Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center is a new replacement facility [for the former Greensville Memorial Hospital] which opened in December, 2003 and is considered a general,acute care facility serving a market area of 31,000. The hospital currently has an active and consulting medical staff of 50 physicians and more than 430 employees, making it one of the top five employers in the area. A full range of services is provided by the hospital, including a 24-hour emergency room, cardiac rehabilitation, oncology, sports medicine and obstetric/gynecological services.
THE COMMUNITY Emporia is located in a growing region of southern Virginia that is rapidly becoming an extended suburb of both the Richmond Metro and Hampton Roads Metro areas. With Richmond just 60 miles to the north and Raleigh, North Carolina just 80 miles to the south, residents have quick, easy access to larger metropolitan areas. The beautiful beaches of the Virginia coast are just 60 miles to the east. Emporia also affords its residents the benefits of a small-town lifestyle while maintaining the best attributes of a small city. It boasts low crime and unemployment rates, numerous cultural activities, an active chamber of commerce and affordable living. The community also hosts two major festivals each year: the Virginia Pork Festival and the Virginia Peanut Festival. Local festivals offer a variety of activities, including: arts and crafts exhibits, fashion shows, a bike tour and concerts. Emporia is among the top five cities in the country for retail sales per capita and offers at least three dozen shopping malls within a one-hour drive. Additionally, the community is served by 200 churches in a number of faiths and denominations.
RECREATION The area's mild climate allows its residents to enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including youth sports leagues, golfing, hunting, organized sports and biking. The Meherrin River and numerous lakes in the area offer fishing, boating, swimming and water sports. Emporia also features three parks, a country club, tennis courts and a golf course. Car racing fans will enjoy being in close proximity to several motor speedways, including the famous Richmond International Raceway. Amusement parks such as Busch Gardens, Paramount's King's Dominion and Water Country USA provide family entertainment within just an hour's drive. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain Range, with its many recreational opportunities, is also just a few hours away.
EDUCATION Educational opportunities abound in Emporia. A quality public education system provides special programs for the academically gifted at all local schools. A variety of private school options are also available, including Brunswick Academy, Halifax Academy, several Christian-based schools and private daycare centers. Three local community colleges provide a variety of higher education opportunities to adult residents. Old Dominion University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia Commonwealth University, Duke University, Medical College of Virginia and the College of William and Mary are also located within easy driving distance, as are several other public and private four-year institutions.
