Highland Neighborhood Overview
Neighborhood Guide: Highland, Blue Grass, Virginia
Discover Highland, Blue Grass
Your Guide to Life in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley
1. Welcome to Highland
Nestled in the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains within Highland County, the unincorporated community of Highland, near Blue Grass, Virginia, offers a serene escape into nature's embrace. This area is part of Virginia's "Little Switzerland," known for its rolling farmland, dense forests, and pristine mountain streams. Life here is defined by a profound connection to the land, a tight-knit community spirit, and the stunning seasonal beauty that paints the landscape year-round.
Far from the hustle of city life, Highland provides a sanctuary where neighbors know each other by name and the pace of life allows you to breathe deeply. The community centers around shared values of independence, stewardship of the natural world, and a rich Appalachian heritage. Whether you're drawn by the world-renowned Maple Festival, the endless hiking trails, or simply the promise of peaceful mornings, Highland welcomes you to a simpler, more intentional way of living.
2. Lifestyle & Amenities
The lifestyle in Highland is authentically rural and revolves around outdoor recreation and community gatherings. Residents enjoy direct access to the George Washington National Forest, offering world-class hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and bird-watching right in their backyard. The South Branch of the Potomac River and its tributaries provide excellent trout fishing. The local calendar is highlighted by cherished events like the Highland County Maple Festival in March, which celebrates the region's sugar maple tradition with crafts, music, and, of course, delicious maple syrup.
While offering a remote feel, essential amenities are found in the nearby communities of Blue Grass, Monterey (the county seat), and just over the West Virginia border. You'll find local general stores, farm stands, small shops, and family-owned restaurants serving hearty, home-cooked meals. For more extensive shopping, healthcare, and services, residents take scenic drives to larger towns such as Staunton or Harrisonburg, treating these trips as part of the rhythm of country living.
3. Real Estate Market
The real estate market in Highland reflects its rural and tranquil setting, offering exceptional value for those seeking space, privacy, and natural beauty. The market is primarily composed of spacious single-family homes on large lots, rustic cabins, and working farms with sweeping mountain views. Properties often include substantial acreage, providing room for gardening, livestock, or simply enjoying your own private slice of the wilderness.
The median home value in Highland is approximately $83,800, making it one of the most affordable areas in Virginia for homeownership. This value is complemented by a median household income of around $56,667, which aligns well with the cost of living and allows residents to enjoy a comfortable, sustainable lifestyle without the financial pressures common in urban and suburban markets.
4. Schools & Education
Education in Highland is provided by Highland County Public Schools, a small, close-knit district where students receive significant individual attention. The district is known for its dedicated teachers, high community involvement, and strong academic and vocational programs that reflect the region's character. Students often benefit from outdoor and agricultural learning opportunities that leverage the stunning local environment as an extended classroom.
The school community is central to local life, with strong support for sports, arts, and extracurricular activities. For higher education, the region is within a reasonable driving distance of several respected institutions, including Blue Ridge Community College, James Madison University in Harrisonburg, and Washington & Lee University in Lexington. This proximity allows for continuing education and cultural enrichment while calling the peaceful mountains home.
5. Transportation & Connectivity
Transportation in Highland is car-dependent, as is typical for rural mountain communities. The journey along winding, scenic roads like U.S. Route 220 and State Route 640 is part of the daily experience, offering beautiful vistas with every commute. Residents plan their trips thoughtfully, combining errands to towns like Monterey or Staunton, which are about a 30-45 minute drive away for major shopping, healthcare, and government services.
While the area offers a true "getaway" feel, connectivity is available. Internet service is provided by regional providers, with satellite and fixed wireless being common options to bridge the gaps in more remote hollows. The nearest major interstate (I-64) is about an hour's drive, providing access to Charlottesville and the Shenandoah Valley to the east and West Virginia to the west. The closest commercial airports are in Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) and Dulles International (IAD) for longer trips.
