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Elk Creek

Elk Creek

$292,624 Average Value
$211 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes 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.
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Elk Creek US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Elk Creek Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$499,000
Median Sale Price
$554,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$270,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
14
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
102%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$211

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
410
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Median Year Built
1967
Months of Supply
7.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,656
Below the national average
1,927
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
43,560

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,085
Median Age
55
Population under 18
15.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
33.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$36,781
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$44,394

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
84.6%
College Graduates
12.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.8%
% Population in Labor Force
43.6%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
11''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

1 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 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.

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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.