area to hang out for a few months at a time. Or even some acreage to hang out on.

  • @loftyjones675
    @loftyjones675 2 года назад +17

    I think in these towns it would be great to see you interview young adults and kids too, to get their perspectives on small town living. Also I'd love to see some small towns with amazing nature at their back door. Thanks!

    • @angieg2561
      @angieg2561 2 года назад +2

      There’s a lot of deer in the city. That’s nature. And rats. You have people who can’t afford food and require government subsidies to obtain food yet there are all these deer walking around waiting to be dinner.
      Yep, lots of nature. Deer. Rats. Plenty of coons too.

    • @xoperry7612
      @xoperry7612 2 года назад +2

      i’ll give you my opinion as a high school student here life isn’t the bet and the town is completely run by monopolies and i don’t recommend coming

    • @xoperry7612
      @xoperry7612 2 года назад +2

      @@angieg2561 i hope you mean raccoons

    • @loftyjones675
      @loftyjones675 2 года назад

      @@xoperry7612 do a lot of the other kids in town agree with your perspective, or are there some that thrive in that environment? just curious

    • @loftyjones675
      @loftyjones675 2 года назад

      @@xoperry7612 I really hope they mean raccoons lol

  • @YourGEEKYNeighbor
    @YourGEEKYNeighbor 2 года назад +7

    I grew up in Emporia and lived there till my late 20s. I still have alot of family living there currently. I can honestly say it was much different place many years ago in my younger years. It was the perfect town bsckdrop setting for my 80s childhood, I remember riding my bike with friends all over the town. However Yes, the crime was pretty just traffic violations years ago.

  • @RessurrectionGraves
    @RessurrectionGraves 2 года назад +5

    I’m a Licensed Real Estate Broker, born and raised in Virginia. Happy to help anyone searching. ♥️

  • @marcellmate6874
    @marcellmate6874 2 года назад +5

    I really like this video!!!
    Love from Hungary!

  • @louislamonte334
    @louislamonte334 2 года назад +10

    Attracting businesses, small businesses should be a #1 priority for a place like Emporia. Dollar Tree et al and Walmart are a pox on Emporia, small towns everywhere and on the United States.

    • @amunderdog
      @amunderdog 2 года назад +1

      Some places have been so forgotten that a dollar store, is actually an upgrade.
      The dollar general markets are bringing some groceries back.
      There used to be hardware/general stores owned by locals.

  • @kharyzma4u
    @kharyzma4u 2 года назад +1

    Wow. I'm from NYC. I didn't realize that there were such small towns that didn't have even a TJ Maxx. I love TJ Maxx. Emporia would be a great place for someone who had a work from home job that paid well and then they could save up money. You said the "nicer side of town" homes were around $100K. Wow! Thanks for sharing. What a great video!

  • @rockyzman
    @rockyzman 2 года назад +4

    Great video Nick. After many years in a large metropolitan area I moved out of state to a small college town of 15,000 it's an hour drive to the nearest interstate and not a lot of stores though we have an Aldi and Walmart. Best part is no more traffic and shootings and the cost of living is low. I plan on staying.

    • @dmo7815
      @dmo7815 2 года назад +1

      Shssss !

  • @williamperryjr1324
    @williamperryjr1324 2 года назад +13

    I been to Emporia!! I stopped at a Hardees there in September of 2015, on my way to North Carolina!! Emporia is 10 miles from the NC state line via Interstate 95, and about 68 miles from Suffolk, via US 58! I gotta say, that part of Virginia is laid back!

  • @bobsmoot8454
    @bobsmoot8454 2 года назад +7

    I know a family that were living outside DC and they got fed up in the mid eighties and moved to this town. They said it was the absolute best decision they ever made.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  2 года назад +4

      Anywhere in Virginia is better than DC

    • @brendanreilly4675
      @brendanreilly4675 2 года назад

      @@NickJohnson wouldn’t say that for all parts, I mean would you rather live in the southwest than live in dc? There’s a reason southwest va is decreasing, it’s just kinda sad and lonely

  • @jarretheller2244
    @jarretheller2244 Год назад +1

    @ 11:14 Chitterlings, pigs feet and sausages? I’m sold! 😄

  • @joycehenderson7163
    @joycehenderson7163 2 года назад +24

    I live in SC, a hurricane prone state and subject to evacuations. Emporia is on my list of places to evacuate to because it is off I 95 and they have a pet friendly motel......Best Western. 😊

    • @SirManfly
      @SirManfly 2 года назад

      Good lord the mayor looks disheveled 😮

    • @robinmills8675
      @robinmills8675 2 года назад

      Same here from Virginia Beach.

