This Is What Small Town Virginia Is Like

[@NickJohnson]

Here are all of my videos about the United States: kzbin.info/aero/PLq-_cmf3H6yoRYg-ZZSFNFo4dBKxg85JC

[@charlesgall7829]

Thank you. Love your work!

[@rickonethousand6304]

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

[@monicatsotetsi8523]

@@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]

@@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]

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

[@CFisk]

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]

It is

[@redbeard1976]

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

[@xwrtk]

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]

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]

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

[@juliewbarnes]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@jeraldsmith7008]

He just wants clicks to drive his ad revenue.

[@deirdre108]

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

[@amethystmistarts5532]

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.

[@aerrae5608]

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.

[@LateBloomingND]

…and a lot of disposable income

[@aerrae5608]

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

[@LateBloomingND]

@@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]

Exactly

[@thekingcrawleynetwork6665]

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

[@a.williams6167]

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]

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

[@KristiansWorld39]

100% facts lived there for 5 years

[@chipbaldwin2440]

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!

[@erbiumfiber]

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.

[@jovegajo]

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.

[@AlwaysonTayaTime]

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.

[@cecillyrowe6339]

where did she move from?

[@teaspoon966]

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]

Nooooo.. absolutely not with Emporia! 😂😂😂

[@pinkchristals8159]

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.

[@casperlindsey]

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]

Anyplace but California, Oregon or Washington.

[@wood4life]

Hampton roads, Va

[@delbomb3131]

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

[@williamivey9432]

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]

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

[@thaabitshabazz4117]

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

[@myboringpowerpoints7782]

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.

[@jsjssgjsjsuwjxjsaksjxjxn]

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

[@jonathansullivan8651]

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

[@photodumper]

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]

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]

@@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.

[@billberna]

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]

Pamplin another one!!

[@normanharris5817]

Also South Hill

[@claudeoverstreet8791]

Bedford is great!

[@es1442]

Lexington

[@blessyourheart175]

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.

[@robertboyer8801]

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!

[@promiselongiii1793]

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]

That's the most factual statement on this thread.

[@LostKinda]

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]

@@LostKinda Facts.

[@SoullessSuicide]

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.

[@InterstateRaziTV]

Fun Video as always Nick!

[@mylt1z28]

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.

[@sherriwells8628]

Thank you!!!

[@tomkoa521]

@@sherriwells8628 emporia still sucks Sherri..

[@charlesgall7829]

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.

[@southernhippie9058]

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]

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]

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!

[@EclecticEndeavorsbyDemi]

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.

[@loftyjones675]

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]

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]

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]

@@angieg2561 i hope you mean raccoons

[@loftyjones675]

@@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]

@@xoperry7612 I really hope they mean raccoons lol

[@kazeryu17]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@kazeryu17]

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

[@deirdre108]

@@kazeryu17 👍🏼

[@davebrooks2942]

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.

[@keltaruusutravels4024]

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]

You don't want to eat fish out that water

[@williamperryjr1324]

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!

[@NickJohnson]

Good directions William!

[@wood4life]

Suffolk!

[@williamperryjr1324]

@@wood4life Indeed! That's my fav part of VA!

[@whisperstv2888]

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

[@williambrown1814]

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

[@rockyzman]

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]

Shssss !

[@MrGoblue1131]

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

[@acesbazaarhealth2246]

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.

[@kharyzma4u]

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!

[@bobsmoot8454]

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]

Anywhere in Virginia is better than DC

[@brendanreilly4675]

@@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

[@joycehenderson7163]

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]

Good lord the mayor looks disheveled 😮

[@robinmills8675]

Same here from Virginia Beach.

[@simixlee]

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

[@msmissy143]

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]

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

[@bryanhachey]

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

[@PlantCraft]

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]

No childcare there either huh?

[@trece003]

We have a newer hospital and childcare

[@Blaird2006]

Actually emporia does have a hospital 🙂

[@crystaljones9642]

Emporia has a hospital

[@michaelwhiting668]

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]

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

[@MrCarloszeca]

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

[@neemavegankitchen726]

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]

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

[@YourGEEKYNeighbor]

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.

[@wordawakeningny]

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]

Shoney's is GONE!

[@wordawakeningny]

@@lep23456 oh no! I loved that place!

