ALBEMARLE COUNTY
County Offices
401 McIntire Road
Charlottesville 434-296-5822
www.albemarle.org
Chamber of Commerce
209 Fifth Street NE
Charlottesville 434-295-3141
http://cvillechamber.com
Known for premier cultural, historic, and recreational amenities set in natural beauty, Albemarle County surrounds the City of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia. The influence of this acclaimed research institution as well as the University of Virginia Health System has created a hotbed of leading-edge entrepreneurship and innovation within an already thriving business community. Transportation efficiencies include Interstate 64 and US Highways 25 and 29 as well as commercial airline service at Charlottesville Albemarle Airport.
Services
Newcomers will be pleased to discover quality educational opportunities on every academic level, from respected private schools to a top-rated public school system that has earned the VIP Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence. Career-minded students and those looking for an affordable start on a four-year degree can take advantage of Piedmont Virginia Community College, a non-residential, regional two-year college with its flagship campus in the City of Charlottesville. The Thomas Jefferson-designed University of Virginia offers an internationally recognized public-private research institution that recently claimed two of the top 10 worldwide scientific breakthroughs. Students from all 50 states and nearly 150 countries are enrolled in more than 120 majors across 8 schools and 3 professional schools. Long praised for its architectural beauty, the campus has been called “the proudest achievement of American architecture in the past 200 years” by the American Institute of Architects. Together with Jefferson’s nearby home Monticello, UVA is a World Heritage Site and joins the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall as the only modern man-made sites with that designation.
The University of Virginia also sets a high benchmark for healthcare services and overall clinical excellence through the UVA Health System in the City of Charlottesville. Anchored by a state-of-the-art hospital, UVA Health encompasses a Level I Trauma Center and nationally recognized cancer and heart centers as well as primary and specialty clinics throughout Central Virginia. UVA Hospital and UVA Health consistently earn top rankings in publications such as US News & World Report, Best Doctors in America, and America’s Top Doctors, garnering honors for superior nursing processes, quality patient care, and programs and specialties from orthopedics to UVA Children’s Hospital. Other quality healthcare options include Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, a 176-bed facility with a patient-centered philosophy and all private rooms. Offering a beautiful, healing environment, the Hospital recently received national accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center by Det Norke Veritas Healthcare.
Lifestyle
Distinguished as one of America’s top tourist destinations, Albemarle County attracts throngs of visitors and new residents to a world of natural beauty, a nationally recognized food and beverage culture, and some of America’s most celebrated historic preservation. The finest of yesterday, today, and tomorrow converge in this unique area, from the home of Thomas Jefferson to world-leading innovation. Diverse attractions include interactive educational venues like The Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center in Charlottesville, Cavalier college sports at the University of Virginia, and the wildly popular Foxfield Races steeplechase events each fall and spring. Those who love wine trails will discover a region ranked among the world’s Top 10 beside Tuscany, Napa Valley and Buenos Aires. Ranked one of Virginia’s healthiest counties, Albemarle operates an extensive parks and recreation system with more than 3,300 acres for leisure activities. The crown jewel of this region is Shenandoah National Park, encompassing nearly 80,000 acres of wilderness, waterfalls, Blue Ridge Mountains, and part of the 2,180-mile Appalachian Trail footpath. Popular pastimes include swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, camping, photography, and nature study.
With the vibrant City of Charlottesville situated in the very heart of Albemarle County, residents enjoy easy access to a nationally recognized arts and entertainment scene. Headliners include some of the biggest names in show business and music, but the area is also known for incubating fresh talent into rising stars. Dave Matthews started his band at the same time he was working at a local mall, and Georgia O’Keefe rediscovered her love of painting at age 21 when she attended classes at the University of Virginia. Each year, more than half a million visitors flock to Thomas Jefferson’s magnificent home, Monticello, perched on a hill overlooking Charlottesville. Newcomers will discover an abundance of fine galleries and museums that showcase the works of renowned regional, national and international talent. Sports and entertainment venues range from the 15,000-seat University of Virginia John Paul Jones Arena to historic jewels like the elegant Paramount Theater. Throughout the county, historic communities blend with suburban neighborhoods to offer a medley of housing options that include quaint farmhouses, family homes, and country estates that command breathtaking views. From family adventures to great shopping, spectacular food, and famous wineries—Albemarle County gives you something to love around every corner.
