Independence keeps residents close to the New River and outdoor destinations
Back in the late 1800s, residents of Elk Creek and a village called Greenville near present-day Galax couldn’t agree on where to establish the county seat. They met in the middle, almost literally, and decided on the town of Independence. Independence remains the county seat of Grayson County, and its quiet atmosphere and access to outdoor destinations draw in visitors and permanent residents. “Independence has small-town living with a wide variety of recreation options for outdoor enthusiasts,” says Ginger Circle, broker and owner of River Mountain Realty, who works with her son Jack Circle to offer boutique real estate services. “It’s somewhat private and secluded, and neighbors aren’t on top of each other. It’s near Whitetop Mountain, state parks, and the New River flows through the county. It’s one of the only rivers that run backward.” Some sources claim the New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world, second only to the Nile. “There are trails associated with the Appalachian Trail,” Circle says. “Hiking is huge here.”
Exploring Peach Bottom Falls, the New River and nearby mountains
Peach Bottom Falls, also known as Powerhouse Falls, has been a feature in Independence since the town’s early days. The waterfall once powered a steel mill, but now residents can visit to see the fall’s natural beauty and hike the wooded trail nearby. The Grayson County Recreation Park has baseball fields, paved basketball and tennis courts, and a community pool. Circle says the New River is often the site of summer fun, from kayaking to fishing. U.S. Route 21 leads down to the New River Campground & Canoe, where locals and out-of-town visitors camp along the river, and anglers use the boat launch. Grayson Highlands State Park, west of Independence, features hiking trails that lead to two of the highest points in Virginia: Whitetop Mountain and Mount Rogers.
Cabins, ranch-style homes and open land
More land than homes sold in 2024, and the average home value is around $251,000. “Our market used to be 80% second homes,” Circle says. “We hardly ever had locals buying anything. That changed a little. Younger couples make more money now, and, for a period of time, they could work from home. Our biggest market is still second homes.” Ranch-style houses with sprawling lots have been listed for $145,000 to $420,000, though farmland and A-frame cabins surrounded by woods have hit the market for $450,000 to $780,000. Due to the rural setting, homes have septic tanks and well water systems.
From local parades to bluegrass jam sessions and farmers markets
Circle says Independence and Galax host parades throughout the year for holidays, like Memorial Day and Christmas. “People go from one parade straight to the next,” Circle says. “It’s like one giant community.” The 1908 Courthouse is a local landmark that doubles as a museum, picnic spot and meeting place for the Grayson County Historical Society. Bluegrass musicians and fans meet at 1908 every Wednesday for the Old-time Mountain Music Jam. The Independence Farmers Market is held on Friday mornings from May until early October. The first Friday of every month is designated as Cooking Day, where local chefs make meals with ingredients sold at the market.
Commuters take Route 21 to Galax
Independence is home to a manufacturing plant that's created jobs in the area for decades, even through ownership changes. Today it's owned by Core Health & Fitness.
Residents can also work at the New River Correctional Facility. “Some people will work in Galax,” Circle says. “A lot of people work in the medical field, and they drive an hour or an hour and a half to Winston-Salem. The pay is great, and they might work three days a week and come home up here in the mountains.” When it comes to medical services, Galax has Twin County Regional, and Sparta, North Carolina has the Allegheny Memorial Hospital.
The only sidewalks are in downtown Independence. The two-lane U.S. Routes 21 and 58 intersect in Independence, and most residential streets are narrow and unmarked. Route 58 leads about 15 miles to Galax, a drive that takes around 20 minutes. The places of worship within Independence are churches, including First Baptist Church, founded in 1892.
Learning career skills a Grayson County High
Independence Elementary School gets a B from Niche and feeds into the B-rated Independence Middle School. Grayson County High School receives a B-plus and features the Grayson County Career and Technical Education Center. Students sign up for classes at the center to receive hands-on learning in categories like nursing, teaching and agriculture.
Independence restaurants, more stores in Galax
Downtown Independence has locally owned restaurants and businesses along Main Street. Aunt Bea's BBQ is a small local chain that serves Southern comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is also known for its ice cream, from sundaes to milkshakes. Ciro's Pizza offers quick lunch and dinner options, while Mi Casa Azteca has a menu of authentic dishes and a busy bar. Also along Main Street, the Food City grocery store is in the same center as Dollar General. Circle says downtown Galax has more restaurants and locally owned shops, including Creek Bottom Brewing & Distillery and Mule Hell Trading Co.
Hurricane Helene and New River flooding
Independence was one of the Southwest Virginia areas impacted by severe rain during Hurricane Helene in 2024. The storm caused damage across six states. Homes near the New River were affected by flooding, including the New River Campground & Canoe. Usually when the river rises, it lowers to an average level within a few hours. Properties near the New River and Peach Bottom Creek may be in a flood zone and require flood insurance.
