Your Guide to Living in Charlottesville

  • Written on January 27, 2023 By Stanley Martin Homes

Charlottesville, Virginia, is a city full of history and culture. Founded in 1762, the city was named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Queen Consort of Great Britain. Home to two renowned universities - The University of Virginia and Virginia Military Institute - Charlottesville has endless attractions such as Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, Michie Tavern and much more. But what's it like to live there? From its vibrant downtown area to its diverse neighborhoods, we'll look at how life in Charlottesville can be an exciting adventure!

Schools

Charlottesville is an excellent place for families looking for quality education. Not only does it include two great universities, but there are also several public schools in Charlottesville that provide students with an exceptional learning experience. These include Albemarle County Public Schools, Charlottesville City Public Schools, and private schools such as St. Anne's-Belfield School and Covenant School. No matter what type of school you are looking for for your child, you can be sure to find it in Charlottesville!

Things to do in Charlottesville

Every member of the family is sure to find something to enjoy doing in Charlottesville, whether it’s outdoor activities such as hiking, biking or kayaking or cultural experiences such as visiting historical sites or exploring the art galleries and museums. There are also plenty of restaurants and pubs to enjoy throughout the city.

History & Culture

History buffs will love the immense cultural and historical attractions available in Charlottesville. Monticello, the former estate of President Thomas Jefferson, is a must-see. It is a beautiful property with gardens, a house museum, and other historic buildings. Take a tour of the grounds, view the available exhibits and even meet the veteran Thomas Jefferson actor-interpreter. In addition to Monticello, the area also boasts many other historical attractions, such as Michie Tavern, which served as a stagecoach stop in the 1700s and the Highland estate owned by President James Monroe.

Music & Arts

Charlottesville is an excellent place for art and music lovers alike. There are plenty of live music venues and art galleries to explore. The city has long been known as the home of the Dave Matthews Band, but Charlottesville offers much more than just DMB. There are many other local artists and musicians who make their mark on the vibrant arts scene here. You can check out local favorites like Chris Stapleton or Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at venues such as Jefferson Theater or The Southern Café & Music Hall. If you're interested in visual arts, don't miss out on downtown's First Fridays Art Walk, where dozens of local galleries showcase their works all year round. No matter what kind of art or music you're into, Charlottesville has something special to offer!

Dining

Charlottesville is an excellent place for foodies. The city is home to some of the best restaurants in the state, offering everything from fine dining to casual eateries. The area’s wineries may dominate the food scene, but you can also enjoy inspired menus like the European pastries offered at Cou Cou Rachou or MarieBette Café and Bakery. Get a great classic burger from Riverside Lunch or some Southern fare from The Ridley. Whether you're looking for an upscale meal or something more laid-back, there's sure to be something that suits your taste buds.

Outdoor Activities

Charlottesville is home to many parks, trails and lakes. From the Rivanna Trail to Preddy Creek Park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy nature. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a stunning natural wonder spanning over 550 miles with breathtaking views of rolling hills and valleys that stretch across Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina. Hiking trails abound with chances to explore forests and meadows filled with wildflowers and wildlife. There are also several state parks in the area, including Shenandoah National Park. Skyline Drive is close by for adventure seekers. It offers impressive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with plenty of hiking opportunities. Carter Mountain is a popular outdoor destination located just outside Charlottesville, Virginia. It's part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The mountain has many trails for hikers of all levels, including an easy loop trail that takes you to the summit. On clear days, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from atop Carter Mountain. There are also several picnic areas along the way where visitors can take a break and enjoy some lunch or snacks while taking in the scenery. For those looking for something more challenging, a rugged backcountry trail climbs over 1,300 feet up to the top of Carter Mountain.

New homes in Charlottesville, VA

Stanley Martin has several new home communities in Charlottesville and surrounding areas offering single-family homes, condos, townhomes and villas. These homes have a range of benefits that make them an attractive choice for homebuyers. The homes at Brookhill Commons offer popular open-concept living designs and low-maintenance home exteriors. Open-concept living designs provide a spacious atmosphere, letting homeowners enjoy larger living areas while creating cozy private spaces. Low-maintenance exteriors allow homeowners to spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying their homes. Some homes, like the ones in Avon Park, offer spectacular views of Carter Mountain in a location only minutes from Downtown Charlottesville. Residents can enjoy these views from their rooftop terrace or back deck! Many of these neighborhoods include access to some of the area's top amenities. Spring Creek in Zion Crossroads provides its residents access to the nationally recognized Spring Creek Golf Club, which includes a golf course, saltwater pool, fitness center, and athletic courts. There's even a full-service restaurant and bar on site! Need a move-in-ready home today? Check out what we have available in our Charlottesville neighborhoods.

Charlottesville is a great place to live and visit. With its rich history, top-notch educational institutions and plenty of things to do, it's easy to see why so many people call Charlottesville home. If you're looking for a place full of culture, history and entertainment opportunities and great new construction homes, contact our New Home Consultants today!