Greene County, Virginia - Real Estate & Relocation Guide
Considering a move to Greene County, Virginia? Planning to buy a home here in the near future? In either case, we hope you find our Greene County real estate and relocation guide helpful and informative. If you have questions about some aspect of Greene real estate that is not covered here, please contact us for more information.
History of Greene County
Greene was established in 1838 by partitioning part of Orange County, Virginia. This came as the result of population growth in the area -- more county leadership was needed for the fast-growing population in central Virginia. The county was named for Nathaniel Greene, who was a general in George Washington's Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
As with most of central Virginia, Greene County was also a backdrop to the American Civil War, much of which was fought in the surrounding area. Old Towne Stanardsville even hosts a Civil War reenactment each year, playing out the Battle of Stanardsville between Union and Confederate troops.
Geography and Population
As mentioned, Greene County is located in the north-central part of Virginia, covering an area of about 157 square miles. Towns within Greene County include Stanardsville (the county seat) and Ruckersville. The county is located about 20 miles from Charlottesville, Virginia, which is home to the University of Virginia (among other things).
Studying population growth can give you a better understanding of the real estate market in a certain area. So let's look at Greene's population history to better understand the Greene County real estate scene.
In 2000, the population within the county was just over 15,000 people. By 2004, the population of Greene County had only risen to about 17,700 people. The population in 2010 is estimated to be around 19,000. These numbers mean several things, in terms of real estate and quality of life.
For one thing, Greene County is growing at a relatively slow but steady rate. Typically, this bodes well for real estate values over the long term. Secondly, when you compare the population numbers to the size of the county (in square miles), you have a population density that's relatively low when compared to other counties across the United States. So while there are plenty of attractions and amenities in Greene County, there's also plenty of space for residents. Good for quality of life!
Schools and Education
Like most of Central Virginia, Greene County has a solid public school system. There are two elementary schools (Nathaniel Greene and William Monroe), one middle school, one high school and a technical-education center.
In nearby Albemarle County you will find the University of Virginia, one of the finest public universities in the United States. In their annual rankings of public universities, U.S. News and World Report ranked UVA #2 among universities.
In addition to UVA, there are other excellent colleges and universities either within Greene County or a short drive away. These include James Madison University, Mary Baldwin College, Bridgewater College and others.
Activities and Entertainment
There is much to do within Greene County and the surrounding area, and this is especially true if you are the outdoor type. There are several scenic biking trails that interweave throughout Greene County, and they are specifically designed to offer three levels of challenge -- easy, moderate, and hard.
The Shenandoah National Park is also located in the area. This large swath of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers plenty of hiking, fishing and camping opportunities. By extension, the Blue Ridge Mountains themselves are a popular attraction for people from all over the United States, especially in the fall when the leaves change color.
There are also many historical sites you can visit throughout Greene County, Virginia. Much of our nation's history began in this area, and many of the "founding fathers" lived here as well. For example, in neighboring Albemarle County, you can visit the former homes of three of our first five presidents -- Jefferson's Monticello, Madison's Montpelier, and Monroe's Ash Lawn-Highland.
Greene County Real Estate
Is Greene the right place for you to live and work? Well, only you can answer that question. But one thing is for certain -- the county has plenty to offer in terms of culture, history, attractions, and educational opportunities. So if you are considering Greene County, Virginia from a real estate angle, you certainly have a lot of great things to consider.
If you have any questions about the county in general, or about Green County real estate in particular, please contact us to learn more.
