I think such questions are a bit like asking if God is an old man with a long beard somewhere in the Sky.
I think it’s a description of states, not places. It’s the state your soul is in when it’s in separation from God (Hell); or in concordance and unity (Heaven). - But who am I to say, it’s up to you to decide. - I do think, however, that I’m more in line with the Roman Catholic Church when I say : states and not places. - I don’t think the Church interprets as literal as you do either.
People condemn themselves to Hell when they decide to flee from God. - Do I think it’s a literal place of hellfire and forks and demons? Of course not. - I actually think it’s worse. - It’s nothing physical. It’s not pain.** It’s desolation, loneliness, absurd, meaninglessness, emptiness**, nihilism. It’s life without God.
However we look at it, I reckon the most important is we focus this life now, and on goodness and faith in Christ, and love.
Godspeed you!