Just as the Great Road carried 18th century pioneers into the American frontier, Interstate 81 serves as a major Appalachian corridor today. But in that timespan, the southwest Virginia community of Abingdon has made a name for itself as more than just a stopping point for travelers. Cradled by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town of 8,000 is well-regarded for its thriving arts district, which includes the Barter Theatre, the Arts Depot and the William King Museum of Art. There’s no shortage of outdoor recreational opportunities in the picturesque community either, with the western terminus of the 34-mile Creeper Trail right by downtown, and an abundance of parks and playgrounds sprinkled across town, which has something of an affinity for Martha Washington. The community was possibly named after the ancestral home of the first First Lady’s family, Abingdon-on-Thames, and served as the location of the all-girls Martha Washington College. Although the institution has since shut its doors, the building has become the Martha Washington Inn & Spa, which treats guests and locals alike.
Abingdon is home to many well-preserved historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Steven Reeves, a resident artist at the Arts Depot is part of Abingdon's artistic community.
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Historic and modern homes in Abingdon, with low inventory
Abingdon’s median home price of $285,000 is about $125,000 below the national median. “The housing market is strong. The number of buyers exceeds the number of homes, but it doesn’t have the shortage that Bristol has,” says Misty Clarke, Realtor with KW Bristol. Homes stay on the market for an average of 52 days.
Close to downtown, buyers will find American Craftsman bungalows, Colonial Revivals and the occasional Victorian from the early 1900s. For the most part, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes are Abingdon’s most popular design, though New Traditional builds are popping up on the city’s outskirts. Prices tend to fall between $100,000 and $400,000, though spacious homes can reach around $800,000.
A quaint cottage sits on a quite road off of Abingdon's Main Street.
Throughout Abingdon, mid-centry Ranch homes line the hilly streets.
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Shopping and eating on Main Street and at the Abingdon Farmers Market
Anchored by Main Street, Abingdon’s downtown is rife with local restaurants and shops. While a few eateries serve Italian and Mexican fare, American cuisine and Southern comfort food is Bristol’s specialty. Courthouse Hill on the east side is something of a small shopping district, with art galleries, decor shops and The Tavern, a former inn constructed in 1779 and arguably one of the city’s most famous restaurants, known for its high-end American and German cuisine. For farm-fresh produce and meats and locally made crafts, locals visit the Abingdon Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Constructed in 1832, downtown’s Martha Washington Inn and Spa attracts tourists looking for a historical overnight stay and locals looking for a day of pampering at the full-service spa.
Enjoy a stake at The Tavern, located in the oldest building in Abingdon, built in 1779.
Grab a coffee and a classic Southern meal at Abingdon's The Girl and the Raven.
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A beacon of culture in the Appalachian Mountains
The Barter Theatre owes its creation to, surprisingly enough, the Great Depression, when both thespians and farmers were struggling to make ends meet. In 1933, an ingenious actor opened the repertory theater under the condition that if the predominantly agricultural audience could not afford the 35-cent admission, they could barter for tickets with crops and farm goods, hence the establishment’s name. Proclaimed the “State Theatre of Virginia” in 1946, the venue continues to put on musicals and plays, and on special “Barter Days,” patrons can still “barter” for tickets with a donation of canned goods to Feeding Southwest Virginia. For additional entertainment, locals catch the latest blockbuster at the Abingdon Cinemall or admire paintings, sculptures and crafts at the admission-free William King Museum of Art. “The museum preserves the culture of our area and provides tours for children and painting, sculpting and digital art classes,” Clarke says. Locals can also support local artists through shopping at the Arts Depot, a cultural center with three galleries and seven resident artists often found working in their studios.
The Virginia Highlands Festival has celebrated the culture of Appalachia for more than 75 years through musical performances, traditional Appalachian suppers, tours of historic buildings and additional programming. Festivities take place generally around the last week of July. Abingdon also serves as the location of the Washington County Fair, where visitors can expect to see rodeos, livestock shows, concerts and a lot of vendors.
Barter Theater, opened in 1933 in Abingdon, is considered the state theater of Virginia
Enjoy the art exhibits at Abingdon's William King Museum of Art.
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Traveling around Appalachia
Interstate 81 passes through the neighborhood, running parallel to the Appalachian Mountains. Roanoke is 135 miles northeast, while Bristol is a 16-mile drive to the southwest. Kingsport and Johnson City, two communities within Tennessee’s Tri-Cities region, are both about 40 miles away.
