Highland, Virginia facts for kids

Highland is a small place in Pulaski County, Virginia. It's called an unincorporated community. This means it's not a city or town with its own local government, like a mayor or city council. Instead, it's part of the larger county, and the county government helps manage things for Highland.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a group of homes and businesses that aren't officially organized as a city or town. Think of it like a neighborhood that's part of a bigger area, like a county. People live there, go to school, and have local shops, but they don't have their own separate city hall. The county government provides services like roads, police, and fire protection.

Life in Highland

Life in a place like Highland can be quieter than in a big city. These communities often have a close-knit feel, where neighbors know each other. Kids might have more space to play outdoors. There might be local parks, small stores, and perhaps a community center. It's a place where people often enjoy a peaceful lifestyle.

Local Services and Governance

Even without its own city government, Highland still gets important services. The Pulaski County government is in charge of things like maintaining roads, providing public safety with sheriffs and firefighters, and managing schools. Decisions about the community are made at the county level, and residents of Highland vote for county officials. This setup helps keep taxes lower because there isn't an extra layer of local government to pay for.

Nature and Surroundings

Highland is located in Virginia, a state known for its beautiful natural areas. Virginia has mountains, forests, and rivers. In Pulaski County, you might find rolling hills and green landscapes. This means kids in Highland could have many chances to explore nature. They might see different kinds of wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities.

Exploring the Outdoors

Being in a natural setting offers lots of fun activities. Kids can go hiking on trails, explore local parks, or even go fishing in nearby streams or lakes. The fresh air and open spaces are great for sports and adventures. Learning about the local plants and animals can also be an exciting part of growing up in a community like Highland.

History of Small Communities

Many unincorporated communities like Highland grew over time. Often, they started as small settlements around a general store, a church, or a mill. People would gather there for trade and social events. As more families moved in, the settlement would grow into a community. These places are important because they show how different parts of a county developed.

Early Settlers and Growth

The history of communities in Virginia often involves early settlers who moved into new areas. They built farms and homes, and slowly, small groups of buildings turned into neighborhoods. Over the years, these communities adapted as transportation changed and new technologies arrived. Highland, like many others, has its own story of how it became the place it is today.