If you’re considering moving to Charlottesville, Virginia with your family, you’re in for a treat. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is known for its scenic beauty, rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and outstanding schools. This guide will help families explore the best neighborhoods, schools, outdoor activities, and community events to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Charlottesville is a wonderful place to raise kids and you are in the right place to find everything you need.
CharlottesvilleFamily Relocation Guide Flipbook
Your Free Interactive Resource for Families Moving to Charlottesville
Welcome to the CharlottesvilleFamily Relocation Guide Flipbook—your trusted Charlottesville relocation magazine designed to help families, professionals, and newcomers make a smooth transition to life in Central Virginia. Whether you’re moving across the country or just across the Blue Ridge, our Charlottesville relocation guide offers everything you need to know about neighborhoods, schools, and family life in one easy-to-browse digital publication.
Explore the guide here!
Awards & Recognition
Charlottesville has consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States. Some notable accolades include:
- Best Place to Live in Virginia – U.S. News & World Report
- Top 10 Best College Towns – Livability
- One of the Happiest Cities in America – National Geographic
- Best Small Cities for Food Lovers – Travel + Leisure
These awards highlight Charlottesville’s high quality of life, vibrant community, and strong economic opportunities.
Best Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Charlottesville & Albemarle
Finding the right neighborhood is a top priority for families moving to Charlottesville. Some of the favorite areas include:
- Dunlora – A quiet neighborhood with walking trails, a pool, and proximity to top schools.
- Forest Lakes – A planned community with playgrounds, lakes, and family-friendly amenities.
- Crozet – A charming small-town atmosphere with excellent schools and a beautiful park.
- Belmont – A vibrant and historic neighborhood with a mix of charming homes, parks, and walkable access to restaurants and shops.
- Fontaine Avenue Area – A convenient location near the University of Virginia with great schools and family-friendly amenities.
- Keswick – A scenic area just outside the city with large lots and a quiet, rural feel perfect for families. Vineyards and horse properties are dotted amongst homes.
- North Downtown – Offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities with access to parks, trails, and cultural activities.
- Ivy – A picturesque area west of Charlottesville known for its spacious homes, rolling pastures excellent schools, and close proximity to nature.
- Earlysville – A peaceful rural community with large properties and access to outdoor recreation while still being close to Charlottesville.
- Scottsville – A charming small town along the James River offering a welcoming rural community and outdoor adventures.
For a comprehensive breakdown of Charlottesville’s neighborhoods, ask your realtor for even more details.
Is Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia a Good Place to Raise a Family?
Absolutely—Charlottesville and Albemarle consistently rank among Virginia’s best places to live and raise children.
For families, Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer the best of both worlds: top-rated schools, a wealth of parks and trails, and a strong culture of learning and care. Charlottesville City Schools and Albemarle County Public Schools serve over 18,000 students combined and are recognized for strong academics, inclusive programs, and community partnerships (Charlottesville City Schools, ACPS).
Families also benefit from a wide range of local enrichment programs—many free or low-cost. These include nature centers, museums, and year-round events featured in the CharlottesvilleFamily Events Calendar, as well as free resources from the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, which operates branches throughout the city and county.
Financially, the region offers relative affordability compared to many other university towns. The median household income is $69,829 in Charlottesville and $102,624 in Albemarle County, with median home values at $448,400 and $471,000 respectively (U.S. Census QuickFacts). Both localities report crime rates below national averages for similar-sized communities, adding peace of mind for parents.
Between its educational opportunities, outdoor lifestyle, and rich community culture, Charlottesville and Albemarle remain one of Virginia’s most desirable places to raise a family.
Schools in Charlottesville
Charlottesville offers highly rated public and private schools, making it an ideal place to raise children. In fact, Charlottesville has one of the highest ratios of private schools per capita in the nation, giving families a wealth of choices.
- Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) – Known for its strong academic programs and innovative learning approaches.
- Charlottesville City Schools – Offers exceptional elementary and high school programs with a focus on the arts and technology.
- Private Schools: Options include Montessori, Waldorf, faith-based, nature, and college-prep schools.
- Preschools & Early Childhood Education: From nature-based to play-focused, there’s a daycare or a preschool with something for every philosophy.
The Benefits of Being a University Town
As home to the University of Virginia (UVA), Charlottesville enjoys many benefits of being a vibrant university town:
- Arts & Culture – Families have access to world-class museums, theater performances, and concerts at venues like the UVA Art Museum and the Paramount Theater.
- Educational Lectures & Events – UVA hosts numerous public lectures, conferences, and guest speakers, offering lifelong learning opportunities for residents.
- Stable Employment – The university is a major employer, providing stability and job opportunities across various industries including healthcare, research, and education.
- College Town Energy – Charlottesville has a dynamic energy with young professionals, students, and families all enjoying a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.
Prime Location & Easy Travel
One of Charlottesville’s greatest advantages is its central location within Virginia. This makes it easy for families to enjoy quick getaways and day trips to major destinations such as:
- Virginia Beach – Just a few hours away for a weekend at the coast.
- Richmond – The state capital, known for its museums, historic sites, and vibrant food scene.
- Washington, D.C. – An easy drive or train ride to explore national monuments and museums.
- Shenandoah Valley – A perfect spot for hiking, wine tasting, and scenic drives.
