Hampden-Sydney, VA

Hampden-Sydney is a small, scenic community in Prince Edward County that revolves entirely around its namesake college. Founded in 1775, Hampden-Sydney College is one of the oldest colleges in the country and one of the nation's few remaining all-male institutions. Because the community and the campus are practically one and the same, the area has a classic, collegiate feel set against the quiet backdrop of rural Virginia.

The sprawling 1,300-acre campus gives the neighborhood a park-like charm, filled with red-brick historic buildings, towering trees, and wide open green spaces. Local life mostly follows the rhythm of the academic year, from lively game days in the fall to peaceful, quiet summers. For groceries, dining, and everyday errands, residents take a quick ten-minute drive north into Farmville, making Hampden-Sydney an attractive retreat for anyone who values a tranquil, small-town atmosphere.