Rural expanses in the Laurel Springs community
Situated near the northwest corner of the state, Laurel Springs is a rural North Carolina community that offers quiet spaciousness to its residents. Just 13 miles from the Virginia border, residents have access to recreational land in both states, and within the community itself, homes can sit on multiple acres. “I think the thing that attracts people is there’s more land with the homes out there than there is closer to town,” says Andrea Witherspoon, a broker and owner of Regency Properties and Regency on the Lake. That nearby town is West Jefferson, less than 20 miles away, which has a mix of local stores and restaurants within driving distance for Laurel Springs residents.
Rustic homes in the North Carolina countryside
Homes are scattered across the Laurel Springs landscape, typically with space between them. Cabins and ranch-style homes are the most common architectural styles for single-family properties. Many sit on an acre or more of land, and more expansive lots can encompass a dozen acres or more. Single-family homes usually cost between $220,000 and $600,000. Land can range from about $10,000 all the way up to around $200,000.
National recognition for Ashe County Middle School
Laurel Springs is served by Ashe County Schools, which receives a B-plus from Niche. Blue Ridge Elementary School earns a B-plus as well, enrolling kids from kindergarten to sixth grade. The A-minus-rated Ashe County Middle School follows with grades 7 and 8. Ashe County Middle has been named a national “School to Watch” for multiple years, recognizing its academic achievements. Schools to Watch is a national program that specifically recognizes those middle schools across the country that excel in student achievement and in closing educational gaps. Ashe County High School gets a B-minus.
Expansive state parks in Virginia and North Carolina
Outdoor enthusiasts can head east of Laurel Springs, where several recreational amenities sit within 20 miles of the community. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through southeastern Laurel Springs, offering scenic landscapes along the road. Doughton Recreation Area is the largest park in the Blue Ridge Parkway, within which the Basin Creek Trail winds for nearly 10 miles. Hiking, camping and fishing are among the area’s most popular activities, with the trails totaling over 30 miles. Hunters can visit Thurmond Chatham Wildlife Management Area. New River State Park offers a dozen trails about 10 miles northwest of Laurel Springs. Mount Rogers rises above the Virginia landscape more than 30 miles away, surrounded by the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
Diners head to downtown West Jefferson to eat
Downtown West Jefferson is less than 20 miles east and the most popular destination for shoppers and diners. “The only North Carolina cheese plant is located in downtown,” Witherspoon says, “and we’ve got the Old Barn Winery & Vineyards.” The Ashe County Cheese Plant has produced cheese for nearly a century, but also sells wine, ice cream and other products. Old Barn Winery has a trolley that stops at the cheese plant and also hosts Frosty’s Choose & Cut during the winter with a holiday market, Santa appearances and trees for customers. “We have a lot of Christmas tree growing places in the Crumpler and Laurel Springs area,” Witherspoon says. Downtown dining options include Cuban fare at Havana Café, wings and burgers at Just Wing It Backstreet Bar and Grill, and a sports-bar atmosphere at the Town Tavern of West Jefferson. Walmart and Food Lion are both in West Jefferson.
Local events bring surrounding North Carolina communities together
In West Jefferson, a tree lighting marks the start of the holiday season. Live music, more visits from Santa and Small Business Saturday are part of the festivities. The Ashe County Farmers Market is a popular draw every Saturday through late October.
Trips to Charlotte and Greensboro require significant travel
Laurel Springs residents rely on their own cars to get around, as there is no public transit. North Carolina Highway 18 runs through the southeastern side of the community. Jefferson is about 15 miles west, and Interstate 77 sits over 40 miles east. More than 100 miles separate Laurel Springs from Charlotte, Greensboro and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Ashe Memorial Hospital provides medical care about 15 miles west.