  • @billdebillbill
    @billdebillbill 2 года назад +11

    A few years ago when I was stationed in Norfolk, we had to pick a place to evacuate to incase of a hurricane. I picked Emporia quite randomly but ever since then, and purely because of then, its held a special place in my heart! I never exactly evacuated there but I have driven through and gotten gas, I think. I love that Emporia is the first town on this series!

  • @valentinamarie5174
    @valentinamarie5174 2 года назад +10

    E town is my home town 💙 and I must say you didn’t butcher us too bad lol! This was a very fair review! It’s not a bad place, you’ve just got to find a nice place. I approve this message 100%!

  • @bonniecurrie4906
    @bonniecurrie4906 2 года назад +2

    OMG! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SMALL TOWN VIDEOS!!! I'm currently in nursing school and want to be a Rural Nurse!!! I love rural America! After moving to a small town (Lovelock, Nevada) from the city (San Francisco, California), I was hooked! I had a 1 bedroom house in Lovelock for $200 a month, that would easily have went for $3000 in San Francisco. Even though I was the 5th Black person in that town, EVERYONE loved me and accepted me. I made life long friends there and the community was one big family. As long as you didn't bring "sin" (riff raff) to the town, you were fine. The sherrifs had a benevolent fund, so when any homeless people came to town they would buy them a bus ticket so they could "move along." Lovelock is an open carry town (everyone has a gun on their hip). But I didn't mind and it made me feel safer knowing my neighbors were not going to let anything "go down." It was the safest place I ever lived in. The meth and the ocycotin on the other hand is a different matter. But if you're not involved in drugs, it shouldn't matter.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  2 года назад +1

      Why did you leave Bonnie?

    • @bonniecurrie4906
      @bonniecurrie4906 2 года назад +1

      @@NickJohnson To attend nursing school in Las Vegas. I'm getting my BSN in RN. I still visit and keep in touch. I hate the city and miss the bonfires and swimming in the river...

  • @flitetym
    @flitetym 2 года назад +40

    The best thing that could have happened to Emporia was this video. Now it’s “on the map.”
    This brings up the larger issue of marketing one’s location. There’s lots to like about places like Emporia - especially since our society is becoming more “telework-centric.” Emporia “needs to get the word out.”
    There are lots of six-figure folks out there that could uproot from places like New York and Washington DC, and transplant themselves to Emporia with no problem whatsoever. The low cost of real estate combined with high speed internet is a winning combination.
    And with high salaries comes a sturdy tax base.
    Shucks … I’m thinking about it myself … 🤔

    • @paladin3116
      @paladin3116 2 года назад

      Emporia is eye sore town just like Newport News. Avoidable town. The only thing know about Empoira is the ridiculous amount of cops on i95 in the area generating revenue by giving out a insane amount of tickets

    • @flitetym
      @flitetym 2 года назад +6

      @@paladin3116 entertainment is on-line … education is on-line … Walmart and Home Depot are on line.
      So ask yourself again, “why pay sky-high rents and mortgages?” Be a “change agent.”
      Ask yourself, “why am I stuck in 3-hour traffic just to go 5 miles?”
      If you want something new, then do something new.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  2 года назад +5

      That's what I'm saying!

    • @295g295
      @295g295 2 года назад

      > 1:55

    • @jonathansullivan8651
      @jonathansullivan8651 2 года назад +4

      @@NickJohnson dude... Emporia is a straight mess... but it is right off on I95

  • @frankwalton7323
    @frankwalton7323 2 года назад +1

    I think you are on to something here, Mr. Johnson. Tiny Towns is a terrific and useful feature for those who want to abandon cities or even rural locations. I'll be looking forward to the next installment.

  • @Lovingme224
    @Lovingme224 2 года назад +4

    I’m from Emporia it’s nothing for blacks to do there only the Pork fest in June I’m surprised you didn’t show that Confederate cemetery you was near there nice video thank you for sharing my hometown Emporia

  • @PlantCraft
    @PlantCraft 2 года назад +24

    There’s a lot of towns like this in rural Missouri where I live and there are many places where there is no hospital, and people actually are more likely to die on their way to the closest health care facility. Also there are plenty of towns with no internet service

    • @PlantCraft
      @PlantCraft 2 года назад +1

      No childcare there either huh?

