Living P/T near Shenandoah Nat. Park (Staunton, Luray: ski resort, real estate)

[la2va]

Because of my husband's job, we have an opportunity to live in VA 3 months out of the year (nearer to his family in NOVA) and in Los Angeles the rest of the year (near my family). We have a 1 yr. old son and will have at least one more kid eventually. Before he is in school, we will live in VA in September, October and November, and when he starts school, we will switch to living there in the summer months. So, the VA school system is not a priority since he will be going to school in California.

We want our son to experience both coasts, and living in both large and small towns. We both love the outdoors and love Shenandoah National Park. We are looking to buy a place near the park, but aren't sure where to focus our search.

We are looking at spending $175K - 400K for a second home, plus my husband wants some land (at least 5-10 acres). Ideally, it would be in a location where we could rent it out to vacationers when we aren't living there.

I realize we are talking about living in a small town, but I am also interested in being close to some sort of culture, either an artistic community, or someplace with good restaurants or music nearby. We even threw out the idea of opening up a wine and cheese shop wherever we end up.

Some areas we are thinking of are Luray, Staunton, New Market and outlying areas of Charlotteville. What are your comments on these areas, or do you have any other suggestions?

Thank you!!!

[WillV]

Luray would be an excellent choice. A very "up and coming" little town, with some artsy appeal. I do believe the Shenandoah National Park's headquaters is just outside of Luray too. Also, for that price range you could probably find a very nice place (with land) in or outside of the Town...best of luck, I think you are on the right track..

Town of Luray - Luray, Virginia for more information...looks like a good website...

[la2va]

Thank you, WillV, for confirming our hunches. I checked out the Luray website, and it does seem to be "up and coming." We plan on visiting the area next month.

If you (or anyone else reading this thread) happen to know of a good real estate agent in that area, please pass along their info!

[Dr.Jim]

Yup. Luray.

Some of the other towns mentioned fit the bill,....BUT Luray has a huge rental market for their 'mountain cabins and homes'.....alot of DC people come there to rent. Whereas the other towns are farther from DC to the south.

I have rented there. Loved it.
Land that is adjacent to the park will be a bit harder to find,...but it is there.
I ended up buying in Elkton, 20 minutes south of Luray because I could get more land, adjacent to park and a nicer house for less $$.

Best of luck

[WillV]

in Luray, try Bill Dudley and Associates (google them, good website), I have a friend who used the to buy a cabin in Page County and they were very satisfied...best of luck...

[mdcrim]

What about Basye/ Mount Jackson and Bryce Resort? It's close to SNP, but you have the added bonus of a lake and a ski resort (for rental purposes).

[la2va]

Thank you, mdcrim. We will check out those areas.

Also, someone else mentioned Sperryville (on the eastern side of the park). Any thoughts on this area?

[WillV]

nice area...interesting place, very much a no growth County/community...extremely rustic and preserved with a bohemian twist...only problem, real estate on that side of the mountains is wayyyy expensive...lots of big-wig D.C types own retreats there...the Inn at Little Washington is well-known throughout the region...