A vibrant downtown gives a cosmopolitan edge to this Shenandoah Valley town
With sloped streets and a creative culinary scene, Staunton stands out as a modestly sized city of 27,000 residents, located between larger college hotspots like Charlottesville and Harrisonburg. Industry and trade were important in the early days, facilitated by railroad transportation. Amtrak still maintains a station downtown. When drivers pass under the train trestle at the intersection of U.S. Routes 250 and 11, they’ll see a large watering can – one of the many public art installations left by sculptor Willy Ferguson. The overall atmosphere is quaint, quirky and inviting. “Staunton is a mix. Just outside of town, it feels rural. But it has a small-town vibe, and even a metropolitan edge that you don’t typically get in a small town,” says Mary Beth Harris, a resident of 25 years and a broker with James River Realty. Harris points first to the Blackfriars Playhouse, a renowned Shakespearean theater that punches above its weight for a city of Staunton’s size. She also notes a large catalog of small businesses that support the local economy. “There are lots of small boutiques run by creative entrepreneurs, from Design at Nine, which has amazing shoes for women, to Beverley Cigar Store, where everybody sits around and smokes in suit jackets,” she says.
Bestowed with parks and a highly touted school system, Staunton is anchored by this vibrant downtown, which feels like a slice of Main Street Americana.
Staunton has a bustling, vibrant downtown, dominated by the Augusta County Circuit Court building.
East Beverly St is the main hub of businesses in Staunton, and is lined with turn of the century buildings with an array of beautiful architectural styles.
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Historic houses near downtown; new developments on the outskirts
Housing tends to include traditional, understated genres like split-levels, ranch-style homes and colonials. But there’s variation: Some of those ranch-style homes may be two-bedroom midcenturies, while others are from the 2020s with three bedrooms and over 2,200 square feet. Sidewalks are abundant, but not all properties have driveways. Some of the more rural edges of Staunton have been developed into new subdivisions, but one of the main appeals of the city is that many residences are close to downtown. Sears Hill and Gospel Hill are popular historic neighborhoods. “You have the option of finding a property within a mile of downtown where you can walk to things and still have a more affordable lifestyle compared to bigger cities,” says Harris. “You’ll also see a lot of gorgeous Victorians in the downtown area.” Prices range from $250,000 to $550,000. The local median price is $305,000 while the national median is $405,000.
Brick ranch homes are common throughout Staunton. Much of Staunton is hilly, and many of the residential streets are steeply sloped.
Colonials and Cape Cods are also common in Staunton. New build homes are less common in this historic city.
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A historic private school, plus an all-girls university
Staunton City Public Schools earn an overall B-plus from Niche. Private education options include Stuart Hall School, which features a historic campus dating back to the Civil War. Staunton is also the site of Mary Baldwin University, which was founded in 1842 as an all-women's school, but has since expanded to include men. “Historically, Staunton was considered an academic town that complemented the more blue-collar paper and textile production in Waynesboro next door. They’d often be mentioned in the same breath,” says Matthias John, a Realtor with Wiley Real Estate.
Stuart Hall School is a private high school with a prestigious reputation.
Staunton High School is the public school alternative to Stuart Hall, and receives a B from Niche.
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Plenty of parks suitable for a stroll
Most of the city’s park spaces are located on the south and west sides, leaving the northern part of Staunton primarily residential. One of the smallest yet still happening spaces is Gypsy Hill Park, located off Churchville Avenue. “Gypsy Hill Park is great for walking, there’s a duck pond and a little train that goes around it,” says Harris. “Every Christmas it features a renowned light display that people drive around.” But then there are more sprawling spaces to explore. “Montgomery Hall Park has plenty of hiking trails, just acres and acres of land to hike,” Harris says. “It also has a community pool, a playground for kids and a frisbee golf course.”
Montgomery Hall Park offers hiking trails, a playground and a frisbee golf course.
Gypsy Hill Park has a small duck pond where locals can come to feed the water fowl.
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Local ingredients and seasonal flavors define the dining scene
The dining scene strongly focuses on providing a cozy ambiance and seasonal flavors, often updating perennial favorites like pizza or pasta. For example, The Shack serves up New American classics in a tiny, elongated brick building on Coalter Street, under the helm of James Beard Award nominated chef Ian Boden. Zynodoah – a playful allusion to the Shenandoah Valley – focuses more on Southern cuisine. The restaurant reimagines dishes like chicken and dumplings, and is big on gathering ingredients from local farmers. “They also have great cocktails,” says Harris. Coffee shops and baked goods are another feature of the scene, whether that comes in the form of a French pastry from Reunion Bakery or a brown sugar latte at Crucible Coffee. Numerous breweries, including Cider from Mars, serve as venues for hanging out and watching live music.
