c.1907 Virginia Home For Sale With 1.72 Acres and View Under $190K

5690 Burkes Garden Rd, Tazewell, VA 24651  $189,500

• Contact Realtor: Beth Pike Clemons
• Google Map
• Niche 

Pros

1. Affordable Cost of Living

• Tazewell boasts a cost of living approximately 28% lower than the U.S. average and about 31% lower than the Virginia average.

• Median home prices are very accessible, around $141,200, which is nearly 60% less than national and Virginia averages. Rent for a two-bedroom unit runs around $780/month, giving significant savings over larger areas.

• Niche.com gives Tazewell an A– in Cost of Living, highlighting its affordability.

2. Strong School Performance

• Schools in Tazewell perform well academically, with high proficiency in reading, language arts, and math across grade levels.

• Niche grades public schools “B+” and notes strong public school performance overall.

• AreaVibes also gives high marks for schools, citing strong test scores and graduation rates.

3. Family-Friendly Community & Outdoor Access

• The town fosters a supportive, tight-knit environment with accessible local amenities such as downtown shops, restaurants, a library, and community events like Restaurant Week and Turkey Trots.

• Outdoor recreation shines here—with Lincolnshire Park for swimming and canoeing, Cavitt’s Creek for camping, and the scenic “Back of the Dragon” route offering thrilling drives and hikes.

4. Small-Town Ambiance with Rich Heritage

• Tazewell is well-rooted in history—once a coal and iron mining boom town, it retains a preserved historic district with museums and cultural landmarks

• The historic downtown, appealing architecture, and community spirit make it a charming place to call home.

5. Low to Moderate Commute and Rural Appeal

• The average commute time is around 24–25 minutes, with light traffic and scenic drives.

• Niche describes it as “sparse suburban”—peaceful, uncongested, and ideal for those wanting a slower pace.

Cons

1. Employment & Economic Constraints

• Median household income is relatively low: around $35,400–$37,000, well below state and national levels.

• Job opportunities are limited, especially for specialized or higher-paying positions.

2. Mixed Signals on Safety and Crime

• AreaVibes indicates crime is “far below the national average,” earning a high safety ranking.

• However, NeighborhoodScout reports that Tazewell’s crime rate is higher than 69% of Virginia towns of similar size. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 433, and property crime about 1 in 90.

3. Limited Amenities & Entertainment Options

• While downtown has restaurants and small businesses, options for shopping, nightlife, and entertainment are limited. Many residents note fewer activities for younger people.

4. Sparse Public Transit & Low Walkability

• Public transportation is minimal or non-existent, making car ownership essential.

• The town scores low on walkability—you’ll need a car for most errands.

5. Health Services & Infrastructure

• Healthcare access is rated poorly—few hospitals and medical facilities within town limits.

• That said, Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital offers basic services and responsive care, with advanced facilities available in Roanoke.

6. Demographics & Limited Diversity

• The population is mostly White (~88%), with limited ethnic diversity.

• The median age is older—around 45 years, making it an aging community with relatively fewer young adults.

7. Environmental Risks

• Local analysis flags a higher wildfire risk, as well as more frequent cloudy or windy days, which may impact daily life.