A small town street scene with parked cars, a church with a steeple, and storefronts on a sunny day.

Lexington, VA

ABOUT THE TOWN

Anchored by two bastions of higher education, this town bustles with charm and possibility

Cradled between lush rolling hills and steeped in American history, this charming Shenandoah Valley gem blends collegiate vitality from Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute with classic Southern grace. Brick sidewalks and storied architecture meet cute boutiques, beloved eateries, breweries, and wine bars, creating a lively yet refined atmosphere cherished by young families, savvy entrepreneurs, loyal alums, and active retirees seeking sophisticated comforts in a small-town setting.

This town is best for:

College Town

History & Architecture

Participating in the Arts

A brick building on a street with storefronts, including a bookstore and cupcake shop, under a partly cloudy sky.

Pop. 7,320

+.9%

Low 28° - High 86°

Excellent with rural areas improving

IS THIS YOUR MOXIETOWN?

Does this town check your boxes?

  • Discover the secrets and favorite places in Lexington. We think it is perfect for a weekend getaway, as this historic enclave offers charming inns like the Abigail Inn and the Georges, and culinary standouts including The Red Hen and Haywood’s. Alums find themselves traveling back to this town to reminisce. Adventure seekers enjoy scenic hikes along the Chessie Nature Trail or kayaking the Maury River, while history enthusiasts relish tours of iconic Civil War sites. Best visited in autumn’s vivid foliage or during spring blooms, and in summer the evenings sparkle with entertainment at Lime Kiln Theater’s outdoor performances beneath starlit skies.

  • Looking for a place where you can prosper? This town is ideal for entrepreneurs and remote workers. It’s vibrant community boasts impressive broadband, with high-speed fiber covering nearly 90% of the area through BARC Connects. Entrepreneurs benefit from the energetic downtown business district, thriving retail spaces, and robust community support. Digital nomads find their perfect work-life balance at Lexington Collaboratory, a stylish coworking space fostering innovation, networking opportunities, and productivity amid inspiring mountain views and historic charm. The town’s place as a destination creates a funnel of shoppers and customers into the new businesses.

  • Life here is effortlessly enjoyable, marked by exceptional quality-of-life elements appealing to families, singles, and retirees alike. Top-rated schools, notably Harrington Waddell Elementary and Rockbridge County High, attract young families, while retirees enjoy moderate seasons, affordable living, and a strong sense of community. Housing options range from historic homes to modern townhouses, and active singles thrive socially within the town’s inviting, walkable neighborhoods, abundant amenities, and welcoming residents.

A city street with parked cars on both sides, trees lining the sidewalks, and a pedestrian crossing the street. The sky is partly cloudy, and there are various buildings, including a Wells Fargo bank, along the street.

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.

Lexington has so much to offer but the community is anchored around Washington & Lee and Virginia Military Institute. We defined the vibe as Scholarly Enclave.

Galleries & Shops

Galleries & Shops

Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Military Institute

Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University

Lime Kiln Theater

Lime Kiln Theater

History | Jackson House Museum

History | Jackson House Museum

The Downtown Scene 

The picturesque downtown exudes classic Americana, with its elegant 19th-century brick storefronts, boutique-lined streets, and cozy cafes. Galleries and artist collaboratives abound. Notable spots to dine and shop abound, drawing residents and visitors alike. Apartments above shops and restored historic homes ensure the street buzzes with locals strolling sidewalks, sharing friendly greetings, and celebrating community life year-round.

BLOGS ABOUT THIS MOXIETOWN

Stories, Tales, & Secrets

 
READ MORE ABOUT LEXINGTON
 

 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!

  • This town includes some beloved eateries and new culinary excellence shines from breakfast at Pure Eats’ famed donuts to cocktails at TAPS. Locals adore The Southern Inn’s contemporary Southern dishes, Bistro on Main’s French-inspired fare, and globally influenced flavors at Haywood’s, creating a vibrant dining tapestry that satisfies sophisticated tastes daily. Variety and quality will bring you back.

  • Outdoor enthusiasts revel in abundant options, from riverside playgrounds at Jordan’s Point Park to hiking House Mountain’s trails. Dominant activities include fly fishing in the Maury River, horseback riding, cycling scenic country roads, and golf at Lexington Golf & Country Club, ensuring outdoor fun for all ages and interests.

  • Check into luxury at The Georges boutique hotel, then explore downtown’s galleries, breweries, and chic boutiques. Evenings offer memorable entertainment under the stars at Lime Kiln Theater. Spend leisurely afternoons enjoying wine tastings at nearby Rockbridge Vineyard or exploring scenic trails at Boxerwood Nature Center. Alums will share that there is always something exciting going on on campus. Plan ahead to capture the most popular.

