Life in Charlottesville
With the anticipation of your residency ahead of you, you'll be glad to know that Charlottesville and Albemarle County provide one of the most relaxing settings you could imagine. From the gently rolling slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the casually cosmopolitan style of the Downtown Mall, you're sure to find something to do that will be a welcome balance to your day.
Listen to what other residents have been saying:
"With the work requirements standardized by the ACGME, each program's schedule was very similar. Therefore, the characteristics of the programs that I looked at to distinguish one as better than the other were largely non-work related....At UVA, I found the best combination of an excellent pediatric residency program in an environment that is friendly, safe, and full of rich cultural opportunities."
Brian Belyea, Chief Resident
"As a family, we are excited about living in Charlottesville. I am training in an excellent program, and my husband is managing the marketing for three of the local television stations (the transfer worked!). We are having fun as new homeowners, and Jackson is thriving. I do not think I could ask for anything more."
Kelly Adams, First-Year Resident
Activities and Attractions
With so much to explore, you can almost make having fun in Charlottesville and Albemarle a full-time hobby. Here are a couple of sites to get you started.
- Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau
From the sidebar menu, go to Attractions or Activities and search by category. Also check out the Events Calendar, which includes things going on at the University as well as in the community. Following up on your choices will lead you to plenty of links to other sites, too, like Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and many more. - Exploring the University of Virginia & Charlottesville
This University site has a lot of links to other sites as well. It also includes a brief QuickTime movie introduction to the area. There are also ideas on getting around (including parking). The University also maintains several online maps; start your explorations at the Maps & Directions page.
Finding Your Home
Whether you're looking for housing at the University ("on-Grounds," as they say) or for an apartment or house "off-Grounds," there are people available to help direct your search. Check out the the available links at Faculty & Staff Housing, part of the University's Housing Division. From there you can compare rates, read terms and conditions, and fill out your application for on-Grounds housing. For more "off-Grounds" housing options, continue your search online through a site maintained by the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS®, providing listings in Charlottesville, Albemarle, and other nearby counties.
"And p.s., don't let people scare you about the housing market here. You may have to look a little, but it's definitely affordable to buy a great house on a resident's salary."
Lauren Helms, Third-Year Resident