Charlottesville : Virginia

What Charlottesville is like for active adults

Charlottesville Virginia, the home of Thomas Jefferson (Monticello), has been ranked as the #1 city (Cities Ranked and Rated) as well as one of the best 100 places to retire. It is also home to the stately and picturesque University of Virginia, founded by President Jefferson. The town offers a tree-lined dignity and charm that, combined with its location at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, makes it easy to see why so many active adults are planning to retire in Charlottesville.

This pleasant city of 46,000 is also near the Shenandoah National Park. There are plenty of recreational and cultural opportunities, the latter coming from the stimulating presence of the University of Virgina. The homes of Presidents Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe are nearby.

A number of planned active adult communities for baby boomers over 55 have been built or planned for the Charlottesville area, which increases the real estate options for people over fifty. Some of the planned communities in the area include: Forest Lakes, Farmington Country Club (golf), Glenmore (golf), Fontana, Ednam Forest, Lake Monticello, Branchlands, and Brookmill (see link to Charlottesville Active Communities on top right). Median home price is reported by Zillow.com to be about $227,000 in late 2009.

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What is special about this retirement community

A very old and very well preserved community - University of Virginia, a classic campus and considered one of America's top public universities- Homes of 3 presidents - Blue Ridge Mountains - Wine country - Culture and entertainment - 4 seasons - Downtown Mall is one of the largest pedestrian malls with over 150 restaurants and stores - Home to 3 Presidents

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What is not special about this retirement community

High housing prices - Increasing traffic

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What kinds of people like retiring here

People live in Charlottesville because they like living in a college town steeped in history with a lot to do

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Local economy is driven by

Education, medical, tourism, agriculture, construction

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Climate and Physical Environment

Charlottesville is in the Piedmont region of Virginia and adjacent to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is just over 100 miles to Washington D.C. and Richmond is 70 miles to the southeast. The average July high is 86 degrees and the average January low is 24. July is the wettest month. To find Google maps for Charlottesville, or click the map above.

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Cultural environment

As you might expect in a town with a large university, there is always something going on culturally. There are also a number or restaurants that are good. College sports are excellent, particularly lacrosse. Virginia Festival of the Book and Virginia Film Festival are important. Paramount Theater has many productions, while the Charlottesville Pavilion is a busy outdoor amphitheater. Live Arts is the community theatre and there are others in the area as well.

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Medical facilities

The University of Virginia Medical Center is one of the top rated facilities in the country.

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Transportation

There is Amtrak service. The airport is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport

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Valuable Links

The Wikipedia for Washington
For Charlottesville Craigslist
For more information about how to retire in Virginia or towns like Northern Neck , Alexandria, or Williamsburg
Charlottesville Chamber of Comm
College Town Retirement communities
For profiles on over 180 cities and towns go to reviews of the best retirement communities

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Facts about CHARLOTTESVILLE

State: VA
Environment: College Town,Mountains,
City Population: 100,001+
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 111-120 (high)
Cost of Living Index: 111-120 (high)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: jfb48

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