Arrington offers a rural setting between Charlottesville and Lynchburg
Home to fewer than 800 people, Arrington is a rural community along Nelson County’s southern edge. The Blue Ridge Mountains frame its winding roads and country homes, which sit quietly beside U.S. Route 29 — a major highway connecting Arrington to nearby cities. “People who live in Arrington have the benefit of maybe one may work in Charlottesville , and one may work in Lynchburg ,” says Marlo Allen, a Realtor and associate broker with Nest Realty who specializes in selling homes across the county. Residents are about 42 miles from Charlottesville and 30 miles from Lynchburg, meaning they can enjoy city access without paying city prices. “There are a lot of people who sometimes get their sights set on Charlottesville that realize if they go on the outskirts, they can just get so much more for their money,” Allen says.
Country living includes ranch-style homes and private retreats
Two-lane roads wind through Arrington, where most houses sit on spacious, tree-lined lots. Ranch-style homes are common, and country retreats feature a mix of architectural styles. A few newer constructions are scattered throughout the community. The median lot size is about an acre, and properties with generous acreage may include outdoor features like equestrian amenities, private trails and detached workspaces. Prices typically range from $170,000 to $450,000, and Arrington's average home value is less than half of Charlottesville metro area's.
Arrington’s overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4, and it's one of several rural communities to benefit from Nelson County’s partnership with Firefly Fiber Broadband. “Our county was kind of one of the pioneers of trying to get high-speed fiber optic internet to all its residents… it opens a lot of doors for people because if you have good internet, then you can work from home,” she says.
Students live in the Nelson County Public Schools district
The Nelson County Public Schools district earns an overall rating of B-minus from Niche and has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. Tye River Elementary School gets a C, Nelson Middle School earns a C-plus and Nelson County High School receives a B. High schoolers can join various extracurriculars, including a Future Farmers of America chapter focused on agricultural education. FFA members compete throughout the year, and the chapter hosts events like the annual Bluegrass Benefit to help fund trips to the state convention.
Outdoor recreation centers on Lake Nelson and nearby rivers
Arrington is home to Lake Nelson, a 40-acre reservoir with a public boat ramp. Locals can fish and boat on the lake, though only electric motors are permitted. The nearby James and Tye Rivers offer more options for outdoor recreation. James River State Park is a popular destination for paddling and fishing, and the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail invites hikers, cyclists and horseback riders to explore a crushed stone path along the Tye River. The historic Oak Ridge Estate is an event venue that hosts outdoor music festivals like Valley of the Seven Stars: Cosmic Campout, which debuted in October 2025 and brought over 20,000 people to Arrington. The estate is also home to the Oak Ridge Fox Hunt Club.
Residents do most of their shopping and dining outside of Arrington
The community has a post office and a small convenience store where residents can pick up the essentials. Arrington is also home to a few houses of worship, including Bethel Church of the Brethren and New Mount Baptist Church. Residents live near farm stands like Saunders Brothers Farm Market, a popular spot for fresh produce, pantry staples and seasonal perennials. In the fall, Fitzgerald Farms’ Pumpkin Patch draws crowds for pick-your-own pumpkins. There are more shops and restaurants along U.S. Route 9, which leads less than 10 miles north to Lovingston. Residents can head to Lovingston for trips to Food Lion, which is the closest major grocery store, and Dollar General. For craft beverage enthusiasts, the Nelson 151 Craft Beverage Trail runs west of Arrington and features a mix of wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries.
U.S. Route 29 connects to services in Charlottesville and Lynchburg
Arrington is a car-dependent area with no sidewalks or public transportation. U.S. Route 29 serves as its main road, leading northeast to Charlottesville and southwest to Lynchburg. The drive to Charlottesville-Albermarle Airport takes about 48 miles, and UVA Health’s University Medical Center is 40 miles away. Health care is available locally at Blue Ridge Medical Center and in Lynchburg at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital and Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital, both just over 30 miles from Arrington.
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Written By
Sally Stimpson
