$245,269Average Value$201Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Shipman has rural charm and mountain views near Central Virginia hubs
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shipman is a rural community home to fewer than 500 people. The mountains frame its two-lane roads and country homes, where residents enjoy tranquility in nature. Though Shipman embraces a sense of seclusion, it’s about 4 miles from Lovingston and the U.S. Route 29 corridor. “People move here for the privacy and land, but you’re still within 8 to 10 miles of a grocery store,” says Marlo Allen, an associate broker with Mountain Area Nest Realty and a Nelson County native.
The highway moves traffic north to south throughout Virginia, connecting Shipman to Charlottesville, 38 miles north, and Lynchburg, 35 miles south. Allen adds that Shipman’s central location in Nelson County makes it one of several rural communities to benefit from the county’s partnership with Firefly Fiber Broadband. “Nelson County, in general, has become popular because we’re one of the few rural counties to get fiber optic internet to everyone,” she says. Shipman's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
The Thomas Nelson Highway cuts through Shipman.
Homes in Shipman sit on large plots of land.
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Country homes with acreage are common, though few hit the market
Most homes sit along James River and Craigtown Roads, which intersect near the Shipman Historic District. This former transportation hub features vernacular-style homes built around the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The tracks still carry Norfolk Southern freight trains today, and the district remains a quaint village center with a post office, Shipman Baptist Church, Montreal Baptist Church and the Corner Market convenience store.
Country retreats offer plenty of room to spread out, with a median lot size of roughly 1 acre. Rustic bungalows, farmhouses and ranch-style homes are the norm throughout Shipman. Properties with significant acreage have space for a small hobby farm, and some have additional features like detached sheds or horse stalls. “There’s also a market for second-home buyers; people wanting a vacation house,” Allen says. Properties rarely come on the market here. According to a Homes.com calculation, which uses a combination of estimate data, the average home value in Shipman was around $230,000 in late 2025.
Colonial style homes sit next to one another in Shipman.
Many homes in Shipman have large covered front porches.
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Students can attend the Nelson County Public Schools district
The Nelson County Public Schools system earns an overall grade of B-minus from Niche and has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. Tye River Elementary School scores a C, Nelson Middle School receives a C-plus and Nelson County High School gets a B. The high school is known for its robust career and technical education department, which includes a well-regarded agricultural program that won the 2024 Region 5 Secondary CTE Exemplary Program Award from the Virginia Department of Education for its dedication to vocational development.
Kids in Shipman can attend Tye River Elementary School.
Nelson County Middle School is a highly rated school in Shipman.
Nelson County High School serves the community of Shipman.
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Lovingston features shops, restaurants and craft beverage trails
Residents usually shop and dine in Lovingston. Food Lion, Family Dollar and Dollar General cover the essentials, while spots like Blue Moon Antique Mall and Bookstore offer second-hand goods. Dining includes a few fast-food chains and local spots like Vito’s Pizza & Italian Grill and Nelson Scoops, a favorite for ice cream. Lovingston Winery is part of the Nelson 29 Craft Beverage Trail, one of three local trails where residents can explore wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries.
Blue Moon Antique Store in Shipman has thousands of new and used books.
Plenty of convenience stores are around for Shipman residents to stop into.
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U.S. Route 29 connects Shipman to Charlottesville and Lynchburg
This is a heavily car-dependent area with no sidewalks or public transportation. James River Road leads west to U.S. Route 29, which residents can take north towards Charlottesville or south towards Lynchburg. It’s about a 44-mile drive to Charlottesville-Albermarle Airport, and residents are roughly 95 miles from Richmond. For health care, Shipman is 36 miles from both UVA Health’s University Medical Center and Centra Lynchburg General Hospital.
Year-round recreation near rivers, mountains and Wintergreen Resort
Though Shipman doesn’t have any parks, it’s within reach of some of the county’s most popular natural attractions. The James, Rockfish and Tye Rivers are destinations for fishing and paddling, while the Blue Ridge Mountains offer opportunities for hiking and skiing. Residents can head up the mountains to Wintergreen Resort, which is about 30 miles away and is open year-round for everything from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and golfing. Hikers can also access the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, 45 miles of which pass through Nelson County.
