Overview

Old Trail was on the leading age of the “urbanist” movement in residential developments, designed to provide most of the daily necessities of life in one place. But Old Trail is different from many such communities in that it includes a golf course at the heart of the community, one that is fun to play and links-like in style.

Old Trail had a unique beginning that gained it substantial publicity. It played host in 2005 to pachyderms and other beasts of burden when a Hollywood studio decided to locate scenes from the movie Evan Almighty on-site at Old Trail — when only single home had been built. Visitors to the fledgling community back then bore witness to a huge wooden ark onto which animals large and small were directed by actor Steve “Noah” Carrell.

The movie turned out to be a box-office bust of biblical proportions, but Old Trail became the opposite, a community that drew plenty of attention for its hiking trails, 75-acre park, shopping and dining options, all within walking distance of the diverse homes in the community (single-family, townhomes and condos). And for those requiring extra entertainment and medical care, the vibrant university town of Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia, is just 20 minutes away. Given the opportunities for continuing education, built-in encouragement to walk a lot, and reasonably priced real estate, Old Trail is an ideal option for retirees looking for a year-round forever home.