    • @trece003
      @trece003 2 года назад

      We have a newer hospital and childcare

    • @Blaird2006
      @Blaird2006 2 года назад

      Actually emporia does have a hospital 🙂

    • @crystaljones9642
      @crystaljones9642 2 года назад

      Emporia has a hospital

  • @riazghuman8698
    @riazghuman8698 2 года назад +8

    USA is destroyed and they have done it very well by their own hands , homeless , jobless , drugs and criminality are not the only reasons , political system and corruption is the biggest wrong doer. These towns and cities never be the same again , because when US Adminstration spent more than 2 Trillion Dollars in Afghanistan to find the rerrorists , while they knew very well already that not a single Afghan was involve in the attacks of Sept 11 but still the Americans stayed there for 20 years , how wise and smart ?

    • @kowens1956
      @kowens1956 2 года назад

      You sure are right..

    • @jd218
      @jd218 2 года назад

      Amen I'm from Nitro WV greed exported all the factories and plants,mills now drugs prevail

  • @gonzowarburn7045
    @gonzowarburn7045 2 года назад +4

    Used to go through emporia alot. It is known as the speed trap of Virginia, if not the east coast. How the town makes revenue with the high unemployment rate.
    Cruise control people, cruise control.

  • @wordawakeningny
    @wordawakeningny 2 года назад +8

    When I was in the Navy stationed in Norfolk, I used to drive through Emporia all the time going home. Your right about the speeding! I got a speeding ticked there and when I drove through I would always eat at the Shoney's.

    • @lep23456
      @lep23456 2 года назад

      Shoney's is GONE!

    • @wordawakeningny
      @wordawakeningny 2 года назад

      @@lep23456 oh no! I loved that place!

    • @teresasquirrels5115
      @teresasquirrels5115 2 года назад +1

      @@lep23456 Shoney’s is still here.

    • @lep23456
      @lep23456 2 года назад +1

      @@wordawakeningny thought that was closed. So much has closed over there. Sorry.

  • @IMPOSING-NOOB2233
    @IMPOSING-NOOB2233 2 года назад +2

    11:30 crime-enabling attitude, and it comes straight from the top. A blessing to commit crimes and not be at fault!

  • @neemavegankitchen726
    @neemavegankitchen726 2 года назад +4

    I was born here but not raise. They use to have a community center with a pool called the CYC. My grandmother has a house here she just passed a few years ago. Her kids still maintain it and keep it up. Even as a kid I only liked to visit but didn't like to stay long. It was boring and not much to do. But when there was a house party we partied hard. Lots of drinking and food.

    • @thaabitshabazz4117
      @thaabitshabazz4117 25 дней назад

      I was raised here but not born, mainly around Fairground and Washington Park.
      I went back to visit my mom and the kids are mostly getting high and shooting reckless over Facebook beef.
      They need some outlets and yeah, not sure what happened to CYC but I know EGRA is still getting funded

  • @SnuffyB123
    @SnuffyB123 2 года назад +6

    Nick don’t forget to include a competent Hospital

  • @BlazinBrazen
    @BlazinBrazen 2 года назад +13

    Let me say this about Emporia before this video starts...watch for their doggone police and their radars! Do Not speed through there! LOL

    • @terrenceb10
      @terrenceb10 2 года назад +3

      Lol I was pulled over by an Emporia police officer on Interstate 95 a few years back. At the time I thought only state police patrolled I 95.

    • @sonandsanford4963
      @sonandsanford4963 2 года назад +2

      Amen to that. Evidently they haven't changed and I have not been through there in 20 years.

  • @Muscleupsanddangles
    @Muscleupsanddangles 2 года назад +4

    The mayor sounds exhausted, depressed, and not terribly optimistic. Can't say I blame her.

  • @jamesunruh7048
    @jamesunruh7048 2 года назад +7

    My Dad lived here when he was a kid, with 2 brothers. My Grandfather was a Methodist minister there.

  • @angieg2561
    @angieg2561 2 года назад +3

    Small towns where there’s no drama????
    Seriously???? Small townies INVENTED drama because they have nothing else to do.

  • @emppowersportsandmarine6270
    @emppowersportsandmarine6270 2 года назад +3

    Moved out of Long Beach California in 2017 and bought a house in the small town of St Maries Idaho in 2018. I was ahead of the trend and my wife and I have never looked back. We run a home based business and are farm to table, it’s a nice way to live.

