Upper Caroline offers rural living and access to Interstate 95
Upper Caroline is a rural community at the northern tip of Caroline County. Flowing along its northern edge, the Rappahannock River starts out in Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains and empties out into the Chesapeake Bay. Homeowners in Upper Caroline can enjoy farmland views and peaceful seclusion while still being minutes from shopping and dining at Cosner’s Corner. Residents also have convenient access to Interstate 95, the East Coast’s main artery and a major commuter highway for those who work in the Washington metro area.
Ranch-style homes on country roads
Rural roads stretch past farms and trees in Upper Caroline, and properties generally have some privacy and access to nature. Most homes in the area are ranch-styles under 1,700 square feet. They range from about $280,000 to $480,000. However, investment properties start at around $170,000. There are a handful of larger homes and multi-acre properties priced between about $580,000 and $1.7 million; top prices come with hundreds of feet of private river access. Some land parcels are also available.
Shopping and dining at Cosner’s Corner
Shopping and dining options are clustered at Cosner’s Corner about 10 miles away. This commercial hub is where locals can get groceries from Publix, clothes from Ross Dress for Less and meals from chain restaurants like Cracker Barrel and Chick-fil-A. This collection of restaurants and retailers surrounds Interstate 95, so traffic can get congested in the area.
Convenient access to Interstate 95
The only major highway in Upper Caroline is U.S. Route 17, which takes drivers west to Cosner’s Corner. Here, folks can access Interstate 95, a heavily trafficked artery connecting to cities up and down the East Coast. Emergency care at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is about 10 miles away, and Richmond International Airport is about 50 miles south. “People get around mostly by car,” says Stefan Scholz, a Realtor at Redfin with over 20 years of experience. However, commuters to D.C. can catch the Fredericksburg line from the Spotsylvania train station just outside the community.
Caroline County schools offer academic clubs and support
Students in Upper Caroline may attend Bowling Green Elementary, rated C-minus on Niche; Caroline Middle, rated C; and Caroline High, rated C-plus. The high school offers academic clubs like Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America and James Farmer Scholars. The C-rated district, Caroline County Public Schools, also offers the Lotus Academy, an alternative education pathway that supports students through graduation. Alternatively, B-plus-rated Fredericksburg Christian School serves all grade levels.
Scenic wooded landscapes, seasonal beauty and nearby attractions
Although Upper Caroline is not a mecca for parks, locals can gather outside at Dominion Raceway & Entertainment, which hosts NASCAR and amateur car races. Generally, the weather allows for outdoor recreation throughout the year. “The winters are fairly mild here with relatively little snow. Summers are hot and muggy,” Scholz says. The closest beach is Colonial Beach on the Chesapeake Bay, about 35 miles east. While the Virginia Beach oceanfront is around three hours away, folks can take a trip to the Appalachian Mountains in about half the time. “It’s a nice area to live in because it’s close to the ocean and mountains and heavily wooded, so it’s very beautiful, especially in the spring and fall,” Scholz says.
