C harlottesville, Virginia is an independent city located between the flatlands of the east coast and the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning mountaintop views are accessible by car via Skyline Drive and The Blue Ridge Parkway. Virginian residents enjoy skiing and participating in many out door activities, both in the winter and summer months. They enjoy some of the country's finest resorts destinations, with Charlottesville being perfectly situated as the center of these activities. Charlottesville's most famous resident was Thomas Jefferson, helping to give this city its independent historic feel.

Charlottesville has a population of 45,049. This moderately sized city has consistently been in the top best metro area cities in the nation to live in. Recently Charlottesville was named the best Place to Live in by, "Cities Ranked and Rated". Charlottesville is one of the most affordable places in the nation to live. The average house income is $31,000, while the average estimated house value is $119,000. These two numbers combined with a low unemployment rate, makes owning a house in Charlottesville is a sound investment.

One of the most popular areas is the Charlottesville is the Downtown Mall. This shopping center is at the heart of downtown Charlottesville and offers primarily specialty shops and restaurants on a brick walkway amid historic buildings. An ice-skating rink and movie theater complex offer entertainment for those people less inclined to shop. The Downtown Mall has live music every Friday night at the east end in an outdoor amphitheater. After shopping and listening to live entertainment, residents can enjoy a free trolley to the Rotunda at University of Virginia or shop at "The Corner". Both also considered hot and fun destinations by locals.

During the summer months you can enjoy when the country comes to the city with the Charlottesville City Market. Each Saturday, into the fall, the market will offer country fresh produce, herbs, plants, crafts and baked goods for sale from local vendors from 7 a.m. to noon in the downtown district. This is a great chance for newcomers to meet their neighbors and make new friends.

Charlottesville boasts an extraordinary number of artistic, cultural, and outdoor activities. Spectacular scenery and championship golf courses designed by some of the industry's top architects create a winning combination for golfers. The many rivers and lakes in the area provide the perfect setting for aquatic pursuits, such as sailing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and tubing. The many beautiful parks offer wonderful backdrops for sports, picnics, relaxation, and adventure.

Charlottesville is home to the nationally acclaimed University of Virginia, which was founded in 1819. The University enrolls over 12,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students each year. Additionally, the University of Virginia provides cultural enrichment by hosting many events and concerts. Charlottesville residents can attend student theater or dance productions. The university has an award-winning faculty and there are always interesting lectures given by professors who have won awards for their research. For a weekend thrill, you could find yourself in the middle of a newly expanded stadium, cheering with the rest of the home team crowd. Major college football, lacrosse and soccer are all exciting viewing options.

Charlottesville is also home to a very strong school district, the Charlottesville City Public Schools. This district administers 11 schools and serves the educational needs of 4,411 students annually. There is a very low student-to-teacher ratio in the classrooms, providing students with an excellent learning environment. Overall, the schools rate very highly and provide an excellent educational opportunity for those who attend them. Charlottesville is truly a great relocation option.