Gladstone offers rural living and mountain views in Central Virginia
The James River winds through Gladstone, a rural area in Central Virginia where residents enjoy a slower pace of life. While riverfront green spaces like James River State Park stay active with outdoor enthusiasts, a quiet stillness settles over the rest of the community, where winding roads and country retreats are set against the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gladstone’s overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4. Bigger cities are also within reach, with Lynchburg roughly 30 miles southwest and Charlottesville about 55 miles northeast of Gladstone.
Quiet roads lead to country retreats and custom-built homes
Most homes are set off of winding country roads, some of which are unpaved. Properties range from traditional ranch-style and Cape Cod-style homes to rustic log cabin-inspired builds and equestrian farms with acres of land. Custom-built properties embrace a variety of architectural styles. The median lot size is roughly 1 acre, though homes along the highway and near Gladstone’s village center are typically closer together. There’s also some newer construction built throughout the 2020s. Prices generally range from $160,000 to $480,000, with larger country retreats selling for upwards of $575,000. Lots sell for $20,000 to $300,000, depending on their acreage.
Education in the area includes Nelson County Public Schools
Gladstone is split between several school districts. Most residents who live west of the James River are in the Nelson County Public Schools district, which earns an overall grade of B-minus from Niche. Tye River Elementary School scores a C, Nelson Middle School gets a C-plus and Nelson County High School receives a B. The high school partners with Piedmont Virginia Community College to offer tuition-free dual enrollment courses that juniors and seniors can take for college credit.
Year-round recreation on the James River and at Wintergreen Resort
Recreation centers around the James River. A public boat ramp near the U.S. Route 60 bridge offers water access, and James River State Park is a popular spot for fishing and paddle boating. The state park also features multi-use trails and campgrounds. Wintergreen Resort, about 40 miles from Gladstone, is best known for skiing and snowboarding, but it’s open year-round for hiking, golfing and fly fishing. Residents can also head to the Blue Ridge Mountains and explore the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Golfers are less than 15 miles from Poplar Grove Golf Club, which has a public 18-hole course.
Seasonal events at the local fire station and houses of worship
The Gladstone Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service hosts various community events throughout the year. Each spring, Gladstone Community Day brings locals together for a cookout at the firehouse. Houses of worship are also destinations for seasonal festivities, with an annual fall festival at Liberty Chapel Baptist Church and Halloween trunk-or-treating at Poplar Methodist Church.
Most shops and restaurants are in Amherst, Appomattox and Lynchburg
Residents can head to convenience stores for the basics. Crossroads Express Market serves drivers traveling on U.S. Route 60, while A.J.’s on the James sells grocery essentials and casual eats. Most shopping and dining take place outside of Gladstone, with bigger towns like Amherst and Appomattox offering supermarkets, fast-food chains and local restaurants. Appomattox also has a Walmart. For trips to the mall, it’s about a 34-mile drive to the River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg.
U.S. Route 60 connects Gladstone to Richmond and U.S. Route 29
This is a heavily car-dependent area with no sidewalks and no public transportation. U.S. Route 60 is Gladstone’s main highway, and it leads about 92 miles east to Richmond. It also connects with U.S. Route 29, which residents can take north to Charlottesville or south to Lynchburg. It’s roughly 60 miles to Charlottesville-Albermarle Airport and UVA Health’s University Medical Center, and about 35 miles to Lynchburg Regional Airport and Centra Lynchburg General Hospital.
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Written By
Sally Stimpson
