Warrensville offers seclusion in the High Country near West Jefferson
Blue Ridge Mountains scenery and a quiet atmosphere define Warrensville. This small Ashe County community, in the shadow of towering ridges, has a tucked-away feel but is less than 10 miles from the vibrant and artsy town of West Jefferson. People move here for “a slower way of life, not all the hustle and bustle,” says Andrea Witherspoon, a Western North Carolina native and the owner of Regency Properties. “The area gives them a little bit of downtime. People are not so busy, busy,” says Witherspoon, who adds that the enclave often attracts retirees and second-home buyers. However, a highly rated school district adds appeal for young families. Whether it’s hunting, kayaking or hiking, outdoor recreation is a favorite here, and several state parks are less than 20 miles away. A community center, developed by the community for the community, offers programming and services in this more remote area of the county.
Log cabins, mountain-style homes and farmhouses
Single-family homes in Warrensville range from brick ranch-style homes and farmhouses to mountain-style homes, log cabins and custom designs. Farmland and forest surround these properties, resting on winding country roads that often shift from pavement to gravel and dirt. Lot sizes vary widely, with some homes sitting close together on one-acre plots and others secluded on tracts that stretch dozens of acres.The median single-family home price is around $255,000, significantly below the national median. Prices typically range from less than $100,000 to $425,000. However, properties on 50 acres or more can reach nearly $790,000. Those looking to build a home of their own on an empty lot can find a few acres for less than $20,000 and nearly 40 acres for about $370,000. Properties along the North Fork of the New River rest in or near flood hazard areas, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
A small school district with above-average ratings serves Warrensville
Ashe County Schools receives a B-plus overall grade from Niche. The district, which serves roughly 2,900 students, offers a preschool program and six schools. Warrensville students typically attend the B-plus-rated Blue Ridge Elementary, which feeds into the A-minus-rated Ashe County Middle. Students can move on to Ashe County High, earning a B-minus, or apply to the A-rated Ashe County Early College High to take college-level courses. Both schools launched a program in 2025 that requires students to put cell phones in locked pouches each morning to improve engagement, academic achievement and behavior.
Lansing and nearby parks offer trails, camping and swimming
Whether exploring their own properties or driving to a trailhead, Warrensville residents often spend time outdoors. Fly fishing, kayaking and tubing are popular pastimes on the New River, and the community is eagerly awaiting the opening of the first public access point along the North Fork in Lansing by the New River Conservancy. Lansing is also home to Creeper Trail Park, which offers a variety of amenities, including a dog park, mountain biking trail and camp sites along Big Horse Creek, a popular summer swimming spot. The more than 3,000-acre Three Top Mountain Game Lands is a favorite for hunters, hikers and bird watchers. More trails are close by at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area and Grayson Highlands State Park. At the Riverview Community Center, residents can play indoor basketball and pickleball and work out in the exercise room. The center, which works to fill gaps in this rural area, also has a low-cost thrift shop, a hair salon and a fiber studio, where residents can take classes on spinning and weaving.
Some essentials nearby, and more shops and eateries a short drive away
A few businesses dot the rural center of Warrensville, where state Highway 88 meets state Highway 194. Here, residents can pick up a few household items at Dollar General, drop off packages at the post office and fill prescriptions at Boone Drugs Inc., a regional pharmacy chain that’s been in operation for more than a century. Local restaurants, more mom-and-pop shops and a seasonal farmers market are less than 5 miles away in Lansing , a town that’s gaining notoriety after bouncing back from a devastating blow by Hurricane Helene in 2024. “Lansing has really come alive. People know that area now,” Witherspoon says. West Jefferson ’s historic downtown, home to the well-known Ashe County Cheese, boutique shops, breweries and the Parkway Theater, is a little over 5 miles away. Ingles Markets, Walmart Supercenter and other national chains dot U.S. Route 221.
Highway access and public transportation in Ashe County
A private vehicle is needed to get around Warrensville and most of Ashe County, as public transportation is limited. Residents can reserve rides with the Ashe County Transportation Authority to destinations around the county and to the airports serving the region, such as Tri-Cities Airport, less than 90 miles away. State routes 88 and 194 connect commuters to larger highways such as U.S. Route 221. The Virginia and Tennessee borders are about 15 miles away. Ashe Memorial Hospital, the closest full-service hospital, is less than 7 miles away in Jefferson .
