Welcome to Charlottesville
Eclectic neighborhoods surrounded by beautiful country and mountain scenery.
Charlottesville draws people to its temperate climate, beautiful backcountry surrounding, world-class cultural institutions, and sophisticated lifestyle. It’s nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which offers numerous recreational activities amid the scenic natural landscape. There’s endless hiking, biking, climbing, and rafting in the summer and skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in the winter.
Charlottesville has over a dozen neighborhoods that feature a variety of living spaces. Martha Jefferson and Star Hill neighborhoods have renovated buildings and brand-new luxury condominiums near shops and restaurants. North Downtown and Locust Grove feature well-preserved and modern single-family homes that are still within walking distance of shopping and dining. Belmont is more of a modern-day neighborhood with larger homes and plenty of green space.
What to Love
- Beautiful country and mountain landscapes
- Well-preserved classic architecture and historical sites
- Unique neighborhoods with diverse housing options
- Burgeoning food scene and picturesque wineries
- Year-round outdoor recreation
Local Lifestyle
Charlottesville is part metropolitan college town and part charming Southern countryside. This city has something for everyone. Great restaurants, breweries, and wineries coupled with the arts and culture and live music scenes give it a city appeal, while the surrounding countryside and mountains give it a small-town feel and draw those who love to be active and outdoors. The growing economy and proximity to Fairfax and Richmond attract professionals and even retirees.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Charlottesville has a burgeoning local food scene. Main Street in the University of Virginia neighborhood is lined with chic cafes and trendy eateries. A local landmark,
The Virginian opened in 1923 and is Charlottesville’s oldest restaurant. They serve elevated American fare amid rustic decor. Menu highlights include the Virginian burger, their signature crab cakes, and their famous macaroni and cheese. The bar is a favorite hangout with college students and gets busy and crowded in the evenings and weekends.
Right down the street,
Inka Grill Peruvian Cuisine specializes in authentic Peruvian and Latin American cuisine. This restaurant is popular among faculty and students who come for internationally-inspired dishes such as lomo saltado and ceviche.
Located in the Charlottesville Historic District,
C and O is a French restaurant that also serves classic American favorites and vegetarian options. There’s a formal dining room upstairs, a lively bistro below, and a heated outdoor patio. They pride themselves on sourcing local products, so the menu changes seasonally depending on what’s available. A curated wine list of over 300 bottles and handcrafted cocktails are also on offer.
Things to Do
Charlottesville has an active equestrian community. For over 40 years, Foxfield Racing has been hosting steeplechase races twice a year. It’s a long-standing tradition stemming from the University of Virginia, and they help raise funds for local causes. Another UVA tradition, Football Weekends, is complete with tailgate parties and pep rallies before each home game. Local residents come alongside students to cheer on the Cavaliers.
From spring to fall,
Ting Pavilion hosts Friday After Five, a free weekly concert series. It features local artists spanning different genres of music. Concession sales go to help fund numerous nonprofits in Charlottesville.
Located close to Crozet,
King Family Vineyards hosts weekly polo matches from Memorial Day weekend until mid-December. Considered one of the best wineries in the state, they produce premium wines you can sample in their tasting rooms.
