Rural Stewartsville has access to Roanoke
Stewartsville is nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 9 miles from Roanoke in southwest Virginia. “This area is rural, but, depending on what parts you're in, you're 20 to 30 minutes from an urban center," says Jimmy Poindexter, an ex-agent with the Real Estate Group, who grew up in the area. "You are rural, yet you're so close to urban areas and education. It's a good little area to live in." State Route 24 runs through the community and gives easy access to Roanoke. A few businesses are set along the route, but the area is primarily homes and farms.
Many homes are set on large, manicured lots
“Stewartsville is predominantly all rural, so ... houses generally have large lots," says Poindexter. Most homes are set along winding roadways surrounded by farmland or stretches of manicured lots and thick swaths of pine and maple trees. Homes range from $230,000 to $665,000 and include Cape Cod and ranch-styles.
Students attend Bedford County schools
Bedford County Public Schools, which gets a B from Niche, serves the area. Most children north of Stewartsville Road attend Stewartsville Elementary, which gets a B. Children who live to the south attend Goodview Elementary, which receives a C-plus. Staunton River Middle earns a B-minus and Staunton River High gets a C. High school students in the district may participate in an early college program. Stewartsville is close to several colleges and universities, including Roanoke College, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Liberty University in Lynchburg and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
Shopping and dining along Route 24 and in Roanoke
Olde Mill Primitives, an antique store off state Route 24 in Stewartsville, is known for its collection of home decor and the resident guardian cat, Snooze. Nearby, Shop In (Hop In) is a convenience store that sells snacks and prepared foods. Less than a mile outside of Stewartsville is a Dollar General and Pinoy Kitchen, which serves Filipino Cuisine and has a section for international groceries. For more shopping and dining, residents head to Roanoke, which has a Kroger for groceries. Restaurants and shopping centers line Washington Avenue and Virginia Avenue.
Hiki along the Appalachian Trail and in Smith Mountain Lake State Park
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway wind through the Blue Ridge Mountains, around 21 miles from Stewartsville. Other hiking trails, outlooks and camp sites dot the nearby mountain range. Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 26 miles away, has a beach open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Visitors may swim, boat or fish in the lake. There are hiking trails in the park and campgrounds for overnight stays.
Events in Stewartsville and Smith Mountain Lake
Less than a mile away, the Stewartsville Library offers weekly activities, including story times and craft sessions, and holds events focused on education and wellness. The year-round Historic Roanoke City Market, one of Virginia's oldest continuously running farmers markets, allows local farmers and other vendors to sell fresh produce and goods in Market Square Plaza.
Monthly fishing tournaments in the Smith Mountain Lake area include the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour General Tires Heavy Hitters in May. In July, Pirate Days brings costumed visitors to the area for three days of themed activities such as boat battles with water cannons, a costume ball with live music and vendors selling food and crafts.
State routes lead to nearby cities
State Route 24 leads to Roanoke, 9 miles from Stewartsville. State Route 785 leads to Blacksburg, 46 miles away. U.S. Route 460, also called Lynchburg Highway, leads to Lynchburg, 47 miles away. US Route 29 leads to Charlottesville, 112 miles away. LewisGale Medical Center in Roanoke is 14 miles away, and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport is 13 miles away. Houses of worship including Barnhardt Baptist Church, Basham Church and Mays Memorial United Methodist are near state Route 24.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
