Ivanhoe offers natural scenery in the Appalachian Mountains
Ivanhoe, an old mining town tucked within the Appalachian Mountains, is 86 miles from Roanoke and a place for those who want a rural lifestyle. “Ivanhoe is a country area, it’s close to the New River and a nice place to be if you want a small rural farm,” says Chris Davis, a Realtor with Virginia Mountain Realty. Davis has worked in the real estate industry for four years, and his family lives in Ivanhoe. “Ivanhoe is quiet and off the beaten path.” Since the iron furnace closed down in 1914, and the zinc and lead mines followed suit in 1981, the area has been primarily agricultural. For shopping, dining and other essentials, residents head into Wytheville, 22 miles away.
Parks and recreation in Ivanhoe
The New River Trail State Park, a 57-mile scenic trail surrounded by wildlife, runs along the New River, passing through Ivanhoe. Part of the trail is a birding trail, where hikers can view over 100 species. Jubilee Park is also along the New River, an ample, grassy event space. Horse shows are often hosted there. Funds collected from the shows are used to improve and upkeep the park. The New River itself is a popular fishing and boating area, and there’s a boat launch near Jubilee Park.
Single-family homes among rolling hills
State Route 94 cuts through Ivanhoe's mountainous terrain. Homes are built back from the route down long, gravel roads. Most are single-family units on large lots or farmland. Houses are in the ranch, cabin and bungalow styles, and the median price is $227,000. “I would say, most people who own property in Ivanhoe live there,” says Davis. “The more expensive homes are second homes.”
Students attend schools in Wythe County and Carroll County
Wythe County Public Schools, which gets a B from Niche, and Carroll County Public Schools, which receive a B-plus, serve the area. Children at the northern end of Ivanhoe may attend Sheffey Elementary School, which gets a B, and Fort Chiswell Middle School, which receives a B-plus. Children at the southern end of Ivanhoe may attend Gladeville Elementary School, which gets a B, and Carroll County Middle School, which also gets a B. Students at the northern end of Ivanhoe continue to Fort Chiswell High School, which receives a C-plus, and Carroll County High School, which gets a B-minus, if they’re at the southern end. Both high schools have college and career education programs, offering trade school programs and college prep.
Shopping and dining in Wytheville
Within Ivanhoe, there is a Dollar General for essentials. For shopping, dining and groceries, residents head to Wytheville, which has the Wytheville Commons, a shopping mall with a Lowe’s, a Walmart and other popular retailers and chain restaurants. Nearby, at the Evansham Shopping Center, is a Food Lion for groceries. A mile from the shopping center, along Spring Street, is the Wytheville Farmers Market. The market is in a covered building and runs every Saturday from May to October, and the second and fourth Saturdays from January to April.
Commuters use State Route 94 and Interstate 81
Using State Route 94, commuters can reach Wytheville in 39 minutes. The Wythe County Community Hospital is also in Wytheville, 24 miles from Ivanhoe. Roanoke is 90 minutes north using Interstate 81. The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is 83 miles away using Interstate 81.
Most houses of worship in Ivanhoe are near State Route 94, such as Fairview Church, Forest Church of Ivanhoe and Ivanhoe Church of God of Prophecy.
Environmental concerns
Like many towns in the Appalachians, Ivanhoe saw frequent mining. Zinc mining in the area caused sinkholes, and though they are not as frequent in Ivanhoe today, sinkholes are still common in the Ridge and Valley Province of the Appalachians.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