The Pampered Palate Cafe in Staunton is a little sandwich shop located on East Beverly St.
The Depot Grille is a popular spot to grab a drink after work.
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Amtrak downtown, and a pair of interstates nearby
Downtown Staunton is walkable, but also marked by the confluence of U.S. Routes 250 and 11, which meet near the city’s Amtrak station. Interstate 81 forms the city’s eastern border. Interstate 64 is nearby as well, offering an hour’s drive to Charlottesville, where residents have access to University of Virginia and extensive health care facilities.
Most crime decreasing, and new response programs
In response to an increase in mental health and substance abuse incidents, police have adopted the Human Service Alternative Response, which requires training for personnel. Albemarle County Police report that there was a decrease in most crimes, except violent ones, in 2023.
Written By
Paul Spencer
Photography Contributed By
Jack Adams
Video By
Benjamin Rose
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cynthia Hash,
an experienced agent in this area.
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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On average, homes in Staunton, VA sell after 6 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Staunton, VA over the last 12 months is $185,500.
DECEMBER MOVE-IN! Introducing The Hanover, a beautiful new construction home offering 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,818 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. This open-concept home is perfect for modern living, combining functionality with style. The gourmet kitchen is a standout feature, boasting sleek, modern shaker-style cabinets, stunning quartz countertops, and a large
Welcome to the Neuville, a beautifully designed home offering a modern and spacious open-concept living space. Perfect for families or those seeking one-level living, this home features a large great room, a kitchen with a large center island and walk-in pantry, ideal for entertaining or family gatherings. The laundry room offers convenience and functionality. The primary suite is a true retreat,
Welcome to the 3115 sq ft Jamestown floor plan, designed to blend open living spaces with comfort and versatility. The main level features a formal dining room, a dedicated office space, and a full bathroom, making it perfect for both work and leisure. The open-concept living area is ideal for gatherings, creating a seamless flow throughout the space. The bright and airy kitchen is a chef's
The James at Westover. This beautiful three-story Victorian has been fully renovated and thoughtfully transformed into four equally stunning apartments - each conveying with leases already in place. Every unit features new kitchens and bathrooms with granite countertops, white cabinetry, modern fixtures, tile, and stainless steel appliances. Refinished original hardwood floors, a grand staircase,
DEVELOPER & BUILDER ALERT: 2.0 Acres Zoned R-2 in Staunton! A prime development opportunity awaits! This 2.0-acre parcel, zoned R-2 , is ideally positioned for your next project. This is a rare find for a multi-unit new construction project. The R-2 zoning allows for a variety of potential uses, including duplexes, townhomes, or possibly a small cluster of single-family homes (Buyer to verify all
Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering elegant living space. Inviting foyer entry, a formal living room filled with natural light. The heart of the home is the spacious family room, where a gas fireplace anchors the space & creates the perfect spot for relaxing evenings. The chef’s kitchen has been tastefully upgraded with new SMART stainless steel appliances, oak
This cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers one-level living and a great opportunity to make it your own. The open kitchen and living area feature natural light throughout. Gas forced air heat and window units for cooling, and some windows have been replaced. Each bedroom includes closet space and easy access to the full bath. Enjoy relaxing on the covered front porch or in the spacious yard with
Discover the perfect blend of privacy, charm, & opportunity with this sprawling 123.74-acre farm. Only 5 miles from Staunton with easy access to I-81 & Rt 262. All brick, center hall colonial, offers over 5,000 sq t of living space, featuring hardwood floors & three fireplaces. A fully finished basement with a private apartment & separate entrance—ideal for guests or income potential. Recent
Welcome to 900 Geoffry Street in Staunton, a spacious and versatile 5-bedroom, 3-bath single-family home designed for comfort, functionality, and modern living. The main level offers one-level living with an open-concept layout, perfect for everyday life and entertaining alike. Natural light flows through the living and dining spaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Downstairs, the
Welcome to the Neuville, a beautifully designed 1,698 sq ft single-story home offering a modern and spacious open-concept living space. Perfect for families or those seeking one-level living, this home features a large great room, a kitchen with a large center island and walk-in pantry, ideal for entertaining or family gatherings. The laundry room offers convenience and functionality. The primary
