Mountain adventure and Blue Ridge charm shape life in Nellysford
In the lush Rockfish Valley, Nellysford sits quietly between the misty folds of the Blue Ridge and Ragged Mountains. The community is a four-season destination for outdoor recreation, with access to Wintergreen Resort and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It also lies along state Route 151, a scenic byway home to the Nelson 151 craft beverage trail. These recreational attractions and farm-to-table staples draw a range of people to Nellysford. “You'll have full-time residents, and some of those may be people who have relocated or are looking to be near Charlottesville, but get more for their money out here,” says Marlo Allen, a Nellysford native and an associate broker with Nest Realty. “Aside from full-time residents, because of all the outdoor activities, we have a good market for second-home buyers.” Nellysford offers a mountainside retreat by Virginia’s largest ski resort, less than 35 miles from the hubs of Charlottesville , the University of Virginia and UVA Health University Medical Center.
Wintergreen Resort, the A.T. and Stoney Creek offer year-round fun
Wintergreen Resort spans 11,000 acres. It's a popular winter destination for skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing. While winter is its busiest season, the resort also offers warm-weather activities like hiking and golfing at Devils Knob Golf Course. Hikers can access the Appalachian Trail from Wintergreen as it follows the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wintergreen Resort manages more recreational facilities in Stoney Creek, a residential community in the valley. “It has a number of resort amenities, trails and things like that,” Allen says. Stoney Creek Golf Course features three nine-hole courses designed by renowned golf architect Rees Jones, while Lake Monocan offers a swimming beach and kayak rentals.
The Wintergreen Property Owners Association also manages various amenities in Stoney Creek. Rodes Farm is a favorite for kids, with a playground, outdoor pool and pickleball court. Walking and biking trails wind through the community and past several fishing ponds. At Tuckahoe Clubhouse, property owners can use meeting rooms and a small library. The Wintergreen Valley Association hosts social events for members, including an annual Holiday Gala. Residents can join the WVA for a $20 annual fee. On Saturday mornings from May through October, the Nelson Farmers Market brings local vendors and live music to Stoney Creek.
From resort-style living in Stoney Creek to quiet, mountain-view homes
Stoney Creek is Nellysford’s largest subdivision. “That would be some of our premium development… You're going to have a lot of different styles. I mean, there may be a log home in there. There may be post-and-beam contemporaries and modern farmhouses. It's a little bit of everything,” Allen says. The community includes just under 600 single-family homes and townhouses. Residents pay annual fees to the Wintergreen Property Owners Association, which supports road maintenance, the Wintergreen Police Department and Wintergreen Fire and Rescue.
Beyond Stoney Creek, ranch-style homes and rustic retreats sit on spacious wooded lots. “You can still get housing outside of that that may have more acreage, usually mountain views…You can find pretty much anything—some raw land to build your future dream home,” Allen says. Single-family homes typically range from $450,000 to $890,000, while townhouses sell for $420,000 to $630,000. Lots for new builds range from $20,000 to $180,000, depending on acreage. Nellysford’s overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4.
Craft beverages, comfort foods and essentials on state Route 151
Nellysford is home to several stops on the Nelson 151 craft beverage trail. Favorites include the Bold Rock Cider Barn, Bold Rock Distillery and Three Notch’d Brewery, Distillery & Craft Kitchen. Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery produces traditional honey meads, and more wineries sit a few miles farther down the road.
There's also a small town center on state Route 151. “Nellysford has banking, a doctor, a dentist and a pharmacy. So, you know, the services that you need day in and day out,” Allen says. Dollar General and IGA’s Blue Ridge Grocery offer everyday essentials. A few casual restaurants serve the community, with flavors and rustic charm that echo their mountainside setting. Blue Ridge Pig draws locals with its smoked meats and Southern-style sides, and Belties offers a farmhouse café with homemade biscuits and fresh coffee. Black Bear Creamery is a go-to spot for dessert.
Low student-to-teacher ratio in Nelson County Public Schools
Nelson County Public Schools serves the community. The district earns an overall grade of B-minus from Niche and has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. Rockfish River Elementary School earns a C, Nelson Middle School gets a C-plus and Nelson County High School scores a B. The high school offers various career and technology courses, including agriculture and horticulture classes that cover animal and plant sciences.
Residents rely on state Route 151 to reach Charlottesville and beyond
Nellysford is a car-dependent area with few sidewalks and no public transportation. State Route 151 is its main thoroughfare, transporting residents to Interstate 64 and Charlottesville. Lynchburg is about a 45-mile drive away, and Richmond is roughly 100 miles from Nellysford. For flights, Charlottesville Albemarle Airport is approximately 40 miles away.
![Sally Stimpson]()
Written By
Sally Stimpson
