Life in the Region
Charlottesville is a small, thriving city of 40,000 people, with a local area population of around 145,000, located in west-central Virginia. Approximately 110 miles southwest of Washington DC, and 70 miles west of Richmond, Charlottesville is nestled in the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and is the seat of Albemarle County.
Affectionately known as "C-ville", the city and its surrounding area are home to a wide array of scenic, cultural, historical, and recreational activities. The region boasts a highly educated workforce, excellent school systems, high quality healthcare, and affordable living.
Residents pride themselves on our local heritage, the area's natural beauty, and our city's nationally-ranked reputation. Charlottesville has enjoyed rankings as #1 City in America" (Frommer's), "Best Place to Live Among Small Cities" (Money magazine), "Top Ten Cities That Have It All" (A&E TV), "40 Best College Towns..." (Outside), "Healthiest Place to Live" (Kiplinger), "Hottest for Fitness" (Newsweek), and "Best Place to Raise a Family" (Readers' Digest).
The area's economic base centers on tourism, higher education, light manufacturing, agriculture, and retail trade. Each year thousands of tourists view the Grounds of the University of Virginia and the homes of U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley offer recreational opportunities including hiking the Appalachian Trail, mountain biking, and hot air ballooning. Musical and cultural venues including the Charlottesville Pavilion, John Paul Jones Arena, Paramount Theater, and the Virginia Film Festival bring national and international performers to town. Charlottesville-Albemarle is also host to an incredible selection of casual and fine dining establishments and many notable wineries.
There's something here for everyone. Whether visiting, interviewing, or moving and settling in, we hope you'll explore the many attractions and services of our area.
Please see Regional Info for Housestaff for helpful links.
"Coming from a large metropolis, I was excited that Charlottesville would afford a more peaceful, small-town atmosphere. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that C-ville's intimacy is coupled with access to cultural and social events that rival those of any major city. On just about any night, you can find a local place to hear great, live music, and it is nearly impossible to miss Tuesday Night Trivia at McGrady's, where seemingly random knowledge can transform one into a superstar! Exploring new restaurants is one of my passions and because Charlottesville is small enough, you can try an award-winning restaurant on a weekday night with ease. Soaking in the last of the sunshine and watching the stars come out, while dining al fresco at the beautiful Downtown mall, just cannot be beat.
Charlottesville's location is key: situated in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley, it's easy to access great outdoor activities like cruising the Skyline Drive, hiking to a favorite crystal-clear swimming hole, or checking out the Shenandoah National Park. Touring local vineyards or watching a polo match are relaxing ways to spend a weekend afternoon. It still amazes me that I am just four miles from Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson!"
"I grew up in the Northeast but went to medical school in West Virginia, so I find it incredibly easy to appreciate the scope of what Charlottesville has to offer. When I started thinking about residency, I figured I'd have to make a choice. I missed going to see well-known musical acts or checking out different restaurants every weekend like I could in the cities, but my years in West Virginia left me reluctant to leave an area of such beauty and easy access to the outdoors. Until I interviewed at UVA, I didn't realize I could have both, while continuing my medical education at a top-notch academic center.
During my free time here I enjoy great live music (ranging from funky street performers on the beautiful, outdoor Downtown Mall, to Bruce Springsteen in the state-of-the-art John Paul Jones Arena), go for runs on a stretch of the 20-mile Rivanna River Trail that encircles the city, or play flag football with my fellow interns in the Charlottesville Sport and Social Club. On free weekends, I'm able to take the short two-hour drive to Washington, D.C., or an even quicker trip to the Shenandoah National Park or Skyline Drive for some great hiking and camping. Best of all, I seem to have lucked into a program with a fun and outgoing group of people to share these activities with."