Tranquil living in the countryside of Southwest Virginia
Named for the two unincorporated communities it comprises, Speedwell-Cripple Creek offers a rural lifestyle in the heart of Appalachia. Once home to stone furnaces that melted down iron ore mined in the valley, Cripple Creek loosely carves out the northern border of the community and is a source of natural beauty and outdoor recreation in the area. Local Realtor Joan Collins of Collins and Associates says Speedwell’s bucolic setting and rolling farmlands appeal to homebuyers looking for a slowed-down pace. “It’s a beautiful area with big, beautiful farms,” says Collins, who has been selling homes for 23 years. “There are more dairy farms in that area than anywhere else in southwestern Virginia.” While its location allows its agricultural roots to continue to thrive, Speedwell-Cripple Creek also provides easy access to outdoor recreation, with proximity to scenic waterways of the New River and Cripple Creek and the dense woodlands of the Jefferson National Forest. “It happens to have a lot of recreational opportunities because of its rural nature and location,” Collins adds. U.S. Highway 21 bisects the community, allowing residents to fulfill daily shopping needs in nearby Rural Retreat and Wytheville, both less than a 20-minute commute north. Additionally, Speedwell-Cripple Creek has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score and significantly lower than the national score of 4.
Ranch-style homes on larger lots offer more space
Ranch-style homes are the most common residential architectural style in Speedwell-Cripple Creek, though sizes may range considerably. Smaller homes have minimalistic facades, while many larger houses feature brick and stone siding. Other styles include colonial-style builds and mountain cottages. Lots are typically larger, offering more space and privacy within the natural setting. Data on past home sales is limited, but estimated home values in the area typically range from $85,000 to $500,000, with an average home value of $200,000. The median price for a single-family home is $270,000.
Strong academics in Wythe County Public Schools
School-aged children are zoned to Wythe County Public Schools, a district that collectively serves almost 4,000 students and earns a B from Niche. Students may begin their education at the centrally located Speedwell Elementary School. The school gets a B rating and serves prekindergarten through fifth grade. Students may advance to Rural Retreat Middle School and Rural Retreat High School. Both schools earn a B-plus and score highly for their teachers. At Rural Retreat High School, students can get involved in various extracurricular activities and clubs, including Appalachian Arts and Studies in Schools, a regional program launched by Radford University in 2005. The program encourages students to pursue higher education and gives them an opportunity to learn about Appalachian culture in Southwest Virginia.
Outdoor recreation at scenic waterways and Jefferson Forest
The Jefferson National Forest borders Speedwell-Cripple Creek to the north, stretching through a large part of the county and serving as a destination for outdoor recreation. “There are tons of equestrian trails and hiking trails, and many people go hunting or birding,” Collins says. Bodies of water such as Cripple Creek and the nearby New River offer water recreation as well. The New River is popular for tubing, fishing and kayaking. The Raven Cliff Recreation Area hugs Cripple Creek and provides a short hiking trail along the waterside, as well as a picnic area, making it an ideal stopover for anglers and kayakers. Cave Hill is a peak in Speedwell with hiking trails that is also known for its cave on the side of the mountain. “Wythe County is a cavernous area and is well known for its caves,” Collins says, adding that people come to the area to go caving and explore the natural sights.
Local conveniences and proximity to shops, restaurants in Wytheville
Anchored by U.S. Highway 21, Speedwell-Cripple Creek’s small town center comprises a post office, volunteer fire department, Speedwell Elementary and a handful of other establishments. Local staples for dining include Piggalicious, which serves American comfort foods like hot dogs and burgers, and Hunt Brothers Pizza. A Dollar General fulfills everyday necessities, along with the convenience store and gas station along the main route. Most locals head to Wytheville or Rural Retreat for additional shopping and dining, with fast-food chains and grocers like Walmart and Food City.
Linking to major interstates in Wytheville
Wytheville is about 12 miles north of Speedwell-Cripple Creek via U.S. Highway 21, or Grayson Turnpike. Here, locals can link to both Interstates 81 and 77. Interstate 81 connects drivers south into Tennessee and northeast to larger cities like Roanoke, where the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is located, about 90 miles away.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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This beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath brick ranch is set in a serene country setting but will meet the needs of those wanting privacy, yet still just be a short drive to town. Located close to national forest for the outdoorsman/woman. Iron Mountain, Virginia Highlands, Hungry Horse East and Collins Cove horse camps are just a short drive away. Whole house Generac generator, 2 car garage and gas
Here is your opportunity to own 2 buildings formally used as Church buildings sitting on 1.47 acres at the end of a road, with country views! Whether you are looking for a Church building for your congregation; a building to turn into rentals; A building for a great start of your own home; this is the place for you! Both of the buildings have had new wiring ; with shutoffs in 4 breakers for each
Vicki SeagleWeichert Realtors-Short Way Real Estate
Located in the scenic countryside of Speedwell, VA, this 2.5-acre property offers 145 feet of beautiful creek frontage and endless possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts. While it may possibly not be suitable for building, it provides a fantastic opportunity for a campground or rental campsites, where visitors can enjoy the peaceful setting, fishing, and nearby horse trails. There are no zoning
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
942
Median Age
46
Population under 18
23%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$58,813
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$72,683
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.4%
College Graduates
22.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.8%
% Population in Labor Force
59.3%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
78°F
Annual Snowfall
19''
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
1/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