COMMUNITIES
Batesville, Yancey Mills
County Offices
434-296-5822
www.albemarle.org
Chamber of Commerce
434-295-3141
http://cvillechamber.com
The unincorporated historic community of Batesville dates back to 1760, expanding and declining over the decades with shifts in transportation. The community has grown slowly through Albemarle County expansion and close proximity to Miller School of Albemarle, opened in 1878. Located in Yancey Mills, the Miller School has evolved into an acclaimed coed college-prep institution that provides remarkable educational opportunities to students from across America and around the world. The Gothic-Victorian brick structure of “Old Main” is still the focal point of campus life. This quaint, charming area preserves the historic home and farm complex known as Bellevue and the Batesville Historic District. Scores of structures showcase fine examples of Federal, Greek Revival, Victorian, Classical Revival, and Colonial Revival architecture spanning the early 19th to early 20th centuries.
Keswick, Pantops, Shadwell, Cismont, Boyd Tavern, Cobham
County Offices
434-296-5822
www.albemarle.org
Chamber of Commerce
434-295-3141
http://cvillechamber.com
Eastern Albemarle County features the unincorporated communities of Keswick and Pantops along with smaller historic hamlets like Shadwell, Cismont, Boyd Tavern, and Cobham. The Pantops area has grown up closer to Charlottesville and offers a more suburban atmosphere, including neighborhood subdivisions, well-developed shopping and dining options, and opportunities for local employment. Approximately six miles from Charlottesville, Keswick draws newcomers to largely undeveloped rural beauty and scenic mountain views for historic estates, horse properties, and acre-plus home sites. The New York Times once cited that drives through Keswick are among “the most scenic in America.” The crown jewel of amenities is the 600-acre Keswick Hall and Golf Club, combining world-class golf with an award-wining Italianate style mansion with hotel and a restaurant awarded 5 stars by Forbes Travel Guide. The Keswick postal delivery area also encompasses tiny hamlets like Cash Corner, Lindsay, Stony Point, Whitlock, and Rosena.
Covesville
County Offices
434-296-5822
www.albemarle.org
Chamber of Commerce
434-295-3141
http://cvillechamber.com
The unincorporated community of Covesville is approximately 16 miles southwest of Charlottesville, drawing newcomers to a quaint town center listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other treasures from the past include the 1880 Cove Presbyterian Church, the Edgemont home with its Jeffersonian styling, and the circa 1800 Redlands home noted for its fine Adamesque interior woodwork. Nestled in the tranquil Virginia countryside, Covesville welcomes newcomers to small-town friendliness and the simplicity of rural life removed from urban bustle. Home gardens are common in this fertile area, which also supports large-scale agricultural operations like Highland Orchard Farms. Charlottesville is easily accessible for world-class entertainment, celebrated cultural venues and performances, wonderful museums and art galleries, and family fun centers. Charlottesville is also home to premier healthcare institutions, a community college, and the acclaimed University of Virginia.
Crozet, Greenwood
County Offices
434-296-5822
www.albemarle.org
Chamber of Commerce
434-295-3141
http://cvillechamber.com
Just 12 miles west of Charlottesville, the Crozet area is a fast-growing community that draws new residents to spectacular Blue Ridge mountain views, commercial conveniences, and handsome residential developments like Foxchase, The Highlands, Old Trail, Western Ridge, and Greyrock. The downtown district features Crozet Square, lined with locally owned businesses and popular restaurants. In addition to hosting annual events, Crozet Park covers 22 acres with sports fields and courts, a swimming pool, a recreation center, tennis courts, and playgrounds. Mint Springs Valley Park adds three lakes and 502 acres of natural beauty traversed by a network of hiking trails. Other recreational amenities include the Greenwood Community Center with a roller skating rink and Misty Mountain Camp Resort for concerts and dances as well as camping and hiking. The Greenwood area proudly showcases a number of structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places including Seven Oaks Farm and Black’s Tavern, The Cedars, Blue Ridge Farm, and the Greenwood-Afton Rural Historic District.
Earlysville
County Offices
434-296-5822
www.albemarle.org
Chamber of Commerce
434-295-3141
http://cvillechamber.com
Characterized by gently rolling hills and picturesque pastoral settings, the Earlysville community has been gaining popularity as a wonderful place to call home. Much of the growth in this area stems from the expanding commercial corridor along US Route 29 in northern Albemarle County. Along with magnificent estates and several classic neighborhoods lined with distinctive homes, Earlysville is a center for agricultural operations like Rocky Hill Farm Beef, a collective of several farms that supply first-class restaurants with the finest of locally-raised, grass-fed beef. The Rivanna River adds scenic beauty and provides a home for countless birds, fish, turtles and other wildlife. The riverfront is also a popular recreational site for walking, fishing, canoeing, swimming, and boating. Residents enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of country living within a short drive from shopping and dining opportunities at Hollymead Town Center.