  • Rich cultural experiences await, highlighted by summer performances at the renowned Lime Kiln Theater, blending concerts and theatrical productions. Galleries dotting Main Street showcase regional artists, while annual festivals, such as the Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival, further energize this culturally vibrant community throughout the year.

  • Housing remains attractively affordable, from restored historic properties to contemporary homes and townhouses. Many residents live conveniently within walking distance of downtown’s shops and eateries. Recent developments offer stylish, modern residences appealing to younger demographics, digital nomads, and retirees eager for a walkable, engaging lifestyle. This popular small town destination has some pretty high price points, but patience and a few more miles can help you find your dream home.

 
 
 

Uncover the treasures around town

Because, sometimes you just need to know how close it is

  • Washington, D.C. MSA
    Approximately 189 miles northeast, about a 3.5-hour drive.

  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
    Approximately 177 miles northeast, roughly a 3.5-hour drive

    Closest Regional Airport

    Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)
    Approximately 49 miles south, about a 50-minute drive.

  • Washington & Lee University: intown

    Virginia Military Institute (VMI) : intown

  • Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital: in town

    Trauma Center: Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
    Approximately 50 miles south in Roanoke, about a 1-hour drive.

  • FedExField (Home of the Washington Commanders)
    Approximately 200 miles northeast in Landover, MD, about a 3.5-hour drive.

  • Lake: Lake Robertson - 14 miles west

    Beach: Virginia Beach - 244 miles and about a 4 hour drive

    River: Maury River - in town

  • Valley View Mall in Roanoke, VA
    Approximately 50 miles south, about a 1-hour drive.

SIT BACK AND SCROLL THROUGH THESE SMALL TOWN INSPIRATIONS

Follow along for some MoxieTown magic.

Tech does not have to mean glass towers, parking decks, and badge access. In a small town, it can mean a founder with a laptop, a mentor around the corner, a class at night, and a community that knows their name. Beaufort, South Carolina is one exa

A sweet slice of life in Lexington

A city street with parked cars on both sides, a person crossing at a crosswalk, and buildings with signs including Wells Fargo bank and Corner Stone Bank under a partly cloudy sky.

A city street with parked cars on both sides, a person crossing at a crosswalk, and buildings with signs including Wells Fargo bank and Corner Stone Bank under a partly cloudy sky.

A white three-story building with a clothing store named 'CLOVER' on the ground floor. The store has large glass windows displaying mannequins dressed in dresses. There's a street sign and a traffic light on the corner, and the sky is partly cloudy.

A white three-story building with a clothing store named 'CLOVER' on the ground floor. The store has large glass windows displaying mannequins dressed in dresses. There's a street sign and a traffic light on the corner, and the sky is partly cloudy.

A small restaurant or cafe with white brick walls and a blue shingle roof. There are orange umbrellas and picnic tables outside. The entrance door and windows are framed in orange, with a neon

A small restaurant or cafe with white brick walls and a blue shingle roof. There are orange umbrellas and picnic tables outside. The entrance door and windows are framed in orange, with a neon

A white church steeple with a clock face and a weather vane against a bright blue sky.

A white church steeple with a clock face and a weather vane against a bright blue sky.

A display of colorful flowers, a pink mesh butterfly decoration, a toy kit with binoculars, and a children's book titled 'Otis the Kindergarten Cat' in a store window.

A display of colorful flowers, a pink mesh butterfly decoration, a toy kit with binoculars, and a children's book titled 'Otis the Kindergarten Cat' in a store window.

Corner of a brick building with four white-framed windows, a street sign that reads 'BUENA VISTA', a traffic light showing red, and a faded sign on the wall that says 'MILLINERY DE ROUSSELOT'.

Corner of a brick building with four white-framed windows, a street sign that reads 'BUENA VISTA', a traffic light showing red, and a faded sign on the wall that says 'MILLINERY DE ROUSSELOT'.

Hotel lobby with check-in area, black and red chairs, large mirror, plants, and chandeliers.

Hotel lobby with check-in area, black and red chairs, large mirror, plants, and chandeliers.

Colorful vintage buildings with brick and wood siding, sidewalk, and street with yellow double lines under a partly cloudy sky.

Colorful vintage buildings with brick and wood siding, sidewalk, and street with yellow double lines under a partly cloudy sky.

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

$74,461
2023 Median Household Income
94
2023 USA Index


$329,373
2023 Median Home Value
93
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 -81
Wealth - 88
Diversity - 33.5
Total Crime - 42