History hides in riverside mining communities like Shrewsbury
West Virginia is widely known as coal country. But if it hadn't been for communities like Shrewsbury, that reputation might never have been unearthed. "It all started with salt, that's how they discovered that the mountains were so rich with coal, which they ended up needing to fire the salt furnaces," says Nancy Bruns, who preserves her family's history as CEO and co-founder of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works, West Virginia's only remaining salt maker. "There were these little towns along the river where salt was being produced, and then they mostly became mining towns." Before the American Revolution, salt came from England. The war's end prompted a "salt rush" as families sought to capitalize on the sudden dearth of meat preserver. Named after the Shrewsbury family of salt miners, this small riverside community holds onto a small-town vibe even as some of its homes, schools and park options modernize.
Many homes in Shrewsbury have river views and large lots.
The Shrewsbury community is tight-knit, with a strong sense of pride and history.
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Newer subdivisions and established cottages needing rehabs
Buyers will be hard pressed to find anything other than a single-family home in Shrewsbury. Most options include a variety of cottages and ranch-style homes, many built between the 1940s and 70s. Some of these properties have been purchased as investment opportunities, requiring structural or exterior work prior to being move-in ready. Investors typically pay between $45,000 and $100,000. Shrewsbury also contains a small subdivision of new traditional ranch-style homes, most of which were built in the early 2000s. Some of these properties back right up to the Kanawha River and sport a private boathouse or small pier to boot. Move-in ready single-family homes usually sell for between $120,000 and $300,000.
Shrewsbury’s heritage homes reflect Appalachian and cottage styles.
Shrewsbury’s newer ranch homes reflect steady growth and fresh appeal.
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New athletic facilities at Riverside High
Students typically begin school next door to Shrewsbury at Cedar Grove Elementary, rated C-plus by Niche. After that, students begin attending Dupont Middle School, rated C. For grades nine through 12, students typically attend Riverside High School, rated C-minus. Riverside High is on track for growth as Kanawha County School District prepares to invest almost $2 million in new technology for students and a revamped football stadium.
Eastbank Middle School boasts a diverse student body, fostering a vibrant community.
Riverside High School campus boasts impressive sports facilities for various athletic programs.
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Short trips to chain and local businesses
Dupont Avenue forms Shrewsbury's main thoroughfare and houses a few local businesses, like auto repair shops and shed builders. It's also where locals go to gas up on their way to work, occasionally swinging into convenience stores for a quick snack or some hot food, like a slice of pizza. On their way home from work, residents can pop by Mason Dixon, Shrewsbury's main gathering place. Residents often go there to shoot pool and share stories over happy hour specials. Three miles west in Dickinson, a Wal-Mart Supercenter, numerous chain restaurants and a strip mall cater to most commercial needs.
Walmart is the go to spot for fresh produce and groceries.
Shoney's is a local hotspot in Shrewsbury known for its southern cuisine.
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Pool tournaments and bible study
Frequent live music performances are the main thing that attracts residents to gatherings at Mason Dixon, although the tavern also hosts special events throughout the year, such as a monthly pool tournament and parties for holidays like Halloween and New Years Eve. Churches are also a crucial way residents stay connected, often through recurring activities like worship services and weekly bible study. Shrewsbury's churches also host food drives and Christmas dinners.
Shrewsbury is home to several small churches rooted in tradition and faith.
Bricks and Barrels near Shrewsbury offers steaks and fine dining.
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A rising tide of kayakers and off-roaders
Several waterfront homes in Shrewsbury maintain a private dock or boathouse – A luxury most homes have only recently adopted as the region becomes a popular hub for recreation. "There's a lot of boating that takes place on the river," says Realtor Lisa Eden of Old Colony Realtors. "People have really gotten into kayaking, whitewater rafting, skiing, and we have all of that within an hour's drive." Shrewsbury itself does not contain any public parks. Residents have to travel 3 miles east to the parks in Cedar Grove. However, a new ATV park is being planned immediately north of the community, which will bring in more than 50 miles of off-roading trails.
Bus routes help with park visits and commutes
Reaching parks outside of Shrewsbury can easily be done without a car, as a bus route provides connections between Cedar Grove and Charleston, making stops in Shrewsbury along the way. But most locals use a car to get around, as it only takes about 20 minutes to drive into Charleston using U.S. Highway 60.
Flood zones and passing trains
Although Shrewsbury sits right on the Kanawha River, it is fairly protected from riverine flooding. Only a few small patches of the community sit within a flood zone, most of which are contained to the riverfront. Something that everybody in Shrewsbury contends with though is noise from freight trains passing through the community.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Robert Pierce
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Crystal Reeves-Paynter,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Shrewsbury, WV sell after 134 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Shrewsbury, WV over the last 12 months is $137,650, down 39% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Updated all brick rancher with a 2-car garage on quiet dead-end street with a flat lot! This home was recently updated and has a brand-new metal roof, newer windows, newer smart technology appliances, open living space, primary en suite bathroom, and formal dining and eat in dining as well!
Excellent all brick well built home with a home addition being added since home was built. Plenty of room for a large or growing family. Nice in-ground pool with a back covered porch for excellent family/friends summer fun!!! Large detached all brick garage for a workshop and vehicle protection from the weather. Still has room in the yard for a nice garden or for kids to play.
Scott MorrisBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central
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.
