Essential Things to Know Before Moving to Charlottesville: Your Ultimate Charlottesville Relocation Guide

words by Jennifer Bryerton
Everything Your Family Needs to Relocate to Charlottesville, VA

Welcome to CHArlottesville Albemarle County, Virginia 

Nestled in the foothills of the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville offers breathtaking natural beauty year-round paired with the charm of a vibrant, small-city lifestyle. Are you wondering if Charlottesville is a good place to move to and raise a family? We enthusiastically say yes! Families can enjoy scenic drives through the rolling meadows of Virginia’s horse country, where every hill reveals stunning views. In the heart of the city, the presence of the University of Virginia fosters a thriving arts scene, gourmet dining, and an array of local boutiques.

For quick getaways, day trips to Washington, D.C., or relaxing escapes to the mountains are just a short drive away – discover all the daytrips in between. Best of all, Charlottesville is steeped in hospitality, making everyone feel welcome. It’s a wonderful place for families to live, explore, and thrive with great schools and recreation opportunities. And if you’re a wine enthusiast, Virginia wine country is right at your doorstep, offering world-class vineyards to explore.

But you don’t have to just take our word for it that Charlottesville is a wonderful place to live. Learn more about the Charlottesville schools, world-class healthcare, and all the wonderful local businesses in our popular CharlottesvilleFamily Ultimate Go-To Guide.

Essential Things to Know Before Moving to Charlottesville: Your Ultimate Charlottesville Relocation Guide

  1. Albemarle County History & Three Presidents’ Legacy

    If you’re moving to Charlottesville, understanding Albemarle County history is a must. The area is famous for its trio of U.S. Presidents—Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe—whose magnificent homes draw visitors from all over, supporting a thriving local tourism industry. Jack Jouett famously warned Charlottesville of a British invasion in 1791, possibly saving Jefferson himself. Meriwether Lewis, the famed explorer from Ivy, is another local hero whose legacy endures to this day. For Charlottesville family-friendly activities steeped in history, consider a history tour in Charlottesville during the summer months, or attend the downtown Spirit Walk around Halloween. And here’s a local tip: once your driver’s license shows you’re officially living in Charlottesville VA, you can visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello for free if you tag along with a paying friend.

  2. Downtown Mall Charlottesville

    One of the top things to know before moving to Charlottesville is that the Downtown Mall Charlottesville offers a little something for everyone. Stroll along its pedestrian-friendly streets, grab homemade ice cream at Chaps, pop into the Virginia Discovery Museum, and even try out the echo at the TING Pavilion. When it’s time for lunch, The Nook and other casual spots give off that small-town vibe—making it a must-see during any Charlottesville relocation guide tour.

  3. Charlottesville Wineries and Vineyards

    Though Jefferson experimented with winemaking, the local industry didn’t truly flourish until the 1970s. Today, you’ll find more than 35 Charlottesville wineries and vineyards within a 30-mile radius, making it a major part of local culture and tourism. If you’re curious about local vintages, check out Wine & Country Life and get ready to savor some of the best wines in the Eastern United States.

  4. A Literary Community

    Living in Charlottesville means joining a community that boasts literary legends like Edgar Allan Poe and William Faulkner, and contemporary writers John Grisham, Jan Karon, Rita Mae Brown, Donna Tartt, and Poet Laureate Rita Dove. Between our local art galleries, theaters, and music venues, your life here can be as art-filled as you’d like.

  5. UVA (University of Virginia) History

    The University is central to Charlottesville and Albemarle County real estate conversations. On UVA “Grounds,” freshmen are “First Years,” and the Rotunda overlooks “The Lawn” surrounded by historic residences once occupied by luminaries like Edgar Allan Poe. Every Halloween, children flock to The Lawn for trick-or-treating, and every spring, graduating students gather in caps and gowns. It’s hard to separate UVA (University of Virginia) history from the spirit of our city.

  6. Three Notched Road (or Three Chopt Road)

    While locals disagree on the exact name—some say it’s Three Notched, others Three Chopt—everyone can agree that this is now Route 250. It’s a piece of Albemarle County history that newcomers will quickly learn about.

  7. Bellair Market Celebrity Spotting

    The best spot for a bit of Bellair Market celebrity spotting is, surprisingly, a gas station. However, Bellair Market is beloved for its chicken salad and sandwiches named after local neighborhoods. It’s also the place where you might catch a glimpse of Howie Long, Sissy Spacek, John Grisham, Mary Chapin Carpenter, or Jan Karon. As far as Charlottesville family-friendly activities go, grabbing lunch here is a local rite of passage.

