A colorful cityscape with various historic buildings, featuring churches with steeples, surrounded by green trees and hills under a clear blue sky. Staunton, VA

Staunton, VA

ABOUT THE TOWN

This gem in the Shenandoah Valley will keep you entertained & enchanted.

Staunton, Virginia, fondly known as the "Queen City of the Shenandoah Valley," is a tapestry of historic charm and cultural richness. With its vibrant arts scene, this walkable city boasts the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson and the pioneering city-manager form of government. Staunton's picturesque downtown, lined with beautifully preserved architecture, offers a warm invitation to explore its unique shops, theaters, and local culinary delights

This town is best for:

Outdoor Adventures

History & Architecture

Performing Arts

Street view of downtown with colorful buildings, sidewalk, lamp posts, and a clock tower in the distance. A shop with a green facade sells model kits and hobbies. Staunton, VA

Pop. 25,750

+.45% Increase

Low 25° - High 85°

Excellent!

IS THIS YOUR MOXIETOWN?

Does this town check your boxes?

  • A natural getaway as it is a destination for one-of-a-kind theater, multiple renowned music festivals, charm, and history. Or use the town as a base to explore the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, returning here for great food and entertainment. There are multiple choices for lodging, either inns, AirBnB or mainstay flag hotels closer to the highway.

  • This town gets an A+ rating for entrepreneurs. Excellent internet & broadband, affordable office offerings, co-working like no other to get your business off the ground, and a welcoming embrace from the city government. Access to markets like Charlottesville and even Washington DC are within a drive.

    We love this town for remote workers & digital nomads. It is beautiful - and feels like it is established, yet there is a buzz of an emerging future. The Staunton Innovation Hub is remarkable for co-working and community. Excellent coverage for broadband and cell service makes it easy to lead a flexible business life.

  • We met several young families on our recent visit to Stanton, and their enthusiasm for crafting a lifestyle that is vibrant and connected but not frenzied was repeated over and over. There is a broad choice of schools and so many opportunities for recreation, arts, and enrichment. The crime index is below the national average.

    The ongoing calendar of events and festivals leads us to believe that this would be a great place for singles of all ages. There is a slightly higher percentage of singles than the US average, but the draw to the outdoors, the performing arts and music scene, provides a great place to connect with a new community. Housing is available in a range of sizes and price points.

    Apparently, the number of calls to the chamber for relocation packages is crazy high here in Staunton, and we can see why. There is available and increasing healthcare, the great outdoors is your playground, there is always something to do, and the number of new retirees moving into the area means there is a growing community. If you have family in the DC market but cannot abide the congestion, politics or cost - this is less than 3 hours away, and less than 2 hours from Richmond.

A city street with colorful historic buildings, parked cars, and a person walking. Traffic lights are red, and the blue sky is clear.

THE UNIQUE MAGIC INGREDIENTS

SPARKS & Vibes

A sign with the text 'The Staunton Vibe' at the top, followed by the words 'Shenandoah Town & Gown' in red cursive font.

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.

This gem of a town could be described a multitude of ways, but we decided Shenandoah Town & Gown captured so much of it. Mary Baldwin stands, geographically, at an elevation overlooking the town but also woven in its history. Closely knitted in are two of the towns most epic sparks!

Staunton Innovation Hub | Bustling Co-working & Incubator

Staunton Innovation Hub | Bustling Co-working & Incubator

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum

Victorian Architecture | Historic Districts

Victorian Architecture | Historic Districts

Mary Baldwin University

Mary Baldwin University

Blackfriar's Playhouse | The American Shakespeare Center

Blackfriar's Playhouse | The American Shakespeare Center

The Downtown Scene 

Downtown Staunton, Virginia, is a vibrant heart where history and culture intertwine, offering a unique blend of architectural beauty and community spirit. Known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, Staunton's downtown is a living museum with five nationally registered Historic Preservation Districts, including Gospel Hill, Beverley, The Wharf, Stuart Addition, and Newtown. Key locations such as the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library add cultural depth, while the historic streets host a variety of shops, theaters, and local eateries.

BLOGS ABOUT THIS MOXIETOWN

Stories, Tales, & Secrets

 
READ MORE ABOUT STAUNTON
 

 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!

  • Staunton, VA, is a culinary delight, offering a diverse array of dining experiences that cater to every palate. From the sublime offerings at The Shack, where fine dining meets a casual atmosphere, to the wide range of cuisines available downtown, Staunton is a foodie's paradise. Whether you're craving Mediterranean flavors at Aioli, Southern California-style Mexican food at Baja Bean, or farm-to-table fresh fare at Zynodah, Staunton's restaurants pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients to create memorable meals. There are delightful choices for coffee and breakfast as well, and wine bars for the late evening.