[@teresasquirrels5115]

@@lep23456 Shoney’s is still here.

[@lep23456]

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

[@nicop5353]

I love this channel it’s top tier content

[@LateBloomingND]

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]

How are village people superficial?

[@jamiethompson4008]

Consider going about 30 miles West and check out South Hill, VA. May find what you're looking for.

[@itswiz4785]

My mom is from Emporia and my Dad is from South Hill. I didn’t grow up there, but I spent my summers in both places.

[@jugatsu23nichi]

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

[@frankwalton7323]

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.

[@gonzowarburn7045]

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.

[@1exxi]

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.

[@kiwistrwberry82]

😂😂

[@jimjim2119]

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

[@tionacrow5644]

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

[@lorirobertson643]

👋 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 💜💜

[@0ff-Broadway369]

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]

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]

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

[@rachie1613]

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]

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

[@norms3913]

Sounds like Franklin Virginia

[@amunderdog]

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

[@marymargaretjames2594]

I agree and I grew up there!

[@Ninnjette-]

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

[@mariowalker9048]

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

[@renroxhrd]

I've passed emporia driving to Florida on I-95, last town before you hit NC. It always looked kinda depressed

[@willasage23240]

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

[@marcellmate6874]

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

[@alexanderweaver7066]

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.

[@NickJohnson]

I agree Alexander

[@lesterjones9335]

So bon air isn't part of Richmond?

[@d.l.n.7133]

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]

I know those places and you're right!

[@d.l.n.7133]

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

[@IMPOSING-NOOB2233]

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

[@emppowersportsandmarine6270]

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.

[@RessurrectionGraves]

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

[@wellnesselements5853]

Are you from Emporia VA?

[@muscleman125]

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

[@tiphanicole]

No its not.

[@1exxi]

Trust. You won’t like it here

[@billdebillbill]

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!

[@louislamonte334]

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]

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.

[@scwaty180]

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]

Yay! Hope you like the songs Scott!

[@scwaty180]

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

[@davidcoleman6032]

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!

[@Hillers62]

I drove through Emporia several times while traveling from Newport News VA to Fayetteville, NC and back...there was nothing to see there....

[@jamesunruh7048]

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

[@SnuffyB123]

Nick don’t forget to include a competent Hospital

[@riazghuman8698]

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]

You sure are right..

[@jd218]

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

[@bonniecurrie4906]

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]

Why did you leave Bonnie?

[@bonniecurrie4906]

@@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...

[@oliverstianhugaas7493]

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

[@megankh7706]

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.

[@StevenGrahamHypnotherapist]

Bobby should work with the Chamber of Commerce there. He brought up some great points about the “busyness” of being involved in the community and the many, many local events throughout the year. Don’t have any of that here in Albuquerque, NM. ☹️

[@StevenGrahamHypnotherapist]

@Fauci is-a-liar - I’ve volunteered at the Roadrunner Food Bank and delivered meals to the down and out at the city bus transfer station for a couple of months. Not saying there aren’t any volunteer opportunities or civic clubs in Albuquerque to become involved with. What seems to be lacking is the “small town feel” here and the local fish-frys, pancake breakfasts, picnics in the park and other quaint get-togethers that take place in rural America. Of course Albuquerque is city and isn’t small-town America, and that is what I now prefer to be in the middle of. Guess I should move! Lol.

[@yourguidetorights3909]

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]

I live in Covington

[@dennis9854]

Great video and idea with those tiny town showings!

[@altheacrawford3049]

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" :)

[@jonathansullivan8651]

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.

[@whats2funnydinglewithnopim200]

How old r u

[@snyper105]

how was the 80s

[@leebuck180]

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

[@lemuelapperson853]

The speeding tickets are notorious in Emporia. If you have an out-of-state plate, the cops target you. The state redirected a highway around Emporia because of their overly aggressive ticketing. It's large enough to be a significant part of the city's budget. It inspired Chevy Chase's film, "Animal Farm".

[@rosetresham8641]

Is it funny farm? The one where he's writing a book and eats mountain oysters?

