Abingdon VA
ABOUT THE TOWN
We’re ready to share some small town details.
Set in the rolling highlands of Southwest Virginia, Abingdon is a picturesque embodiment of historic charm and artistic flair, a place where the past and present merge seamlessly. Known for its small town arts scene, including the legendary Barter Theatre and the scenic beauty of the Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon offers a unique blend of cultural richness and outdoor adventure. This town, with its brick-lined sidewalks and tree-canopied streets, invites you to explore its storied past, from the grounds of the Muster Grounds to the cozy, upscale boutiques that dot the historic downtown. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or an arts connoisseur, Abingdon has a way of capturing hearts, making it an natural destination for visitors and residents alike
Top photo source: visitabingdonvirginia.comThis town is best for:
Pop. 8,304
Stable population
Low 28° - High 83°
Good Downtown, Mountains are spotty
IS THIS YOUR MOXIETOWN?
Does this town check your boxes?
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This town perfect weekend escape with a combination of history, mainstreet and the great outdoors. Catch a play at the Barter Theatre, bike the Virginia Creeper Trail, and unwind in quaint cafes. It's a blend of arts, scenery, and serenity that'll recharge your spirit in just a couple of days
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Abingdon strikes us as a good fit for an entrepreneur. It is a vibrant small town with opportunity amidst its historic charm. The thriving arts scene and supportive business community essential elements for someone looking to invest are present. The presence of a Small Business Development Center and the VA Highlands Incubator are good indications of fertile ground to grow a new business. Pay attention to location when it comes to broadband access.
Charm, community, the great outdoors and broadband. This town checks off the essentials. Fiber is a arriving and now covers 75% of the town. The Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator (VHSBI) stands out as a beacon of support, offering resources such as office space, workshops, and business counseling to help small businesses thrive. Broadband is highly locational - so double check before you lock in. -
This town is pretty sweet for families, offering a safe, nurturing environment with a strong sense of community. It's packed with family-friendly activities, excellent schools, and beautiful parks. Plus, the entrepreneurial spirit here means ample opportunities for those looking to start or grow a business in a supportive setting.
The size of Abingdon suggests a close knit community yet, also plenty of room to meet people. Its distance from a major metro is its biggest drawback however, a busy social calendar supported by the city and regular gatherings like Toastmasters can give newly arrived residents a place to meet new friends and colleagues. Just over 38% of the population is married.
This town offers a peaceful, scenic setting with a close-knit community life. It's perfect for those looking to enjoy their golden years with ample leisure activities, cultural events, and friendly locals. Plus, the cost of living is reasonable could make it an ideal spot for a comfortable retirement. Distance from a major metro or airport is the biggest drawback.
THE UNIQUE MAGIC INGREDIENTS
SPARKS & Vibes
The way we see it, SPARKS are the places, events, activities that you remember about a MoxieTown, the ones that set them apart, the ones they are known for, & make a lasting impression.
Vibes , on the other hand, are that all-over feeling you get from a place, its unique ambiance.
There is so much that defines Abingdon that we decided it’s setting among the green hills of Southwest Virginia defined it best - Historic Hills
Historic Barter Theater
Martha Washington Inn & Spa
Annual Old-Time and Bluegrass Fiddlers’ Convention
Virginia Creeper Trail
The Downtown Scene
Spanning several blocks along Main Street, with a variety of 19th-century commercial, residential, and public buildings that illustrate the rich history of the community. Home to numerous shops, restaurants, and lodging options, the district extends into the neighborhoods on either side of Main Street, creating a charming and walkable atmosphere. Photo credits: Jason Barnette, Sam Dean
BLOGS ABOUT THIS MOXIETOWN
Stories, Tales, & Secrets
Found Around Town
Take a look at our Stories to find more about these treasures in and around town.
Our Quick Takes & Not-To-Miss Highlights.
Whether you’re staying or just stopping by, you don’t want to miss these. There are many adventures to be had and much local flair to experience!
