Hillcrest, Virginia facts for kids

Hillcrest is a small place in Cumberland County, Virginia. It's known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and businesses that don't have their own local government, like a town or city does. Instead, it's part of the larger county and gets its services from the county government.

What is Hillcrest?

Hillcrest is a community where people live, work, and go to school. It's not a city with a mayor and city council. Instead, it's a collection of neighborhoods and areas that are part of Cumberland County. The people living in Hillcrest follow the rules and get services from Cumberland County. This is common in many parts of the United States.

Where is Hillcrest?

Hillcrest is located in the central part of Virginia. It's found within Cumberland County, which is a rural area. Cumberland County is known for its natural beauty and open spaces. It's west of the state capital, Richmond. Being an unincorporated community means Hillcrest doesn't have official borders on a map like a town would. Its location is generally understood by the people who live there and in the surrounding areas.

Life in an Unincorporated Community

Life in an unincorporated community like Hillcrest can be different from living in a big city. There might be more open land and fewer tall buildings. People often rely on county services for things like schools, roads, and emergency help. Neighbors might know each other well, creating a strong community feeling. It's a quieter way of life for many residents.

What Does "Unincorporated" Mean?

The word "unincorporated" means that a place is not officially organized as its own town or city. It doesn't have its own separate government. Instead, it's directly governed by the larger county it's in. For example, Hillcrest doesn't have its own police department or fire department. These services are provided by Cumberland County for all its residents, including those in Hillcrest.

How are Decisions Made?

In an unincorporated community like Hillcrest, important decisions are made by the county government. This usually means a Board of Supervisors or a similar group. These elected officials represent all the people in the county, including those in Hillcrest. They decide on things like taxes, new roads, and school policies. Residents of Hillcrest can vote for these county officials and share their opinions.