Ski resort town with rustic, peaceful living
Set 39 miles northwest of Harrisonburg, Basye is a scenic Shenandoah Valley community in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. “It’s not as known as it should be,” says Parwin Saidi, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Chantilly Ventures, LLC, who has over 13 years of experience. “It’s a little rural area, but it’s like heaven — so gorgeous.” The area is best known for Bryce Resort, a ski destination that draws winter visitors from all over the country, but it’s actually a four-season resort with activities year-round. “In the summertime, it’s all about the hiking and biking,” Saidi says. “And they have the best swimming pool there is.” Hospitality is a key industry, and homeowners are a mix of primary and seasonal residents. “It’s very nice for people who are active or just want to get away and live peacefully,” Saidi says.
Bryce Resort and nature trails
December to March is ski season at the 400-acre Bryce Resort. In addition to the resort's eight trails for skiing and snowboarding, there’s snow tubing and an ice skating rink. In the warmer months, the resort offers an 18-hole golf course and Bryce Bike Park, with mountain bike trails for all skill levels. The 44-acre Lake Laura includes a beach area, largemouth bass fishing and kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals. Along the 2-mile Laura Lake Trail Loop, birders may spot green-winged teals, cedar waxwings and American wigeons. For a swim, guests may dip in the resort’s swimming pool and lazy river. Hikers can explore over 100 miles of nature trails, including the 5-mile Orkney Springs Trail, which leads to striking views of the Shenandoah Mountains.
Cabin-inspired homes built over the last 50 years
Most housing in Basye was built during the late 20th century through today. Cabin-inspired homes are typical, often with Craftsman-style features, like exposed wood beams and low-pitched gable roofs with overhanging eaves. Set along winding, country roads, many homes have wooded, acre-sized lots and additions like decks, covered porches and firepits; some have waterfront views. Multi-family dwellings, including condos and duplexes, are set near Bryce Resort in small subdivisions along Virginia State Route 263. Properties here are also opportunities for investors who rent to vacationers throughout the year. The median sale price in Basye is about $350,000, compared to $340,000 in Harrisonburg. “It’s a very limited inventory,” Saidi says.
Modest, laid-back shopping and dining scene
Shopping and dining are limited, but there are a handful of businesses, including the Community Store with basic groceries and deli sandwiches. The Burn Barrel is a laid-back restaurant, bar and pool hall serving comfort food like mango habanero wings and chili cheese dogs. Next door, Pale Fire Brewing Co. offers Detroit-style pizza and locally brewed beer and cider with a spacious outdoor seating area. In Bryce Resort, The Copper Kettle is a favorite après-ski spot for its hearty American fare and tranquil mountain views. From spring through September, there’s also the Bryce Farmers Market with handmade crafts, freshly baked goods and locally sourced meats, dairy and produce.
Getting around from Basye
Residents drive to get around. “The streets are all beautifully paved,” Saidi says. “It’s not like you’re driving on pebbles — the driving is easy.” Virginia State Route 263 passes through Basye, merging with U.S. Route 11 about 6 miles away and granting access to Harrisonburg, 39 miles away. Shenandoah Memorial Hospital is 18 miles away, and Shenandoah Valley Airport is 52 miles away.
Celebrations and events at the resort
Bryce Resort offers events throughout the year, from special mountaintop dinners to summer golf camps for kids. Bryce Fest is the most significant, a Fourth of July celebration with dozens of local artisans and food vendors. There’s live music in the evening before a striking fireworks show over the Allegheny Mountains.
Dual-enrollment at Shenandoah County Public Schools
Basye is part of Shenandoah County Public Schools, which serves about 6,000 students and earns an overall B-minus from Niche. Home of the Generals, Stonewall Jackson High offers dual-enrollment courses for college credit at Lord Fairfax Community College and Shenandoah University.
Flood risk
FEMA designated some areas of Basye as Flood Zone A or AE, which means there is an annual 1% chance of flooding. Homes near bodies of water, like Lake Carroll, are more vulnerable.
