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About Charlottesville

A great place to live

Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer the incredible beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a friendly and welcoming community, and abundant cultural opportunities. We claim more James Beard-nominated chefs, award-winning wines, and noteworthy local bands (not to mention historic Presidential homes) than many a larger city.

We’re home to the University of Virginia and Piedmont Virginia Community College. Our Downtown Mall is one of the nation’s first and most successful pedestrian malls.

Charlottesville has been named:

“#1 City in America” (Frommer’s)
“Best Place to Live Among Small Cities” (Money magazine)
Top 15 "Happiest Places to Live in the U.S. (Outside Magazine)
“Top Ten Cities That Have It All” (A&E TV)
Top 10 "Best College Towns…” (WalletHub)
"#2 Best Small College Town" (WalletHub)
“Healthiest Place to Live” (Kiplinger)
“Hottest for Fitness” (Newsweek)
“Best Place to Raise a Family” (Readers’ Digest)
2023 Wine Region of the Year (Wine Enthusiasts)
Top 10 “Greenest Cities” (Streetdirectory.com)
Top 5 “Best Digital Cities” (Center for Digital Government)
Top 50 “Best Places to Launch a Small Business” (Money Magazine)

In response to the internationally recognized events of August 2017, the greater Charlottesville community has renewed its dedication to opportunity for all by launching innovative programs in affordable housing, school equity, accountability, and open government.

Rotunda Sunrise by Skyclad Aerial

Moving to Charlottesville?

Explore the Charlottesville region Welcome Guide created by Chamber volunteers.

Connect with a Real Estate professional through our Chamber Member Directory.

Get online Directions & Maps from VisitCharlottesville.org.

Purchase a printed map of the Charlottesville region from Maps.com.

City of Charlottesville Fact Sheet (PDF)

Albemarle County Fact Sheet (PDF)

A great place to work

Virginia was ranked #2 for America’s Top State for Business in 2023 by CNBC, with qualities like a well-educated workforce and high concentration of STEM workers.

Our area offers:

  • A diverse and stable economy built around the university, medical services, manufacturing, the defense industry, and a growing life sciences sector.
  • A highly educated workforce, including access to talent and resources at UVA.
  • A state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure with an extensive fiber optic network and digital switching capability.
  • Strategic location near Washington, D.C., Richmond, and major U.S. markets.
  • Well-developed transportation network that includes air, rail, and interstate highway options.
Harvest at King Family Vineyards
Harvest at King Family Vineyards

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