The Mountain Lynx bus carries passengers around the city on fixed and flexible routes between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The general aviation Virginia Highlands Airport is less than a few miles down I-81. For commercial flights to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Atlanta Georgia; and three other destinations, Tri-Cities Regional Airport sits 33 miles southwest of Abingdon.
Johnston Memorial Hospital on the eastern edge of town is within a 6-mile drive of most homes. The hospital is a major employer of residents, alongside the Food City regional supermarket chain, which is headquartered in Abingdon. Other locals commute to Bristol, which is a hotbed of manufacturers such as Bristol Compressors.
World-class health care is located near Abingdon at Johnson Memorial Hospital.
Abingdon residents have quick access to TRI-Cities Airport across the border in Tennessee.
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Exploring local parks or traveling the Creeper and Appalachian Trails
Seventeen parks, playgrounds, recreation centers and sports centers are spread across the city. The Abingdon Little and Senior League Baseball teams play at Latture Field, while skateboarders perform tricks at Rotary Skate Park. Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center offers an indoor pool, gym and a host of group fitness and aquatic fitness classes. Glenrochie Country Club just south of Interstate 81 invites members to play 18 holes of golf, go for a swim or play a match of tennis.
The Virginia Creeper Trail’s western terminus sits just a few steps from downtown Abingdon. This 34-mile trail runs over streams and former railroad trestles through the hills and farms of southwest Virginia. The 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail is accessible from the town of Damascus 14 miles to the southeast. Beech Mountain and other ski resorts lie about 60 miles south close to Boone, North Carolina.
Abingdon is the last stop along the historic Virginia Creeper Trail.
Families enjoy the playgrounds at Abingdon's Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center.
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Washington County Public Schools and a community college
The Washington County Public Schools district earns a B-plus from Niche and includes 15 schools. At Abingdon High, students can dually enroll in courses at Virginia Highlands Community College on the southwest side of the city. In November 2024, Endless Opportunity (EO) unveiled the Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub, which provides early childhood care and workforce training for teachers.
Abingdon High School in Abingdon, VA earned a B grade from Niche.
Higher education is located at the nearby Abingdon at Virginia Highlands Community College.
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Crime and climate in Abingdon
According to FBI crime statistics, violent crimes decreased by 2% between 2023 and 2022, while property crimes increased by 15% over the same period. Overall, violent crime and property crime rates remain below national and state averages; however, Abingdon’s small population means that small, numerical fluctuations in crime from month-to-month can drastically affect rates.
Abingdon experiences four seasons, including humid summers and cool winters with a moderate amount of snow. The community receives an average of 47 inches of rain a year, which makes it one of the rainiest cities in Virginia.
Written By
Alexander Breuhan
Photography Contributed By
Clayton Hurst
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
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On average, homes in Abingdon, VA sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Abingdon, VA over the last 12 months is $342,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nice level lot and move-in-ready brick ranch conveniently located just minutes from the VA Creeper Trail and the Town of Abingdon, shopping, dining, medical facilities, and Interstate 81! This well-maintained, recently updated home offers easy living with a spacious layout, attached garage, and a beautiful level yard perfect for outdoor enjoyment. The inviting exterior features updated
Luxury lake living meets breathtaking mountain views in this stunning South Holston Lake retreat. Thoughtfully designed for both comfort and elegance, this home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths on the main level, creating the ease of one-level living with exceptional features throughout. The spacious primary suite is a true private escape, complete with a spa-like en-suite bathroom featuring a
Imagine owning this tastefully updated cottage nestled between the South Fork Holston River and the Virginia Creeper Trail at Trestle #13, just upstream from historic Alvarado Station and Park. Located approximately midway between historic downtown Abingdon and Damascus--''The Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail''--this remarkable property offers an exceptional combination of tranquility,
Extraordinary long-range mountain views, approximately 290 feet of South Fork Holston River frontage, and direct access to the Virginia Creeper Trail combine to create one of Southwest Virginia's most remarkable farming, recreational, and development opportunities. This exceptional approximately 20-acre parcel features rolling meadows, panoramic views stretching toward Whitetop Mountain and Mount
Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, updated & well-kept doublewide on permanent foundation at South Holston Lake. Sizeable lot, large wrap around covered porch and deck that has been freshly painted. Quiet community. Call today before it's gone tomorrow!
