Isle of Wight County

Isle of Wight County in Virginia is rich in rural land, quaint towns, and waterfront living. It holds the title as one of the United States’ oldest county governments. The county has two incorporated Towns, Smithfield and Windsor. They both offer the charm of a small town while being close to larger cities like Suffolk and Newport News. Bordered on the north by the James River and to the west by the Black River, its many waterways provide outdoor activities enjoyed by both residents and visitors. 

In 1637, it was named after a small island in the English Channel off the south coast of England. Isle of Wight County is an active and vibrant community that hosts county fairs, farmers’ markets, and festivals.

Smithfield, Virginia

Smithfield is in the northern part of the county. It sits on the banks of the Pagan River and the James River across from Historic Jamestown. It was recently named “one of the 50 best small southern towns,” and its revitalized historic downtown is known as one of Virginia’s Colonial seaports. Throughout the town, you will see history, rustic landscapes, and beautiful water views. You will find its southern hospitality in its boutique owners, local restaurants, and antique shops. 

Each year, the Smithfield Arts Festival draws crowds from neighboring towns and cities, as well as tourists to the downtown area. As a town of Industry, it is the headquarters of Smithfield Foods, one of Hampton Roads’ largest employers. This Fortune 500 company is famous for the Smithfield Ham.

Windsor, Virginia

The Town of Windsor sits to the south of Smithfield, closer to downtown Suffolk. If you want small-town charm with easy access to larger cities, Windsor provides both. Its seven member Town Council governs the town. In 1902 the citizens of the town decided it was time to organize. Part of the name of the Railroad Depot, Windsor Station became the town’s name. In 2001, the town nearly quadrupled in size when the Commonwealth of Virginia approved its request to annex land. It went from 1 square mile to 3.82 square miles. 

Fun Facts:

The Isle of Wight County Museum is home to both the World’s Oldest Peanut and Ham.

When Smithfield celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2002, it made it into the Guinness World Record with the World’s Largest Ham Biscuit. It helps when you are home to the Smithfield Ham!

Check out these links for more fun and interesting information, demographics, school system information, and some handy resources:

• https://www.co.isle-of-wight.va.us/ 
• https://www.iwcs.k12.va.us/ 
• https://www.smithfieldva.gov/ 
• https://www.genuinesmithfieldva.com/ 
• https://www.windsor-va.gov/  

Isle of Wight County, Virginia Real Estate

Isle of Wight County real estate varies based on where you are in the county. The rural areas offer farms and country living. The lots sizes are bigger, giving you the space to enjoy the peace and quiet, and you can find new home construction throughout the county. Closer to the town of Smithfield, the choices vary from the historic downtown to the waterfront and larger planned communities. You can choose from townhomes, single-family homes, condominiums, and farmhouses.

The county has grown over 9% in population over the last 10 years. 58% of the residents are ages 18-64. Isle of Wight County provides a good public school system and affordable housing while still keeping its small-town feel. 

The Dan Lawson Real Estate Team is ready to show you the houses for sale in Isle of Wight County. Based on the area and neighborhood, you can enjoy wooded areas with trails and parks to yacht club and waterfront living. You will find families, retirees, and military enlisted and officers living throughout the county. 

Start your search here for Homes for Sale in Isle of Wight County, Virginia