  • A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering lush parks, family-friendly playgrounds, and trails for hiking and biking. Golfers enjoy scenic courses, while campgrounds provide a natural escape. This town is a great base for adventure, with activities that cater to all ages and interests

  • This town is a natural getaway. In addition to a variety of short term rentals, visitors can choose from charming accommodations that reflect the town's rich history and vibrant culture. The historic Hotel 24 South, with its 1924 origins, offers a blend of comfort and elegance, situated adjacent to Staunton’s revitalized Main Street district. For those seeking a serene retreat, the Blackburn Inn and Conference Center provides a tranquil setting on 80 acres of manicured grounds, showcasing original artwork and cozy amenities and a crazy history. Recognizable and reliable flagged hotels are found closer to the interstate.

  • We love this towns heart for innovation and growth. Check out the Innovation Hub in downtown if you want to know where the movers and shakers reside.

  • This town gets high scores for the ongoing entertainment offerings. The Blackfriers Playhouse is the only replica of Shakespeare’s indoor theater. Plays and productions are ongoing here all year long. Music festivals draw many to the town in the summer for world-renowned classical musicians.

  • There are so many ways to plug-in and get engaged in this town. We think new arrivals will find their community in short order. There are quite a few academic options for families, with school-age children, and a wide variety of housing options – with housing affordability better than one might expect, and such a desirable area.

 
 
 

Find Your Way Around Staunton, VA.

Sometimes you just need to know how close it is.

  • Richmond, VA - 109 miles

    Washington, DC 155 miles

  • Richmond International Airport - 115 miles

    Dulles International Airport - 142 miles

  • Augusta Health - 7 miles

    UVA Health, Charlottesville - 37 miles

  • Mary Baldwin - intown

    University of Virginia, Charlottesville - 37 miles

  • FedEx Field, Landover, MD - 176 miles

  • Middle River - north of Staunton

    Sherando Lake - 24 miles

    Virginia Beach, VA - 214 miles

  • Historic Downtown Mall, Charlottesville - 37 miles

SIT BACK AND SCROLL THROUGH THIS PICTURESQUE MOXIETOWN

Follow along for some MoxieTown magic.

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A sweet slice of life in Stauton.

A wooden organizing cabinet with multiple small drawers, placed behind a table with scattered puzzle pieces. A colorful puzzle book and a folded deck of cards are on the table. To the right, there's a large leafy plant in a pot next to a window letti

A wooden organizing cabinet with multiple small drawers, placed behind a table with scattered puzzle pieces. A colorful puzzle book and a folded deck of cards are on the table. To the right, there's a large leafy plant in a pot next to a window letting in natural light.

Exterior view of Pournion Bakery & Espresso with glass windows, a wooden door, and a black sign hanging above the entrance.

Exterior view of Pournion Bakery & Espresso with glass windows, a wooden door, and a black sign hanging above the entrance.

A large Victorian-style house with a green roof, light green siding, black shutters, and a spacious front porch with columns. The house is situated on a slightly elevated lawn with steps leading up to the porch, and there is a brick sidewalk and stre

A large Victorian-style house with a green roof, light green siding, black shutters, and a spacious front porch with columns. The house is situated on a slightly elevated lawn with steps leading up to the porch, and there is a brick sidewalk and street in the foreground. The sky is clear and blue, with some leafless trees on either side.

Coffee shop window with signs for coffee, espresso, tea, sandwiches, and bagels, decorated with hanging red heart-shaped ornaments.

Coffee shop window with signs for coffee, espresso, tea, sandwiches, and bagels, decorated with hanging red heart-shaped ornaments.

A downtown street scene with colorful brick buildings, parked cars, and sidewalk cafes. A street lamp with directional signs, including one pointing to the Blackfriars Theater, Hotel 24 South, and Conference Center. The sky is clear and blue, and the

A downtown street scene with colorful brick buildings, parked cars, and sidewalk cafes. A street lamp with directional signs, including one pointing to the Blackfriars Theater, Hotel 24 South, and Conference Center. The sky is clear and blue, and the street appears calm and sunny.

Street scene in a small town with colorful shops and cars parked along the curb, under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.

Street scene in a small town with colorful shops and cars parked along the curb, under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.

The exterior of Zannoza Restaurant, a building with large window panes, a black hanging sign with white text, and a small potted evergreen tree outside. The building has a mix of brick and stucco finish, with a red canopy over part of the storefront.

The exterior of Zannoza Restaurant, a building with large window panes, a black hanging sign with white text, and a small potted evergreen tree outside. The building has a mix of brick and stucco finish, with a red canopy over part of the storefront.

Display of jewelry, pottery, and decorative items at a store, including hanging necklaces, earrings, mugs, and a sign with a Bible verse.

Display of jewelry, pottery, and decorative items at a store, including hanging necklaces, earrings, mugs, and a sign with a Bible verse.

A display window at a wine shop advertising wines by the glass, including a stack of books about Bordeaux and Merlot Murders, with a bottle of champagne, wine corks, and a decorative paper bag inside.

A display window at a wine shop advertising wines by the glass, including a stack of books about Bordeaux and Merlot Murders, with a bottle of champagne, wine corks, and a decorative paper bag inside.

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

$53,940
2023 Median Household Income
74
2023 USA Index


$260,730
2023 Median Home Value
84
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 - 114
Wealth - 65
Diversity - 42
Total Crime - 92