Moving to a new city is not an easy decision to make. There are many things to consider, especially if you have children or are planning to start a new family. If you are currently contemplating on relocating to Charlottesville, Virginia, this article enumerates the many reasons why you should definitely live in this amazing city.
Countless Ways to Enjoy Nature
Nestled in the foothills of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is every outdoor lover’s paradise. There are 23 parks in the city, including the Ragged Mountain Natural Area‚ a beautiful 980-acre forest of mature oak‚ hickory‚ poplar‚ pine‚ and maple trees with two lakes and more than four miles of shoreline‚ and the Rivanna Trail‚ a 20-mile rustic “urban wilderness” hiking trail encircling the city.
If you love to fly, you can ride a hot air balloon or paraglide over the scenic countryside. In the summer, you can go hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding. And in the winter, you can go skiing and snow-tubing. Wintergreen Resort is a popular winter destination, but this 11‚000-acre resort is also a favorite weekend getaway all year round because of its wide range of amenities, such as golf courses‚ tennis courts‚ zipline, archery range, whirlpools‚ hot tubs‚ and massage and spa treatments.
Another nature lovers’ haven is the Shenandoah National Park you can enjoy practically every kind of outdoor recreational activity imaginable‚ such as picnicking, hiking‚ mountain biking‚ fishing‚ bird watching‚ horseback riding‚ orienteering, camping‚ and stargazing. Located between the Shenandoah Valley in the west and the Piedmont region in the east, the park stretches over a hundred miles along the Blue Ridge Mountains – an expanse of wooden hollows and breezy summits, waterfalls, and mountain streams, with more than 500 miles of hiking trails, ‚ including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and nearly 80,000 acres of designated wilderness.
The University of Virginia
If you have children, or are planning to settle down and start a family, this small town is perfect for raising kids and giving them quality education. When you think of the city of Charlottesville, one of the first things that come to mind is the University of Virginia, one of the best universities in the country which happens to have been founded by Thomas Jefferson. This institution is popular for its secret societies and impressive alumni, such as Robert F. Kennedy, Woodrow Wilson, Tina Fey, and William Faulkner. Education is key to a thriving economy, and being home to this prestigious university is an advantage not only to Charlottesville’s residents but to the whole city as well.
A City Rich in History
Charlottesville’s rich history dates back all the way to some of the first American settlements. This small town is home to the three founding fathers, who later became U.S. presidents – James Madison, James Monroe, and Thomas Jefferson. If you happen to be a history buff, you will surely enjoy a visit to Jefferson’s stunning home, Monticello.
And just across Jefferson’s home is that of James Monroe, in a plantation called Ash Lawn-Highland. The fifth President of the United States also happens to be one of Jefferson’s closest friends.
Charlottesville is also where one of the country’s longest pedestrian malls can be found – the historic Downtown Mall. This pedestrian mall stretches eight city blocks and is the focal point of tourism in Charlottesville’s city center. Here, you’ll find a plethora of shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as entertainment venues, such as the Pavilion, the Jefferson, or the Paramount.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the University of Virginia are both designated as World Heritage sites by the UNESCO. World Heritage is “the designation for places that are of outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.” Places that have earned this designation include, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and the Taj Mahal in India.
Vineyards and Craft Breweries
The county seat of Albemarle County, in the heart of Virginia, Charlottesville is a rural region surrounded by rolling hills, peaceful farmlands, horse farms, patches of forest, and meandering rivers, and it is in this region where wine-growing originated in the country. In fact, this is the oldest wine region in North America. If you are a wine lover, you will certainly love indulging in the Monticello Wine Trail, a network of 35 beautiful wineries that provide a lush view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you prefer beer over wine, you’ll be please to know that there are eleven craft breweries in the Charlottesville area, some of which are part of the Brew Ridge Trail, a self-guided tour featuring five of the nation’s best craft breweries.
A Foodie’s Dream Come True
From classic French pastries at the Cafe Marie Bette to The Shack’s eclectic mash-up of Southern, Appalachian and Eastern European dishes, you’ll find your every craving satisfied by the wide variety of food choices available in this small town with a big appetite. The Virginian serves the best mac and cheese, made with pepper jack cheese and served with a cheddar potato cake. The Showalter burger from Jack Brown’s Joint is a must-try, with their burgers made from 100% Wagyu beef and instead of buns, you get to bite into glazed doughnuts. Of course, there’s lots of dessert options, too. Splendora’s Gelatos offers 24-36 flavors every day, so be sure to try a different flavor every time you visit.
As you can see, the city of Charlottesville is an amazing place to call your home, and I will be more than happy to help you find your dream home for yourself and your family. Just give me a call at (434) 960-0161 or send me an email at Pam@PamDent.com to schedule an appointment.