Additionally, Charlottesville boasts a regional airport (CHO) with convenient connections, and it’s a short drive to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Richmond International Airport (RIC), making national and international travel a breeze.
Charlottesville’s Food & Wine Scene
Charlottesville is a food lover’s paradise with a thriving farm-to-table dining culture and an extensive local wine scene. The city is home to award-winning restaurants, artisan bakeries, great ice cream, classic breakfast joints and a variety of international cuisine. The Charlottesville 29 lists some of the best local dining spots, including The Local, Tavola, and Mas Tapas and we’ve rounded up family favorite dining ideas voted on by CharlottesvilleFamily readers. In addition, the area’s wineries make for great weekend outings. Charlottesville is also known for its craft breweries and cideries, offering plenty of options for those who appreciate locally made beverages.
Fun & Recreation in Charlottesville
There’s no shortage of fun when it comes to living in Charlottesville. The vibrant Downtown Mall is the city’s cultural heart—offering brick-lined streets filled with shops, restaurants, theaters, and live performances. Families love catching a concert at the Ting Pavilion, exploring hands-on exhibits at the Virginia Discovery Museum, or enjoying a scoop of locally made ice cream after dinner. Music lovers will find a lively local scene with everything from nationally touring acts to bluegrass nights at neighborhood breweries. Outdoorsy families can take advantage of Charlottesville’s stunning surroundings with easy access to the Rivanna Trail, Shenandoah National Park, and countless scenic parks perfect for family-friendly hikes, biking, and picnicking. Whether you’re into farmers markets, festivals, food trucks, or Friday night concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming and active town.
Activities for Kids in C’ville
Families with children will find an abundance of engaging activities in Charlottesville. The city has an excellent park system, as well as multiple indoor and educational play spaces:
- Jefferson-Madison Regional Library – Offers storytime, STEM activities, and summer reading programs.
- Virginia Discovery Museum – A hands-on children’s museum featuring interactive exhibits and creative play spaces.
- Blossom Play Space – An indoor play area designed for young children and their caregivers.
- Ivy House Play Space – A warm, community-centered play area offering open play and classes.
- Local Toy Boutiques – Stores like Shenanigans provide a unique selection of quality toys, games, and books.
- Extensive Park System – From Riverview Park to Pen Park, Charlottesville parks have ample green space for kids to run and play as well as swimming & lakes.
Sports & Classes for Kids
Charlottesville offers a variety of sports leagues and extracurricular activities for children of all ages. Whether your child is interested in soccer, basketball, swimming, or martial arts, there are numerous programs available
Various youth programs, including STEM, music, sports, and art classes, are available through UVA and PVCC and many wonderful local businesses and non-profits. Explore our comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Kids Sports & Kids Classes where you are sure to find many wonderful choices for your children to expand their interests and skills.
Daycare & Preschool Options
Charlottesville offers a wide variety of excellent daycare and preschool options to support your child’s early learning journey. Whether you’re looking for a nurturing in-home provider, a play-based preschool, or a Montessori or faith-based program, there are trusted choices throughout the city and surrounding counties. Many programs offer flexible schedules, enrichment activities, and caring, experienced teachers who understand the importance of early childhood development. Explore our full roundup of highly rated daycare options and don’t miss our popular preschool guide to find the perfect fit for your family.
Major Employers in Charlottesville
Healthcare, education, research, professional services, and government are among the leading employment sectors in the Charlottesville area. Home to the University of Virginia and a vibrant entrepreneurial scene, the region offers strong career opportunities in both public and private sectors.
Charlottesville’s economy is anchored by major employers in higher education, healthcare, and technology, with growing opportunities in biotech, finance, and nonprofit work. The area also attracts remote professionals and hybrid workers seeking a balanced lifestyle near the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Notable Employers:
University of Virginia
UVA Health System
Charlottesville City & Albemarle County Public Schools
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
Crutchfield Corporation
WorldStrides
Apex Clean Energy
Center for Open Science & Other Nonprofits
Explore A Move To Charlottesville Online Before You Relocate!
Get an Overview
Visitor’s Bureau
Chamber of Commerce
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library
Plan Outings
UVA Athletics
Charlottesville’s Award-Winning Wineries
Charlottesville Museums & Attractions
Find a Place of Worship
Best Museums for Preschoolers
Moving to Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Welcome home! Click below to find all you need to know about area utilities, facilities and more.
City of Charlottesville
Albemarle County
Family Health Guide
Home & Garden Resources
Are Charlottesville Area Public And Private Schools Good?
Local School Connection
Comprehensive Guide to Private Schools
Albemarle County Schools – an exclusive interview
Charlottesville City Schools – an exclusive interview
The Book Every Newcomer Family NEEDS To Have.
The CharlottesvilleFamily
Ultimate Go-To Guide
This annual family directory is packed with useful information that you will want to keep at their fingertips, including timely calendars for keeping track of the family schedule, Charlottesville event highlights, emergency services and amazing resources for those who are new to the area. And of course it’s packed with phone numbers for great local businesses for health care options, party places, shopping, education resources, kids recreational activities, family fun and more. Plus, you will enjoy exciting new day trips features!
CHARLOTTESVILLEFAMILY EDITORS are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with the school fun fair and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.