  8. What’s a Wahoo?

    If you hear people say “Wahoo” or “Hoo,” they’re referring to UVA students and sports teams—a nickname dating back to the 1890s rivalry with Washington & Lee. In more recent years, “Hoos” has become a friendly shorthand. For sports lovers and future locals reading any Charlottesville relocation guide, be prepared to cheer, “Go Hoos!”

  9. Charlottesville and Albemarle County Basics

    For anyone moving to Charlottesville, the city’s population is around 46,453 (within 10.24 square miles), while Albemarle County spans 726 square miles with a population of 112,395. Both areas have seen notable growth in the last decade. These numbers are essential for anyone curious about Charlottesville and Albemarle County real estate options.

  10. Thomas Jefferson’s UVA, Founded in 1825

    Jefferson established the University in 1825, which remained all-male until 1970. The first female president, Teresa A. Sullivan, wasn’t elected until 2010, marking a significant moment in UVA (University of Virginia) history.

  11. Anna Anderson and Russian Royalty

    Perhaps one of Charlottesville’s more unusual claims to fame is Anna Anderson, who spent her final years here and claimed to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia. This fun fact is another addition to the long list of things to know before moving to Charlottesville.

  12. The Corner

    Known simply as “The Corner,” this stretch near the central UVA entrance is a hub for student life. It’s jam-packed with cafes, shops, and restaurants—a quick taste of Charlottesville family-friendly activities if you’re exploring the University area.

  13. Albemarle’s Sophisticated Country Living

    Within minutes of the city, you can drive out Barracks Road and find yourself amid rolling hills, horse farms, and Charlottesville wineries and vineyards. Heading east on Route 250 toward Keswick offers glimpses of some of our wealthiest estates—a big draw for those curious about Charlottesville and Albemarle County real estate.

  14. Dave Matthews Band (DMB) Hometown

    Locals often mention “The Dave” or “DMB” like old friends. Dave Matthews Band (DMB) hometown pride runs deep here, and superfans love visiting Blenheim Vineyards, the family-friendly winery Dave Matthews founded.

  15. Welcome to C’ville

    Frequently honored in “best of” lists, such as Sperling’s Best Places and Reader’s Digest’s Top 10 Best Places to Raise a Family, living in Charlottesville VA offers an enviable quality of life. Check out our Charlottesville local events calendar to stay updated on everything from festivals to history tours in Charlottesville.

    You’ll find a welcoming and fun city in Charlottesville

    In short, Charlottesville relocation guide seekers will find that the city, affectionately called C’ville, is brimming with history, culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re exploring Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, savoring local wines, or simply enjoying the Downtown Mall Charlottesville, you’ll soon discover why so many people are proud to call this region home. If you’re moving to Charlottesville, welcome—you’re in for an incredible experience!

Explore A Move to Charlottesville Online Before You Relocate!

Get an Overview

Visitor’s Bureau
Chamber of Commerce
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library

Plan Outings

UVA Athletics

Charlottesville’s Award-Winning Wineries

Charlottesville Museums & Attractions

Find a Place of Worship

Best Museums for Preschoolers

Moving to Charlottesville and Albemarle County

Welcome home! Click below to find all you need to know about area utilities, facilities and more.

City of Charlottesville

Albemarle County

Family Health Guide

Home & Garden Resources

Are Charlottesville Area Public & Private Schools Good?

Local School Connection

Comprehensive Guide to Private Schools

Albemarle County Schools – an exclusive interview

Charlottesville City Schools – an exclusive interview

The Book Every Newcomer Family MUST Have

The CharlottesvilleFamily Ultimate Go-To Guide
This annual family directory is packed with useful information that you will want to keep at their fingertips, including timely calendars for keeping track of the family schedule, Charlottesville event highlights, emergency services and amazing resources for those who are new to the area. And of course it’s packed with phone numbers for great local businesses for health care options, party places, shopping, education resources, kids recreational activities, family fun and more. Plus, you will enjoy exciting new daytrips features!

Some photos above courtesy of the Charlottesville/Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau at visitcharlottesville.org.

JENNIFER BRYERTON, Ma Ed., our Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, started her career in teaching, Co-founded CharlottesvilleFamily and is a mom of four. A believer in experiential education and an avid gardener, beehives, a fruit and veggie plot, perennial borders and a chicken coop dot the family lawn west of Charlottesville. Jen also enjoys sharing travel, museums, theater performances and nature attractions with her family.

 

Town & country living at its best! CharlottesvilleFamily Life & Home is an award-winning magazine dedicated to Making Parenting Easier & Growing Up Fun! We create engaging stories on parenting, schools, staying healthy, the arts, home design, local leaders and all the best events. Building community since 1998.