Neighborhoods near Fort Chiswell High School in Max Meadows, VA

Rushing waters of the winding New River and the scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains attract homebuyers to Barren Springs, an unincorporated community in Hiwassee, Virginia. The population doesn’t suggest overcrowding — the town has only about 800 residents — but there is nothing barren about Barren Springs when it comes to recreation.

Named for the two unincorporated communities it comprises, Speedwell-Cripple Creek offers a rural lifestyle in the heart of Appalachia. Once home to stone furnaces that melted down iron ore mined in the valley, Cripple Creek loosely carves out the northern border of the community and is a source of natural beauty and outdoor recreation in the

Austinville, VA, a rural community along the New River, is known for its limestone quarry and outdoor recreation. New River Trail State Park offers hiking and cycling. The area has a lower crime risk than the national average.

Amid the Blue Ridge Mountains, the small agricultural community of Hiwassee offers private living with access to outdoor activities. Part of Pulaski County, which was established in 1839, this region is known for its vast farmland, forests and mountain peaks. Hiwassee also sits next to the New River, which weaves through the landscape to Claytor

Draper, VA, a quiet town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, borders the New River. It features the 57-mile New River Trail State Park and historic Draper Mercantile. Nearby Claytor Lake offers boating and swimming.

Dublin, VA, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers small-town living near natural attractions. Residents enjoy Claytor Lake State Park and Evelyn Alexander Waterpark. Major employers include Volvo and the State Police Academy.

Wytheville, VA combines history with small-town charm. It has affordable housing, easy interstate access, and the Haller-Gibboney Rock House museum. The area is safer than the national average with a highly rated middle school.

Surrounded by rolling farmland and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hillsville is a Southwest Virginia town that’s known for its biannual flea market and scenic landscape. “It’s a small town that has different events throughout the year,” says Stacy Sikes, a broker and Realtor with Kyle Realty who’s sold homes here since 2016. “There are a lot of

Pulaski, VA, a rural town of 9,000, offers affordable housing and industrial jobs at Volvo and Appalachian Power. Residents enjoy Claytor Lake State Park and Calfee Park. Pulaski County Public Schools serve the area.

Ivanhoe, VA, nestled in the Appalachians, offers rural living near the New River. The area features New River Trail State Park and Jubilee Park. Carroll County Public Schools are highly rated. Wytheville provides nearby amenities.