The Guide to Living in Charlottesville, Virginia

On the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the heart of Virginia Wine Country

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA

The History of Charlottesville, Virginia

Established in 1762, Charlottesville, Virginia stands as one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most desirable communities. The home of the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia’s enviable location along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and nearby Shenandoah National Park makes it one of the most beautiful locations in the Mid-Atlantic.

The birthplace of founding father Thomas Jefferson, Charlottesville, Virginia carries with it a distinct heritage that blends the complicated past of the American South along with the virtues of Colonial American agricultural and intellectual life — a dynamic perhaps best typified by the Monticello estate located on the western edge of town.

Home to many of the nation’s finest vineyards and wineries, Charlottesville, Virginia is regarded as the heart of Virginia Wine Country for its legendary heritage as the birthplace of American viticulture.

Today, Charlottesville, Virginia remains an ideal environment for those seeking a mix of college town energy and historic charm. And with many charming small towns and villages that surround the city, it’s easy to see why Charlottesville, Virginia is one of the most desirable destinations in the Mid-Atlantic.

Modern Barn House of Crozet, Virginia. Image courtesy of Hank Gregg.

THE HOMES COLLECTION

The Homes of Charlottesville, Virginia

Explore a curated collection of the most iconic homes in Charlottesville, Virginia and greater Albemarle County

Explore Homes

Browse homes for sale in Charlottesville, Virginia presented by Sotheby’s International Realty

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA

“As the birthplace of American viticulture and the home of one Virginia’s finest public university, Charlottesville, Virginia offers what few can match.”

— Conor Murray, Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty

The University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. Image courtesy of Ryan Ledbetter.

TRAVEL GUIDE

A Weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia

The heart of Virginia Wine Country, Charlottesville, Virginia offers pastoral beauty and historic charm

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore common questions about life in Charlottesville, Virginia, including the best neighborhoods, restaurants, and more.

HOW FAR IS CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA TO WASHINGTON, D.C.?

Charlottesville, Virginia is roughly 116 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. There is no Amtrak or MARC train access to Charlottesville, Virginia from Washington, D.C.

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA?

Residents of Charlottesville, Virginia are likely to attend schools in of two school districts: Charlottesville City Public Schools or Albemarle County Public Schools. Charlottesville, Virginia is its own independent city within the larger footprint of Albemarle County.

WHAT ARE THE BEST VINEYARDS AND WINERIES IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA?

As the heart of Virginia Wine Country, Charlottesville, Virginia is home to many of the finest vineyards and wineries in the Mid-Atlantic. Consider visiting Barboursville Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, and Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.

WHAT ARE THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA?

Charlottesville, Virginia offers a perfect platform for those who seek a quintessential country lifestyle with modern amenities. For a more traditional neighborhood feel, Belmont, North Downtown, and Locust Grove are all highly desirable and convenient to downtown. On the outskirts of Charlottesville, Virginia there are a number of fantastic small towns and rural villages, including Keswick, Virginia, Esmont, Virginia, Crozet, Virginia, Ivy, Virginia, and North Garden, Virginia.

HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA?

According to the 2020 Census data, Charlottesville, Virginia has a population of 46,553 people, including a median age of 32 and a median household income of $59,598.

WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO BUY ANTIQUES, FURNITURE, AND HOME DECOR IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA?

Charlottesville, Virgina is home to many fine establishments for furniture, antiques, and home decor, including Be Just, Folly, and And George.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOME IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA

The median sale price for a single family home in Charlottesville, Virginia is $399,682, which is about 30% higher than the national average of $308,980. Ready to buy the home of your dreams? Browse homes for sale in Charlottesville, Virginia presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.

WHAT ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA?

Charlottesville, Virginia is home to many great restaurants. In the Draftsman Hotel, The Ridley offers contemporary riffs on Souther Classics. In the desirable Belmont neighborhood, Tavola offers homemade pasta and classic Italian fare. And for a fine dining experience in a historic setting, Broadcloth at The Wool Factory offers fresh upscale local cuisine. In downtown Charlottesville, Virginia, Umma’s serves delicious Korean Fried Chicken made with locally sourced ingredients. For amazing bagels and breakfast sandwiches, Bodo’s Bagels is a can’t-miss destination. And finally, the Dairy Market in the 10th and Page neighborhood offers a traditional food hall style experience with an abundance of fun options.