Country land in Virginia
How much good country Virginia has, where it is, and what to know before you buy: growing season, homeschool rules, internet and prices. "Good country" here means land past the suburbs and their buffer, off the busiest roads, scored by the Land Finder.
The best counties for country living
Ranked by how much of each county scores as good country (fast-growing counties ranked a little lower).
| County (towns) | Good country | Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buchanan County Grundy, Vansant | 100% | -2.0%/yr | Score a spot |
| Highland County McDowell, Monterey | 100% | +1.2%/yr | Score a spot |
| Craig County New Castle, Salem | 100% | -0.3%/yr | Score a spot |
| Bath County Warm Springs, Hot Springs | 100% | -0.8%/yr | Score a spot |
| Bland County Bland, Bastian | 100% | -0.3%/yr | Score a spot |
| Floyd County Floyd, Riner | 100% | +0.3%/yr | Score a spot |
| Dickenson County Clinchco, Clintwood | 99% | -1.2%/yr | Score a spot |
| Patrick County Stuart, Patrick Springs | 100% | -0.4%/yr | Score a spot |
| Charlotte County Drakes Branch, Charlotte Court House | 100% | -0.6%/yr | Score a spot |
| Lunenburg County Lunenburg, Victoria | 100% | +0.2%/yr | Score a spot |
Growing fast (2.5%+ a year since 2020; today's country can become tomorrow's suburb): Goochland County, Louisa County, New Kent County.
Land prices
| County | Typical asking price for land |
|---|---|
| Buckingham County | $5,612/acre (median of 9 listings) |
| Appomattox County | $7,706/acre (median of 21 listings) |
| Nelson County | $8,843/acre (median of 24 listings) |
| Halifax County | $4,447/acre (median of 8 listings) |
| Pittsylvania County | $5,989/acre (median of 33 listings) |
| Amherst County | $5,719/acre (median of 28 listings) |
| Campbell County | $5,400/acre (median of 10 listings) |
| Bedford County | $14,452/acre (median of 46 listings) |
| Albemarle County | $8,312/acre (median of 11 listings) |
Homeschool rules
Notice of intent to the division superintendent by August 15 each year, with a list of subjects and proof of a qualifying option (e.g. a high school diploma). Evidence of progress (a test or evaluation) due by August 1 after each year. A separate religious exemption is also available.
Not legal advice; laws change. Verify with the state and your school district. Source
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A shortlisting guide from public data (Census, USGS, USDA, NOAA, FCC, FEMA) and our principles. Visit the land and verify water, septic, zoning and access with the county.