Welcome to the Neuville, a beautifully designed 1,698 sq ft single-story home offering a modern and spacious open-concept living space. Perfect for families or those seeking one-level living, this home features a large great room, a kitchen with a large center island and walk-in pantry, ideal for entertaining or family gatherings. The laundry room offers convenience and functionality. The primary
Welcome to the Penwell, a beautifully designed 2,159 sq ft home offering a modern and spacious open-concept living space. The main level features a large great room, a kitchen with a walk-in pantry, and a versatile flex room that can adapt to your family's needs. Perfect for entertaining, the open floor plan ensures seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Upstairs, the
Welcome to The Pine, a stunning 1,953 sq ft open-concept home that perfectly blends comfort and functionality. This beautifully designed home features four spacious bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a two-car garage, offering ample space for your family to grow and thrive. As you enter, you'll be greeted by a welcoming foyer with a convenient powder room and coat closet. The open floor plan
The Cabral, a 1,665 square foot two-story home, offers an open-concept design perfect for modern living. Featuring three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a versatile loft, and a two-car garage, this home is ideal for families seeking both space and functionality. Upon entering through the front porch, you'll find a convenient first-floor powder room and coat closet in the foyer. The spacious
The Cabral, a 1,665 square foot two-story home, offers an open-concept design perfect for modern living. Featuring three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a versatile loft, and a two-car garage, this home is ideal for families seeking both space and functionality. Upon entering through the front porch, you'll find a convenient first-floor powder room and coat closet in the foyer. The spacious
Big Sky Apartments, Staunton, Va offers apartment homes that allow you to live luxuriously while still getting the best value in apartment living. Your Shenandoah Valley apartment home allows you to enjoy modern living spaces with up-to-date appliances, attractive apartment features, clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness center and convenience! Big Sky Apartment is centrally located near
Welcome to 15 Collinswood Way — a beautifully maintained townhome offering comfort, convenience, and modern living. This property delivers the perfect blend of space, functionality, and charm, making it an ideal choice for tenants seeking a clean, well-cared-for home with professional management. Step inside to find a bright, inviting interior with an efficient layout designed for everyday ease.
Home offers one story living, refinished hardwood floors, storage building and lots of charm. Close to Gypsy hill park and conveniently located near Rt. 262 by-pass. Quiet dead-in street with off street parking and is located in McSwain school district. Please see the tenant requirements in with the pictures. No pets.
Thanks for your interest in Waterford Village in Staunton, VA. This community is located in the 24401 area of Staunton. From amenities to availability, the professional leasing team will assist you in finding your perfect new place. Give us a call now to schedule your tour.
Welcome to this charming cottage-style home nestled on quiet Orchard Lane in Staunton. This cozy 2-bedroom offers comfortable one-level living with an inviting layout and plenty of character. Convenient Staunton location close to shopping, dining, parks, and commuter routes. Home features an open living & dining area with great natural light, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. A galley
Crystal SmithGreen Elephant Property Management Group
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at 68 Woodlee Road! This pet-friendly property offers spacious living in a serene setting, ideal for those who value privacy and easy access to local amenities.Property HighlightsWater & Trash Included – Simplify your monthly expenses.Renewal Lease: 12 Months – Enjoy stability and peace of mind.Pet-Friendly – Over 1 acre of
*4 Bedrooms/ 2.5 Bathrooms *Luxury Plank Flooring *Solid Surface Countertops *Modern, State-of-the-Art Color Schemes *Spacious, Functional Floor Plans Lease Terms Starting at 12 Months Welcome to Winnbrook, a thoughtfully planned community located in the heart of Staunton, Virginia a city known for its rich history and vibrant cultural life. Just minutes from a charming historic downtown filled
Introducing The Village at Mint Spring! One of Augusta County's first 55+ Community's! Brand new with the most AMAZING mountain views, located just off I81 in a hot new neighborhood! One level living duplex built with "Aging in place" in mind, one level living, wide doorways, roll in showers, and maintenance free lifestyle. Offering over 1800 sq ft with more space available to expand upstairs if
CHARITY COXLONG & FOSTER REAL ESTATE INC STAUNTON/WAYNESBORO
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Staunton offers unrivaled scenic views year-round. Just off of I-81, our location provides unprecedented highway access to both I-81 and I-64. Unwind by our sparkling swimming pool, bond with friends or family and fish in one of our two stocked ponds, or have a picnic with your significant other. The Grove at Manchester has a little something
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