Charlottesville

Welcome to Charlottesville

Historic, scenic, and culturally rich, Charlottesville blends small-city charm with big opportunities and natural splendor.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is home to over 45,000 residents and offers a dynamic lifestyle defined by its deep history, vibrant arts, and renowned academic presence. As the home of the University of Virginia, this city radiates a youthful energy balanced by the calm of its surrounding vineyards, trails, and rolling countryside. Whether you’re exploring the bustling Downtown Mall, hiking in Shenandoah, or diving into local history, Charlottesville offers a lifestyle full of discovery.

Residents enjoy a welcoming community, top-rated schools, vibrant local culture, and easy access to both outdoor adventure and urban conveniences.

What to Love

• Walkable, charming neighborhoods with mountain views
• A thriving farm-to-table dining and wine scene
• Rich local history, including Monticello and the University of Virginia
• Highly rated public and private schools
• Abundant green spaces and nearby national parks

People & Lifestyle

Charlottesville attracts students, scholars, creatives, and professionals alike, thanks to its unique mix of academic prestige, cultural depth, and natural beauty.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Charlottesville’s culinary scene is a standout in Virginia. Locals and visitors flock to favorites like The Ivy Inn, Oakhart Social, Mas Tapas, and Tavola, while the area’s wineries and cideries (like Pippin Hill and Bold Rock) make for perfect weekend getaways.

The Downtown Mall is a centerpiece for shopping, dining, and entertainment — a pedestrian-only street lined with boutiques, cafés, art galleries, and live music venues like The Jefferson Theater. For a more bohemian vibe, head to IX Art Park, a hub for murals, food trucks, markets, and local events.

Things to Do

Outdoor lovers enjoy nearby Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Rivanna Trails for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. History buffs can tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello or visit the University of Virginia Rotunda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Charlottesville’s cultural calendar is packed with festivals like the Virginia Film Festival, Tom Tom Founders Festival, and Fridays After Five, a beloved weekly concert series. Local farmers markets, craft fairs, and book festivals keep weekends full and lively.

Schools

Charlottesville is served by Charlottesville City Schools, a well-regarded district focused on academic equity, arts, and student wellness. Nearby Albemarle County Public Schools also offer excellent public education options. Notable public schools include:

• Burnley-Moran Elementary School K–4

• Walker Upper Elementary School 5–6

•  Buford Middle School 7–8

• Charlottesville High School 9–12

The city also hosts a range of private schools, Montessori academies, and charter options. For higher education, The University of Virginia anchors the city with top-tier academic, medical, and cultural resources.