The city of Charlottesville claims 18 unique neighborhoods, each recognized by the city’s Department of Neighborhood Development Services. These unique communities make Charlottesville a great fit for a variety of styles, interests, and vibes. We’ve provided the lay of the land to help you determine the best places to explore.
North Downtown
Enjoy the hustle and bustle in the heart of Charlottesville near the Downtown Mall, plenty of shopping, and scrumptious restaurant options. North Downtown offers many single-family homes as well as historic homes and restored older properties. This area also has a regional library, post office, several churches, and plenty of public open spaces.
Belmont
Belmont is located southeast of downtown. This area is home to Moose’s By the Creek, which is famous for its delicious diner-style food. Rive’s Park is also nearby, offering 4.3 acres of open space with trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, basketball courts, and more. The neighborhood is in the midst of revitalization, drawing new families and singles to the area with its quieter setting that is still within reach of the city.
Locust Grove
Just one mile from the Downtown Mall, Locust Grove is situated in the northern part of Charlottesville. This area is popular for its proximity to plenty of amenities as well as its green space. Several parks, including Pen, McIntire, and Northeast Parks, provide places to meet for sports, trails, picnics, and more. Pen Park also offers Meadow Creek Golf Course, a beautiful 18-hole course sprawled over 155 acres that was called “one of the best places to play” by Golf Digest Magazine. Locust Grove includes a mix of older homes and newer construction.
Martha Jefferson
Designated as a historic conservation district, this area is situated near Martha Jefferson Hospital, founded more than 100 years ago. This charming section of the city appeals to younger buyers thanks to its proximity to the downtown scene. The Martha Jefferson neighborhood offers many great restaurants of its own while being within walking distance of downtown.
Jefferson Park Avenue
Situated right next to the University of Virginia (UVA), the Jefferson Park Avenue area offers more apartments than homes. This area is close to downtown and is often popular with new residents of the city as well as students. Because of its proximity to UVA, there are more rental options here and fewer owned homes.
Lewis Mountain
Also near UVA, Lewis Mountain is a more spacious neighborhood that provides easy access to downtown. In this area, you will find newer homes with bigger lots and yards. This is a great neighborhood for families, but it can be expensive because it’s so close to the university. Many professors and alumni call Lewis Mountain home to stay near the university campus and Scott Stadium.
Greenbrier
There are plenty of stately single-family homes with large yards in the Greenbrier neighborhood. It’s a great area for families with children who need space to spread out. Also in Greenbrier is McIntire Park, providing space for softball, picnics and local events.
10th & Page
This is a compact neighborhood that sits between Starr Hill and UVA. There are not many homes for sale or rent within this neighborhood, but there are always options nearby. 10th & Page is close enough to walk downtown, and it’s also easy to get to UVA. The prime shopping attraction here is Preston Ave., which also boasts some great restaurants.
Starr Hill
Next to downtown Charlottesville, this whimsically named location is within an easy walk to the activities and entertainment of the Downtown Mall. Starr Hill includes some chain restaurants, and you can walk to Random Row Brewing Co. to test the local brews. This is a great area for younger buyers who enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city.
Choose What Fits You
The network of neighborhoods in Charlottesville offers great benefits for different kinds of buyers. You will need to consider what features and amenities you want in a new home or a new rental before you consider the neighborhoods. The many areas offer something different for everyone, and you can’t go wrong when you choose to settle in Charlottesville!
