Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville is located in central Virginia, in Albemarle County. The city, which is set along the Rivanna River in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, was named for the wife of George III. Charlottesville is located 69 miles (111 kilometers) northwest of the capital, Richmond, and 115 miles (185 kilometers) southwest of Washington, DC.

The city is sometimes called "the city of three presidents," because the area was home to the country's third, fourth, and fifth presidents, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. History buffs won't want to miss out on visiting the presidents' homes, Monticello, Montpelier (located 28 miles, or 45 kilometers north of town), and Ash Lawn-Highland. In addition to the presidents, some other famous former residents include explorer Meriwether Lewis, and writers Edgar Allen Poe and William Faulkner.

The city has an extensive park system to enjoy. Among the parks, Azalea Park not only has 23 acres (nine hectares) of land, but offers 30-by-30 foot (nine-by-nine meter) garden plots that residents can rent. And golfers can head to Meadowcreek Golf Course at the city's Pen Park. Two other great local places to enjoy the outdoors are Ivy Creek Nature Area, a 215-acre (87-hectare) nature preserve and Ragged Mountain Natural Area, a 980-acre (360-hectare) nature preserve.

For some truly outstanding nature, head out to enjoy Shenandoah National Park, which is located a short drive northeast of Charlottesville. And if you're a fan of road trips, the Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches 469 miles (755 kilometers) through Virginia and North Carolina, and is known as "America's Favorite Drive," is also a short drive from town.

Those who love the cultural arts can attend performances of the Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra and the Ash Lawn Opera Festival, which includes six to eight weeks of full-length opera and musical theatre productions, lectures, and more.

And if you can't get enough of festivals, just a few more to enjoy are the Virginia Festival of the Book in March, the Dogwood Festival in the spring, the African-American Cultural Arts Festival in July, the Fall Fiber Festival and Virginia Film Festival in October, and the Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival in November. And for fun on summer Fridays, don't miss the Fridays After Five concert series.

What else is great about Charlottesville? For one, the economy! The city is thriving and boasts a varied economy that includes education, healthcare, industry, financial services, and tourism.

Also, a wine industry has emerged in the area, so some days off may be spent exploring wineries such as the oldest, continually operating winery, Mountain Cove Vineyards, and (to name just a few) Autumn Hill Vineyards/Blue Ridge Winery, Barboursville Vineyards, Keswick Vineyards, and Oakencroft Vineyard & Winery. (Don't worry if vineyards aren't your thing – there are also plenty of orchards in the area, for fresh peaches, cherries, and apples, as well as homemade jams, preserves, and baked goods.)

To top this off, Charlottesville has great – but mild – four-season weather! It's time to consider a move to Charlottesville.

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