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A delightful blend of Southern charm and gourmet flair, featuring the renowned The Tavern, the oldest of Abingdon's historic buildings and eateries, and 128 Pecan, a cozy spot known for its eclectic menu. Summers features fine dining and a wonderful roof top bar in the heart of downtown. Local bakeries and cafes dot the historic downtown, offering fresh, artisanal treats.
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We can’t imagine you running out of things to do here. It is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering the Virginia Creeper Trail for cycling and hiking, South Holston Lake for kayaking and fishing, and numerous golf courses. Theatre and a rich array of local vineyards and breweries round it out.
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A cozy stay awaits at charming inns like The Martha Washington, complemented by strolls through the historic downtown, savoring local cuisine, and evenings at the Barter Theatre, ensuring a memorable experience steeped in culture and relaxation right in the heart of the town.
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With a supportive community for small businesses, ample networking opportunities, and a scenic backdrop that inspires creativity, professionals find a balanced lifestyle, fostering both productivity and personal well-being in this vibrant town.
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Abingdon thrives with arts and entertainment, anchored by the historic Barter Theatre, offering world-class performances. Art galleries and live music venues pepper the town, while annual festivals celebrate its rich cultural tapestry.
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Residents enjoy a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with access to outdoor adventures, a thriving arts scene, and local culinary delights, making it an ideal place for families, professionals, and retirees seeking a balanced, fulfilling life.
Uncover the treasures around town
Because, sometimes you just need to know how close it is
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Kingsport−Bristol (TN)−Bristol (VA) MSA
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Charlotte Douglas International Airport 200 miles
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Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA - 125 miles
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Johnston Memorial Hospital- intown
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Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
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Lake:South Holston - nearby
Beach: Upper Falls - 113 miles
River:Middle Fork Holston River - nearby
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Asheville Mall - 112 miles
SIT BACK AND SCROLL THROUGH THIS PICTURESQUE MOXIETOWN
Follow along for some MoxieTown magic.
A sweet slice of life in Abingdon.
Sunset view from a balcony with string lights, overlooking a historic building with a clock tower and hills in the background.
A plated dish featuring a braised meat chop topped with a glossy dark sauce, served on a bed of chopped vegetables and fresh green lettuce, with crispy sweet potato cubes surrounding the meat.
A fountain with a large, weathered wooden sculpture in a small town square, surrounded by brick buildings, trees with orange autumn leaves, and street lamps.
Exterior view of The Martha hotel and spa, a historic brick building with a green mansard roof, surrounded by well-manicured lawn and shrubs, with a large sign for the hotel in the foreground.
A wooden bridge extends over a river surrounded by trees with autumn-colored leaves under a blue sky.
photo: James Barnette
Various skeins of colorful yarn arranged on a display shelf.
A man with a long beard wearing a large brown hat and period clothing stands outdoors holding the reins of a white horse with a saddle, in a lush green park or countryside setting.
Find Your Tribe
Location is everything when you’re moving somewhere new, but so are the people! While of course, these stats can’t begin to represent these unique individuals and their social dynamics, they can provide you with a snapshot of the remarkable tapestry of personalities.
Education
This is a great place to get an overview of the educational offerings of a community. We know each family is unique and each child has their own perfect fit - so check out the many options in this town here.
How we look at demographics, other than education choices
We are looking at small towns everywhere and, so that our fellow small-town fans can really compare “apples to apples” as closely as possible, we use a 3-mile radius for most all of our demographics, 1 mile if we are talking specifically about what is within walking distance to the heart of town. Because when you are talking about who lives in a town - you don’t really care about who provides their water or where they pay their taxes.
Household Income & Median Home Value
$53,333
2023 Median Household Income
75
2023 USA Index
$233,929
2023 Median Home Value
76
2023 USA Index
Indexes
An index is a way to measure and compare different values using a common standard. Think of it as a scale or a ruler that helps you understand how different things measure up against a standard or average of what is found in the US.
Median Age - 121
Wealth - 79
Diversity - 20
Total Crime - 85
These indexes give us a glimpse into Abingdon. The median age is 47.2, and the index shares that it is about 21% higher than the national average. While wealth is lower, as an index, cost of living is lower and crime is 15% less than the national average. Personal crime, is much lower.