Fairlawn offers a variety of housing near retail and recreation
Located in Virginia’s New River Valley, Fairlawn offers a blend of starter homes and upscale golf course properties with convenient access to shopping and outdoor recreation. “It’s a real small town, but we have a vibrant community and we’re really close to everything we need,” says Brian Juanarena, a Fairlawn resident and a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Townside Realtors. The New River borders much of the community, which is just across the river from Radford. “I like watching birds, and we have eagles, red hawks, herons. Egrets come at the end of every summer on their migratory path, and they stop here. We’ll see 25, 30 egrets for about a month, just hanging out on the sycamore trees across the river,” Juanarena says. Several major employers are nearby, including Radford University, Virginia Tech and the Radford Army Ammunition Plant.
Starter homes in the west and an upscale golf community in the east
Most homes here are ranch-style, Minimal Traditional and split-level houses that sit in suburban-style subdivisions, with quiet cul-de-sacs and mailboxes at the end of each driveway. “It’s a great place for starter homes because of its central location and the affordable home prices,” Juanarena says. “Those lower price points are extremely popular right now.” Homes and townhouses here can cost between $140,000 and $300,000.
The homes become larger and newer on the community’s east side, with subdivisions like Heron’s Landing offering colonial and Craftsman-inspired New Traditional homes around a golf course. “Heron’s Landing is also sought after because it’s a one-of-a-kind neighborhood with everything it has to offer: the views, golf course, beautiful homes, wide streets, sidewalks that are well-lit,” Juanarena says. Prices here can range from $490,000 to $650,000, and townhouses can range from $310,000 to $500,000. Although the New River borders much of the community, only a few homes are at risk of flooding.
Water recreation and golf are popular ways to get outside
The New River is popular for canoeing and fishing, and boaters can access the river at the Peppers Ferry Boat Launch. The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech is a public 18-hole Pete Dye-designed golf course along the river. “It’s extremely challenging, but it’s a really fun course, and it’s absolutely beautiful,” Juanarena says. Scarrette’s Plaza Cinema shows the latest movies and old favorites. Nearby, Claytor Lake State Park is a big draw for the whole area. The lake here is known for boating, fishing and swimming, and the park also has 7 miles of biking and hiking trails.
Riverfront restaurants, fast food and national retailers are nearby
Route 11 and Peppers Ferry Road are home to fast-food restaurants and the popular Rocas Mexican Grill. Grocery stores here include Kroger and Tienda Latina Genesis, and Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement provide other essentials. By the river, The River Company Restaurant and Brewery has a large patio and serves burgers and other American dishes. Preston’s at the River Course also has river views and serves pub fare. More shopping and dining options are in Radford.
Pulaski County schools offer STEM career opportunities
Kids can start school at Riverlawn Elementary, which earns a B-minus from Niche, and then go to the C-plus-rated Pulaski County Middle. Students at the C-plus-rated Pulaski County High can enroll in the Pulaski County Governor’s STEM Academy, where they can earn dual-enrollment credits in the career fields of construction, production, and engineering and technology. By the time they graduate, they can earn enough credit for an associate degree.
Routes to Radford and Blacksburg
U.S. Route 11 and Peppers Ferry Road are the main thoroughfares through the area. Downtown Radford is just across the river, roughly 2 miles away, and Blacksburg is a 13-mile drive. The Radford Transit bus has routes to Radford that leave from Fairlawn’s Walmart. With few sidewalks in the community, most residents rely on cars or the bus to get around. Houses of worship here include Fairlawn United Methodist Church and Fairlawn Church of God. Carillon New River Valley Medical Center is around 7 miles away, and Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport is a 44-mile trip.
Popular festivals are nearby in Radford
With Radford so close, residents can attend some of the city’s popular events. The Radford Highlanders Festival, which takes place on Radford University’s campus each October, can bring up to 10,000 people to the area for Highland Games, sheepherding demonstrations and Celtic music. In August, Radford Community Fest is a block party downtown that has live music, over 100 vendors and food trucks.
Sounds from the Radford Army Ammunition Plant
The Radford Army Ammunition Plant is around 4 miles from Fairlawn. “Every once in a while, you’ll hear a minor bang, but it’s nothing that’s going to affect us in any way other than giving a bunch of jobs to the people that live in our community,” Juanarena says. The plant creates rocket and gun propellants, and residents can follow the plant’s Facebook page to be notified of when testing might create loud noises.
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Written By
Annie Franklin
