Quality of Life

To live in Charlottesville and Albemarle County is to enjoy sophisticated small city life amid great natural beauty. Set in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, two hours from Washington, D.C., Charlottesville is home to a variety of cultural organizations and hosts a wide range of sporting events, annual festivals, and community programs. Outstanding health care facilities, one of the best school systems in the Commonwealth, and an unspoiled countryside with many recreational opportunities ensure a high quality of life. For more information, see Exploring the Area.

Rankings

Charlottesville’s performance in recent national polls attests to its excellent quality of life.

USA Today: The best place to live in the USA (#1)
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance: The Healthiest Places to Live in America (#2).
Reader’s Digest: One of the top ten places in the country to raise children.
Money Magazine: Best Small Cities to Live in the Nation (#1 in Virginia, #32 nationally).
American Health: The 10 Healthiest Cities for Women (#6).
Golf Digest: Best Retirement Cities for Golfers (#1)
Outside Magazine: "One of the Best Places to be Found" and "One of Seven Dream Towns That Have it All."
Tennis: Best Tennis Town (#1)
A&E Channel Magazine: One of the 10 Best Places to Live (#6)
E-Podunk.com: Best Small College Town (#1)

Why Charlottesville?

Hiking, biking, horseback riding, golf, football games – whatever your outdoor interest – the Charlottesville area abounds with possibilities. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive are 15 miles away, the world-famous Wintergreen Resort is less than an hour’s drive, and the distinctive Boar’s Head Inn resort is located right here in Charlottesville.