Indoor attractions, outdoor experiences and a growing Uptown district
Martinsville is a southwest Virginia city that was once home to major manufacturing companies for furniture, textiles and chewing tobacco. Today, the city has a growing population, new local restaurants and businesses, and an increasing housing market. Most notably, it is home to Virginia’s biggest natural history museum and the Martinsville Speedway. “Martinsville is a wonderful place, offering urban amenities amidst rural beauty. Being part of a smaller community has its advantages. You get the sense of a large city, but with a closer network of support, connection and belonging,” says Tammy Cope, branch manager of the Martinsville Library. Folks can hang out at public parks or head to the Smith River for its canoeing, kayaking, fishing and nearby trails. Outdoor enthusiasts visit – or move to - the city to be close to Philpott Lake, a 3,000-acre body of water surrounded by miles of untouched wilderness. Whether visiting for the music festivals, viewing the award-winning exhibits at the museum or putting down roots, Martinsville is a small city that is not to be missed.
Though small, Martinsville is growing quickly, with small businesses inhabiting many of the old textile buildings that once served as Martinsville's industry.
The Martinsville speedway is a huge draw to the area during the warmer months, featuring a popular Nascar weekend.
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Parks, rivers, lakes and the Virginia Museum of Natural History
Perhaps the crown jewel of Martinsville is the Virginia Museum of Natural History; with its award-winning exhibits and educational programs, tourists, locals, and students of all ages can benefit from it. “The museum isn’t just about looking at specimens in a case. It’s about understanding how humankind and the Earth have evolved. We focus on research, collections and education,” says Dr. Noel T. Boaz, founder of the Virginia Museum of Natural History and long-time Martinsville resident. The museum has operated for about 40 years and is run by Dr. Joe Keiper, its current director. “The museum has become a cornerstone for Martinsville and beyond, and we’ll continue building on that legacy,” Dr. Boaz says. Town parks, trails and bike paths let neighbors get outside together. About 20 miles northwest is Philpott Lake, which is popular among travelers, tourists, and residents. The city is surrounded by wilderness and isn’t far from the mountains and hiking opportunities.
Jack Dalton Park is one of several local neighborhood parks, with playing fields and a trail loop.
The Virginia Natural History Museum is one of Martinsville's claim to fame, with classes and activities for local students. The museum is also a center of research in paleontology.
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Community events, festivals and gatherings at the Virginia Museum of Natural History
The Martinsville Speedways has a NASCAR weekend, and the city also hosts a Rooster Walk music and arts festival at Pop’s Farm. Smith River Fest celebrates the 45-mile waterway with vendors, fly fishing, kayaking and other outdoor events. City residents also host community gatherings like trivia nights, Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, pub runs, card tournaments and open mic nights at local brewpubs, game stores and theaters. “Martinsville is a great place to live and raise a family. It has a strong public education system, and we’ve been able to attract talented people from around the world,” Dr. Boaz says. The museum even hosts several events that aren’t just educational. “We’ve always strived to be a welcoming space for everyone. From hosting Girl Scout sleepovers to concerts and weddings, the museum has become a community gathering place,” Dr. Boaz says. “It’s not stuffy or exclusive—it’s inclusive and educational. Our biggest events, like Dino Fest where kids show up in dinosaur costumes, bring people from all over."
Martinsville City Public School programs and library resources
Martinsville City Public Schools is graded an overall C-plus on Niche and is home to four schools. Patrick Henry Elementary School and Albert Harris Elementary School are both rated a C, while Martinsville Middle School is graded a C-plus. Martinsville High School has a B-minus and is known for its bulldog mascot, dual enrollment opportunities and career readiness for its students.
Martinsville students and adults can attend educational and extracurricular activities at the Martinsville Branch Library. “The clubs we currently have on offer include S.T.E.A.M Club and Lego clubs for kids; book clubs that meet on- and off-site; knitting, crochet, and other crafting groups; and community-led Bible study groups,” Cope says. The branch also offers a Friends of the Library book sale event where the community can buy limited edition books or complete series to help generate money for the entire library system.
Martinsville High School serves the area's oldest learners and offers dual enrollment opportunities and career readiness for its students.
Albert Hill Elementary scores a C from Niche, and is one of several schooling options for Martinsville's youngest students.
