A quiet and secluded lifestyle draws homebuyers to Bergton-Criders
Bergton-Criders offers homes on large lots and a remote lifestyle deep within the George Washington National Forest. Locals can explore several Shenandoah Mountain hiking trails, densely shaded by spruce and ash trees. Fishing spots and swimming holes sit along the German and Shenandoah rivers, which both flow through the area. While outdoor spaces and the annual Bergton Fair may attract a few visitors, this Rockingham County area doesn’t have much else besides a community center, convenience store and post office. But seclusion is why people move here. “This area is practically off-the-grid,” says Mary Miller Turner, a Realtor with Funkhouser Realty Group. “There’s essentially just nature and a few houses, but that’s what makes it so peaceful.” Drivers can access state Route 259 on Bergton-Criders’ eastern edge to reach lively towns like Broadway and Harrisonburg in 30 miles or less.
Homes sit on large lots in Bergton-Criders
Housing here includes Colonial Revivals and bungalows from the early 1900s. Ranch-style homes from the mid-20th century and new-build cabins are also common. Homes can sit on lots ranging in size from 1 to 40 acres, some of which are wheat and corn farms. The median single-family home price is about $348,000, though houses needing renovations may start at $150,000. Empty lots are also frequently for sale here, with prices ranging from about $50,000 to around $460,000, depending on acreage. Residents should be aware that Bergton-Criders can experience forest fires, and houses near the area’s rivers and creeks may be in flood zones. Cell service is also limited here. “It’s very spotty,” Turner says. “If you don’t pay for WIFI, there’s no reason to even own a cell phone.”
Bergton-Criders has campgrounds, hiking trails and swimming holes
Several campgrounds with RV hookups, tent sites and cabins cover Bergton-Criders, but Turner says only tourists visit them. “Those places are more for out-of-towners,” she says. “Some people here own so much land that they could just camp on that if they really wanted to.” Locals will find several other recreation spaces in the area. For instance, swimmers can wade in the water, while anglers fish from the rocky shoreline at Blue Hole Day Use Area on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. The 8-mile-long Church Rock Trail off Runions Creek Road stretches across rocky outcroppings overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. Bergton Community Recreation Center was once the community’s school, but it’s now available to rent for events and the grounds are used as a park, with a playground, running track and baseball diamond. Bergton-Criders is home to several century-old houses of worship, including Valley View Mennonite Church and the Martin Luther Lutheran Church.
Locals gather for the annual Bergton Fair
The Bergton Fair is held every August on a tract of land near the local volunteer fire department. Visitors can ride Ferris wheels, eat chili cheese dogs and play balloon darts during this four-day event. Winners of agricultural and baking competitions are awarded cash prizes, and the beauty pageant crowns three queens every year. The sound of acoustic guitars fills the air as country musicians and gospel singers perform on the main stage every night.
C grades or higher for Rockingham County Public Schools
The Rockingham County Public Schools district serves the area. Kids can attend Fulks Run Elementary, which receives a C from Niche. They may continue to J. Frank Hillyard Middle and Broadway High, both earning B-minuses. The high school offers elective classes like introduction to agriculture, equine management production and horticulture. Eastern Mennonite University and James Madison University are both about 30 miles south.
There’s only one convenience store here
On Brocks Gap Road, Capon Run General Store is a barn-style establishment with snacks and gas pumps. It’s also the only commercial option in the area. “There’s not a proper grocery store or restaurant for nearly 25 minutes,” Turner says. “People typically go to Broadway or Timberville for those kinds of things.” Both towns are about 20 miles south. Pizza shops, antique malls and bars fill brick and clapboard buildings in downtown Broadway, while Timberville has big-box supermarkets like Food Lion and Walmart.
Unmarked rural roads make up the community
Bergton-Criders is a car-dependent community, as there are no sidewalks or public transportation options. The cracked asphalt roads here are often unmarked and have steep inclines. Turner says those streets are also typically empty. “You can drive for miles and not see another car,” she says. “There’s no reason to come here unless you’re visiting a campground or trail, and even those don’t get super busy.” A 30-mile drive south on state Route 259 brings people to Harrisonburg, home to the closest hospital. The route connects with other roads to reach Interstate 81, about 30 miles east. Locals will find the nearest commercial airport in Charlottesville, 95 miles south. The community is located on the West Virginia border, with towns like Moorefield about 45 miles north.
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***Not suitable for building/construction of any kind for multiple reasons.******For recreational purposes only.***This fully wooded property hasn’t been on the market in nearly 50 years, and it won’t last long. It is located a short drive northwest of Broadway in the Bergton area of the county. Access is secured via a deeded right of way off of paved Criders Road. The northern
***Not suitable for building/construction of any kind for multiple reasons.******For recreational purposes only.***This fully wooded property hasn’t been on the market in nearly 50 years and it won’t last long. Located a short drive northwest of Broadway in the Bergton area of the county. Access is secured via a deeded right of way off of paved Criders Road. The northern boundary of this tract
A rare property consisting of 212.383 acres* that you can enter from a paved road and drive several miles of roads throughout the property that borders the National Forest on two sides. You'll be taken with the beautiful mountain and valley views from the higher elevation from the open fields. Even though listed as land for sale, the property was farmed for many years and has an old farmhouse
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
756
Median Age
48
Population under 18
19.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.3%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$53,064
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$67,412
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.6%
College Graduates
6.9%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
12''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
24/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
