Vicco is a small coal mining town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky, specifically in Perry County. With a population hovering around 300 residents, this tiny community has experienced the dramatic boom and bust cycle common to many coal towns in the region. Once thriving during coal’s heyday, Vicco has faced significant economic challenges as the industry declined. Despite these hardships, the town gained national attention in 2013 when it became one of the smallest municipalities in America to pass an LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination ordinance, showcasing an unexpected progressive streak in rural Kentucky.
The town’s remote location means residents experience true small-town living, with all its charms and limitations. Housing is affordable compared to national averages, but amenities are limited. For those seeking peace, tight-knit community connections, and a slower pace of life, Vicco offers these in abundance. However, those accustomed to urban conveniences will find the adjustment challenging.
Is Vicco safe?
Safety in Vicco presents a complex picture. The small population means violent crime rates remain relatively low compared to larger cities. Most residents know each other, creating a natural neighborhood watch system that discourages certain types of criminal activity.
Drug-related issues, particularly involving opioids, have affected Vicco like many other communities in Eastern Kentucky. The opioid epidemic has touched virtually every family in the region in some way, though local efforts to combat addiction have made some headway.
Property crime occasionally occurs, with theft being the most common complaint. The downtown area tends to be the safest part of town, while some outlying areas have experienced higher rates of property-related incidents.
The Kentucky State Police provide law enforcement coverage, though response times can be longer than in more densely populated areas due to the region’s geography and limited resources. Many residents cite the community’s close-knit nature as providing an additional layer of security not reflected in official statistics.
Is Vicco a nice place to live for families?
Schools
Families in Vicco face limited educational options within the immediate area. Children typically attend schools in the Perry County School District. The nearest elementary school is Viper Elementary, which serves students from several small communities including Vicco.
Older students attend Buckhorn School or Perry County Central High School, both requiring a commute. These schools face challenges common to rural districts, including limited funding and resources. However, they maintain smaller class sizes than urban schools, allowing for more personalized attention.
There are very few private school options in the immediate area. Families seeking private education typically look to Hazard or even Lexington, which would involve significant commuting time.
Family Activities
Family activities in Vicco itself are limited. The Rose and Evan Playground provides a basic recreational space for children, though it’s modest compared to facilities in larger towns.
Most families travel to Hazard (about 15 minutes away) for additional recreation options. The Perry County Park offers more extensive facilities including sports fields and picnic areas.
Community events, like the occasional festival or high school sports games, serve as important social gatherings for local families. The tight-knit community means children often grow up knowing most residents, creating a sense of extended family that many parents appreciate.
Is Vicco expensive?
Housing in Vicco is remarkably affordable compared to state and national averages. The median home value hovers around $60,000, making homeownership accessible even to those with modest incomes.
Rental properties are limited in number but similarly affordable, with typical monthly rents for a small house running between $400-600. Apartments are scarce, reflecting the rural nature of the area.
The central area of Vicco tends to command slightly higher prices due to convenience, while properties farther from the town center generally cost less. Even the “expensive” parts of Vicco would be considered extremely affordable by most American standards.
Nearby Hazard offers more housing options at somewhat higher prices, while communities like Jeff, Sassafras, and Viper provide similar affordability to Vicco. The trade-off for these low housing costs is limited economic opportunity and fewer amenities.
The cost of living is generally low, though residents sometimes pay more for certain goods due to transportation costs to this remote area. Utilities are reasonably priced, but internet service can be both expensive and unreliable compared to urban areas.
What transport links are there?
Transportation in Vicco is overwhelmingly car-dependent. There is no public transit system within the town itself. The Rural Transit Enterprises Coordinated (RTEC) provides limited scheduled service to Hazard and other nearby communities, primarily designed for medical appointments and essential errands.
Kentucky Route 15 passes near Vicco, connecting residents to Hazard and eventually to Interstate 75, though the latter is about an hour’s drive away. Roads in the area can be winding and challenging, particularly in winter weather.
Most residents commute to Hazard or other nearby communities for work, with average drive times of 15-30 minutes. Those working in more distant locations like Pikeville might face commutes of an hour or more each way.
The nearest commercial airport is Pikeville Regional Airport, about 50 miles away, though it offers limited service. For most air travel, residents drive approximately 2-3 hours to Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport or even farther to airports in Louisville or Cincinnati.
What amenities are available in Vicco?
Amenities in Vicco are extremely limited, reflecting its small size. Ramey’s Qwik Stop serves as the main convenience store, offering basic groceries and essentials. For substantial grocery shopping, residents typically travel to Hazard’s Walmart, Food City, or Save-A-Lot.
Dining options are sparse. Fallen Kings Mc provides basic restaurant fare, but residents looking for more variety travel to Hazard for options like Applebee’s, McDonald’s, and local establishments like Jabo’s Coal River Grill.
The town has a post office, which serves as an important community hub. Medical services are minimal; residents travel to Hazard’s Primary Care Centers or the Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center for healthcare needs.
Banking services are limited, with residents often using facilities in Hazard or online banking options. The lack of retail shopping means most residents make regular trips to Hazard or even longer journeys to Pikeville or Lexington for major purchases.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
The natural surroundings represent one of Vicco’s greatest assets. The town is nestled among the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, with stunning scenery in all directions. The changing seasons bring particularly striking views, especially during fall foliage season.
Nearby Carr Creek Lake offers fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities about 30 minutes away. The Daniel Boone National Forest, though not immediately adjacent to Vicco, is accessible within an hour’s drive and provides extensive hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Local creeks offer fishing spots, and the surrounding hills provide informal trails for hiking and ATV riding. Hunting is popular in season, with deer, turkey, and small game available in the surrounding forests.
The area’s natural beauty provides a constant backdrop to daily life, with misty mountain mornings and star-filled nights that city dwellers rarely experience.
So, what’s the verdict?
Vicco offers an authentic slice of Appalachian life with extraordinarily affordable housing, beautiful natural surroundings, and a tight-knit community. However, limited job opportunities, few amenities, and isolation from urban conveniences make it best suited for those specifically seeking rural living or maintaining strong ties to the area.
What are the alternatives?
Hazard, just 15 minutes away, offers substantially more amenities while maintaining a small-town feel, making it a popular alternative for those who want some conveniences without completely leaving the area.
Pikeville, about an hour away, provides a more developed small city with better healthcare, education, and shopping options, though housing costs are higher.
For those willing to leave the mountains entirely, Lexington offers a mid-sized city experience with significantly more opportunities, though at the cost of higher housing prices and losing the distinctive Appalachian culture that defines Vicco.