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Low median home prices and growing residential areas on the southeast side of town
Martinsville is split between the northwest/central part of town, which is more developed with small neighborhoods and commercial businesses, and the southeast's forested suburban areas. The median single-family home price in Martinsville is about $150,000, which is significantly lower than the national average. At that price, buyers can purchase manufactured homes on their own land, fixer-upper ranch-style homes and Cape Cods. A smaller assortment of homes that range in value between $200,000 and $300,000 can include colonial-inspired estates from the 1970s, single-story 1920s ranch-style homes and early 2000s brick traditionals. A very small number of homes cost over $500,000 and are located in the forested suburban areas by Lake Lanier. These larger estates can have over 4,000 square feet of space and include spacious yards, wide driveways and both midcentury and contemporary designs.
Communities of Townhomes are common in Uptown Martinsville, with prices being very affordable.
Larger homes in a variety of styles line many Uptown streets, like these on Church St.
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Incoming local businesses and major shopping centers in Martinsville
New businesses and long-time staples in the Martinsville Historic District are often found on Main Street and Church Street. The city calls this their “Uptown” district instead of downtown and is going through revitalizations to encourage more economic growth. Brewpubs, sandwich shops, cafes, bars and sit-down restaurants all congregate within a mile radius of one another. Residents can spend a day learning about local history, viewing the classic Federal and Romanesque architecture, or enjoying a meal or game of brewpub trivia. For big shopping trips to grocery stores like Kroger and Aldi, Commonwealth Boulevard has several national brands and chains like Applebee’s Grill and Bar, Belk Department Store, Walmart and Lowe’s.
Hugo's Restaurant and Sports Bar is a great place to grab a beer and catch the game.
Wild Magnolia hosts events like karaoke night. Though less busy in the winter, this hot spot gets busy in the summer, so get there early if you want to get in.
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Rural but not isolated
Because it is right near the North Carolina border, Martinsville is about 55 miles or 1 hour from Greensboro to the south. Its major highways nearby include Routes 220 and 58. Route 220 takes drivers north about 1 hour to Roanoke and its commuter rail, which heads north to Richmond and Washington, D.C. Several public bus stops in the city line major streets and are serviced by the RADAR transportation non-profit or the Piedmont Area Regional Transit system bus lines.
Crime and possible flooding in Martinsville
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, in 2023, Martinsville's violent and property crime rates fluctuated above and below the state and national averages. Like with many Virginia towns, creeks, rivers and waterways that cut through the hills can be known to overflow during times of heavy rainfall.
Written By
Shelby Sullivan
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Jack Adams
Video By
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Martinsville, VA sell after 11 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Martinsville, VA over the last 12 months is $115,500, down 35% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Online Real Estate Auction - 1807 Sam Lions Trail Martinsville, VA 24112 Bidding Closes: Thursday, March 5th at 11AM This property presents an excellent opportunity for homeowners, investors, or those seeking property in a quiet setting with convenient access to Martinsville and surrounding areas. Beautifully situated on a corner lot just minutes from Forest Park Country Club and the Dick &
Welcome to 1229 Mulberry Road! Located on one of Forest Park's most beautiful, residential streets and in a great neighborhood, we invite you to view this timeless classic and make your move! Sitting on a 3/4 acre lot, this property has a great front and back yard for outdoor play, and wooded space behind for the wildlife lovers out there! A single carport is off the kitchen, providing covered
Welcome home to 1510 Whittle Road! Discover the charm and potential of this beautiful Cape Cod home with dormer windows that provide extra light and living space to the upper floor! Offering four spacious bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Major updates include an added main floor laundry and completely renovated large kitchen with new stainless-steel appliances and island. Storm doors open
This spacious 4 bedroom, 2 full bath modular home offers comfortable living in Henry County, VA. With 1,792 sq.ft., the home is conveniently located approx. 10-15 minute drive to shopping, fast food, the hospital, schools, & a coffee shop. Nearby attractions with the Martinsville City limits include the Virginia Museum of Natural History & the Hooker Baseball Field. The living room features a
Investor Opportunity in Martinsville! This 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home, built in 1942, is already income-producing and tenant-occupied. With approx. 848 sq.ft., it offers a manageable footprint with updated features that make it low maintenance and appealing to renters. Upgrades include modern flooring, updated lighting fixtures, and energy-efficient double-pane windows. the exterior trim has been
Here is a rare find in the Martinsville city limits - 2.6 acres!! Its location is convenient to schools, fast food, grocery, medical facilities, and more. Tuck away your home in the woods for privacy. Public utilities are available. Property info per assessor-buyer to verify to their satisfaction.
