Few would argue that the city of Charlottesville, Virginia offers one of the most dynamic downtown scenes in America. The heart of downtown is the Historic Downtown Mall that was converted to a pedestrian mall in 1976. It’s one of the longest pedestrian malls in the US comprising eight full blocks and side streets all paved with brick with mature willow oaks providing shade down the avenue. The boutique shops and restaurants are flourishing due to the wonderful ambience of al fresco dining, street musicians, free concerts at the Sprint Pavilion and the majestic Paramount Theater.
Proximity to the Historic Downtown Mall has a significant affect on real estate prices. Anything within walking distance will command a premium and sell quickly. The resurgence of the Belmont neighborhood and West Main Street which will connect the Downtown Mall with the University of Virginia Grounds are good examples of neighborhoods with good walk scores. The City of Charlottesville offers many different lifestyle choices from new, single family homes, town houses and low maintenance condominiums to magnificent classic homes in the University area like Rugby Road and Fry’s Spring. The Barracks Road area and Meadowbrook Hills have some wonderful, pre-growth neighborhoods with a wide range of lifestyle choices to fit every price range.
The list of accolades for the quality of life found in the Charlottesville area is remarkable but few would disagree. Here we enjoy all the benefits of a small town where you’ll see your neighbors while out and about coupled with the dynamic, intellectual and cultural attributes that a university town with an engaged population cultivates.