Bluefield has a quiet lifestyle with panoramic views of the mountains
Life moves a little slower in Virginia’s so-called "Tallest Town," where sweeping mountain views are the backdrop to a quaint Appalachian community. Bluefield’s high elevation keeps summer temperatures cool, and its rural location means natural beauty is a headline attraction. Known for high-ranking schools, it’s the more residential counterpart to Bluefield , West Virginia, across the state border.
Like many who grew up in Bluefield, Sara Baker, a Realtor with Home by Hicks & Company, decided to stay. “I’m a hometown girl,” Baker says. She adds that although she could have moved anywhere, she loves “going to the grocery store and seeing familiar faces of people that I know.” Bluefield is where residents tailgate for high school football games, and weekends are spent hiking in the mountains. “There's not all the excitement and things going on here, but there's plenty to do if you're looking for the outdoors,” Baker says. “If you're looking for a place to sit back on your front porch and drink a cup of tea or a cup of coffee, there is a lot to be loved about this area."
Quiet hillside homes with forest views and historic charm
Bluefield’s quiet neighborhoods are scattered throughout the hilly Appalachian foothills, loosely arranged around a small city center. Houses were built from the 1900s to today, including ranch styles and bungalows, with a few larger Colonial Revival and New Traditional designs. “There tends to be less housing inventory on the Virginia side compared to the West Virginia side,” Baker says. Generally, the higher-rated schools on the Virginia side drive more interest in this area.
Older homes range from $20,000 to $150,000, depending on size and condition. From $150,000 to $350,000, homebuyers can find renovated properties and modern construction. Some luxury homes with several acres can get up to $500,000. Properties along the Bluestone National Scenic River may need additional flood insurance. According to FirstStreet.org, the risk of flooding in Bluefield is extreme.
A fierce football rivalry at the local high schools
Kids can attend Dudley Primary School from pre-kindergarten to first grade. Niche grades the school a B. Graham Intermediate, rated A-minus, is for second to fifth grade. Graham Middle gets a B-plus and Graham High gets an A-minus. There’s a fierce football rivalry between Graham High and Bluefield High, located just across the West Virginia border. More than 10,0000 spectators turn out for the face-off game, making this one of the town’s most well-attended events. “That one day a year, everybody is rooting against each other,” Baker says. “And then after that football game, we're rooting for each other.” The Graham High G-Men have won the state championships several times, most recently in 2024.
The town is also home to Bluefield University, a private Baptist institution. Across the border in West Virginia, Bluefield State is a historically Black university.
Recreation ranges from public parks to mountain adventures
Within town, Graham Recreation Park is a common spot for Little League games, and Harmony Acres pool gets busy during the summer. Fincastle Golf Course is a former country club now open to the public, offering pickleball courts and mountain views from the greens.
But this region is best known for its outdoor activities in the mountains. “A lot of people go to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to look at the fall foliage, when we have the prettier mountains and trees right here,” Baker says. Within a 15-minute drive, locals can hike at Pinnacle Rock State Park or ride ATVs on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System in Pocahontas. The New River, 30 minutes away, is popular for kayaking, and in the colder months, Winterplace Ski Resort is 45 minutes north.
Big brand shopping and dining out with mountain views
Along the College Drive commercial corridor, grocery options include Walmart, Food City and Sam’s Club. There’s also Lowe’s and a variety of chain restaurants. According to Baker, one of the town’s hidden gems is the restaurant at Fincastle Golf Course. “You sit there in the dining room, panoramic windows all the way around, just enjoying some of the best food and best views around,” Baker says.
From Christmas lights to free lemonade, traditions run deep
Community events include a popular Autumn Jamboree, summer farmers markets and the holiday lights display at Lotito Park. One of the town’s most unique traditions happens when temperatures reach over 90 degrees outside. Unlike most of the region, Bluefield’s high elevation means it rarely ever gets that warm. But if it does, the local chamber of commerce will hand out free lemonade.
Residents travel to Princeton or Roanoke for more city amenities
Although there’s a hospital just 2 miles away in Bluefield, West Virginia, residents typically have to drive farther for city amenities. About 15 miles away, Princeton has a growing arts scene and a larger hospital. By hopping on Interstate 77, residents can reach Roanoke , Bristol or Charleston in less than 2 hours. Roanoke and Charleston have international airports, both 110 miles away from Bluefield.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
