New River offers lower home prices just outside of Radford
Named for the river that borders its southern edge, New River is a small community on the outskirts of Radford that offers starter homes near shopping and restaurants on U.S. Route 11. “It’s a great place to find a starter home because it is a little bit cheaper,” says Taryn Olinger, a Realtor who, with her husband Nicholas, owns OG Realty, powered by eXp Realty. “The great thing about it is you’re still just around the corner from all of the great benefits and shopping places that are in Radford.” The river separates the community from the city, which is a roughly 2-mile drive away and home to Radford University, a major employer. The Radford Army Ammunition Plant, another big employer, is around 5 miles away.
Fixer-uppers and move-in ready homes in a rural area
Most houses are manufactured, ranch-style and Cape Cod homes that sit along narrow, hilly streets. These usually have driveways and large yards that provide room for a detached garage or workshop. Though there are few farms in New River, the community here is surrounded by fields, giving it a rural atmosphere. Nicholas Olinger, who owns a rental property in New River, says many of the houses here are fixer-uppers that people are buying to renovate. Prices typically range from around $100,000 to $240,000. New River’s median sale price of around $120,000 is less than Radford’s median of $280,000.
Students attend Pulaski County Public Schools
Kids can attend Pulaski County Public Schools, which earn an overall rating of B-minus from Niche. They can start at the B-minus-rated Riverlawn Elementary and then go to the C-plus-rated Pulaski County Middle. At the C-plus-rated Pulaski County High, students can join the Cave Club, which explores and cleans up local caves. Nearby, Radford University enrolls over 7,000 students and offers 75 bachelor’s degree programs, plus master’s and doctoral programs.
A car-dependent community across the river from Radford
New River Road is the main route through the community, and Route 11 is to the north. Radford is around 2 miles away, just across the river, and Blacksburg is a 14-mile drive. Houses of worship here include First Missionary Baptist Church and Morgan’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Carilion New River Valley Medical Center is 7 miles away, and Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport is a 45-mile trip.
Burgers, ice cream and national retailers
Route 11 and Peppers Ferry Road are the area’s commercial hubs. Hank’s Drive-In has served burgers and sandwiches here since 1972, and it provides car-side service. Pycone Creamery is another locally owned favorite and is known for its homemade custard-based ice cream. There are several fast-food chains in the surrounding area, as well as shopping centers with national retailers and grocers, like Kroger, Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement.
River access, a playground and trails are all nearby
The New River provides opportunities for boating and fishing, and there’s a boat ramp on Falling Branch Road. New River Community Park’s playground and basketball court provide entertainment for kids, and Scarrette’s Plaza Cinema shows new and cult-classic movies at discounted prices. In Radford, Bisset Park and Wildwood Park are popular hangouts. “Wildwood Park takes you into Bisset Park through a tunnel under Main Street, so when you go under that tunnel, you go from Wildwood Park, which has got a little creek and some woods, into this humongous park called Bisset Park that’s right next to the New River,” Nicholas Olinger says. Wildwood Park's trails are known for birdwatching, and Bisset Park offers soccer fields, riverfront walking paths and a skate park.
Festivals bring people together in Radford
Radford, which is just across the river, hosts several popular events throughout the year. Each August, Radford Community Fest celebrates the city with a block party featuring over 100 vendors, live music and food trucks. At Radford University, the Radford Highlanders Festival in October attracts big crowds for a day of Scottish food, music and games.
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Written By
Annie Franklin
