5 Popular Neighborhoods to Live in Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a gorgeous, vibrant college town in the heart of Virginia. Steeped in American history, it was the one-time home of two former U.S. Presidents and is the location of the 205-year-old University of Virginia (UVA). But more than its historical pedigree and spirited "college-town" vibe, Charlottesville is an exceptional place to call home.

Boasting 18 distinct neighborhoods, each catering to a diverse and discerning population, Charlottesville is a rare gem with something to offer everyone. Whether drawn to historic charm, bustling city streets, youthful college vibes, or tranquil scenic settings, Charlottesville has a home and neighborhood to fulfill your specific needs.

If you’re interested in Charlottesville, VA, real estate, read on to take a closer look at some of the neighborhoods that make this city a coveted destination for luxury home buyers.

Lauded as one of Charlottesville's most walkable neighborhoods, North Downtown appeals to students and young professionals. The area thrives on its proximity to essential amenities, allowing residents to walk or bike to workplaces, cafes, and entertainment spots like the Paramount Theater, Jefferson Theater, and Ting Pavilion.

The heart of the neighborhood is Court Square, the city's original commercial hub, which today hosts a variety of shops and restaurants. Two blocks south, Downtown Mall serves as the city's main retail center, home to more than 150 shops and restaurants, surrounded by commercial buildings transformed into stylish living spaces.

North Downtown offers thoughtfully updated 19th-century homes and luxurious modern condos and flats for those seeking a blend of historic and contemporary living. The real estate options here include quaint bungalows, charming cottages, and spacious, historic residences.

Belmont is Charlottesville's southeasternmost neighborhood and charms residents with its historic aesthetics, proximity to the Downtown Mall, and expansive natural surroundings. Primarily residential, Belmont borders several other communities, including North Downtown, and is less than 10 minutes from UVA. Belmont is also next to the 5,000-acre Monticello, the one-time home of Thomas Jefferson. Beyond its historical significance, Belmont residents can access 89-acre Kemper Park and the Saunders-Monticello Trail. The neighborhood is also near Quarry Park (from which you can access the 25-mile Rivanna Trail), Rives Park, Belmont Park, and Jordan Park.

Belmont's architecture is notably diverse, featuring Victorian styles, bungalows, post-WWII homes, and new construction properties. Empty lots ready for development are also available.

Locust Grove is one of Charlottesville's oldest and most sought-after neighborhoods, rich in history and natural splendor. Though Route 250 Bypass now frames its southern border, this area was originally the 534-acre Locust Grove Farm site, and it retains the farm's main house and kitchen from the 1840s.

This neighborhood is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and includes the 280-acre Pen Park and the 18-hole Meadowcreek Golf Course. There's also direct access from Locust Grove to the 150-acre McIntire Park and 113-acre Darden Town Park, where you’ll find a dog park, four multi-purpose fields, a batting cage, trails, a boat launch, and the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center. The extensive recreational facilities connect through the 25-mile Rivanna Trail, which runs through the heart and along the neighborhood's western edge.

As with many Charlottesville neighborhoods, a multitude of architectural styles line Locust Grove's residential streets. Buyers can find Victorians, Georgian Colonials, Craftsman and bungalow homes, and newer brick houses.

The Barracks / Rugby neighborhood is arguably the most vibrant of Charlottesville's impressive roster of communities. To the west of Rugby Road, stately, large-lot homes sit beneath an expansive canopy of trees, a quiet, residential atmosphere yet mere minutes to UVA, Barracks Road Shopping Center, The Shops at Stonefield, and Seminole Square. To the east of Rugby Road, the residential streets take on a more close-knit, in-town vibe. Here, you're nearer the city's historic, urban heart, the UVA Health University Hospital, and a wealth of shopping and dining.

Barracks / Rugby offers a blend of real estate options, with everything from small bungalows and large historic homes to updated ranches and the occasional new build. For architectural aficionados, there's an exceptional collection of well-preserved textbook examples of pre- and post-World War II homes and Georgian Colonials.

As one of Charlottesville's northernmost neighborhoods, Greenbrier is a tucked-away gem that feels rural and remote, even though it's a short drive to UVA, Downtown Mall, The Shops at Stonefield, Seminole Square, and Northrop Grumman.

Set upon a hill that rises above Meadow Creek, which envelopes the verdant neighborhood on three sides, Greenbrier's most celebrated amenity is its surroundings. The 150-acre McIntire Park is the community's signature park and includes the 15-acre Botanical Garden of the Piedmont, currently under development.

Along with tree-lined streets and large, lush lawns, Greenbrier boasts an abundance of stately, upscale homes. Predominantly Georgian Colonials and ranch-style houses, the area does feature some new construction and a handful of textbook mid-century homes.

Charlottesville's neighborhoods each offer unique qualities and amenities, making the city a versatile and attractive place to live. To find your ideal home and neighborhood, contact The Denise Ramey Team to begin your Charlottesville luxury homes search. Whether you prefer the energetic atmosphere of North Downtown, the historic allure of Belmont, or the serene, wooded enclave of Greenbrier, allow Denise and her team's expertise to guide you to the absolute best that Charlottesville and Central Virginia offer.

_{*Header photo courtesy of The Denise Ramey Team}