If you’ve had the pleasure of spending time in Albemarle County, VA, it should come as no surprise that it’s a popular place to call home. The area offers plenty of outdoor recreation, history, activity, restaurants, shopping, and events.
Several well-established neighborhoods provide friendly communities with natural parks and plenty of amenities. Explore all that Albemarle County housing has to offer, and discover your new home.
Where Exactly is Albemarle County?
Located in central Virginia, Albemarle is beautifully situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. To the west, Albemarle is part of Shenandoah National Park, a favorite spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Probably best known for surrounding Charlottesville City and the University of Virginia, the county consists of several popular neighborhoods situated outside its active downtown area.
Here are a few of the communities that offer great Albemarle County homes:
- Crozet—This growing neighborhood sits just 30 minutes from downtown. Crozet offers plenty of parks, restaurants, sports complexes, and community events like Second Saturday. It’s a family-centric community that offers neighborhood kids plenty to do.
- Charlottesville—It’s a popular place to live for its beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation, top schools, excellent health care system, bustling downtown, and more. Choose a home in the midst of the downtown action and take advantage of a solid restaurant scene, amenities, and activities. Or, settle in one of Charlottesville’s quieter neighborhoods.
- Afton—If you’re looking for a more spacious and secluded setting, head to Afton. Enjoy a quieter, country-like community with lots of outdoor beauty and recreation. It’s partially in Albemarle County and partially in Nelson County.
- Ivy—This is an established, quiet community within a close drive to all the activity in Charlottesville. Enjoy the area’s history, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Then head to town for great food, local wineries and breweries, and entertainment.
How to Find a Home in Albemarle County, VA
When you’re searching for a house, Albemarle County is full of great options. How do you choose which town is right for you?
Take the time to research the towns in which you are interested. You want to find a town that fits your lifestyle and personality.
Look into home prices in the neighborhoods you like. Research local schools and health care centers. Check out amenities, restaurants, and local entertainment.
Once you have an idea which area you prefer, it’s time to find a real estate agent. It’s never too early in the process to discuss your options. A local real estate agent has a wealth of knowledge about the community. Their expertise will save you time and energy, and ultimately it will help you narrow your home search.
After you decide which towns you like, start looking into houses in the area. Work with your real estate agent and find the house that’s right for you. Then it’s time for the final step—the buying process!
Have Experience on Your Side
If this process seems oversimplified, it is. Buying a home has a lot of moving parts and considerations. It’s exciting, but it also can be overwhelming.
A local real estate agent will provide confidence in the buying process. Rely on their experience and the information they can offer about the area.