Clifton Forge, VA

Set right along the Jackson River in western Virginia’s Alleghany Highlands, Clifton Forge is a quiet, friendly town of around 3,500 residents. The community grew up around the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, serving as a bustling hub for locomotive repairs throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries. That rich rail history still shapes the town today, visible in its historic downtown architecture and walkable neighborhood streets.

These days, the town has built a charming local arts community around spots like the historic Masonic Theatre and the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center. Main Street is home to the C&O Railway Heritage Center, and Amtrak still stops right in town a few times a week. For outdoor enthusiasts, Douthat State Park and Lake Moomaw are only a short drive away for hiking, fishing, and boating. It is an appealing spot for anyone looking for affordable mountain living, a relaxed pace, and easy access to the great outdoors.