6. Why Choose Highland
Choosing Highland is a choice for a life defined by nature, community, and authenticity. It is for those who value star-filled night skies over streetlights, the sound of a creek over traffic, and a handshake over a hurried transaction. It represents an opportunity to own a substantial piece of land and a home at a remarkable value, freeing up resources to enjoy life's experiences rather than just its possessions.
This community is not for everyone—it requires self-reliance and an appreciation for seasonal changes and rural rhythms. But for those seeking to escape the noise and pressure of modern urban life, to raise a family in a safe, environment-focused setting, or to find a peaceful retirement haven, Highland, Virginia, offers a uniquely rewarding and affordable mountain lifestyle that is increasingly rare to find.
Top Real Estate Agents in Highland, Blue Grass
14 agents met the full merit gate for Highland, Blue Grass, VA, selected from over 65,000 licensed Virginia professionals.
Contact
Phone: (480) 646-1358
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.btgarizona.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/BTG-Real-Estate
Why selected: Their deep market expertise, media recognition, and active partnership with the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce demonstrate outstanding local leader..
Community & Leadership
Community Partner at Gilbert Chamber of Commerce[6]
Active participant and supporter at Local charities and neighborhood improvement projects[6]
Notable Achievements
12 Years in Business
2,211 Total Career Transactions
129 Transactions in Last 12 Months
5-Star Rating Achievement
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Client-centric service, Communication excellence, Community impact, residential real estate, client satisfaction, market expertise, data-driven strategies[4]
Cities Served
Apache Junction
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 772-3610
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sellingmadesimple.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/SellingMadeSimple
Why selected: Selling Made Simple earns its place through a, substantiated by an impressive. The agent brings over two decades of experience, with a noted specialization in buyer's agent services and investment properties.
Community & Leadership
Unknown at Unknown[6]
Notable Achievements
1,044 Total Transactions
75 Transactions in Last 12 Months
21 Years of Real Estate Experience
277 Five-Star Reviews
Price Range Expertise
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Investment Properties, Traditional home sales, Cash home purchases, As-is property sales, Home buying assistance, Investment properties, Traditional real estate sales, As-is home buying, Buyer representation, Traditional real estate listing, Cash home buying, As-is property purchases, traditional listing services, cash home buying, investment properties, buyer representation, seller representation, Seller representation[4]
Cities Served
Apache Junction
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 773-5792
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.az-realestategroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AZRealEsateGroup
Why selected: Selected for and of consistent service. His finance expertise and GCAAR recognition, combined with deep community involvement, distinguish him in the Arizona market.
Community & Leadership
supporter at Local community organizations[6]
Notable Achievements
5-Star Client Rating
101 Five-Star Reviews
License Verified
Bachelor's Degree in Business Finance
Top 10 Real Estate Agents - Verified Status
Nearly Two Decades Experience
Investment Specialist
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, Investment Properties, investors, 1031 exchanges, trustee sales, contingent sales, short-term flips, traditional sales, investment strategies, long-term investment strategies, traditional residential, Investment properties, Contingent sales, Buyer representation, Seller representation, Trustee sales[4]
Cities Served
Mesa
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (559) 429-7254
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://realestatebyapple.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/applecorial
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, and over a decade of experience. She stands out through active community leadership, organizing an annual back-to-school drive, and maintains a strong multi-platform market presence.
Community & Leadership
organizer at Back-to-school backpack and supplies drive[6]
Notable Achievements
California DRE License #01903312
13+ years real estate experience
High Client Satisfaction
Exceptional Client Reviews
95 client reviews with 4.9-star rating
14 Years Real Estate Experience
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, buyers, sellers, negotiation, client communication, residential sales, buyer representation, seller representation, first-time buyers, investment properties, purchasing guidance, selling process expertise, real estate sales, listing specialist, short sale specialist, relocation, residential real estate[4]
Cities Served
Visalia
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (909) 534-7056
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.barrygoodrich.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Barry%20Goodrich
Why selected: Selected for his community tenure and deep local market expertise. He demonstrates exceptional performance and s, supported by specialized HAFA certification.
