A growing town with a rural atmosphere and Blue Ridge Mountain views
Surrounded by vast fields of farmland, Culpeper is a small but growing town located in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 75 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. It encompasses about 7 square miles, with a population of more than 20,000 residents, but many more live in the surrounding Culpeper County. The community may be best known for its award-winning downtown, though that wasn’t always the case, according to Philip Thornton, owner and associate broker of Crossroads Realty Advisors and a longtime resident of Culpeper. “When we were young and growing up, like a lot of small towns, the downtown area had fallen on hard times,” he says. “Now there are so many great restaurants and interesting boutiques, and it’s just a really vibrant place.” Culpeper’s location has had a lot to do with that growth. “We’re in the middle between the mountains, Northern Virginia, D.C., Charlottesville," says Jake McNemar, a real estate agent with eXp Realty who was born and raised in Culpeper. "If you don’t mind driving an hour, you can get a lot of value for your money here." He adds that there have been some growing pains, but the town has tried to develop strategically in order to preserve the area’s small-town feel.
Some of Culpeper’s growth can be attributed to the growing tourism industry. “We are a base for people going to Shenandoah National Park and Old Rag Mountain,” Thornton says, noting that the town is one of the only spots in the area where people can gear up before heading out to explore the mountains. Further development is attributed to the new businesses in the area, like Amazon’s data center. There’s also a large commuter population making the 60- to 80-mile trek north for work. “We crossed the threshold to be considered a bedroom community during COVID,” McNemar says. “You might not think of it by just looking at the map, but some people are making the drive up to Northern Virginia and D.C. for work every day.”
Surrounded by vast fields of farmland, Culpeper is a small but growing town located in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Culpeper's rich history is woven into its charming streets and historical landmarks.
Experience the historic charm of Culpeper, where history meets modern living.
Discover the deep historical roots of Culpeper with its fascinating heritage.
1/4
Older American Foursquares and newer Colonial Revivals in Culpeper
The median listing price for Culpeper homes is about $500,000, which is higher than the national median of $430,000 and the state average of $400,000. Still, prices are much lower than in communities around Northern Virginia, which incentivizes commuters to relocate to the area. Around the downtown, buyers can find bungalows and American Foursquares from the early 1900s. A little farther from downtown are subdivisions of Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes on winding streets from the mid- to late 1900s. Communities of townhouses from the early 2000s are found around the outskirts of town, but McNemar says that Culpeper could use more. “We really need more apartments and townhouses to be built," he says. "Culpeper needs more properties that people can get into for under $350,000."
A timeless Foursquare style home stands proudly in Culpeper’s historic streets.
New Colonial Revival style homes in Culpeper blend tradition with modern living.
Townhomes in Culpeper offer comfort and convenience in a prime location.
1/4
A historic Main Street with shops and eateries
Davis Street, the centerpiece in Culpeper’s historic downtown, earned the “Great American Main Street” award in 2012 for its mix of established and new businesses. Here, shoppers browse century-old, renovated storefronts for antiques, jewelry, home goods, apparel and knickknacks. Popular eateries are also mixed in among retailers downtown; offerings range from old-fashioned diners to coffee shops and farm-to-table restaurants. In and around Culpeper, several breweries and wineries have also opened. “That just wasn’t a thing a handful of years ago, and now they’re popping up all over,” says Kelly Thornton, associate broker of Crossroads Realty Advisors and a longtime Culpeper resident. She adds that the breweries and wineries are the extent of the town’s nightlife. “Nobody comes to Culpeper for the nightlife,” she says. “Things tend to get quiet after dinnertime, and I think people like it that way.” For necessities, there are big-box stores and supermarkets along Business Route 15.
Explore the charm of historic Main Street in Culpeper with its unique shops and cafes.
Beer Hound Brewery in Culpeper brings handcrafted beers to the heart of the community.
Savor homemade dishes at It's About Thyme Cafe, a local favorite in Culpeper.
Pepperberries is a fabulous gift and fashion accessory destination in downtown Culpeper.
1/4
Public parks, golfing and kayaking on Lake Culpeper
Much of Culpeper still has a rural, country vibe, lending to plenty of outdoor recreation. In town are established green spaces, like Yowell Meadow Park and Rockwater Park, where residents take their kids to the playground, watch them on the sports fields or go jogging on the greenways. The Culpeper Sports Complex and Culpeper Fieldhouse have athletic fields and facilities for both youth and adult leagues. Golfers play at the Country Club of Culpeper, a private facility with an 18-hole course and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Nearby, locals take rented kayaks or paddleboats out onto Lake Culpeper, a manmade reservoir that’s a popular spot for picnics or fishing. “We’re far enough away that we’re not in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but we still get to enjoy the mountain views in town,” McNemar says. Hikers often head to Shenandoah National Park to explore trails that end in waterfalls or sweeping valley views; the Thornton Gap Entrance is about 30 miles from the center of town.
Culpeper Lake is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Take a peaceful stroll through Yowell Meadow Park and experience the beauty of Culpeper.
Enjoy a peaceful day at Rockwater Park in Culpeper with scenic views and plenty of space.
The Country Club of Culpeper offers members the opportunity to play on a challenging 18-hole golf course.
