Collinsville blends quiet living with proximity to urban hubs
Convenience and a small-town atmosphere draw residents to Collinsville, a community adjacent to Martinsville in Virginia’s southern Piedmont region. “Collinsville and Martinsville make up a community-driven area with a slower pace of life and a little more affordability compared to Charlotte or Raleigh or Roanoke,” says Realtor Angie Ancheta of Piedmont Realty, a lifelong resident with over 28 years of real estate experience. “But we still have a great location close to the bigger cities.” Located about 15 miles north of the North Carolina state line, Collinsville sits equidistant between Greensboro, North Carolina and Roanoke, Virginia. Proximity to Martinsville Speedway and Philpott Lake also attracts locals and visitors. While residents enjoy access to cityscapes and attractions, Ancheta says the community aspect is what keeps people rooted. “Collinsville has that small-town feel with a close-knit community,” Ancheta says. “Everyone knows everyone, and we help each other out. When I have extra tomatoes on my plants, I just walk over to my neighbors and give them some tomatoes.”
Ranch-style and neo-colonial homes line quiet neighborhood roads
Residential streets split off from Virginia Avenue, or Business Highway 220, which houses much of the community’s commerce. Neatly arranged homes line the streets, giving neighbors enough privacy while fostering a community feel. Minimalistic cottages and smaller ranch-style homes can have sticker prices as low as $25,000, though many are fixer-uppers. Prices for real estate typically start around $65,000 and increase with home sizes, ranging up to $520,000. Larger homes include neo-colonial styles, more generous ranch-style homes and split-level examples.
Above-average public schools in Henry County
Henry County Public School District serves Collinsville students and receives a B-plus overall score from Niche. “Our county schools are a draw for young families because of the smaller classroom sizes and teacher-student ratios,” Ancheta says. Prekindergartners through fifth graders may begin at Meadow View Elementary School, rated a B-minus. Students can continue to Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School and Bassett High School, both receiving B grades from Niche. Home of the Bassett Bengals, Bassett High offers a strong academic curriculum alongside various high-performing extracurricular programs, including its marching band. Comprised of almost 200 members, the band has won 11 USBands Virginia State Championships alongside many other state and national accolades. Higher education is available at Patrick Henry Community College, located just outside of Collinsville.
Neighborhood amenities include shops, banks and a post office
Ancheta says Collinsville is different from the rest of Martinsville because it’s more conveniently located in terms of lifestyle. “It’s the hub for fast food and several businesses like dentists, vets and banks,” Ancheta notes. “It all around has a lot of neighborhood amenities, plus the post office and fire department, of course.” Familiar chains include Wendy’s and Cook Out, while eateries such as Fenderz Drive In add to the local flavor, serving burgers and diner favorites. Cocoa Trail Chocolates is a chocolate shop with truffles and other sweets, while Sugar Street Bakery & Coffee Shop serves specialty drinks, cupcakes and more. Grocery options in Collinsville include Dollar General Market, while nearby chains include Kroger, Food Lion and Walmart. Additional shopping and dining opportunities in Martinsville are a short drive or bus ride away.
Smith River and Philpott Lake are local favorites for recreation
Collinsville offers a rich tapestry of outdoor recreation. “There’s a lot of outdoor activities in the Henry County area,” Ancheta says. “Philpott Lake and Smith River are especially popular.” Along the scenic Smith River, locals can enjoy riverside parks like Fieldale Park. The park’s Fieldale Trail hugs the water and provides access for kayaking and canoeing. “The smith River offers fishing and kayaking, and it’s popular for tubing in the summer,” Ancheta says. The nearby Martinsville Reservoir is another favorite for kayaking and fishing enthusiasts. Families flock to Jack Dalton Park, where a playground, two baseball diamonds and open green spaces are encircled by a paved walking trail. For a more immersive nature experience, Philpott Lake and Fairy Stone State Park are about 12 miles northwest of Collinsville and offer opportunities for camping, bass fishing, swimming and boating.
Martinsville Speedway hosts NASCAR races year-round
The Martinsville Speedway, located 8 miles away from Collinsville, is a major attraction in Henry County. Opened in 1947, the half-mile short track is the oldest continuously operating NASCAR track. The raceway hosts all three NASCAR series—Cup, Xfinity and Craftsman Truck—throughout the year, attracting thousands of racegoers and viewers.
Commuters rely on cars and nearby highways for mobility
Most residents are car dependent in Collinsville, though public bus routes connect commuters to Martinsville and surrounding communities. Business Highway 220 is the main route that bisects Collinsville, linking north to Highway 220 in Bassett Forks and south into Martinsville. Via Highway 220, residents can get to Roanoke and Greensboro, both about 50 miles away. Collinsville sits equidistant between Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport and Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
