Front Royal is a Virginia town settled snugly in the Shenandoah Mountains. Its history stretches back to 1788 when it was a port on the Shenandoah River; traders hauling flour, iron and other goods would end their journeys, disassemble their small boats, and frequent Front Royal’s many taverns to let off steam before heading home. This eventually earned the town a reputation for barfights and the 19th-century nickname of “Helltown.” But nowadays, that descriptor couldn't be further from the reality of Front Royal's natural beauty, which allows for ample hiking, mountain climbing, spelunking and boating on the Shenandoah River. The town is also embedded in Virginia Wine Country, with several vineyards and wineries, and people can still grab a drink from those old taverns predating the Civil War. “It’s the jewel of the Shenandoah Valley,” says Jim Clark, Broker/Owner of Mint Realty, who lives and works in Front Royal. “And the thing about the Shenandoah Valley is we have so many things to offer, from the Appalachian Trail to the Shenandoah River. We have mountain living, we have waterfront living, we have incredible views of all the mountain ranges.” But it's not just the outdoor recreation that reels folks in, Clark says. “We also have a thriving culture as far as restaurants, shops and antique stores. We have everything the city folk want, but with a country feel.”
Front Royal is the only incorporated town in Warren County and the county seat. Census data shows that the population remained the same, around 15,000, from 2010 to 2020. Data from the Warren County website states that 53% of the total civilian labor workforce commutes out of the county each day, often driving to major employers in the Washington, D.C. Metro area, about 70 miles east, or working IT or tech jobs closer to home. There are also manufacturing jobs in the county; Axalta Specialty Coatings and Toray Plastics both have factories here.
Front Royal sits in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Stop by Front Royal Wines to taste and discover new flavors in the iconic Virginia Wine Country.
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Hiking and biking along the Appalachian Trail
One of Front Royal’s biggest natural attractions is Skyline Drive, a national parkway that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park for 105 miles. It’s a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, with spots throughout to park and picnic, hike, mountain bike, or just take in sweeping mountain views. The entrance to the Appalachian Trail is within 5 miles of the entrance to Skyline Drive. Eastham Park offers river access for activities like fishing, kayaking, jet skiing and canoeing — in fact, according to Clark, Front Royal is considered the Canoe Capital of Virginia. Another popular destination in the Valley, Clark says, is the Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park. “There is a nominal fee, but you can go camping, do your water sports, and play frisbee golf. It’s very well-liked and well-attended,” he says. Another landmark is Skyline Caverns 2 miles south of the town, where folks can tour the subterranean halls with formations around 60 million years old.
History buffs in the area will appreciate the Warren Heritage Society, a nonprofit organization that maintains several historic sites around Front Royal. Art enthusiasts patronize the galleries maintained by the Blue Ridge Arts Council, which showcase and sell fine art by local and regional artists.
Visitors to Skyline Drive stop and take in the view over Front Royal.
Skyline Caverns is a wonderful local attraction available to Shenandoah Farms residents.
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A hot housing market in the Valley
Single-family homes and townhouses cost from $300,000 to $700,000, varying by square footage and age. At the lower end of the range, buyers can find modest Cape Cods with three bedrooms and Craftsman and custom homes with around 3,500 square feet toward the top. There’s also a land market in Front Royal ranging from $20,000 for a quarter-acre parcel to over $1 million for 5 or more acres. “Everyone will find something they want here,” says Clark. “If you want Richmond American homes, we have them. If you want sidewalks and a place to take the kids trick-or-treating, we have it. If you want to be left alone on top of a mountain, we have that.”
According to Clark, housing prices are up 75% from 2020. “So that’s actually pushing people south or west of Front Royal, where prices are a little more palatable, especially to first-time homebuyers,” he says. “Property values are out of control, but that was a function of the COVID-19 migration of people from the city coming out to the Valley.” Even so, Clark says he knows a lot of people trying to get property in the Valley and finding it difficult since homes are being sold right away. The median single-family home price is $360,000.
Front Royal gets four distinct seasons and is known as one of the snowiest towns in Virginia, averaging 22 inches annually. The town’s proximity to the Shenandoah River creates a moderate flood risk, especially for homes along Happy Creek in the center of town.
Front Royal is home to many houses with old-world character and charm.
Many mid-century homes can be found in Front Royal
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Shopping and dining on a revitalized Main Street
While there are plenty of commercial-oriented streets throughout Front Royal, its downtown is composed of the quaint, tree-lined Main Street with small, well-maintained buildings no more than a story or two high. It hasn’t always been this way, according to Clark. “Main Street really was a bunch of empty buildings, furniture stores, and law offices, but about 10 years ago, investors — some local and some from out of town — came in and started revitalizing them," he says. "I don’t think we had a single restaurant there 10 years ago, and now we have eight, including a brew pub. It’s a destination now instead of a place you pass through.” Restaurants like the casual, farm-to-table Poppy’s Place have opened within the last few years, but there are also eclectic holdovers from the town's brawling past: Chester Street Tavern has served patrons with spirits since 1806 and still hosts private events and live music.
