UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
Charlottesville, VA is the #22 Best City to Live in the USA
Charlottesville, VA Quality of Life Liv Score 638 How We Calculate Our Data |
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Civics | 71 |
Demographics | 45 |
Economy | 69 |
Education | 55 |
Health | 65 |
Housing | 64 |
Infrastructure | 53 |
Amenities | 51 |
Why Charlottesville is one of the best cities to live in
Situated in the central portion of the state, Charlottesville, VA, is a growing city with quite an enviable lifestyle. The area’s more than 47,000 residents can’t get enough of its wineries and breweries, rave-worthy dining options and diverse arts scene. Here, you’ll find everything from outdoor murals and sculptures to galleries, performing art shows (a performance by the Charlottesville Opera will give you chills), live music and much more. In addition, community engagement opportunities are high in Charlottesville, making it one of the best places to live in the U.S. For example, the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation utilizes the arts to help drive social connections and positive change. Oh, and amazing career options abound here, as the area is home to strong education, medical services, manufacturing and life sciences sectors. And as for outdoor recreation, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible outside. The area offers nearly 6 miles of paved and approximately 30 miles of nature trails.
Major industries include education, medical services, manufacturing and life sciences. A few major employers include The University of Virginia, Northrop Grumman Corporation and S&P Global.
The University of Virginia & Piedmont Virginia Community College
Summers are warm, with highs averaging in the mid-to-upper 80s, while winters run a bit chillier, with highs averaging in the upper 40s.
Traipse along the Azalea Park pathways with your pup, then stop by the park’s dog park to meet some new furry friends.
Charlottesville, VA is Remote-Ready
For a remote worker, easy access to comfortable third spaces and the option for outdoorsy activities is essential for mental and physical health, and Charlottesville has it all. Additionally, 98% of the city has access to high-speed internet, and there are tons of excellent breweries and coffee shops to work out of. Plus, you can join coworking spaces like Studio IX, Vault Virginia and Common House, a workspace, social club and dining spot.
What Locals Love in Charlottesville, VA
Find your next great read at 2nd Act Books, which offers a large selection for people of all ages.
Grab a few friends and have a beer at Decipher Brewing. Live music and food truck events are always on the schedule.
Charlottesville City Market is the perfect place to check out locally made and grown products.
Common House is a membership-based social club that offers a monthly wine club and an on-demand wine concierge.
The Looking Glass offers an immersive art experience you’ll never forget and is housed in a repurposed building, giving it a cool, industrial vibe. It features an interactive enchanted forest and a kaleidoscope cave.
A strong job market, vibrant arts and entertainment scenes, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation make Charlottesville a best place to live in Virginia.
Thinking of Moving to Charlottesville?
Steeped in history and a scholastic atmosphere, Charlottesville, VA real estate is well balanced between residential neighborhoods and woodland properties. Many homes for sale in Charlottesville, VA were built in the last twenty years and are near beloved stores like Wegmans and Costco, unique for most of Virginia. Local real estate agents will point you to the Belmont neighborhood if you want to stay close to the downtown mall with its boutique stores and outdoor music venue.
Quick Facts About Charlottesville, VA
- Average Commute
- 14.89
- Median Home Value
- $365,822
- Med. Household Income
- $61,891
- Total Population
- 45,685
- Walk Score
- 57
- Median Property Tax
- $2,775