Nature tourism and small-town living in Luray
The town of Luray is best known as the home of Luray Caverns, the largest cave in the Eastern United States, but those who live here are treated to a small-town lifestyle near Shenandoah National Park. “People who move here are usually trying to get away from a busy lifestyle and have a view of the mountains,” says Oleksii Humaniuk, a Realtor with Re/Max Performance Realty who’s sold homes in the area for two years. “You have mountains surrounding you on both sides, so the views are amazing, and there’s still a decent amount of stuff to do.” The national park, George Washington National Forest, the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and several smaller parks provide plenty of ways to get outside. Luray’s Main Street is lined with locally owned restaurants and businesses, and the town maintains a full calendar of community events.
Half a million tourists come to the caverns each year
Luray Caverns attracts around 500,000 visitors each year to tour the cave, which is designated a U.S. National Landmark. One of its notable features is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, an instrument that taps stalactites to make music. The caverns’ entrance is near other tourist-centered attractions, including the Shenandoah Heritage Village, the Garden Maze and the Rope Adventure Park.
Hiking, fishing and golf for outdoor recreation
Shenandoah National Park borders the area to the east, and the George Washington National Forest is to the west. Both parks provide miles of forested trails leading to waterfalls and mountain views. The South Fork of the Shenandoah River meanders through the community and is a popular spot for fishing and canoeing. Lake Arrowhead is another place for anglers and paddlers. In town, the paved Hawksbill Greenway Park follows Hawksbill Creek for 2 miles, and Ralph H. Dean Recreation Park has a playground, a skate park and sports fields that host youth leagues. The public Caverns Country Club is a par-72 course with mountain views and a “cave hole,” a hazard on the first hole that results in losing the ball through a small cave opening.
Cottages, colonials and mountain cabins
Ranch-style homes, cottages and colonials in Luray’s downtown sit close together along narrow, hilly streets. The rural areas outside of town feature multi-acre properties with views of rolling pastures and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Riverfront homes and mountain cabins are often used as vacation homes. “House prices skyrocketed when the Airbnb market became hot,” Humaniuk says. “It’s been declining significantly because the market got oversaturated with short-term rentals.” Most homes here cost between $190,000 and $440,000, while spacious colonial houses and river or mountain retreats can range from $460,000 to $850,000. Townhouses typically range from around $190,000 to $290,000. Some homes are in flood zones, particularly near the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and Hawksbill Creek; homeowners here should check flood maps to assess their risk. Properties near the mountains are at risk of wildfires.
Career-focused education at Page County Public Schools
Kids attend Page County Public Schools, which earn a C-plus from Niche. They can start at the C-rated Luray Elementary and then go to the B-minus-rated Luray Middle. High schoolers at the C-plus-rated Luray High can take dual-enrollment courses through Laurel Ridge Community College and vocational courses at Page County Technical Center.
Restaurants and stores along Main Street
Downtown Luray’s Main Street is lined with locally owned businesses and restaurants. Gathering Grounds Patisserie and Café is a popular hangout serving breakfast and lunch in a casual atmosphere. Hawksbill Brewing Co. serves craft beer made from local ingredients. Il Vesuvio Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria is known for its Italian comfort food. Willow Grove Farm Market sells farm-raised beef and poultry, as well as locally grown produce. Walmart, Food Lion and CVS Pharmacy are on the west side of town.
Several events bring the community together
On summer Fridays, locals gather at Ruffner Plaza for the free Evenings on Main concert series. The town celebrates the Fourth of July at the Downtown Get Down, which features an evening of live music followed by fireworks. The whole county comes together each October for the Page County Heritage Festival, a weekend-long event with kids’ activities, homestyle cooking and crafts demonstrations.
Most locals commute to nearby cities
“A lot of people who live in Luray commute to Winchester, Front Royal or Harrisonburg,” Humaniuk says. U.S. Route 340 is the main road through the area, leading 24 miles to Front Royal and 50 miles to Winchester. Route 340 connects to Interstate 81, which leads to Harrisonburg, 32 miles away. “You will probably have to cross a mountain for most of your commutes, especially if you’re going to Harrisonburg,” Humaniuk says. “When it snows, you might have a hard time getting there.” Houses of worship include Luray United Methodist Church and Main Street Baptist Church. Page Memorial Hospital is in town, and Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, which has domestic flights, is a roughly 53-mile trip.
Written By
Annie Franklin
