Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

I often joke that I “learned to drive” in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I lived there for a handful of seasons over a decade ago, both working at a camp for kids with learning differences—which I loved every single second of—and surviving what I can only describe as a “very strange” college experience (completely my faux pas on the latter; I didn’t do my research before packing my bags). 

But back to driving. Did you know that Southside Virginia and Southeast Tennessee don’t share the same traffic pattern? In the Danville area, where I grew up and attained my driver’s license, you’re hard-pressed to coast a day without getting behind a tractor moving 15 miles per hour on a one-lane backroad. Exciting. In Chattanooga, you pray for safety every time you merge onto Exit 7. Let’s just say I earned my stripes with a daily series of near-misses, brake lights, and squealing tires in my 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 

That said, you couldn’t pay me to move back to a big city. While I still love to visit, it’s only for a few days at a time. By then, I’m ready to return to my one-stoplight town with a single restaurant open on Sundays. Today, writer Aila Boyd is highlighting a smattering of Virginia locales—most without hectic traffic patterns—that I think you’ll enjoy if you’re looking for a change of scenery. But wherever you are, I’m so glad you’re here. 

The Martinsville-Henry County area offers racing excitement at Martinsville Speedway and Sugar Tree Motorsports Park as well as outdoor adventure on the Smith River and Philpott Lake. Attractions include Uptown Martinsville’s farmers market and the Virginia Museum of Natural History. (Virginia Tourism Corporation/www.Virginia.org)

Here’s what you need to know: With housing costs continuing to squeeze budgets, Virginia renters are increasingly seeking affordable alternatives to high-priced metros. We’re highlighting a handful of commonwealth locales where rent won’t break the bank.

Our top picks: 

• Galax, average rent: $775. Budget-conscious renters who value entertainment will likely find Galax to be a charming city given its diverse array of yearly events. Known as the “Old-Time Music Capital of the World,” the city stages The Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention and Smoke on the Mountain.
• Martinsville, average rent: $875. Once a city that was dominated by industry, Martinsville is now an affordable city for renters who still want easy access to cultural opportunities, like the Martinsville Speedway and the Virginia Museum of Natural History.
• Covington, average rent: $900. Covington offers renters a calm city that’s situated in the Alleghany Highlands. Notably, the city’s downtown is in the process of being revitalized, which means that new businesses and events are coming to the charming downtown area that features mountain views.

Ready to explore? We’ve got the info on 15 areas you might enjoy living—and they’re sprinkled all throughout the commonwealth. 

Many victims and their families report blaming themselves, feeling embarrassed or ashamed. But the real story is bigger: The platforms that allow these emails to slip through—giant tech companies like Google—often escape responsibility. (Glenn Carstens-Peters/Unsplash)

Last month, several Hampton residents opened their inboxes to find what looked like official city emails—messages from “city staff” about planning and rezoning applications. 

For some, these emails seemed routine. But behind the familiar logos and city language, hackers were waiting. Fake invoices and fraudulent requests for payment left unsuspecting Virginians at risk of losing their hard-earned money.

Stories like this are becoming all too common. In 2024 alone, Virginians lost nearly $294 million to scams—many of which impersonate potential love interests, or local governments and trusted institutions. 

No one should have to face these scams alone—or feel like it’s their fault. For tips on spotting scams, visit our link below.

P.S. I’ve got some good news! Dogwood’s own Michael O’Connor is launching a new newsletter called Virginia Capital, exploring the full landscape of Virginia’s policy disputes and labor battles. The twice-a-week newsletter will help you understand the ideas and agendas that are shaping the lives of workers and businesses across Virginia. And like everything else we do, it’s free. Sign up by clicking here.

Mayra Cordero sells her handmade cards at the Chatham Farm Market. (Amie Knowles/Dogwood)

Mayra Cordero started crafting cards in 2014, thanks to a friend who introduced her to the hobby. She uses unique materials like real flowers and decorative napkins in her designs.

Each handmade card is $5. Can’t make it to the Chatham Farm Market to purchase? Order a custom design via email at mayracordero@sbcglobal.net.