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
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On average, homes in Martinsville, VA sell after 11 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Martinsville, VA over the last 12 months is $115,500.
Wonderful home conveniently located near schools, shopping, and parks. Easy access to Philpott Lake and main roads to Eden, Greensboro, Rocky Mount and Roanoke. Home features metal roof, covered porch, enclosed back porch with laundry, and level lot. With the addition of stairs for the floored attic, the attic has potential of a third bedroom. 24 hour notice appointment required. All information
Two untouched lots for building your new home! Neighbors are scarce and wildlife is plentiful. Take a look and work on a floor plan for this pristine lot. All information taken from Seller and GIS; Buyer/Buyers agent to verify all information.
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!
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.
Modular Home, priced well below tax assessment, located in the Preston Community. Three Bedrooms, Two Baths One Level Living. Two doors have been removed in home for wheel chair access and will be put back up. Storage building with electricity and water. Detached Carport. Chicken Coop Area. There was a camper hooked up to electric and water when home was being built. Country living, but still
Welcome to 624 Mulberry Road! This adorable, brick home in Martinsville is just the right size for those starting their homeownership journey, or looking to downsize! There are two drives providing access to the home; a front circle drive, and a side drive to the rear. The side drive is shared with the neighboring property to the right. Enter into a spacious living room with brick fireplace and
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow nestled on a corner lot within the Martinsville city limits! Built in 1952, this charming 800 sq.ft. home blends classic character with modern improvements for worry-free living. Updates completed in approx. 2023 include electrical, plumbing, pipes, roof, windows, siding, HVAC system, flooring, and a recently freshly painted
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
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
Welcome to 132 Chestnut Meadows Road, an adorable, updated, move-in ready home in the Snow Creek community of Franklin County! You rural escape includes a generous acre of land, and the property lines have recently been marked! On entry, a breathtaking great room with vaulted ceiling awaits, featuring a spacious living room and kitchen/dining area, nicely remodeled with granite counters, brick
1001 Indian Trail is a great opportunity for those interested in buying a home in a wonderful neighborhood that, while needing renovations, offers potential to bring one's remodeling vision to life! Featuring 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and over 2,260 square feet on the main level, there is more than enough room here to spread about. Additionally, one of the bedrooms has separate entry via the side sun
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 land. Both
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
This recently updated three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath house is located on a dead-end road with less traffic and a more peaceful setting. The home includes a fenced backyard. There's a full basement with both interior and exterior access, giving you extra storage space or potential for a recreational area. It also has laundry hookups, so you can install your own washer and dryer. The property
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
Charming home conveniently located in the heart of Martinsville offering comfort, convenience, and plenty of space. The attic is suitable for a 3rd bedroom. This property features spacious living areas, a functional layout, and easy access to shopping, dining, schools, and local amenities. Enjoy a peaceful setting with a large yard and the convenience of nearby commuter routes. Perfect for anyone
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
This is a two-story house in a quiet country setting, offering three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. One of the bedrooms is conveniently located on the main level, which can be useful for guests or anyone who prefers to avoid stairs. The home includes a living room and a separate formal dining room, giving it a more classic layout rather than an open-concept design. Most of the rooms
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: 2105514Discover this inviting 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom townhome apartment available for rent starting May 1st. Recently refreshed with new paint and appliances, this residence offers both comfort and style. Water, sewer and garbage included in the rent. Ideally situated, it provides easy access to local schools, shopping centers, and a hospital, making it a perfect choice.
Property Id: 1316446Welcome to your new home at 115 Emmett St in 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
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**
Property Id: 2106094Spacious 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
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