Martinsville is a compact, affordable, walkable city with surprising cultural and outdoor options—home to Martinsville Speedway, the Virginia Museum of Natural History, riverside and rail-trail recreation, local breweries, galleries and seasonal events—so a multi‑week assignment can feel like living in an active small-city hub rather than being stuck in a nowhere town.
For bigger-city weekend options and extra amenities, nearby Danville and Winston‑Salem are easy day- or weekend-trip destinations for more dining, shopping and larger hospital/entertainment options.