1/4
Concerts and downtown events like the Gnarly Culpeper Block Party & Brew Fest
Culpeper hosts events year-round, like concerts on the third Thursday of the summer months. “It’s a big party down by the train depot,” McNemar says. "Local breweries have their beer trucks pull up, and they get great bands to play." Also downtown are gatherings like the seasonal Saturday farmers market and the Gnarly Culpeper Block Party & Brew Fest, an annual event with a selection of local cideries and breweries. The Fourth of July fireworks are held at Rockwater Park, and during the Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour, residents can visit more than a dozen farm locations for educational hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Bus routes, Amtrak lines and roadways for commuters
Most residents depend on cars to get around, though Culpeper does have a public trolley service that traverses the town. Business Route 15 and U.S. Routes 522, 29 and 15 wind through the area, taking drivers around Culpeper and throughout the county. Commuters drive north on U.S. Route 29, which eventually connects with Interstate 66, to get to D.C. Other transit options include the Virginia Regional Transit and Virginia Breeze Bus Lines, which serve Culpeper and offer express routes to as far south as Danville and as far north as Washington, D.C. Downtown, there’s also an Amtrak station where passengers can board the Northeast line to get to Washington's Union Station in about 2 hours.
The nearest major airports are Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, which flies to four major domestic connector airports and is about 40 miles away, and Dulles International Airport, which is about 60 miles away and offers domestic and international flights.
Vocational programs at the Culpeper Technical Education Center
The Culpeper County Public School district, which has an overall B rating from Niche, serves about 8,300 students across six elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and the Culpeper Technical Education Center. At the technical education center, high school students enroll in programs like automotive technology, cybersecurity, culinary arts and carpentry. Culpeper County students can also apply to attend the Mountain Vista Governor's School for Math, Science and Technology, which serves several school districts in the surrounding area. McNemar says that the district is in need of another middle and high school, and there are ongoing plans to add a new high school on the north side of town.
Floyd T. Binns Middle School in Culpeper provides students with a strong foundation for success.
Sycamore Park Elementary School in Culpeper provides students with valuable educational opportunities.
Culpeper technical education center offers hands-on learning for future professionals.
Culpeper County High School fosters a strong academic environment for future leaders.
1/4
Crime rates and chilly winters
According to FBI statistics, violent crime rates in Culpeper tend to be slightly higher than state and national averages, though property crime rates are on par with state and national rates. Culpeper experiences all four seasons, including warm and humid summers and cold winters. The town usually gets at least a couple of snowstorms a year.
Written By
Amanda Boivin
Photography Contributed By
Tyson Le
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lindsey McClellan,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Culpeper, VA sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Culpeper, VA over the last 12 months is $528,560, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
From the moment you pull onto quiet Hillview Court, this model home for the Madison Grove community stands apart, proudly set on over half an acre surrounded by space and light. Step through the front door and feel the openness of 9-foot ceilings and the warmth of rich hardwood floors that flow through the main level. Every detail here was chosen with care, from the tray ceilings to the
Experience the charm of country living where peace, privacy, and open space create the perfect place to call home. From the moment you arrive, you’ll appreciate the freedom of no HOA fees and the simple joy of growing your own garden. There’s room for chickens to roam, space for children and dogs to play, and plenty of yard to enjoy the outdoors. Each spring, the property bursts with color as
Welcome to 2116 Orange Rd, a charming 3-bedroom, 3.5 -bath home in a prime Culpeper location. With a spacious floor plan, fresh lighting, and a generous lot, this home offers comfort and potential—perfect for a any buyer. The large yard provides space for gardening, play, or entertaining, while the interior layout makes everyday living simple and functional. Just 5 minutes to downtown Culpeper
First fairway golf course views in this 4500+ sqft home! Much bigger than it appears, including a finished basement and bonus rooms above the 2-car garage. Experience the peaceful feeling of this Country Club Estates home overlooking the first fairway of The Country Club of Culpeper, an 18-hole PGA golf course. The front porch is a welcoming space to greet guests or socialize with the
Great Commuter Location-within minutes to Madison, Orange and Culpeper!! This home has been loved by the original owner and is for sale for the first time ever! Upstairs features 3 bedrooms 1 full bathroom, a living room, eat in kitchen, with a large addition featuring a dining room and family room area with a propane stove and large windows! The basement has a rec room and "man cave" or
Welcome to 214 Culpeper Street — Your Charming Retreat in Historic Downtown Culpeper!Nestled in the heart of Historic Culpeper, this beautiful single-family home offers the perfect blend of classic charm and modern comfort. Located just a short stroll from Main Street, you’ll enjoy easy access to award-winning restaurants, boutique shopping, cafes, art galleries, and community events that
Residential rental or Office space on corner of West & Edmondson Streets in the Downtown Culpeper area, just a short 3 block walk from the Culpeper Courthouse, walkability to restaurants & shops! Parking lot in rear off Edmondson street.. Floor plan is reverse with kitchen and dining area upstairs. No utilities provided, must pay for electric, water, sewer and trash.
SERENE LIVING in the Heart of Culpeper - Discover the epitome of prime living at Northridge Apartments situated in the heart of Culpeper, Virginia. With two exceptional communities, The Greens at Northridge Apartments and The Meadows at Northridge Senior Apartments, we offer a range of modern luxury and comfortable living options. Embrace the serene beauty of our location, surrounded by
Welcome to this beautiful 3-level colonial located in the sought-after Meadows of Culpeper community! This spacious home offers 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, plus a fully finished walk-out basement featuring a studio/den that can easily serve as a 4th bedroom. Enjoy an open and inviting layout with many upgrades throughout the home. The kitchen and living areas are perfect for entertaining, while the
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
