Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Located in the state of Virginia, Charlottesville is a moderately-sized city with a population of 48,748 people. In Charlottesville, there are 4,758 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 70% of Charlottesville residents are White, 19% Black and 7% Asian. With an average age of 32 years old, Charlottesville could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. Charlottesville is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 39%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Charlottesville is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Charlottesville could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Virginia if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Finding the best places to live in Charlottesville and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, education and other important metrics.
Charlottesville has a livability score of 83 out of 100 and is ranked #29 in Virginia and #725 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Charlottesville could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Charlottesville ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the scores for each individual category, Charlottesville has been rewarded with high marks for education (A+), employment (B+) and housing (B). On a less positive note, Charlottesville does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
If you're considering living in Charlottesville, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Charlottesville provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: University of Virginia, Blue Ridge Wine Excursions, and The Glass Palette - Interactive Glass Art Studio.
The unemployment rate in Charlottesville has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.7%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Charlottesville, the average school test scores reached an impressive 76%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Charlottesville an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Charlottesville market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Charlottesville is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Charlottesville come in at $595,832, which is 37% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Charlottesville, the home price to income ratio is 6.8, which is 51.1% higher than the Virginia average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Charlottesville | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 58.9% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.0% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 5.9% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.1% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 13.1% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.8% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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