Charlottesville 83 Exceptional
Charlottesville Livability #29 ranked city in Virginia#725 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Charlottesville

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Crime

    This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.

New Real Estate Listings in Charlottesville Area
Search Homes for Sale in Charlottesville, VA

What's it like Living in Charlottesville?

Charlottesville, Virginia is a medium-sized city with a population of 47,217 residents. With a population density of 4,609 people per square mile, Charlottesville is well above the nation's average density level. The majority of Charlottesville residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Charlottesville could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 32 years old is below the nation’s average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 39% of the Charlottesville population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Charlottesville offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Charlottesville, Virginia could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like amenities, commute, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Charlottesville and in the areas around Charlottesville is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Charlottesville has received a livability score of 83/100. This score is ranked in the 97th percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Charlottesville is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. The cherry on top is that Charlottesville also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Charlottesville has received high marks for education (A+) and employment (B). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Charlottesville. The following was graded with a disappointing score: crime (D-).

Charlottesville has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Charlottesville has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Charlottesville are: University of Virginia, Blue Ridge Wine Excursions, and The Glass Palette - Interactive Glass Art Studio.

The unemployment rate in Charlottesville has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.56%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Charlottesville, the average school test scores are an impressive 76%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Charlottesville is actually affordable. The median home price for Charlottesville homes is $329,100, which is 32.5% higher than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Charlottesville, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.5, which is 44.7% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Charlottesville

See all the best places to live around Charlottesville

How Do You Rate The Livability In Charlottesville?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Charlottesville, VA Livability

      vs

      Charlottesville transportation information

      Statistic Charlottesville Virginia National
      Average one way commute17min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work58.9%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.0%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit5.9%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle3.1%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk13.1%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home9.8%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Charlottesville, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).