Welcome! We wanted to share our thoughts on the best neighborhoods in Charlottesville VA! As local real estate agents, we have had the pleasure of helping many people find their dream homes in this beautiful city in the VA mountains.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing some of the top neighborhoods in Charlottesville that offer a mix of charming homes, friendly neighbors, and convenient amenities. Whether you’re a young professional looking for a hip and happening neighborhood, a family in search of a peaceful suburb with good schools, or a retiree looking for a cozy community, Charlottesville has something to offer for everyone.
So, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned pro, sit back and let me take you on a tour of the best neighborhoods in Charlottesville, VA!
10 Best Neighborhoods in Charlottesville VA
- Belmont – Charlottesville va best places to live
- Fry’s Spring – Near UVA
- North Downtown – The best area to live in Charlottesville VA
- Woolen Mills – Old Textile Factory Neighborhood
- Johnson Village – Motist Family Homes
- Greenbrier – one of the best neighborhoods for families in Charlottesville VA
- Locust Grove – Near Downtown
- Rugby – Popular with Students
- Barracks – Historic military neighborhood
- The Meadows – A True Gem
Charlottesville VA Neighborhoods in No Particular Order
Belmont Historic Neighborhood
Belmont is a historic neighborhood located just south of the downtown area of Charlottesville, VA. The neighborhood has charming homes, trendy restaurants, and shops, with a friendly community vibe. And for being one of the best neighborhoods in Charlottesville VA!
Belmont was originally developed as a streetcar suburb in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and many of its historic homes are still in use today. The neighborhood has a mix of architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Bungalow vibes. Most homes sell for an average of $389,000 in the Belmont neighborhood.
In recent years, Belmont has experienced a revival as younger residents have moved in and new businesses have opened. The neighborhood is home to several popular restaurants, bars, and shops. Including the iconic Belmont Pizza, The Local, and The Southern.
Belmont also has several parks and green spaces, including the historic Belmont Park, which features a playground, picnic tables, and a basketball court. The neighborhood is conveniently located near the downtown area and is within walking distance of many of Charlottesville’s popular attractions.
Overall, Belmont is a highly desirable neighborhood with a strong sense of community and a unique character that sets it apart from other areas of the city as one of the best neighborhoods to live in Charlottesville va.
Fry’s Spring South of UVA
Fry’s Spring is a neighborhood located just south of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. This is a popular neighborhood with students, families, and young professionals. It is also known for its mix of historic and newer homes, flowered streets, and easy access to the Rivanna Trail.
The neighborhood has a mix of architectural styles, including Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and mid-century modern. The average price to buy a home in Fry’s Spring is $225,000 to $425,000. Yes, this is a big jump but that is because there are townhomes, condos, and luxury estates for sale.
One of the defining features of Fry’s Spring is its proximity to the Rivanna Trail. This is a popular hiking and biking trail that runs along the Rivanna River. The neighborhood is also home to several parks including Tonsler Park. Here you can bring your children to the playground, play at the basketball court, or relax at the picnic area in the shade.
Fry’s Spring has a diverse population and a strong sense of community. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Charlottesville because of the many churches, great schools, and community organizations. Some of the most popular events throughout the year include Fry’s Spring Beach Club’s annual Fourth of July parade.
If you are thinking of living in Fry’s Spring it is a great neighborhood with a mix of historic and newer homes, easy access to outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community living in Charlottesville VA.
North Downtown
North Downtown is a vibrant neighborhood located just north of the downtown area of Charlottesville, VA. The neighborhood is known for its mix of historic homes, trendy restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene.
North Downtown is one of Charlottesville’s oldest neighborhoods and features a mix of architectural styles. Including Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian styles. Plus, there is home to several historic landmarks, including the Jefferson Theater and the McGuffey Art Center. The houses for sale in North Downtown have a high medium price of around $730K.
One of the defining features of North Downtown is its proximity to the downtown mall. A popular gathering place that features boutique shops, restaurants, and plenty of entertainment. The neighborhood is also home to several art galleries and studios, including Second Street Gallery and Chroma Projects.
There are fun neighborhood events throughout the year to enjoy as well. Including the annual Festival of the Book, and the Tom Tom Founders Festival, a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Woolen Mills East Charlottesville
Woolen Mills is a historic neighborhood located just east of downtown. This Charlottesville neighborhood was originally developed in the late 19th century as a company town for the Woolen Mills textile factory.
The mill ran and operated in the area for more than a century. Many of the homes in the neighborhood were built for factory workers and their families. But, today the Woolen Mills redevelopment project, has transformed the former textile factory into a fun mixed-use development.
Woolen Mills has an average price of $515k for family homes. There are townhouses and smaller homes that you can find for around $300,000.
This Woolen Mills is also known for its proximity to the downtown area of Charlottesville and the Martha Jefferson Hospital. It is also home to Riverview Park, which features a playground, picnic area, and access to the Rivanna River.
Overall, Woolen Mills is one of the best neighborhoods in Charlottesville VA. It has a rich mill history, easy access to the great outdoors, and it is an amazing place to raise a family.
Johnson Village Fun Residential Neighborhood
Johnson Village is a beautiful residential neighborhood located just north of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.
You can find a mix of homes with most of the homes dating back to the mid-20th century. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community and hosts several events throughout the year, including a big neighborhood yard sale and a festive holiday party.
One of the defining features of Johnson Village is its proximity to the University of Virginia, which is located just south of the neighborhood. The university is home to several cultural and educational resources. Including the Fralin Museum of Art and the Rotunda, a historic building designed by Thomas Jefferson.
The average home price for a home in Johnson Village is $550,000. This will get you a modest family home and is one of the best places for authentic Charlottesville VA living.