  • @dennis9854
    @dennis9854 2 года назад +3

    Great video and idea with those tiny town showings!

  • @jonathansullivan8651
    @jonathansullivan8651 2 года назад +17

    I have family here and have been visiting Emporia since I was born in the 70’s. I even went to school there one year in the mid 80’s. It is kind of sad what has happened to that place. My grandparents did really well there back in the day, but besides it’s location, there just isn’t much there anymore.

  • @Ruckusbreaker
    @Ruckusbreaker 2 года назад +2

    I have practically been here for a good while and I can definitely agree with everything said in this video about Emporia. We have a lot of shops and restaurants as well as churches and clubs but we don’t have a lot to enjoy ourselves here, if we want to go bowling we gotta drive to North Carolina, want to see a movie in a theater, that’s a drive to North Carolina. Living here is a blessing because of the lack of drama and crime but it’s also a curse because of our lack of fun activities.
    Never gonna give you up
    Ha gottem

  • @kerenkares4473
    @kerenkares4473 2 года назад +3

    King's Dominion Richmond Virginia yaaay!...I live in Atlanta where CRIME seems to pay 😠 seems like the News team enjoy spending time reporting crime but we rarely hear about the capture of criminal's 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️😩

  • @matthewconstantine5015
    @matthewconstantine5015 2 года назад +3

    Holy smokes. This gave me anxiety.
    I grew up and lived 30 years in a small town like Emporia (though in Maine) and it was the WORST. It's a great way to rob your children of opportunity, though. So there's that.
    You couldn't pay me enough to move back to a place like that.

  • @rachie1613
    @rachie1613 2 года назад +34

    My dad was in a nursing home in emporia for 8 months and it was literally the grossest place I’ve been in Virginia and there were literally so many cops everywhere like 1/4 of the cars on the road 🤦‍♀️

    • @rayebaldwin9086
      @rayebaldwin9086 2 года назад +2

      There is no excuse to have a place like that to be in that condition. Smh!

    • @norms3913
      @norms3913 2 года назад +3

      Sounds like Franklin Virginia

    • @amunderdog
      @amunderdog 2 года назад +3

      I agree our local nursing home was last renovated sometime in the 60's. It is a very depressing place.

    • @marymargaretjames2594
      @marymargaretjames2594 2 года назад +1

      I agree and I grew up there!

    • @Ninnjette-
      @Ninnjette- 2 года назад +1

      I live in Va, I’ve heard to stay away from Emporia.

  • @tionacrow5644
    @tionacrow5644 2 года назад +2

    I love your videos so much!! Keep up the great content. You have great information while being funny and making your videos so enjoyable.

  • @gideonnelson6959
    @gideonnelson6959 2 года назад +12

    Something made me tear up watching Bobby talk about his community, I’d imagine the way he talks about everything and the people there, they are all very close. You don’t really get that these days

  • @lorirobertson643
    @lorirobertson643 2 года назад +8

    👋 Hi Nick! I wonder if some of the old boarded up buildings are 2nd floor livable. Business on the 1st floor with a home above it is an old pipe dream. My son is planning a move to Virginia next year & he's looking at small towns because of lower housing prices. This has been another great Cornerhouse Entertainment Production! Insightful as always. Hugs from Arkansas 💜💜

  • @leebuck180
    @leebuck180 2 года назад +3

    if you take away Food Lion, Wal-Mart, Sadler travel plaza, and interstate 95, Emporia would fold up.

  • @henryeyes22
    @henryeyes22 2 года назад +2

    thsi is the perfect new show for me

  • @Ninnjette-
    @Ninnjette- 2 года назад +3

    I live in Grottoes Va, perfect small town. Everyone is so friendly, 20 minutes away you have a lot of jobs available. Emporia I’ve heard is a shit show.

  • @megankh7706
    @megankh7706 8 месяцев назад +1

    Economically, businesses like the ones they listed won't come there. Not enough traffic or business to keep it open.
    10-30k ppl is a better goal for things to do.

  • @muscleman125
    @muscleman125 2 года назад +18

    Emporia looks great! I'd love to live in a town like that some day.

    • @tiphanicole
      @tiphanicole 2 года назад +2

      No its not.

    • @1exxi
      @1exxi 2 года назад

      Trust. You won’t like it here

  • @alexanderweaver7066
    @alexanderweaver7066 2 года назад +2

    Hi Nick! As a CDL-A driver delivering flooring products I delivered to many of Virginia's small communities, including Emporia. I loved it and made so many friends. Although I lived in Bon Air just across the Richmond County line I would not mind living in any of these small communities for the lower cost of living.