[@dev5963]

That is a lie - a HUGE lie. 58 is the major east-west corridor in southern VA - connecting the ports of VA to the interstates of 95, 85, and 77, and 81 that serve Eastern US. VA has built by-passes around every small town on 58. BTW, the highway bypass is still in Emporia. Yes, the cops are aggressive about enforcing the law but don't speed and you won't get a ticket.

[@lemuelapperson853]

Please check your facts before calling someone a Liar. Thanks!

[@kiwistrwberry82]

Ha! I never knew that!

[@williambrown1814]

Stop Speeding

[@monicatsotetsi8523]

My mom’s family came from around Emporia, VA and I still have some relatives there. We sold our property and moved North in the 1900s.

[@stogieguy7]

Nick, I’m curious about how South Hill, VA stacks up in your small towns project. Visited there back in the 70’s with my folks and it was an idyllic small southern town, not far from Lake Gaston. Seems like it would fit your criteria, if it hasn’t gone way downhill lately.

[@BoratWanksta]

There was a BBQ restaurant in South Hill that I forget the name of, that used to exist that myself and family would sometimes drive to from nearby town of Chase City(back when my grandmother once lived there before retiring). Wish I could remember the name of it, since we'd drive there often to pick up BBQ to go back in the 80s and 90s. Sadly the last time I did a Google search for that BBQ restaurant some years back, it seems like that place may've closed for good. :( Anyone else remember a BBQ restaurant that used to exist besides me, in South Hill?

[@leonation89]

South Hill is similar to Emporia to me its a nicer town. It's like 30 miles west on U.S. 58 and on I-85. I'd pick South Hill over Emporia anyday

[@teresasquirrels5115]

@@BoratWanksta Was it Wilson’s?

[@dev5963]

The entire 58 corridor is depressed - Franklin, Emporia, Lawrenceville, South Hill and keep going west. Clarksville is holding on because it's on Kerr (Buggs Island) Lake. The entire region has been devastated by loss of industry and farming. The young with educations have left so you have a decreasing population and who are left are poorer and less educated than 30-40 years ago. There are exceptions - mine are general statements and could apply to the vast majority of rural America.

[@stevenforbes6132]

I recommend checking out Shenandoah county with multiple small towns all on one highway close to I81 with new market, Woodstock, mount jackson, Edinburg, and strasburg

[@ShainaCilimberg]

I love the art warehouse and gathering grounds coffee in lura y

[@coolaunt516]

What about health care services for the people in the small towns you are choosing? If I had a young family I would want to be sure I could get my kid to a dentist or an MD if needed.

[@normanharris5817]

Like 4 dentist offices. A hospital, 2 family doctors

[@battlecat4791]

Well done video! I enjoyed your take on this small town. I don't live too far away and I have a strange fascination with these small towns in south central Virginia. Sometimes I take short day trips to explore such towns. I tend to wonder how people there make a living as there is very little evidence of industry, commerce, etc. from which to draw. I wonder about the quality of life available there. You covered all of that in this video. Other Virginia towns that are similar are South Boston, South Hill, Chase City. People who talk about speed traps along highway 58 are absolutely correct. They are notorious!

[@kerenkares4473]

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 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️😩

[@Ruckusbreaker]

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

[@gideonnelson6959]

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

[@tiphanicole]

For such a small town that’s close knit, they sure cut your utilities off on the slightest technicality instead of contacting you first to rule out any miscommunication.

[@ramonadominguez2677]

I went to school at Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Va. right next to Emporia.

[@christiankrippler9162]

I live right up the road south of Hopewell, pass through Emporia every time we head to VA beach.

[@bobz3779]

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

[@kimmiestell849]

Ha! 😂

[@sonandsanford4963]

Lol... Noooooo lie! My money help paved it.

[@UserName-ts3sp]

only thing small towns do these days

[@rgbrin]

Hey Nick, do one on Clayton NC,,,,,I moved here about 15 years ago and love it,,,,great little town,,,,

[@flea4061]

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

[@dayshawncrew4431]

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.

[@jimking2299]

Some points for future episodes: Is there a river, lake, beach, boating, fishing and hunting opportunities, sports facilities, library, news outlet, hiking and biking trails, places to camp, ski hill where the climate permits, any kind of a decent pub, quality of internet service. We seem to focus a bit too much on what a place lacks rather than what it has.

[@Muscleupsanddangles]

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