Site of the first courthouse and post office in the whole of Southwestern Virginia! Abingdon is one of the country's most prolific historic districts.
Abingdon is a collective historic district comprised of commercial, public and residential buildings dating back to the 19th century. It served Washington County over the last three centuries as the commercial capital in logistics and politics. A grant of land to Dr. Thomas Walker in 1752 kickstarted the community of Abingdon. The original main streets of the county, Water and Main, lay on 120 acres of land donated by Dr. Walker and two other founding settlers for establishment of the Abingdon County seat. Three governors and several prolific state officials hailed from Abingdon. Its growth came in part due to the tobacco industry that thrived here and the Great Valley Road. The area encountered earliest settlements in the 1740s due to the Great Valley Road. The Virginia-Tennessee railroad opened up Abingdon to even larger importance. The central part of Abingdon is found at Main Street and Valley Street. Valley Street is the residential center of Abingdon and houses some of the oldest properties in that region. One of the most famous properties is the Barter Theater that has been here since 1831. Guests would barter vegetables there during the great depression to acquire a ticket for the popular shows of the time!
Moving to Abingdon
The town has very warm weather, and thus moving to the region means that you would be enjoying the prolonged warm weather even as most other parts of the country freeze in harsh cold. However, significantly high rainfall means that you would probably do well to pack enough to keep the water at bay. It is also critical to consult the town council on any changes you might make to your house because of stringent development concerns. They are preserving the town as a designated historic landmark and are wary about pink houses or gigantic lawn ornaments, etc. If you're planning to set up a backyard BBQ, you might just want to reach out and ask for clearance. Since it is rich in historical value and relevance, there should be lots of interesting information to learn about once you get here!
Historical value
Most of the houses on Main Street and along the Greta Valley road date back to the eighteenth century. However, this does not indicate old age and neglect. To the contrary, you might find the property very alluring. In most cases, the property is on the pricier side, but that is only because you get value for your property. Most of the properties retain their original structure, too!
While Abingdon is not famous for apartment complexes, you would be surprised just how fast the rustic and attractive town has caught up with the times. It is great how easy it is to obtain one bedroom apartments for rent in this area. For those with the eclectic tastes, securing townhouses for rent in Abingdon is rather easy, too. There exist a large array of townhouses with influences of yesteryear that inspire awe with their lavish detail. You can find a wide range of apartment styles and prices here, which makes it appealing to many people across the board.
For those with alternate needs, say in the region of three bedroom houses for rent, the Vintner Road area offers some of the best deals around. With utterly serene neighbourhoods with wide streets and appealing views, the stand alone properties in this area provide the comfort that urban places in the country seldom possess. A walking distance from the town center is the Ferguson place area. This area has immaculate townhouses for rent and paved walkways and wide streets that add to the attractiveness of the urban walk.
Neighborhoods
Abingdon is a charming town with a lot to offer its residents. The town makes an effort to keep a high quality of life so that everyone finds it a happy place to live. Here's a little bit of info about the different neighborhoods here!
Town Centre: This neighbourhood features peace and quiet with very low crime rates. There's a great diversity of housing options as well. The William King Museum and The Barter Theater are located here!
Stone Mill / Scott Addition: This neighborhood features the most reasonable housing deals in the town. This neighborhood has seasonal occupancy cycles so time your search to look in the summertime and you should be in good shape! Here you'll find great spots for entertainment like the Abingdon Cinemall 12-Plex and Capo's Music Store.
Fleenors / Brumley Gap: Characterised by wide, open spaces, this neighborhood has few people and an abundance of mobile homes. This appeals to the lovers of the outdoors and ample spaces.
Living in Abingdon
The recreational nature of the surroundings, coupled with arts and national recognition give Abingdon an edge in tantalizing living tastes. Bikers and hikers can enjoy the scenic extremes of the Blue Ridge highlands, while the art community loves the Barter theater and Virginia Highlands Festival. The thriving nightlife and shopping on Main Street allow for a round the clock experience of vivid lifestyles. Anglers will enjoy fishing all year round, while the Appalachian Trail attracts the hikers. It is breath-taking experience to sample the delights of the Virginia Creeper Trail that gives the thrills and frills of the outdoor. Abingdon is also home to many great restaurants like The Tavern and Sister's American Grill.