When I was preparing to move to Grundy for law school, I searched online to find out what life here was actually like. However, most of what I found was either outdated or written from perspectives that didn’t really help me understand what day-to-day life would feel like.

So, if you’re considering the Appalachian School of Law, here’s my honest experience as someone who moved here from Charleston, South Carolina.

The first thing you’ll notice is how quiet and peaceful it is. It’s the kind of quiet where you can hear the river, watch the fog settle over the mountains in the morning, and realize you haven’t been stuck in traffic or surrounded by constant noise in weeks.

Coming from Charleston, the contrast couldn’t be greater. I’ve lived in places with busy streets, crowded restaurants, nightlife, and endless entertainment. I’ve already experienced that chapter of my life. At this point, I value peace far more than stimulation, and Grundy has given me exactly that.

One thing that surprised me was how welcoming the community has been. Before moving, I wasn’t sure what to expect living in a small Appalachian town as someone from outside the region. Fortunately, every interaction I’ve had with local residents has been positive. People have been kind, respectful, and genuinely welcoming.

Another major advantage is affordability. Compared to most of the country, the cost of living is remarkably low. Housing, utilities, and everyday expenses make it possible to live comfortably without the financial pressure that often comes with law school. For students who work remotely, freelance, or are building a business while earning their degree, Grundy provides something that’s becoming increasingly difficult to find: inexpensive living with very few distractions. And that’s really what Grundy offers.

If your goal is to earn a J.D. while minimizing distractions, it’s hard to imagine a better environment. There aren’t endless social obligations pulling you away from your studies. Instead, you have space—both physically and mentally—to focus on becoming the lawyer you came here to be.

That doesn’t mean Grundy is for everyone.

If you thrive on nightlife, constant entertainment, or the energy of a large city, the adjustment may be difficult. But if you’re in a season of life where you’re intentionally building your future, the slower pace becomes one of the town’s greatest strengths rather than a limitation.

I’ve come to appreciate Grundy not because it has everything, but because it removes so much of the noise. In a world that constantly demands your attention, there is something incredibly valuable about a place that gives you permission to focus.