Shannon Lea

D.R. Horton offers a range of new homes in Stuarts Draft, Virginia for sale. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Stuarts Draft is within driving distance of Staunton, Waynesboro, Charlottesville, and Harrisonburg. Its rural character and access to the latest conveniences attract families, professionals, and retirees. Many of our communities in and around Stuarts Draft come with amenities to enjoy, and all of our new construction homes offer spacious, open floorplans and smart home technology.

Why choose Stuarts Draft, VA

In Stuarts Draft, residents have access to the peaceful lifestyle of an area focused on the beauty of nature and agriculture with easy access to the comforts of a larger, more urban town. Stuarts Draft’s agricultural roots date back to the 1700s, and today, its local farms continue to operate and contribute to the community. These farms–and farmer’s markets–coupled with the town’s major grocery stores, local coffee shops and breweries, supply stores, and more help the community maintain its rural character without sacrificing modern conveniences.

Located just off Interstate 64 and near Interstate 81, Stuarts Draft allows residents to enjoy countryside living with easy access to nearby cities and local schools. Stuart’s Draft is part of the Augusta County Public School system, which provides schools from Pre-K through high school.

Community life in Stuarts Draft, VA

The Shenandoah Valley area is full of towns and cities that enjoy gathering for seasonal events and festivities. The area around Stuarts Draft, including Augusta County, is no different. Surrounding areas host several annual events and festivals throughout the year that residents of Stuarts Draft can easily enjoy. In spring, visitors and locals gather for the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in nearby Winchester, featuring parades, concerts, and a carnival. During summer, the Augusta County Fair brings agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, and local entertainment to the fairgrounds in Fishersville. The Red Wing Roots Music Festival, held at Natural Chimneys Park in Mount Solon, showcases folk, bluegrass, and Americana music across multiple stages. Fall brings the Fall Foliage Festival in Waynesboro, with artisan craft vendors, food, and music. As winter approaches, residents can take a ride over to Staunton for its traditional German-style Christmas market for handcrafted gifts, food, and seasonal activities. These events highlight the region's agricultural heritage, cultural traditions, and community spirit throughout the changing seasons.

Residents can find fresh, local produce and goods at several nearby farmers markets. From April through November, the Augusta Farmers Market in Staunton offers a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, baked goods, and crafts from local vendors. The market is an open-air market, so it is a great way to both shop local and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. The Waynesboro Farmers Market, operating May through October, also enables residents to buy directly from local farmers and artisans.

Stuarts Draft and the surrounding area has no shortage of local wines and craft brews, either. The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail passes right by Stuarts Draft, and residents can head to one of these popular breweries for an evening of beer, food, and possibly some live music or trivia. For vineyards and wineries, Stuarts Draft residents will have no trouble finding a nearby, beautiful spot to relax and enjoy a tasting. Afton, Virginia, about 20 minutes from Stuarts Draft, has an abundance of vineyards and wineries to visit. The Afton Mountain Vineyards, for example, offers gorgeous mountain views over the grapevines, with options to enjoy your wine by the glass or by the bottle in a heated/cooled pavilion or picnic-style on their large lawn space. You can bring your own picnic, or you can purchase cheese, meat, and crackers provided by local Mountain View Farms.

Augusta County, where Stuarts Draft is located, also offers residents opportunities to connect through organizations focused on community and friendship. For example, the Augusta County Parks and Recreation department organizes sports leagues, fitness programs, and community events that allow residents to socialize while engaging in recreational activities.

Outdoor fun in Stuarts Draft, VA

In Stuarts Draft, outdoor recreation is available year-round, and residents enjoy easy access to nature trails. Thanks to the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Wetlands, and more in the area, nearby trails range from beginner-friendly paths to challenging routes for experienced hikers.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, accessible within 20 miles of Stuarts Draft, connects to numerous trails including the Humpback Rocks Trail, which offers a two-mile round trip hike to spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley. For more spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains, residents can head to Turk Mountain Trail, about 23 miles away, where you’ll follow a one mile hike up to the almost 3,000 foot summit.

Additional, popular trails can be found about 25 miles outside of Stuarts Draft. The Augusta Springs Wetlands Trail is an easy 0.8-mile loop through wetlands with interpretive signs and wildlife viewing opportunities. For those seeking more challenging hikes, the St. Mary's Wilderness area provides over 17 miles of trails including the popular St. Mary's River Trail. Closer to Stuarts Draft, Montgomery Hall Park in nearby Staunton, about 12 miles away, hikers can explore several miles of wooded trails suitable for all skill levels.

Many of the trails available for hiking in the area welcome cyclists as well, but there is also ample opportunity for road cycling in the area. Cyclists in Stuarts Draft can access several established routes in Augusta County, including the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail (US Bicycle Route 76), which runs from Yorktown, Virginia, all the way to Astoria, Oregon and passes a few miles from Stuarts Draft. Other options include the roads around the South River, which provide relatively flat terrain and scenic farmland views. Residents can also find roads with light traffic that connect Stuarts Draft to nearby communities like Waynesboro and Staunton, creating possibilities for loops of varying distances.

For outdoor activities in town, Stuarts Draft Park provides two soccer fields, two little league baseball fields, a Junior Olympic size swimming pool, playground equipment, picnic shelters, and walking paths. Many of the park’s features are available for reservation, making it a great place to host a team or a family event.

Augusta County offers anglers many great places for fishing. The South River, which flows near Stuarts Draft, contains trout as well as smallmouth bass, sunfish, and other panfish. Sherando Lake, about 12 miles out of Stuarts Draft, is a 32-acre recreation area within the George Washington National Forest that offers trout and bass fishing. For those seeking a little more of a challenge, Mossy Creek, with its brown trout, is famous for fly fishing.

Golfers from Stuarts Draft can visit courses in neighboring communities. Orchard Creek, less than 10 miles away, features an 18-hole course with mountain views. The Club at Ironwood in Staunton offers another quality golfing experience within a reasonable drive.

Businesses and economics in Stuarts Draft, VA

Stuarts Draft is home to a variety of large employers, offering area residents plenty of employment opportunities. Hershey’s second largest manufacturing facility is in Stuarts Draft and serves as a major employer for the area. McKee Foods, maker of Little Debbie snacks, also has a manufacturing facility in the community, and Target operates a distribution center that provides numerous jobs. Local businesses also contribute to the area’s economy.

The local economy includes a mix of manufacturing, retail, and service industries. Local businesses also help the economy and build community pride. For example, The Cheese Shop, which started as a back porch operation in the 1960s, has since become a popular local retailer offering a wide range of food products. The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses and promotes economic development throughout the region.

What makes Stuarts Draft a great place to live

Stuarts Draft offers a slower pace lifestyle while maintaining convenient access to entertainment and employment options. Its location in the Shenandoah Valley provides residents with the opportunity to enjoy natural beauty while remaining connected to the benefits of larger cities and towns.

Families value the local schools, community recreational facilities, and proximity to hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Reasonable commutes to employment centers in Augusta County are another plus. Retirees enjoy the peaceful setting and friendly community atmosphere, along with access to healthcare facilities in nearby Waynesboro and Staunton.

New construction Stuarts Draft

D.R. Horton's new homes in Stuarts Draft, Virginia, are great for people at any stage of life. Browse our listings of new homes in Stuarts Draft for sale or visit our model homes to find the new community that fits your lifestyle today.