Greenbrier Downtown East
Greenbrier is a residential neighborhood located just east of the downtown area of Charlottesville, VA. It is known for its spacious homes, large lots, and quiet streets, and is one of the best neighborhoods for families in Charlottesville VA.
Greenbrier is a mix of home types, with a suburban feel and is popular with families and retirees.
One of the defining features of Greenbrier is the Rivanna River, which runs along the southern border of the neighborhood. A few other places to get outdoors here is the McIntire Park, the YMCA, and the McIntire Botanical Garden of Piedmont.
Greenbrier is also located near several major transportation routes, including Route 20 and Interstate 64. You can find a good mix of homes here. But the average price is $435,000 for a half-acre lot and a 3-bedroom home.
Locust Grove has an Art Vibe
Locust Grove is a lovely neighborhood and is one of the best places to live in Charlottesville. It is located just south of the downtown area and has charming homes and a close-knit community.
Locust Grove was originally developed in the early 20th century as another streetcar suburb. Many of the homes in the neighborhood were built in the Craftsman and Colonial Revival styles, and the neighborhood retains much of its historic character today. The home has a high median home value of $750,000. There is also new construction project popping up all the time.
The neighborhood hosts several events throughout the year, including the Locust Grove Neighborhood Association Block Party and the Locust Grove Art Walk.
Locust Grove is also located near several major transportation routes, including Route 29 and the John W. Warner Parkway. People love that downtown is just a short drive or bike ride away.
Rugby a Neighborhood Near Scott Stadium
Rugby is a beautiful and historic residential neighborhood located just west of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. From here you can easily walk to the Scott Stadium, UVA, and the Corner making it one of the best neighborhoods to live in in Charlottesville VA. Houses very rarely go up for sale here, with only a few listings last year.
The neighborhood of Rugby was first established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a residential area for UVA faculty and staff. And today it is popular for the students of UVA with fraternities and sororities homes.
Residents and students enjoy walking and biking along Rugby Road, which runs through the heart of the neighborhood. Here you will find classic brick colonials and large estate homes. One famous past resident includes William Faulkner, he lived in Rugby while he was a writer in residence at the University.
Barracks Old Housing Neighborhood for the Civil War
The Barracks have the most interesting history in all of Charlottesville with a charming and peaceful community. This neighborhood is named after the military barracks that were once located there, serving as housing for soldiers during the Civil War. Today the medium price is $650,000 for a 3-bedroom home.
In addition to its beautiful homes, the Barracks neighborhood offers plenty for outdoor lovers. The Barracks Road Greenbelt is a popular spot for hiking and biking, and the nearby Meadow Creek Park provides a large playground, tennis courts, and a pool for residents to enjoy in the summer.
The Barracks Road Shopping Center is another attraction that draws people to the area. This popular retail destination has an impressive selection of shops and restaurants, making it a convenient destination for both residents and visitors.
Residents of the Barracks neighborhood enjoy a strong sense of community, with many local events organized by the neighborhood association. The area is one of the best residential neighborhoods in Charlottesville VA, due to its quiet streets, excellent schools, and family-friendly amenities.
Overall, the Barracks neighborhood is a hidden gem of Charlottesville that offers a unique blend of history, charm, and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and friendly place to call home or a peaceful destination to visit, the Barracks neighborhood is worth checking out.
The Meadows is the Heart of Charlottesville
Located in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia, The Meadows neighborhood is a picturesque residential area that offers a tranquil and family-friendly community. The average home price here is around $500,000.
The homes in The Meadows neighborhood were constructed primarily in the 1960s and 1970s and feature a range of architectural styles such as Cape Cod, ranch, and split-level homes. Many of these homes have been renovated and updated over the years, making them perfect for modern living.
The Meadow is the best neighborhood to stay in in Charlottesville VA because it is home to several parks and recreational areas. Including two amazing spots Greenleaf Park and Meadowbrook Heights Park. These parks offer residents a range of amenities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails.
The neighborhood’s central location provides easy access to all of Charlottesville’s major attractions. Including the University of Virginia, Downtown Charlottesville, and the Rivanna River.
The Meadows neighborhood is a true gem in the heart of Charlottesville. It provides a serene and picturesque environment, stunning homes, and easy access to the city’s top attractions. Whether you are looking for a peaceful place to call home or a charming neighborhood to visit, The Meadows is the best neighborhood in Charlottesville VA for people of all ages.
Where is Charlottesville Virginia
The Charlottesville Virginia area is a city in the Piedmont region of Virginia. It is known for its rich American history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. The city is situated in Albemarle County and is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah National Park.
Charlottesville is also home to several notable landmarks and attractions. Including the University of Virginia, Monticello (the home of Thomas Jefferson), and the Downtown Mall, a hip outdoor shopping district. It is a great place to live and has plenty of diverse neighborhoods in Charlottesville VA.
How Big is Charlottesville VA?
The Charlottesville area is a relatively small city with a land area of 10.4 square miles.
Despite its small size, Charlottesville is densely populated, with approximately 4,800 people per square mile. This is significantly higher than the population density of the surrounding Albemarle County, which is around 220 people per square mile.
Charlottesville’s small size is one of its many charms. Because it allows residents and visitors to easily explore the city’s many attractions on foot or by bike. The Downtown Mall, for example, is just a short walk from the University of Virginia and the historic homes of the city’s founding fathers. Similarly, the city’s many parks and natural areas are all easily accessible from the city center.
Overall, Charlottesville’s compact size is part of what makes it such a special and unique city, offering visitors and residents the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. If you are thinking of moving to one of the Best Neighborhoods in Charlottesville VA, please reach out today!
