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.
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On average, homes in Martinsville, VA sell after 103 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Martinsville, VA over the last 12 months is $160,250.
Welcome to this charming Tudor-style home on historic Mulberry Rd in Martinsville, VA--where timeless 1940's character meets modern updates. The non-traditional floor plan is like the marriage of a 3 story home & split level, with a renovated lower-level kitchen and living space that feels bright, open, and inviting--offering a unique alternative to traditional floor plans, perfect for people who
Countryside Estates - Tract 8 - 5.18 acres with shared pond. Private, secluded and woodsy. No Mobiles or Double wides allowed. Convenient to Rocky Mount and Martinsville. All owners share in maintenance of road when needed. Purchasers responsible for well and septic.
Looking for a solution to the high cost of living these days? I've got your solution! This rare property is perfect for multigenerational living, optional AirBnB or longterm rental income, and it's got the perfect fenced in backyard for kids, fur babies or gardening. You'll find that this maintenance free brick ranch offers 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a versatile basement bonus room ideal for a
Welcome to 810 Clarke Rd! This well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch offers comfortable living with plenty of space to spread out. Inside, you'll find beautiful hardwood floors and a kitchen featuring granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The partially finished basement provides additional living space along with a dedicated storage room, giving you flexibility for a den,
Welcome to 4406 Sunset! This 1965 ranch offers 1,535 sq. ft. of comfortable living space with a number of updates. The interior has been freshly painted and features an updated kitchen with granite countertops, updated bath, double-pane windows, and updated lighting throughout. The practical ranch-style layout offers easy one-level living with plenty of natural light and inviting living spaces.
Here's a lot ready to build that tiny house on that you've been dreaming about! Convenient location and walking distance to the local coffee shop, uptown shops, restaurants with schools, medical, & grocery nearby. CALL TODAY & LET'S MAKE A DEAL! Property info per assessor, tax are approx. Buyer to verify to their satisfaction.
Welcome home to this beautifully renovated, move-in-ready brick home where thoughtful design meets easy, one-level living. From the inviting front porch to the spacious, level fenced backyard, every detail has been carefully considered. At the heart of the home is a stunning kitchen featuring granite countertops, a large island bar, pantry, and glass-door accent cabinetry. The kitchen opens to a
Location, location, location!Landmarks in Martinsville include TAD Cavern and Martinsville Speedway. Approximately one hour away from Winston Salem State University, North Carolina Central University, and Greensboro, NC. Charlotte, NC, is about a two-hour drive away.1016 Askin Rd and 1018 Askin Rd are both for sale. When combined, the new owner will have approximately .4 acres of
Welcome to this charming Tudor-style home on historic Mulberry Rd in Martinsville, VA--where timeless 1940's character meets modern updates. The non-traditional floor plan is like the marriage of a 3 story home & split level, with a renovated lower-level kitchen and living space that feels bright, open, and inviting--offering a unique alternative to traditional floor plans, perfect for people who
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
WORK FROM HOME!! High-speed T-Mobile internet makes working from home, streaming, and staying connected easy! Nestled in the scenic countryside of Franklin County, this beautifully updated home offers the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and convenience while remaining just 20 minutes to Rocky Mount. This location is also convenient to Martinsville and surrounding areas. Inside, you'll find
Do you own an airplane or dream of having one? This is a unique property that connects to the taxiway and roadway, providing a rare opportunity for aviation enthusiasts. Build your custom home and private aircraft hangar and enjoy the convenience of direct access to the airfield. Why spend hours driving when you can take to the skies? Whether you're a pilot or simply seeking a distinctive
10.33 acres of undeveloped land in the Horsepasture District of Henry County ready for your vision to be put into fruition. Whether it's a homestead, private retreat or your dream home building site the options are there. Located only 10 minutes from grocery stores, doctors offices, restaurants and your much needed for southern living in Virginia-Rural King or Tractor supply where all your garden
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
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
IMPORTANT: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN RENTING AN AVAILABLE UNIT OR SCHEDULING A TOUR PLEASE PUT AN APPLICATION IN BY CLICKING APPLY NOW. ONLY INQUIRIES THAT ARE ACCOMPINIED BY AN APPLICATION (INCLUDING REQUESTS FOR TOURS) WILL BE RESPONDED TO.Discover the perfect place to call home at Meadow Run Apartments, a well-maintained rental community at 101 Wood Street in
Property Id: 2272782 Spacious 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath apartment available and ready for move-in! This unit features washer and dryer hookups, comfortable living space, and convenient layout. Don’t miss out on this great place to call home
Property Id: 1316446 Welcome to Martinsville, VA! This charming single-family property features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a list of amenities that will make your life easier. With utilities included and pet-friendly options, this rental won't last long. Don't miss out on this opportunity for a comfortable and convenient living experience. Contact us today for more information!
2 MONTHS FREE WITH SIGNED MONTHS LEASE!!! 4-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home featuring central heating and air conditioning. Includes washer and dryer hookups, an attached carport, and an unfinished basement offering additional storage space. Spacious layout with privacy and comfort.
Property Id: 1851207 Welcome home to this renovated colonial in Martinsville. This home is convenient to grocery stores and shopping. The first floor features a master suite, washer/dryer hookup, living room with a fireplace and a kitchen with sliding doors leading to an awesome deck. Upstairs you will find 2 large bedrooms and a full bathroom. There is a walkout basement also for any
COMING SOON!!! Cozy 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom apartment conveniently located close to shopping, dining, public transportation, and other local amenities. This comfortable home offers an efficient layout and easy access to everything you need.
Please excuse our mess as we get this unit ready for move in. Showings begin on 08/10/2026Move in ready by 09/05/2026APPLY TODAY & SCHEDULE YOUR SELF-GUIDED SHOWING!Apartments are leasing quickly—submit your application today to get pre-approved and secure your next home faster!Ready to see it for yourself? Schedule your showing online:
Custom Built home in Chatmoss overlooking the 7th green of Chatmoss Golf Course. You will find expansive living on the main level to include the master suite with his and hers bathrooms, an additional bedroom, full bath, formal living room, family room/ den which leads to a screened porch. Beautiful brick deck/patio off of the master bedroom and living room. Kitchen features an island, 6 burner
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