Notable Achievements
40 Years in Real Estate
176 Total Transactions
5-Star Client Rating
HAFA Certification
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Luxury Homes[4]
Cities Served
Redlands
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 276-1177
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.jkrealtyaz.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/kalalaos
Why selected: Selected for her deep community engagement through JK Realty's local initiatives, combined with of expertise and strong quantifiable results and a average.
Community & Leadership
participant at JK Realty Team Development[6]
Notable Achievements
18 Years of Real Estate Service
1,833 Total Transactions
4.9-Star Client Rating
High-Value Transaction Range
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Foreclosure, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties[4]
Cities Served
Queen Creek
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (559) 793-8356
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://itsannaballew/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/annaballew
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community involvement and leadership roles, Anna Ballew also demonstrates exceptional performance and over a decade of consistent client service.
Notable Achievements
Consistent 5-Star Rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, residential real estate, client relationships, personalized service[4]
Cities Served
Springville
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (831) 601-0104
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.themontereypeninsulaproperties.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/BlattandCutino
Why selected: Selected for her deep community roots and local career, which anchor her exceptional performance. Her decades of expertise ensure skilled client advocacy and transaction success.
Notable Achievements
Three Decades of Real Estate Service
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, Military/Veterans, buyers, sellers, negotiation, client service[4]
Cities Served
Carmel
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (602) 527-5884
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.jillgilbo.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Jill-Gilbo
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with 329-career transactions and. With of expertise and a versatile sales range up to $2.1M, her specialized staging services and client-focused approach distinguish her in the market.
Notable Achievements
28 Years Real Estate Experience
329 Career Transactions
5-Star Client Rating
Diverse Price Range Experience
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Staging, Rentals[4]
Cities Served
Apache Junction
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 758-3070
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.jkrealtyaz.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Jason-Laos
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, and a average. His expertise across diverse property types and price points, combined with industry recognition and media features, establishes him as a top-tier agent.
Community & Leadership
participant at Real Estate Industry Education Programs[6]
speaker at Industry Speaking Engagements[6]
Notable Achievements
Arizona Real Estate License
1,134 Career Transactions
High-Value Transaction Experience
Client Satisfaction Rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Commercial Properties, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, Military/Veterans[4]
Cities Served
Queen Creek
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (559) 904-6436
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.jengrahamrealtor.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Graham%20Jen
Why selected: Demonstrating consistent excellence. Her recognized expertise assisting military families and featured market insights in publications like PolitiFact set her apart.
Community & Leadership
member at Kings County Board of REALTORS®[6]
Notable Achievements
Top 1.5% of Agents in the US
Perfect 5-Star Rating
45 Total Career Transactions
Recent Sales Activity
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Military/Veterans[4]
Cities Served
Visalia
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (559) 723-8492
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://gilbert.cacentralvalleyhomesforsale.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/GbritoRE
Why selected: Selected for his active community leadership with the Posse Foundation and Uplift Education, combined with a and since 2019.
Community & Leadership
supporter at Posse Foundation[6]
supporter at Uplift Education[6]
contributor at Building Congress[6]
participant at Loyola Law School[6]
Notable Achievements
Perfect Client Rating
68 Total Transactions
Diverse Price Range Experience
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Rentals[4]
Cities Served
Visalia
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (559) 679-0465
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://asatterlee.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/aasatterlee
Why selected: Selected for her leadership as Broker Owner and Co-Founder, driving community development. She combines and expertise in luxury sales and new construction.
Notable Achievements
17+ years of real estate experience
Broker Owner of CREO Real Estate INC.
Co-Founder of CREO Development Group
22 Five-Star Reviews
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Luxury Homes, New Construction, luxury home sales, new construction management, strategic marketing, negotiation, buyers, sellers, investors, Central Valley real estate[4]
Cities Served
Visalia
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 313-0329
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AZRealtorMark
Why selected: Selected for, demonstrating consistent client satisfaction. His proven performance and established reputation make him a standout professional in his local market.
Notable Achievements
5-star rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation[4]
Cities Served
Maricopa
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).