$300,289Average Value$209Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Rural Virginia community offers wide-open spaces and recreation
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia, Elk Creek blends a deep country feel with access to modern-day necessities and amenities. “Elk Creek is a largely agricultural community in a beautiful valley,” says local Realtor Joan Collins of Collins and Associates, who has been in real estate for 23 years. “It’s rural with lots of things to do recreationally, but not terribly remote compared to other places in the county.” The dense woodlands of the nearby Jefferson Forest abound with opportunities for hiking, hunting and more, while scenic waterways like Elk Creek and the nearby New River offer kayaking and fishing. But those who choose to call this rural enclave home aren’t quite as isolated as the setting might suggest. Elk Creek is bisected by U.S. Highway 21, and residents are about 10 miles north of Independence and just over 20 miles south of Wytheville, so amenities in those cities are within relatively easy driving distance. Additionally, Elk Creek has a 1 out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, significantly lower than the national score of 4.
Vernacular home styles and mountain retreats
Residential architectural styles reflect the essence of Elk Creek’s surroundings. The natural environment also lends itself to larger properties, and parcels of land are available for purchase. “You’ll find basic brick ranchers popular from the 60s to the 80s, older farmhouses and log cabins, and even larger vacation homes,” Collins says. While ranch-style homes are most common, a good number of log homes and cabins pepper the landscape. Working farms still stretch across generous tracts of land. Single-family homes typically price from the mid-$200,000s to around $675,000, though outliers can fetch just shy of $1 million.
Outdoor recreation in Jefferson National Forest and nearby New River
Brimming with wildlife and recreational opportunity, the diverse mix of hardwoods and softwoods comprising the Jefferson National Forest stretches north of Elk Creek. Its yellow poplars and red maples create a kaleidoscope of color in the fall, providing an established canopy above the miles of trails that snake through the forest. “The national forest makes up a big part of Grayson County,” Collins says. “There are tons of equestrian trails, hiking trails and many people go hunting or birding.” Bodies of water also snake their way through the community, including Elk Creek, where anglers enjoy fishing for trout. The New River is not far from Elk Creek, and the river is popular for tubing, kayaking and fishing.
Strong education in Independence-based schools
Students may start their education at Independence Elementary School, which serves prekindergarten through fifth grade, before advancing to Independence Middle School. Both schools earn a B score from Niche. Grayson County High School, also located in Independence, earns a B-plus. Serving about 465 students, the high school boasts a relatively low student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. Its Career and Technical Education Center is a high-performing program that emphasizes experiential, hands-on learning and offers pathways such as agriculture, culinary arts, nursing and more.
Convenient shopping and dining in nearby Independence
At the junction of U.S. Highway 21 and Route 658 in the center of Elk Creek sits the town’s post office, volunteer fire department and rescue squad, and Valley Diner. The half-grocery store and half-diner serves laidback eats, such as burgers and sandwiches, and features pool tables. Locals can get a sweet treat at Don & Judy’s Ice Cream Shoppe, also located within the grocer.
Independence, 10 miles south of Elk Creek, has stores, services and restaurants anchored along East Main Street that fulfill most residents’ needs. Grocery options include Food City, though folks can pick up local produce and goods at the Independence Farmers Market every Friday from May through October. For dining, patrons may opt for casual Mexican bites at Mi Casa Azteca or enjoy elevated dishes next door at Angie’s Sip and Taste.
Events at Elk Creek Dragway
The Elk Creek Dragway is a race parkway hosting regular events every weekend from April to October, including bracket races, junior races and themed events. The raceway’s Memorial Day Weekend race includes a Super Pro and Footbrake race. Noise is usually not an issue for residents living close to the track.
U.S. Highway 21 connects to major interstates
Given its rural setting, Elk Creek is a car-dependent community where residents rely heavily on their own vehicles. Meandering country roads branch out from U.S. Highway 21, which runs north-south through Elk Creek and serves as the community’s major artery. The thoroughfare connects south to Independence and further into North Carolina. In Wytheville, locals can link to Interstates 81 and 77.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
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On average, homes in Elk Creek, Independence sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Elk Creek, Independence over the last 12 months is $322,000, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Mountain mini farm on 14+/- Private Acres. A mix of fenced & open hay land with a 50X30 Metal barn with power & water & other useful out buildings, most with power, some with heat & water. There are approximately 5-6 acres fenced & the survey shows a spring & stream down in the bottom back corner. The remaining property lays so well it is mowed for hay. There is one other spring on the
Adjoining National Forest near the horse trails!! This home is located at the end of the road for seclusion. The area around the home is open and a small stream borders the back yard. In front of the house is the majority of the acreage that adjoins the National Forest across the ridge from the CC Camp horse trails! The house needs a little work, but it is mostly cosmetic.
This 13-acre wooded lot in Elk Creek, VA offers unmatched privacy and natural beauty, perfect for a mountain getaway or secluded homestead. Surrounded by the peaceful landscapes of Grayson County, youre just minutes from trout fishing in Elk Creek, hiking in Grayson Highlands State Park, and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy the quiet charm of rural life with easy access to Wytheville and less
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