This adorable one level brick house is your perfect new home. This remodeled residence sits on a Cul de sac on a quiet street directly across from the Virginia Creeper Trail head. Talk about an amazing location... It is within steps of historic downtown Abingdon Farmer's market, Amazing Restaurants and Barter Theatre just to name a few. As you enter the home, you will see an open floorplan with
Great location in the Town of Abingdon and near the Creeper Trail Head and all of downtown! The lot is private and wooded, would make a great house site! Owner Agent
One Level with a BONUS ROOM! This home sits in the quaint subdivision of Deer Run! From the time you pull up into the double width paved driveway to the side-entry 24x22 attached garage and the sidewalk leading to the covered front porch with accents of stone, this home makes you feel welcome! Enter the front door into the open floor plan with bedrooms on each side of the home. The formal dining
Two lots, #s 9 & 10, combined for a total of 2+ acres in Buffalo Hills Subdivision. Located on the outskirts of town, yet close enough to all the amenities that Washington Co, VA & Sullivan Co, TN has to offer. Come build your dream home here. Call today before it's gone tomorrow!
Renovated, move-in ready, and in a fantastic Abingdon location, this home is one you won't want to miss! Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on Fortunes Way, offering modern comfort, timeless charm, and no city taxes. The home has been thoughtfully renovated with inviting living spaces, fresh finishes, a spacious living room, and a well-appointed kitchen with ample
Single-level living on a flat, usable lot with multiple potential build sites—ideally located between Abingdon, Damascus, and South Holston Lake. Enjoy instant access to outdoor recreation: hiking and biking trails, the Holston River, and lake adventures close by. The home features an open-concept layout with a stunning large rock fireplace anchoring the living room, plus tile and hardwood floors
The Vue in Abingdon is now accepting pre-leasing for its anticipated 2026 opening! Be among the first to call this exceptional new community home. Conveniently located in Abingdon, VA, The Vue offers easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and major commuter routes.Choose from thoughtfully designed 1- and 2-bedroom apartments featuring modern finishes, stylish architecture, quartz
Property Id: 532006 Please give us a call at to schedule a viewing today! This building complex is located off Lee Highway in Bristol, Virginia between exit 10 & 13. Each building has one bedroom and one full bath. Living room and kitchen with a gas stove and refrigerator. Each apartment has a glass sliding door leading to a private balcony. Other amenities include: Gas heat, electric
Enjoy the convenience of single-level living in this well-maintained 4-bedroom brick ranch, ideally located on Lee Highway between Walmart and the hospital. A small pet will be considered with a pet deposit. This home features one full bath, one half bath, an attached carport, a level yard, and additional finished bonus space in the basement that's perfect for a home office, recreation room, or
Important: The Management company that handles this property has its own application process. Please Call or text the number provided in the pictures (on the business card on each picture) to apply. Leave a VM if we can't get to you. Those that call get considered to view and apply. Canned Responses through this platform could be considered spam. ONE LEVEL, HUGE LIVING ROOM! Close to
Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac in the distinguished Glenrochie neighborhood, this bright and inviting home is waiting for you to make it your home. From the moment you enter, the bright & cheerful atmosphere is captivating. The ceramic tile flooring & gas log fireplace with built-in shelving simply add to overall tone of the room. The kitchen exudes French cottage charm with custom
Newly renovated furnished studio unit is conveniently located in downtown Abingdon VA near "The Girl and The Raven Coffee" and "Sweetbay Brewing formerly Wolf Hills" along with multiple restaurants and grocery within walking distance. Comes outfitted with FULL bath (tub, shower, commode, sink), comes furnished with window AC, fridge, microwave, smart oven, Keurig, bed (frame, mattress, cool touch
No pets & a 700 credit score are required for application of this lovely condo with spacious living area. The open kitchen & dining room layout, with views of & access to the back yard will be appreciated for hosting outdoor barbecues. The galley style kitchen is efficient, with plenty of cabinets & counter space. And space has also been efficiently used with the downstairs laundry & a half bath,
Enjoy peaceful country living in this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom manufactured home located in a quiet neighborhood.? Features:• 3 bedrooms• 2 bathrooms• Large front deck• Small fenced-in area in the back• Storage building• Quiet, peaceful neighborhood
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