How common second homes are
- Seasonal-use homes, ZIP 22958
- 48.0%of 2,877 housing units. ACS 2020–2024 5-year. US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (tables B25004, B25002)
- Seasonal-use homes, ZIP 22967
- 22.8%of 1,414 housing units. ACS 2020–2024 5-year. US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (tables B25004, B25002)
- Seasonal-use homes, Nelson County
- 20.6%of 9,995 housing units. ACS 2020–2024 5-year. US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (tables B25004, B25002)
The census counts homes held for seasonal, recreational or occasional use. ZIP codes approximate the area: neither follows the resort's boundary exactly.
What full-time living looks like
Full-time residents value the quiet, the local amenities and being close to the outdoors every day. Many find the drive to Charlottesville or Waynesboro for groceries, healthcare and work manageable. Charlottesville is 45 minutes away by the firm's drive-times table.
What makes a strong second home
Many owners use Wintergreen for ski season, summer weekends and holidays, and rent the property or leave it empty the rest of the year. Four-season appeal supports both personal use and rental income across much of the calendar.
Questions worth asking yourself
- How far are you willing to drive for groceries, school or work?
- Do you want a property that is active full-time, or the odd weekend?
- Is rental income part of the plan when you are not using it?
- How do winter roads feel as a daily reality rather than an occasional one?
Frequently asked
Can you live at Wintergreen full-time?
Yes. A growing number of owners live at Wintergreen year-round, with reasonable access to Charlottesville and Waynesboro for work, school and errands.
Is Wintergreen too remote for daily life?
Many full-time residents find the drive to nearby towns for groceries, healthcare and work manageable, though it is more rural than in-town living. Charlottesville is 45 minutes away by the firm's drive-times table.
What's the advantage of buying Wintergreen as a second home instead?
A second home lets you enjoy the peak seasons (ski season, summer and fall) while renting the property or leaving it empty the rest of the year. In ZIP 22958, 48.0% of housing units are held for seasonal use (ACS 2020–2024).
How do I decide between full-time and second-home ownership?
Consider how far you will travel for daily needs, how you feel about rural living and winter roads, and whether rental income is part of your plan.
Adapted from the firm's guide at https://wintergreenrealestate.com/wintergreen-full-time-living-or-second-home/ (last updated August 2026), in its own words. Figures added from the sources named beside each one; none are estimates.