Oak Hills, Virginia facts for kids

Oak Hills is a small place in Pittsylvania County, located in the state of Virginia in the United States. It's known as an "unincorporated community," which means it's not an official city or town with its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger county area.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a group of homes and businesses that don't have their own separate government like a city or town does. Instead, they are governed directly by the county they are in. For example, people living in Oak Hills follow the rules and receive services from Pittsylvania County.

How are Unincorporated Communities Different?

• Local Government: Cities and towns have their own mayors, city councils, and police departments. Unincorporated communities do not.
• Services: Services like road maintenance, police, and fire protection are usually provided by the county government.
• Taxes: Residents pay taxes to the county, not to a separate local government.

Why Do They Exist?

Many unincorporated communities grew over time without ever formally becoming a town or city. This can happen when an area is mostly rural or when people prefer to be governed by the county.

Geography of Oak Hills

Oak Hills is situated within Pittsylvania County, which is in the southern part of Virginia. The area is characterized by its natural landscape, typical of the Virginia countryside.

Location Details

The exact coordinates for Oak Hills are 36.59069 degrees North latitude and 79.47003 degrees West longitude. These numbers help pinpoint its location on a map.

Pittsylvania County, Virginia

Oak Hills is part of Pittsylvania County, which is the largest county in Virginia by land area. The county has a rich history and a mix of rural and suburban areas.

County History

Pittsylvania County was formed in 1767 from part of Halifax County. It was named after William Pitt, who was a famous British statesman. The county has played a role in Virginia's agricultural history, with farming being a key part of its economy for many years.

Life in the County

Today, Pittsylvania County offers a blend of quiet country living and access to larger towns and cities nearby. It has schools, parks, and local businesses that serve its residents, including those in communities like Oak Hills.