Lovingston is home to the Nelson Memorial Library, which hosts recreational and educational programs for all ages. "We do kind of a big event to kick off our summer reading program. It's usually one of our most well-attended events,” says Yulita Ellis, the library’s branch manager. Local bands perform at Rapunzel’s Coffee & Books, a rustic arts venue and café. “It's been a staple of the community for many, many years,” Ellis says.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Photography Contributed By
Caleb Jones
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
MARLO ALLEN,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Shipman, VA sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Shipman, VA over the last 12 months is $246,750, up 29% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Percs in front and rear of the property. Entrance in place saving you thousands. Between 636 and 682 Piney Mountain lane. Walk up the entrance about 40 yards to the first possible homesite where you will see the first perc location. Explore the property going further back as it widens you will see all types of possibilities with flowing springs and another homesite. Powerline easement is to the
Nestled in the leafy community of Montreal Village, this cozy rancher is ready for its next owner's vision. The single level plan includes a spacious living room, an open kitchen/dining space, laundry, three bedrooms and a full bathroom. The back deck is perfect for entertaining. Set on a large, level lot, the property offers plenty of possibilities for pets, play, and gardening. Two car garage.
THE BECKHAM TEAMKELLER WILLIAMS ALLIANCE - CHARLOTTESVILLE
Dreaming of a quiet country life with room to grow? This beautiful 3.15-acre wooded lot in Nelson County offers just that and more. Tucked away in the peaceful countryside and surrounded by gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain views, its the perfect blank canvas for your dream home. Build a classic country house, a cozy mountain cabin, a modern barndominium, or place any size manufactured home with no
Escape to the beauty of Nelson County with this custom-built, one-owner home nestled on 10 secluded wooded acres, located near the scenic Rockfish River and minutes from town. Offering over 2,000 finished square feet (& 1100 unfinished), this 3-bedroom, 3-bath home combines quality craftsmanship with modern comfort in a peaceful setting surrounded by wildlife. Inside, you'll find an open floor
Discover the possibilities situated on 34 acres in Shipman. This property is considered to be on a permanent foundation. 3-bed, 2-bath manufactured home offers a new roof and windows. The owner says the well and septic are in good working order for added peace of mind. Estimated 1296 sq ft. The property also includes a storage building and an open yard. Tons of potential and a great price for the
Welcome to your private retreat situated on 10.10 peaceful acres in Shipman, Virginia. Built in 2015, this 1,680-square-foot, 1-story home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathroom, and single-level living at its finest. The freshly painted interior features brand-new flooring, recessed lighting, a cozy wood-burning stove, and a flexible layout including a dedicated dining area, eat-in kitchen, and
Welcome to 142 Micklem Lane in charming Shipman, VA! Nestled on a peaceful lot surrounded by mature trees, this beautifully maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bath home offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Step inside to discover an open concept living are with soaring ceilings, a cozy fireplace, double hung tilt in windows, and plenty of natural light. This spacious kitchen boasts stainless
Escape to your own private woodland retreat! This 5.5-acre parcel is quietly tucked back along a shared right of way, offering unmatched peace and seclusion. Towering trees create a serene backdrop for your dream home or weekend getaway. Imagine morning coffee surrounded by birdsong and evening walks beneath a canopy of stars. Whether you’re looking to build, camp, or simply enjoy nature, this
Step back in time without sacrificing modern comfort in this fabulously renovated circa-1887 farmhouse on just under 20 acres, located between Charlottesville and Lynchburg. This exceptional 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home blends historic charm with thoughtful updates. The main level is filled with natural light, for a warm and welcoming living space. The living room, dining area, and kitchen flow
Secluded Mountain Retreat on 7.5 Acres! Escape to total privacy with this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath Home, offering over 1,700 sq. ft. of comfortable living space near Charlottesville! Tucked away in a tranquil mountain setting, this private sanctuary is perfect as a primary residence, mountain getaway, lucrative Airbnb, or hobby farm setup. Add some fencing and create some pasture for your
Step into a piece of Shipman history with this historic property, originally built circa 1900 as the McGinnis Store and once home to the community’s post office. Located along James River Road in the heart of historic Shipman, the building was part of the village’s early commercial center and remains a contributing property within the Shipman Historic District. Today, this historic structure
CATALINA SAN GIORGIOFOUR SEASONS REALTY 1 LLC/HOWARD HANNA REAL ESTATE SERVICES
New Price and Motivated Seller! Fantastic home with tons of updates offering 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths and new kitchen all on over 7 acres with both open and wooded areas. Open floorplan. Split bedroom design. New kitchen offers bright white cabinetry with Calcutta Vikram Quartz countertops and a custom pantry. Over the butcher block island is a skylight with a push button automatic shade
Jeremy PhillipsBHHS DAWSON FORD GARBEE & CO.-LYNCHBURG
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