  • @d.l.n.7133
    @d.l.n.7133 2 года назад +3

    I thought this was Emporia, NC … but watched it anyway and enjoyed it .
    I am really enjoying these videos and subscribed yesterday.
    We drive from NJ to FL twice or 4 trips a year and have stopped at so many of the towns that you have profiled. We take both 95 and the western mountain route. ( been doing this for 20 years ) last Christmas we took the auto train . It left extremely late 2:30 am . So we got to see a lot of the towns along the tracks that you usually pass in the night … talk about interesting!!!
    There are so many unusual towns that we have stayed at such as Dunn, SC and Santee, SC… and my mother and her family are southern … but these towns are from another time and place .

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  2 года назад +2

      I know those places and you're right!

    • @d.l.n.7133
      @d.l.n.7133 2 года назад

      I met Dunn , NC our Yankee waitress at the Brass Lantern entertained ( or😬) us with stories of the area she lives close to Dunn. .

  • @peterloveson8075
    @peterloveson8075 2 года назад +1

    I used to go to church with Mr. Wren and his family. Good folk.

  • @bobz3779
    @bobz3779 2 года назад +7

    That town should have gold streets with all the money they collect from "speeding" tickets.

  • @bigoddo
    @bigoddo 2 года назад

    The mayor was by far the best part of this video and her honesty was refreshing. I love it!

  • @gerardhiggins1
    @gerardhiggins1 2 года назад +12

    It seems to be very pretty town. The properties here seem very well kept. It seems like another victim of allowing big business to produce from afar, at a lesser cost, and to sell back to us without consequence. Jobs here are gone, thanks to free trade, and these small towns are an example of the fallout.

  • @yourguidetorights3909
    @yourguidetorights3909 2 года назад +2

    Live in Scottsville Va. Along the James River in central Virginia. Population 692. Now that's small . One main street. Love the theme song . Could be a Grammy winner. Also love the video.

    • @jd218
      @jd218 2 года назад

      I live in Covington

  • @msmissy143
    @msmissy143 2 года назад +5

    Let me tell you this...before it's all over, folk will wish they were in such pleasant RURAL areas such as this. YOU WAIT AND SEE!

  • @altheacrawford3049
    @altheacrawford3049 2 года назад

    Tiny/Small Towns is a Great theme to follow-up on Nick! I liked this video a lot & think you're right about this becoming a new homeowner's (& renters?) trend.
    Peace, x & much gratitude to you & All. From, "Canada" :)

  • @flea4061
    @flea4061 2 года назад +5

    I'll save you the trouble. Anything south of Chesterfield County until Lake Gaston is depressed.

    • @dayshawncrew4431
      @dayshawncrew4431 2 года назад +3

      Colonial Heights, Virginia is descent. On interstate 95. Flea, is right all of those towns south of chesterfield county, including petersburg, hopewell, dinwiddie county, prince george county. Not much to offer and depressed poor dunk towns.

  • @shosmyth1454
    @shosmyth1454 2 года назад

    Thank you Nick for shedding light on small towns to live in? I am waiting to find a little town away from big cities. ☕️☕️☕️☕️

  • @Nobleazure
    @Nobleazure 2 года назад +4

    Emporia is where I go to get a speeding ticket...

  • @scwaty180
    @scwaty180 2 года назад +1

    Just downloaded your album from Amazon, love the tunes, and we're always happy to see a new video release. Stay safe while driving around these crazy stats.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  2 года назад +1

      Yay! Hope you like the songs Scott!

    • @scwaty180
      @scwaty180 2 года назад

      @@NickJohnson are you going to release the West Virginia song soon? That's a good one too

  • @mariowalker9048
    @mariowalker9048 2 года назад +8

    I'm familiar with Emporia since it's one of the first towns you pass by in Virginia on i-95 from NC.

  • @rjwintl
    @rjwintl Год назад +1

    Youse guys forgot to say that transplanted Yankees ( like me) were accepted without any animosity and cheerfully invited to local clubs and gatherings … and that some of the friendliest and best looking women live here … I oughta know , dated three and married one …

  • @davidcoleman6032
    @davidcoleman6032 2 года назад +3

    Can't believe how reasonable the up market end is!House like that here in England probably $500,000-800,000+depending where. Sounds my sort of town!