Free Union, Mission Home
County Offices
434-296-5822
www.albemarle.org
Chamber of Commerce
434-295-3141
http://cvillechamber.com
Sparsely populated, the upscale rural hamlet of Free Union features gracious homes on spacious lots, including a scattering of multi-million-dollar country estates. Free Union is largely undeveloped with limited services and retail options, but it is also the proud home of a progressive private elementary school serving children from preschool age through fifth grade. One of the highlights in this area is the Glass House Winery, offering artisan wines and hand-crafted chocolates as well as live musical entertainment. Free Union is also home to the Faith Mission Home community, a residential and training facility for cognitively delayed children and adults that was established in 1965 during the height of the Beachy Amish-Mennonite church and mission growth. Those who appreciate a slower pace of life, farm-fresh produce, dairy products, and famous homemade pastries may find the perfect home in Free Union.
Ivy
County Offices
434-296-5822
www.albemarle.org
Chamber of Commerce
434-295-3141
http://cvillechamber.com
Just a few miles west of Charlottesville along US Route 250, the picturesque Ivy community harmonizes charming historic homes and rustic farms with elegant estates and lovely neighborhoods. Established neighborhoods in this area feature mature greenery and large old trees that grace homes built primarily from the 1920s through the 1980s. Many Ivy homes are set on lovely multi-acre lots, giving the community a feeling of country charm and open spaciousness. This rare blend of rural seclusion and a close-in location just minutes from the University of Virginia and Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall has made Ivy a popular choice for commuters. One of the highlights in the Ivy area is the Foxfield Races, a set of steeplechase races that originated in 1978 and have gained regional and national fame. The fall race has a family friendly atmosphere while the spring race draws throngs of students from the University of Virginia and across the entire East Coast.
North Garden
County Offices
434-296-5822
www.albemarle.org
Chamber of Commerce
434-295-3141
http://cvillechamber.com
Located approximately 11 miles southwest of Charlottesville, the small community of North Garden draws newcomers to the relaxed pace and natural beauty of the Virginia countryside. Residential options in this area range from historic properties and older homes to new construction that commands scenic views. Featuring vast tracts of undeveloped land, North Garden is also home to one of the area’s most popular recreational sites, the 480-acre Walnut Creek Park. Picnic facilities are scattered throughout the park, while the 45-acre lake is ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing for sunfish, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. The park is well-known for having one of the East Coast’s finest disc golf courses with 18 uphill, downhill, open, and wooded holes. Thirteen miles of picturesque trails attract runners, hikers, and mountain biking enthusiasts. Historic attractions in the North Garden area include Cocke’s Mill House and Mill Site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
White Hall
County Offices
434-296-5822
www.albemarle.org
Chamber of Commerce
434-295-3141
http://cvillechamber.com
The small village of White Hall is located in western Albemarle County, approximately 12 miles northwest of Charlottesville. The community nestles between the foot of Bucks Elbow Mountain and the Moormans River. Outdoor adventurers of all ages and University of Virginia students are familiar with White Hall as one of the gateways to Blue Ridge recreation and popular swimming holes along the Moormans riverfront. In fact, two country stores in White Hall maintain extended hours 365 days a year, catering to the steady stream of hikers and cyclists headed for Shenandoah National Park trails. Like much of rural Albemarle County, the White Hall area is home to multi-generational residents whose families have owned farms and orchards since the 1700s as well as newcomers who appreciate the relaxed pace of life and country charm.
Scottsville, Esmont, Keene
Town Offices
434-286-9267
www.scottsville.org
Chamber of Commerce
434-295-3141
http://cvillechamber.com
Taking for its slogan, “Crossroads of history and community on the James River,” Scottsville features a charming historic district along the river’s horseshoe bend that extends north and west over the town’s picturesque hills. More than 150 structures of nationally recognized historic significance are nearly encircled by six magnificent estates, gracing the town with examples of Federal, Georgian, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Prairie, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman architecture. While Scottsville actively promotes downtown business growth, residents and leaders agree on preserving the integrity of historic treasures with an architectural review board that approves any exterior changes. Residents of Scottsville as well as those in nearby Esmont and Keene enjoy the recreational amenity of Van Clief Nature Park, where 63 acres of natural beauty offer a fishing lake with a dock and picturesque hiking trials. Newcomers to this area will find a wide variety of housing choices from affordable older properties to handsome new construction on generous lots.
