Danville, VA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Danville, VA: What You Need to Know

Danville is a city in southern Virginia, bordering North Carolina. In 1963, it gained notoriety for Bloody Monday, one of the most violent civil rights protests in Virginia.

Local History

The city got its name from Dan River, which in turn got its name from the biblical Dan, a boundary of the land of Canaan. The river crossing was called Wynne’s Falls after William Wynne, who owned a ferry service. In 1793, a tobacco inspection station was established at Wynne's Falls, which was renamed Danville. The first lots of the town were sold in 1795. On June 10, 1963, Danville police attacked Black protesters who were holding a prayer vigil. The incident preceded rallies pressing for desegregation and equal employment opportunities. The incident became known as Bloody Monday.

Things to Do in Danville, VA

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History’s collection includes works of 20th century artists and regional histories depicted through art. The museum occupies the Sutherlin Mansion on Millionaires Row. Built in 1859, the house was the temporary residence in 1865 of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Take the kids to the Danville Science Center for hands-on learning and fun. Exhibits include Science on Sphere, a digital globe that teaches the importance of water, and Crescent Crossing, a train-themed display on science, technology, engineering, and math fundamentals. 

Cost of Living in Danville, VA

Danville (population: 40,044) is a charming city and the epitome of Southern hospitality. It also happens to be inexpensive, with a cost of living rate, food, and housing costs that are 4.9%, 28.8%, and 11.1% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent is $682. Virginians pay 2% to 5.75% in income tax and 5.3% to 7% in sales tax. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

Residents are proud of the revitalized River District on the southern bank of the Dan River, which has served as the business district and administrative center since the 1790s. The city also gets kudos for its excellent amenities and friendly people. Almost half (49%) of all city residents rent. Danville’s schools are good, but Mount Hermon and Blairs boast of higher-ranked schools. Both are under 10 miles from Danville.

Weather and Climate

Danville receives only five inches of snow per year versus the U.S. average of 28 inches, but it gets about 45 inches of rain annually compared with the national average of 38 inches. Also, Danville’s location along the Dan River makes it prone to flooding. In August 1996, the river reached 28.65 feet following Hurricane Fran, a record for Danville.