Bucolic living along the James River in Central Virginia
Homebuyers looking for a rural retreat on the cusp of the Piedmont region and Blue Ridge Mountains may find their respite in Wingina. The unincorporated Nelson County community sits along the banks of the James River, which carves its way through the peaks and valleys of vast farmlands and woodlands of Central Virginia. The river not only serves as a destination for outdoor recreation, but also as a major appeal to residents. “Wingina is really just a post office on the James River, but the river is the real draw,” says local Realtor Tim Hess of Wintergreen Realty, who has 40 years of experience in real estate. “It’s very meandering with crystal clear waters and Wingina is a beautiful part of the river.” In addition to riverside access, Wingina is also rich in wide-open spaces and larger lots — some exceeding 200 acres. “Wingina is very quiet with hardly any traffic. Actually, there’s not even a stop light in the whole area,” says Hess, a Nelson County resident of 50 years. “If someone wants to be out of the hustle and bustle, Wingina is the place to come.” Still, grocers and local stores are located less than 10 miles away in Lovingston, and larger cities like Lynchburg and Charlottesville are within an hour’s drive. Additionally, Wingina has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score and significantly lower than the national score of 4.
Mountain retreats, working farms and plenty of open space
Winding roads lead to curving back roads dotted with a variety of mountain residences that make up the housing stock in Wingina. Many perched on spacious lots and some on working farms, single-family homes range from countryside cottages to massive farmhouse estates. Smaller properties may list around $185,000 to $360,000; larger lots and more elaborate homes price in the $400,000 to $600,000 range. And expansive estates on over 100 acres can fetch in excess of $1 million. “It’s ideal for a retreat or someone looking to have a small farm with cattle, since it’s an agricultural area,” says Hess, who recently listed a $2.2 million farm. Generous parcels of land are also available for purchase, offering opportunities for new construction and custom homes.
Outdoor recreation along the James River
The James River offers boundless opportunities for outdoor recreation. “People float with a tube and bring their canoes and kayaks or boats, and there are places along the river where you can stop and picnic. Plus, the fishing is excellent there,” says Hess, an avid outdoorsman and fly-fisher. “It’s just a pleasant area. If you’re an outdoor person, it’s worth getting there.” While some riverside properties offer private access, residents can enjoy the water from multiple points along the river. Boaters can launch kayaks and motorized vessels from the Midway boat ramp, and the nearby James River State Park has a ramp for canoes and other paddle boats. The park also features inland activities, like camping and hiking along the scenic waterside trails.
Education in Nelson County Public Schools
Students in Wingina are part of the Nelson County Public School District, which earns a B-minus from Niche. Kids may begin at Tye River Elementary School, rated a C, and can continue to the B-minus-rated Nelson Middle School. Serving just over 500 students, Nelson County High School earns a B grade for its academics and diversity. Home of the Governors, Nelson High School offers a range of extracurricular activities, including drama and a top-performing athletics program with 22 state championships to its credit. The high school is also one of only 3 schools in Central Virginia to receive the Virginia Department of Education Highest Achievement Exemplar Award in 2023.
Local stores and eateries in Lovingston and Dillwyn
Wingina itself is purely residential, so locals head to Lovingston for daily shopping needs. The closest town at about 14 miles away, Lovingston has a Food Lion and a few local establishments like Village Antiques and Trager Brothers Coffee. Family Dollar and Dollar General serve as destinations for home essentials. Rapunzel’s Coffee and Books is a quaint bookstore and coffee shop that also serves as a music venue and performance space. Their events include open mic nights, book clubs, jazz nights and more. The town of Dillwyn is 21 miles east of Wingina and has additional grocers, fresh markets and small-town eats, such as Dillwyn Dairy Freeze, a counter-service diner offering classic milkshakes, hotdogs, burgers and more.
Country roads lead to major highways
Route 56 is the main road that bisects Wingina and connects to Route 626. The community is also close to Highway 60, which links to U.S. Highways 15 and 29. Larger central Virginia cities in proximity to Wingina include Lynchburg, about 41 miles south, and Charlottesville, about 37 miles north. The Lynchburg Regional Airport is about 50 miles away and the Charlottesville-Albermarle Airport is a drive of about 55 miles.
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41.94 Acres - Beaver Creek Subdivision ? Approved, Surveyed & Ready in Nelson County!! Welcome to Beaver Creek, an approved and surveyed 8-lot subdivision in scenic Nelson County. With breathtaking mountain views and a creek along the back of several lots, this is a unique, turn-key opportunity for builders, investors, or anyone dreaming of mountain living. Lot sizes range from 2.85 to 10.7
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Named in honor of the current owner's father, Robbin's Nest Farm spans 212 acres of serene countryside, offering both a tranquil retreat and a productive farmstead. This enchanting property features two charming guest houses with four bedrooms, ideal for short-term rentals, and a main three-bedroom house that exudes timeless elegance, meticulously renovated by its owner. The primary residence
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
718
Median Age
46
Population under 18
22.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.5%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,666
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$69,606
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
79.5%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
15.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.4%
% Population in Labor Force
61.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
13/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
5/ 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.
