Community Profile
Amongst the mountains of Southwest Virginia along U.S. 460, sets our peaceful town of Richlands. Though a small, quiet town, we have access to excellent roadways, which bring larger metropolitan markets within easy reach. Interstate 77 and Interstate 81 are both an hours drive. From the intersection of these two interstates, Interstate 64, at Charleston, WV, is 2 ½ hours north; and Interstate 75, at Knoxville, TN, is 2 ¾ hours west. Frankfort, KY, lies just west of the Interstate 75/Interstate 64 intersection.
The Town of Richlands owns and operates a municipal electric distribution system. We are members of American Municipal Power (AMP), a nonprofit corporation organized to provide generation, transmission, distribution, and related energy services to its members who are located in six states. Through this association, we are able to purchase energy wholesale, and provide our customers with reliable, economically priced electric service.
We also own and operate the Richlands Regional Water Treatment Facility, a 2.5 million gallon per day (MGD) facility; and the Richlands Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility, a 4.0 MGD facility.
Education is an important asset to our community. Richlands Elementary, Middle, and High Schools (all fully accredited), a division of Tazewell County Public Schools, provides a quality educational environment for our children. One may choose to advance their education or obtain additional training within our community at Old Dominion University; or at Southwest Virginia Community College, University of Appalachia College, or SVCC – Small Business Development Center located in our community.
For relaxation or recreational activities, everyone enjoys our Williams Park Complex. The Critterville Playground also provides areas for children to play, have a picnic, rent a shelter, hold a celebration, or just relax and enjoy the sounds and beauty of nature. The Clinch River Pedestrian Walkway and Bike Trail provides an excellent path for walking, jogging, or biking. The Recreation Facility houses indoor/outdoor tennis courts and basketball courts as well as a new outdoor swimming facility.
Many businesses from iron and steel, millworks, and concrete, to apparel and printing – have found success in our community. We invite you to join us. Our peaceful, beautiful setting, combined with efficient utilities, quality education, interstate access, and business incentives make Richlands an ideal location. Come visit our town and let us show you all that we have to offer.