Charlottesville, Virginia is known for its modern architecture and rich history. It's also ideal for outdoor recreation thanks to its many lakes and parks. It's important to understand the city's offerings and know what the real estate market is like if you're planning on relocating to the area. One of the Charlottesville houses for sale may be just what you're looking for when combined with the enticing activities and hotspots provided in town and nearby.
Two and three bedrooms take precedence
Charlottesville isn't booming with extremely large houses with 5, 6, and 7 bedrooms. Two and three bedrooms take precedence, in line with the more modest offerings the city provides. Many of the houses on the market offer more than 2,000 square feet of space, which is plenty of room for families. Most of the available homes don't have any less than 1,000 square feet of space, although the apartments in town may offer a little less room than that.
There are many bi-level homes
You'll primarily find bi-level or split-level homes on the Charlottesville market. Many homes in town start with the main level and offer either an upstairs addition or a downstairs section. Though you may find a ranch-style home with only one level, it isn't the norm.
Most houses have at least 3 baths
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Though some homes in the area offer 1 or 2 baths, many of the places you'll find for sale actually have at least 3 baths inside. This is especially true for those homes that offer more than 2,000 square feet of space. Multiple bathrooms are well-liked because it gives everyone in the family their own space, and doesn't require members to wait their turn in order to use the facilities. Two baths are also more common than one in town.
The University of Virginia is located here
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Many consider Charlottesville a college town. This can be great in many ways since it means a growing number of activity-based businesses. Not to mention, you have a spot in town to watch sports if that interests you. The University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville. Many cultural events are held here and walking historical tours are also provided.
There's a low commute time
The average American spends more than 26 minutes on the road between work and home. In Charlottesville, that length of time drops to under 18 minutes. This low commute time means you won't have to spend long getting back and forth between your house and your job. Nor do you need to drive far to access shops, restaurants, and other city attractions.
There’s also a transit system so you can take the bus to avoid driving. A schedule and map are available on the city's website so you can plan in advance. You can even see where a bus is currently located with the bus tracker feature.
Charlottesville provides numerous parks and recreational areas
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Anyone who enjoys the outdoors can get out and explore Charlottesville in numerous ways. There are tons of parks and recreational areas in town and nearby, providing you with trails to walk, hills to hike, sporting fields to utilize, and more. There are also lots of historical landmarks in the area, each offering its own set of trails and pathways for closer exploration of the area. These include Montpelier, Monticello, and Highland.
Some of the best parks in Charlottesville include:
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Darden Towe Park: Space for dogs, boating, batting cages, horseshoes, grilling, tennis, volleyball, and more.
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Chris Greene Lake Park: Provides wheelchair-accessible fishing, a boat launch, a dog park, swimming, volleyball, and more.
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Preddy Creek Trail Park: Offers miles of trails for walking and biking.
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Beaver Creek Park: Has a boat launch, trails, charcoal grills, and picnic tables.
Walnut Creek Park in nearby North Garden is also ideal to visit. Access the lake or utilize the walking and biking trails. They also have a boat ramp where you can take your kayak and a worthwhile disc golf course.
The weather remains moderate
Moderate weather day-to-day means you won't have to experience extremely high or extremely low temperatures. You can enjoy a day outside without much worry, except for the rain that sometimes falls. The weather is especially ideal between May and October, with only the winter season on the chilly side. Homes to the north of Charlottesville fall within a colder temperature zone, while homes to the south will experience more heat and humidity.
Shop at Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall
Photo courtesy of Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall
Though there are plenty of shops in Charlottesville, one of the most popular shopping destinations is the Historic Downtown Mall. Both restored and renovated buildings fill the area for a completed mall experience made up of 120 shops and 30 restaurants. You'll find a mixture of clothing stores, chocolate shops, bookstores, music shops, and more.
There are lots of popular dining destinations
When you're in the mood for a bite to eat, you won't have to search long to find a spot. There are tons of popular dining destinations in Charlottesville. Though you'll mostly find American fare, other cuisines are also available.
Bodo's Bagels
Photo courtesy of Bodo’s Bagels
Bodo's Bagels opens early for breakfast and continues serving customers through dinnertime. They're generally open between 6:30 AM and 8 PM, though their hours vary slightly on the weekends. There are three separate locations in Charlottesville, ensuring you can get your bagel sandwich whether you're near Emmet Street, Preston Avenue, or University Avenue. The two latter locations have fewer hours available, so be sure to check their schedule before you head over.
Citizen Burger Bar
Photo Courtesy of Citizen Burger Bar
Located off East Main Street, Citizen Burger Bar is a well-rated restaurant in the community. They're open daily between 11 AM and midnight. They're known for having the best burgers in Charlottesville, but their menu also consists of salads, snacks, a chicken sandwich, grilled cheese, and more.
Oakhart Social Restaurant
Considered a tapas bar, Oakhart Social Restaurant is exactly what the name entails—a social gathering place frequented by regulars. Because of their popularity, it's important to book a spot in advance, especially since they’re only open Wednesday through Saturday.
Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar
Photo Courtesy of Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar
Find Mediterranean fare at Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar. They're open daily between 4 PM and 9 PM, making it worthwhile to reserve a table in advance to ensure a spot. A warm lentil salad, peasant beef and pork bolognese, lamb shank tagine, and Orzo's hummus are just a few of the menu offerings. House cocktails and classics are popular drinks, while the extensive wine and beer list are beloved by patrons.
Immerse yourself in arts and culture
Photo courtesy of John Paul Jones Arena
Although Charlottesville is known for its historical offerings, there’s plenty to immerse yourself in when it comes to arts and culture. Plan a custom wine tour at one of the many locations available in town, or head downtown for some live music. See a show at the Charlottesville Ballet or Charlottesville Opera. There are also numerous sporting and performance venues in town, including:
During the summer, Ting Pavilion hosts a Fridays After Five concert series. It typically runs from the middle of April through the first week of September. Head there between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM to experience local talent. The concession stands help raise tens of thousands of dollars for community organizations, meaning the food you buy provides necessary proceeds for local businesses and nonprofits, which all get put back into the town you live in.
You can also explore several art galleries and studios, such as The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia. There’S also Ix Art Park and the McGuffey Art Center, which is considered a cultural center for the arts. You can view multiple exhibitions at any of these facilities, both on a recurring timeline and a rotating one.
It was once America's happiest city
In 2014, the National Bureau of Economic Research dubbed Charlottesville America's happiest city. Many residents enjoy the sense of community they get from living in the town. It's considered a small town, yet has a big city feel with all there is to see and do. It also has an Economic Development Authority that focuses on keeping the town economically sound and worthwhile for all residents.
Charlottesville has more than its fair share to offer residents and tourists alike. If you're considering calling this town home, reach out to The Hogan Group for a chance to explore the best homes for sale in Charlottesville or a nearby area. Don't hesitate to give Mike Hogan a call at 804-877-1532 to discuss your desires for your next home.
*Header photo courtesy of the Hogan Group
