Rileyville's location between the river and Shenandoah National Park
Like many other Shenandoah Valley communities in western Virginia, life in Rileyville revolves around the outdoors. Shenandoah National Park’s rolling hills and sprawling woods borders Rileyville its eastern side, pushing properties closer to the South Fork Shenandoah River. The region is popular with tourists, evidenced by campgrounds and rentable cabins situated along the curves of the river, but for the permanent residents, the open fields and mountain views are every day. Distance from larger towns like Front Royal and Luray further adds to the area’s quiet backdrop. “Some of us like being out in the country,” assures Realtor Martha Buracker with Weichert Realtors and Shenandoah Valley resident.
Shenandoah National Park's trails and tubing on the Shenandoah River
Shenandoah National Park is Virginia’s only national park, offering over 500 miles of trails across its 200,000 acres. Skyline Drive snakes down the length of it, offering overlooks and mountain vistas for motorists. Fall foliage makes the drive particularly popular at that time of year. Nearby trails include the 5-mile Overall Run Falls trail where people can hike to an overlook with a waterfall and the 5-mile Sugarloaf Loop, known for its great views of the Massanutten Mountains. “In any area that touches the park, they have hiking trails where you can get dropped off and then hike up into the national park,” Buracker says. Along the western side, the South Fork Shenandoah River offers boating and fishing opportunities. “We’ve got several kayak and canoe companies,” Buracker says. “But most of us who live around here are more into tubing, and we’ll tie the tubes together and float down the river. Someone will have one filled with beer and drinks.”
Houses on up to 7 acres throughout Rileyville
Farmhouses, bungalows and ranch-style homes sit along multi-acre properties, typically ranging from half an acre to 7 acres. Long winding roads run between properties, where homes might be covered by trees or sitting in open fields. “A lot of people move here for weekend and retirement homes,” Buracker says. “But the people who build weekend homes actually decide to just stay here.” Homes in this community typically range from $310,000 to $530,000, though this is less expensive than other nearby communities like Bentonville and Browntown.
Luray's nearby amenities accessible along U.S. Route 340
Also called Stonewall Jackson Highway, U.S. Route 340 runs through Rileyville and other Shenandoah Valley communities. The thoroughfare links Rileyville with bigger towns like downtown Luray, about 8 miles away, and downtown Front Royal, about 16 miles north. Page Memorial Hospital is 9 miles away, in Luray. Dulles International Airport is about 72 miles from Rileyville, accessible via Interstate 66.
Nearby public schools and dual enrollment programs
Springfield Elementary School receives a B from Niche. Luray Middle School receives a B-minus. Luray High School receives a C-plus and offers dual enrollment courses through Laurel Ridge Community College.
Shenandoah Valley's wineries and Luray local restaurants
The Shenandoah Valley is Virginia’s wine country, where the rolling hills are the perfect setting for wineries and vineyards. Castle Vineyards is right outside Rileyville in Vaughn. Housed in a New Traditional house, people can taste local wines inside or at the picnic tables outside to take in the scenery. For other dining options, residents can head into Luray. Gathering Grounds Patisserie and Café serves pastries in the morning and sandwiches and burgers at lunch. Il Vesuvio Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria is a popular dinner spot. Rileyville residents can also come to Luray for their weekly grocery shopping at the Walmart Supercenter and Food Lion.
Shenandoah's seasonal festivals for wildflowers and stargazing
Shenandoah National Park has small festivals throughout the year. Wildflower Weekend is a 40-year tradition celebrating the local flora with guided hikes and art contests every early May. In August, Night Sky Festival invites people to come stargazing at the 2,500 visible stars over Shenandoah.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
