Living a College Town Lifestyle in Charlottesville, Virginia

Home to the stately and picturesque University of Virginia, founded by President Jefferson, Charlottesville, Virginia is a gorgeous college town. The home of Thomas Jefferson (Monticello), has been ranked as the #1 city (Cities Ranked and Rated). The town offers a tree-lined dignity and charm that, combined with its location at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, makes it easy to see why so many choose Charlottesville in which to live or visit.

This pleasant city of 46,000 is also near the Shenandoah National Park. There are plenty of recreational and cultural opportunities, the latter coming from the stimulating presence of the University of Virgina. The homes of Presidents Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe are nearby.

Where to Retire in Charlottesville and Home Prices

A number of planned active adult communities for baby boomers over 55 have been built or planned for the Charlottesville area, which increases the real estate options for people of all ages. (see link to Charlottesville Active Communities on top left).
Median home prices were remarkably stable through the recession.  In early 2022, Zillow reported the median home value to be $419,808.

What Is Special about Charlottesville

A very old and very well preserved community - University of Virginia, a classic campus and considered one of America's top public universities- Homes of 3 presidents - Blue Ridge Mountains - Wine country - Culture and entertainment - 4 seasons - Downtown Mall is one of the largest pedestrian malls with over 150 restaurants and stores - Meadowbrook Golf Course is an 18 hole course operated by the City of Charlottesville.

What Is Not Special about Charlottesville

High housing prices - Increasing traffic - a white supremacist demonstration was held here in 2017.

Climate and Physical Environment

Charlottesville is in the Piedmont region of Virginia and adjacent to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is just over 100 miles to Washington D.C. and Richmond is 70 miles to the southeast. The average July high is 86 degrees and the average January low is 24. July is the wettest month. click the map above to see the area in more detail.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

As you might expect in a town with a large university, there is always something going on culturally. There are also a number or restaurants that are good. College sports are excellent, particularly lacrosse. Virginia Festival of the Book and Virginia Film Festival are both important. Paramount Theater has many productions, while the Charlottesville Pavilion is a busy outdoor amphitheater. Live Arts are available in the community theatre, and there are others in the area as well. The University of Virginia Art Museum hosts frequent exhibitions, as does the Second Street Gallery. The Senior Center has many great programs.

Crime

The crime rate is just about at the national average in Charlottesville.

Medical Facilities

The University of Virginia Medical Center is one of the top rated facilities in the country.

Transportation

There is Amtrak service. The local airport is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport.

Valuable Links

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