Welcome to 1407 Whittle Road, a contemporary tri-level with lots of updates, and located on a lovely street in the gorgeous Forest Park subdivision! Architecturally unique, the home features mid-century touches throughout, including the stunning great room with vaulted ceiling, floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace, and picture windows overlooking the back yard! The kitchen has been renovated with
Discover this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom Cottage style home in Martinsville, ideally situated near shopping and restaurants in a peaceful neighborhood. Bask in the luminous, open interior, with ample windows that flood the space with an abundance of natural sunlight. The full basement provides tons of storage space or workshop possibilities!The spacious backyard provides plenty of
These commercial lots include Memorial Boulevard (1.262 acres), Salem Street Lots 100, 101, and 102, Winston Street Lot 91. This is a total of 5 lots in the South Memorial Boulevard area that can be used for a myriad of commercial purposes! This is prime commercial land with excellent visibility and prime access! Average daily traffic in this area is 11,000 vehicles. You want your business here!
Discover affordable living just outside the Martinsville city limits in this 1.5-story home located in Henry County. Offering 960 sq.ft. of living space, additional living space is available upstairs by adding a heat source. This home offers vinyl siding exterior, architectural-looking shingle roof and updated windows. Inside, you'll find a floor plan ready for personal touches. The interior
Welcome to Patrick Henry Farms! Located just off U.S. 58/A L Philpott Hwy, this is one of Martinsville and Henry County's FAVORITE subdivisions, and several residential lots are still available - including this one! Located on beautiful Red Hill Drive, this 0.824 acre lot is yours to build the home of your dreams! Public water, electric, and high speed internet available from street (no public
SPECTACULAR VIEWS of the Blue Ridge Mountains from this newly renovated (2025) home including opening up space between the family room, great room and kitchen that has made it brighter and improved the flow of the floor plan. The crawl space has been completely encapsulated to make it free of allergens. The inground pool has been converted to a salt-water system for easier maintenance (all pool
This 0.4+/- acre in-city parcel offers a potential building site with easy access to shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences. Buyer to conduct their own due diligence on zoning and permitted uses.
Huge opportunity to own this 13,000+ sq ft building on 2 levels at a high traffic location in growing, historic UpTown Martinsville, Virginia. Formerly used by Bank of America and then HomeTown Bank, it is now vacant and available for repurposing. The main level has wide open spaces and large offices. The upstairs consists of several offices and conference rooms. This building can be easily
The Chief Tassel building has seen a lot of change in its nearly 100 year history, but it’s always retained its quirky charm. After falling into disrepair in the early 2000s, we did a top-to-bottom renovation, keeping all of the historic character that makes the building unique, but bringing it up to modern times with all new systems, lighting, appliances, and more. The property features 20 one
Welcome home to this cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom gem in the heart of Martinsville! Featuring recently updated luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, this home combines comfort and style with easy upkeep. Enjoy being just minutes from everything Martinsville has to offer.
Welcome home to Ridge View Apartments, a beautifully maintained apartment community designed for comfortable, modern living.Ridge View offers spacious two- and three-bedroom apartment homes with layouts that give you room to live, work, and relax. Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, large closets, and the convenience of an in-unit washer and
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 5 bedroom, 1 bathroom property located in Martinsville, VA. This home features central heating and cooling, providing year-round comfort. Washer and Dryer Hookups in unit. The functional layout offers spacious bedrooms and a welcoming living area perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
Discover the perfect place to call home at Meadow Run Apartments, a well-maintained rental community at 101 Wood Street in Martinsville, Virginia offering charming and spacious townhome-style living. Our 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath units are designed for comfort, convenience, and everyday living — ideal for professionals, families, and anyone looking for quality rental living in a great
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom property located in Martinsville, VA. This home features energy-efficient mini-split heating and cooling, providing year-round comfort and lower utility costs. Washer and Dryer Hookips in unit. The functional layout offers spacious bedrooms, a convenient half bath for guests, and a welcoming living area perfect for relaxing or
Property Id: 1697610Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at Ridge View Apartments, a charming residential community in Martinsville. **Apt Features** Fully equipped kitchens with modern appliances Generously sized closets for all your storage needs In-unit washers and dryers for added convenience **Prime Location, Endless Possibilities**
Recently Renovated 1-Bedroom Apartment Experience modern living in this beautifully renovated 1-bedroom apartment. The home features updated finishes throughout, including a stylish kitchen and contemporary bathroom. Enjoy the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer, and bring your furry friend -- pets are considered on a case-by-case basis. NO SMOKING Perfect for those seeking comfort and
Property Id: 1697590Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at Ridge View Apartments, a charming residential community in Martinsville. **Apt Features** Fully equipped kitchens with modern appliances Generously sized closets for all your storage needs In-unit washers and dryers for added convenience **Prime Location, Endless Possibilities**
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