If you’re considering a move to Virginia, you might immediately think of bustling cities like Virginia Beach or Chesapeake. However, Virginia has so much more to offer, especially in its charming small towns. From quaint downtowns to community festivals, these small towns provide a unique experience of life in quieter corners of the state. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore 10 delightful small towns in Virginia, each with its own character and reasons to call it home.
1. Bedford, VA
Median Sale Price: $282,000
Homes for sale in Bedford | Apartments for rent in Bedford
Bedford, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is home to the National D-Day Memorial honoring soldiers of the D-Day invasion. The town’s downtown boasts charming shops and eateries like Liberty Station, known for farm-to-table cuisine. Outdoor enthusiasts frequent the Peaks of Otter for hiking trails with stunning mountain views. Bedford Centerfest, a fall festival, showcases local artisans, live music, and delicious food.
2. Marion, VA
Median Sale Price: $234,000
Homes for sale in Marion | Apartments for rent in Marion
Marion, in southwestern Virginia, is home to The Lincoln Theatre hosting live performances, including the acclaimed Song of the Mountains showcasing bluegrass and Americana music. The town celebrates its roots with the annual Hungry Mother Festival at nearby Hungry Mother State Park, offering arts, crafts, music, and outdoor activities.
3. Appomattox, VA
Median Sale Price: $329,000
Homes for sale in Appomattox | Apartments for rent in Appomattox
Appomattox is famous for being the site of the surrender that ended the Civil War. Visitors can explore the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park with live reenactments and preserved 19th-century buildings. The town also hosts the annual Appomattox Oyster & Seafood Festival featuring fresh seafood, music, and craft vendors.
4. Buena Vista, VA
Median Sale Price: $175,000
Homes for sale in Buena Vista | Apartments for rent in Buena Vista
Buena Vista, in the Shenandoah Valley, is a gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway offering scenic drives, hiking trails, and breathtaking mountain views. The town hosts the Maury River Fiddlers’ Convention, a bluegrass music festival. Residents come together for the Labor Day Festival featuring a parade, entertainment, and a fair.
5. Louisa, VA
Median Sale Price: $350,000
Homes for sale in Louisa | Apartments for rent in Louisa
Louisa’s history is showcased at the Sargent Museum, delving into its past including the Civil War era. Lake Anna offers recreational activities like boating and fishing. The town’s annual Louisa County Agricultural Fair celebrates its farming heritage with livestock shows, rides, and local crafts.
6. Altavista, VA
Median Sale Price: $170,000
Homes for sale in Altavista | Apartments for rent in Altavista
Altavista, in central Virginia, features the Avoca Museum offering a glimpse into 19th-century life. The town’s historic downtown houses shops and eateries, while English Park provides a scenic riverside spot for picnicking and fishing.
7. Ashland, VA
Median Sale Price: $490,000
Homes for sale in Ashland | Apartments for rent in Ashland
Ashland, known as “The Center of the Universe,” boasts a dynamic arts scene and Randolph-Macon College. The town’s Railroad Avenue sees trains passing through, and Ashland Train Day celebrates the town’s railway heritage annually.
8. Norton, VA
Median Sale Price: $180,000
Homes for sale in Norton | Apartments for rent in Norton
Norton, in the Appalachian Mountains, offers outdoor activities in the Jefferson National Forest and High Knob with stunning views. The Best Friend Festival celebrates the town’s coal mining history with parades, music, and fireworks.
9. Buchanan, VA
Median Sale Price: $168,000
Homes for sale in Buchanan | Apartments for rent in Buchanan
Buchanan is famous for its iconic Swinging Bridge offering panoramic views of the James River. The town’s downtown features well-preserved 19th-century buildings housing antique shops and cafes.
10. Windsor, VA
Median Sale Price: $353,000
Homes for sale in Windsor | Apartments for rent in Windsor
Windsor, in southeastern Virginia, celebrates its agricultural heritage with the Windsor Harvest Festival showcasing local crafts and Southern cooking. The town’s proximity to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge offers hiking and biking trails through unique wetlands.
Methodology: The median home sale price is from the Redfin Data Center.