MAKE A HOME HERE AND MAKE A RICHLY REWARDING LIFE
Discover the charm of Wise County, where history, hospitality, and a strong sense of community create the ideal environment to live, work, and grow. Whether you're raising a family or building a career, you'll find excellent schools, affordable housing, scenic landscapes, and year-round events filled with music, culture, and celebration. Each of our towns offer unique character rooted in tradition and fueled by community pride.
The history is deep in Appalachia, a coal and rail town before the turn of the 20th century; today the town’s multiple districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places offer an engaging glimpse into that past. The town’s historic legacy also comes to life during the annual Coal/Railroad Days celebration, a week-long festival of family-friendly music, crafts and activities that kick off with an old-fashioned parade.
A town beloved enough to inspire a bestselling novel and a major motion picture, Big Stone Gap is quintessential Appalachian Americana. Residents enjoy strolling and biking the Greenbelt, kayaking on Big Cherry Lake, and watching live theatre under the stars during the Trail of the Lonesome Pine, the longest-running and the official outdoor drama of Virginia. Every October, the town becomes a destination for music lovers during the nationally recognized Blue Highway Fest.
Coeburn is a small town with big Appalachian charm. As a Spearhead Trails town, Coeburn offers direct access to the popular Mountain View Trail system—one of the region’s premier destinations for ATV and off-road enthusiasts. The town is also a highlight on The Crooked Road Music Trail, with live performances and experiences at Lays Hardware that celebrate Appalachian music and traditions. With a welcoming community spirit, Coeburn is an authentic place to call home.
Independent from Wise County, Norton is Virginia’s smallest incorporated city—but it’s big on natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Nestled at the base of High Knob— the highest point in the Cumberland Mountains—this mountain city offers stunning views and easy access to scenic destinations like Flag Rock Recreation Area, the Norton Reservoir, and the High Knob Observation Tower. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the vibrant local dining scene, unique shops, historic drive-in movie theater, and year-round festivals.
As the oldest settlement in Wise County, Pound delivers rich outdoor experiences and time-honored traditions. Residents enjoy easy access to trails within the Jefferson National Forest, the Pine Mountain Trail, and water activities on the Pound River and the North Fork of the Pound Reservoir. For a taste of local flair, visit Shortt Family Farms—an ice cream shop, general store, and family farm all in one, offering vintage charm and hometown flavor.
A haven for creatives and entrepreneurs, St. Paul is home to the Oxbow Center, a dynamic co-working space sponsored by UVA-Wise. With 100+ miles of ATV trails accessible via Spearhead Trails’ Mountain View Trail, miles of scenic hiking and biking paths, and riverfront recreation at the Clinch River State Park, the town is a playground for nature lovers. Dining and arts shine at venues like the historic Lyric Theater, a treasured gathering place for music, theatre, and community events.
As the county seat, Wise blends small-town charm with the energy of a center for government, business, and education. Home to UVA Wise, the town offers rich cultural experiences, college athletics, and a strong sense of community, all nestled in a walkable, welcoming downtown.