If you’re thinking about moving to Virginia, bustling cities like Virginia Beach or Chesapeake might come to mind. However, this state has much more to offer. From quaint downtowns to festivals that bring the community together, Virginia’s small towns are perfect for anyone looking to experience what life is like in its quieter corners. In this Redfin article, we’ll discuss 10 charming small towns in Virginia, each with their own unique character and plenty of reasons to call home.
1. Bedford, VA
Median Sale Price: $282,000
Homes for sale in Bedford | Apartments for rent in Bedford
Bedford is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is famously home to the National D-Day Memorial, a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the D-Day invasion. Bedford’s downtown area is filled with charming shops and eateries, including Liberty Station, a popular spot for locals to enjoy farm-to-table cuisine. Outdoor lovers flock to the Peaks of Otter. This is a nearby natural area offering hiking trails with views of the mountains and surrounding countryside. Each fall, the town hosts the Bedford Centerfest, one of the largest street festivals in Virginia. The festival features local artisans, live music, and delicious food.
2. Marion, VA
Median Sale Price: $234,000
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Marion is a small town in southwestern Virginia. The town is home to The Lincoln Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s venue that hosts live performances. These performances includes the nationally acclaimed Song of the Mountains, a PBS television series showcasing bluegrass and Americana music. Marion also celebrates its roots with the annual Hungry Mother Festival. It’s held in nearby Hungry Mother State Park, where locals and visitors enjoy arts and crafts, live music, and outdoor activities. On weekends, residents often gather at the Marion Farmers Market to shop for fresh produce and handmade goods.
3. Appomattox, VA
Median Sale Price: $329,000
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Appomattox is probably best known as the site of surrender that ended the Civil War. Visitors can explore the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, to see live reenactments and preserved buildings from the 19th century. Beyond its historical significance, Appomattox has a welcoming community with plenty of small-town charm. Additionally, the town hosts the annual Appomattox Oyster & Seafood Festival, a popular event where locals enjoy fresh seafood, live music, and craft vendors.
4. Buena Vista, VA
Median Sale Price: $175,000
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Buena Vista is a picturesque town located in the Shenandoah Valley. The town is a gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where people go on scenic drives, hiking trails, and experience breathtaking views of the mountains. Buena Vista is also home to Glen Maury Park, a sprawling park along the Maury River that hosts events like the popular Maury River Fiddlers’ Convention. This convention is a bluegrass and old-time music festival that draws musicians from all over the region. The town’s close-knit community comes together each year for the Labor Day Festival, a tradition that includes a parade, live 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 preserved in places like the Sargent Museum, where visitors can learn about Louisa’s past, including its role in the Civil War. Louisa is also home to Lake Anna, one of Virginia’s largest freshwater lakes, where you spend weekends boating, fishing, or relaxing on the shore. Each year, the town hosts the Louisa County Agricultural Fair. This is a celebration of the town’s farming heritage with livestock shows, carnival rides, and local crafts. The downtown area is filled with quaint shops and cafes, including Floozies Pie Shop, a favorite spot for homemade pies and baked goods.
6. Altavista, VA
Median Sale Price: $170,000
Homes for sale in Altavista | Apartments for rent in Altavista
Altavista is a small town in central Virginia. One standout attraction in the town is the Avoca Museum. A beautifully preserved Victorian house that provides a glimpse into 19th-century life and hosts popular events like the annual Harvest Jubilee. Altavista’s historic downtown is filled with shops and eateries, where locals enjoy gathering for a leisurely afternoon. On weekends, residents often head to English Park. The scenic riverside spot is perfect for picnicking, fishing, and taking in the natural beauty of the Staunton River.
7. Ashland, VA
Median Sale Price: $490,000
Homes for sale in Ashland | Apartments for rent in Ashland
Known as “The Center of the Universe” by its residents, Ashland is a lively town with a unique charm and a dynamic arts scene. Located just outside Richmond, Ashland is home to Randolph-Macon College, a historic liberal arts college that plays a central role in the town’s cultural life. Visitors can stroll down Railroad Avenue, where the trains pass right through the heart of town. The town is also famous for the Ashland Train Day, an annual event celebrating the town’s railway heritage with model trains, live music, and exciting activities.
8. Norton, VA
Median Sale Price: $180,000
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Located in the Appalachian Mountains, Norton is Virginia’s smallest independent city. The town is close to the Jefferson National Forest, where hiking, camping, and wildlife watching are favorite pastimes. High Knob, a popular mountain peak, offers breathtaking views and is a prime spot for stargazing on clear nights. Also, Norton proudly highlights its coal mining history. This history is celebrated each summer during the Best Friend Festival, a week-long event featuring parades, live music, and fireworks.
9. Buchanan, VA
Median Sale Price: $168,000
Homes for sale in Buchanan | Apartments for rent in Buchanan
Buchanan is well-known for its iconic Buchanan Swinging Bridge. This historic pedestrian bridge offers panoramic views of the James River. Buchanan’s downtown area has well-preserved 19th-century buildings, home to antique shops, cafes, and the Buchanan Theatre, where locals enjoy classic films and live performances. Each April, the town hosts the Buchanan Civil War History Weekend. This event brings history to life with reenactments, tours, and educational programs.
10. Windsor, VA
Median Sale Price: $353,000
Homes for sale in Windsor | Apartments for rent in Windsor
Windsor is a peaceful small town in southeastern Virginia. The town is surrounded by farmland, and its history is closely tied to the region’s agricultural heritage. Each year, Windsor celebrates this heritage with the Windsor Harvest Festival. This is a popular event featuring a parade, local crafts, and plenty of Southern cooking. Additionally, Windsor is known for its proximity to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This is where residents and visitors can explore miles of hiking and biking trails through unique wetlands.
Methodology: The median home sale price is from the Redfin Data Center.
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