Enjoy strolling the downtown area of Front Royal exploring sights and shops.
Manor Line's Back 40 has perfected mixed drinks and cocktails in a historic pub feel in Front Royal's Shenandoah Farms.
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Festival of Leaves celebrates the area's iconic foliage
There are numerous events for residents in Front Royal throughout the year; one of the biggest is the Festival of Leaves in the fall, celebrating the natural beauty of the area. Another is Appaloosa, a massive music fest that brings out more than 10,000 attendees annually. “They’ve done a great job of getting talent,” Clark says. “I think they’ve had five or so artists that played going on to win Grammys, like Molly Tuttle.”
Getting to Washington, D.C., from Front Royal
Front Royal is just south of Interstate 66, which runs 70 miles to Washington, D.C. Virginia Regional Transit operates local bus and trolley services around the downtown area. The nearest major airport is Dulles International Airport, which is about 60 miles away.
The local trolley offers transportation through Front Royal, a town near Shenandoah Farms.
Dulles Airport is about 60 miles east of Front Royal.
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Warren County Public Schools serve the area
Students in Front Royal can attend Warren County Public Schools, which Niche awards an overall grade of C-plus. The district serves more than 5,000 students and operates five elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and the Blue Ridge Technical Center. Private options include John XXIII Montessori Center, a Pre-K through 12th-grade Catholic school.
Warren County Middle School serves students in Warren County, Virginia.
Skyline Middle School sits atop a high hill with a grand view of Front Royal, Virginia.
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Crime in Front Royal
According to data from the Front Royal Police Department, violent crime increased 21% from 2021 to 2022, and property crime increased 43% from 2021 to 2022. Though both the town’s crime rates run well below the national average. According to retired Chief of Police Kahle Magalis, the mental health crisis in the Commonwealth became a focal point for the department in 2022, and the department spent more than 1,000 man-hours solely on mental health crisis response.
Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
Photography Contributed By
David MacNeill
Video By
Edward Pokoj
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ashleigh Cannon,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Front Royal, VA sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Front Royal, VA over the last 12 months is $399,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming all-brick home in the Town of Front Royal, Warren County! Built in 1940 and beautifully renovated in 2016, this move-in ready 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home features freshly painted walls, gleaming hardwood floors, and an unfinished basement for extra storage or future expansion. Includes a one-car garage and a fenced backyard—perfect for outdoor activities or gardening—all within close
Welcome Home! Motivated sellers invite you to explore this beautifully maintained 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath 2 car garage colonial tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the sought-after Happy Creek Knolls community on almost half an acre—just across from the new Front Royal hospital and a short drive to Exit 13 on I-66 for easy commuting. The new roof, new HVAC system, new appliances, refinished kitchen
Phil AsperKeller Williams Realty/Lee Beaver & Assoc.
Welcome to 813 W 14th Street — an adorable, well-loved 3-bedroom, 1-bath home that’s been thoughtfully cared for and is ready for its next chapter.You’ll instantly feel at home in the bright and inviting kitchen, complete with butcher block countertops, open shelves, and a subway tile backsplash. The space has a warm, modern feel, and all the kitchen appliances have been replaced within the
Discover timeless elegance and modern comfort in this fully renovated, all-brick gem—top to bottom, every detail has been updated to impress! This 4-bedroom, 2-full-bath beauty sits on a manageable 0.14-acre lot and offers a very large basement for extra living space, storage, or endless possibilities.Inside, you’ll love the gleaming hardwood floors, brand-new windows, and tastefully
Experience the perfect blend of charm and modern living in this fully renovated, all-stone beauty—a rare find in the heart of Front Royal! From top to bottom, this 4-bedroom, 2-full-bath home has been meticulously updated, offering style, comfort, and lasting quality. Step inside to discover a bright, open layout with gleaming hardwood floors, a brand-new kitchen featuring quartz countertops,
Welcome to your dream home in heart of Front Royal!! 2 levels with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a garage, and an upstairs laundry room, this home is perfect for comfort and convenience. This recently renovated corner unit offers modern elegance and cozy charm, sittin on 0.14 acres lot for family with pets and guest to enjoy the large back yard and stunning mountain views. 10 minutes walking
Beautiful, brand new 3 level townhouse! Three spacious bedrooms, 3. 5 bathrooms with many upgrades for your comfort and convenience. Plenty of parking and a one car garage with an electric car outlet! Enter and hang your coats on the built-in wainscoting coat rack. Down the hall there is an office and a full bathroom. On the main level the expansive living room flows into the dining area.
Welcome to 730 Bennys Beach Rd in Front Royal, VA — a charming riverfront retreat offering the perfect blend of comfort, character, and natural beauty. This updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home sits right on the Shenandoah River with private water access and a peaceful setting ideal for weekend getaways or full-time living. Inside, you'll find an open-concept layout with vaulted ceilings, skylights,
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