Hiatt Pointe at Snowden Bridge by Brookfield Residential
Winchester VA, Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
What It Is Like to Retire in Charlottesville
Charlottesville, Virginia, the home of Thomas Jefferson (Monticello), has been ranked as the #1 city (Cities Ranked and Rated) as well as one of the best 100 places to retire. It is also home to the stately and picturesque University of Virginia, founded by President Jefferson. This college town offers a tree-lined dignity and charm that, combined with its location at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, makes it easy to see why so many 55+ retirees are planning to retire in Charlottesville. This pleasant city of about 47,000 (2020), is also near the Shenandoah National Park. There are plenty of recreational and cultural opportunities, the latter coming from the stimulating presence of the University of Virginia. The homes of Presidents Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe are nearby. Watch this short Youtube video presented by CA AR:
Where to Retire in Charlottesville and Home Prices
A number of planned active adult communities for baby boomers over 55 have been built or planned for the Charlottesville area, which increases the real estate options for people of all ages. Median home prices were remarkably stable through the recession. In mid-2023, Zillow reported the median home value to be $448,709.
What Is Special about Charlottesville
A very old and very well preserved community - University of Virginia, a classic campus and considered one of America's top public universities- Homes of 3 presidents - Blue Ridge Mountains - Wine country - Culture and entertainment - 4 seasons - Downtown Mall is one of the largest pedestrian malls with over 150 restaurants and stores - Meadowbrook Golf Course is an 18 hole course operated by the City of Charlottesville.
What Is Not Special about Charlottesville
High housing prices - Increasing traffic - a white supremacist demonstration was held here in 2017.
Who Will Like Retirement in Charlottesville
People live in Charlottesville because they like living in a college town steeped in history with a lot to do. Some 12% of the population is 65 or over, although the student population is probably pulling that down.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Education, medical, tourism, agriculture, construction.
Climate and Physical Environment
Charlottesville is in the Piedmont region of Virginia and adjacent to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is just over 100 miles to Washington D.C. and Richmond is 70 miles to the southeast. The average July high is 86 degrees and the average January low is 24. July is the wettest month.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
As you might expect in a town with a large university, there is always something going on culturally. There are also a number or restaurants that are good. College sports are excellent, particularly lacrosse. Virginia Festival of the Book and Virginia Film Festival are both important. Paramount Theater has many productions, while the Charlottesville Pavilion is a busy outdoor amphitheater. Live Arts are available in the community theatre, and there are others in the area as well. The University of Virginia Art Museum hosts frequent exhibitions, as does the Second Street Gallery. The Senior Center has many great programs.
Crime
The crime rate is just about at the national average in Charlottesville.
Medical facilities
The University of Virginia Medical Center is one of the top rated facilities in the country.
Transportation
There is Amtrak service. The local airport is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport.
Valuable Links
Charlottesville, VA Retire in Virginia College Town Retirement communities
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