C harlottesville, Virginia is an awe-inspiring mix of enchanting history, unique architecture, Southern charm and small town ambiance with city sophistication. Frommer's Cities Ranked and Rated has named Charlottesville the "Best Place To Live In America!" The publication rated over 400 cities in the United States and Canada in ten different categories, and found that the Charlottesville metropolitan area attained the top overall rating in the United States. The ten evaluated categories included Economy & Jobs, Cost of Living, Climate, Education, Health & Healthcare, Crime, Transportation, Leisure, Arts & Culture and overall Quality of Life. Charlottesville is located in Albemarle County and has a current population of 45,049 residents.

The media attention is just one of many reasons that central Virginia has experienced record-breaking real estate transactions every year since 1998. According to the Charlottesville Association of Realtors, sales for 2003 increased 2.8% from the previous year's record. The first quarter of 2004 has shown that the upcoming year could very well be another record breaker with sales above this time last year. Charlottesville house prices typically range from $180,000 to $300,000 for a contemporary 3-4 bedroom home. Charlottesville has many exquisite historic and custom built-homes, these range from $500,000 to over $1,000,000.The median price for a home in the Charlottesville metro area is $122,400.

Thomas Jefferson lived and was inspired here, his estate Monticello is an architectural treasure and is included on the World Heritage List along with the Great Pyramids and Taj Mahal. Nearby is also the home of our fifth president, James Monroe, who held more public offices than any other President and James Madison the author of the Constitution and our fourth president. Today authors like John Grisham, Rita Mae Brown, and John Casey are just a few of the local residents. Charlottesville ranks third in the nation for per-capita book sales, and the community's love affair with the written word is never more evident than in early spring when they host The Virginia Festival of the Book.

Charlottesville is snuggled in the foothills of the world famous Blue Ridge Mountains heralded for its natural beauty and attractions. Stunning mountaintop views are accessible by car via Skyline Drive and The Blue Ridge Parkway. Residents wishing to ski and participate in other outdoor activities will find some of the country's finest resorts in Charlottesville's backyard.

The technology industry is an ever-growing sector in Charlottesville's local economy, and plans are underway to offer attractive economic incentives for local technology companies. More traditional industries like agriculture are also a cornerstone to the economic environment. A drive through the countryside and you will witness a plethora of rich fields with everything from horses to apples. Albemarle County ranks ninth in the state for having the most producing area, with 188,567 acres devoted to agriculture. Most of these acres are filled with vineyards, orchards, and cattle farms. The grape business is currently the fastest growing agricultural industry in the entire region. Local wines and vineyards have been recognized as top producers throughout the country since the times when Jefferson earned the title "Father of American Wine." The median household income for Charlottesville is $31,007 per year.

Residents can see another local industry by viewing some of the 13,000 horses that are stabled in the city and surrounding county. Horse farms are everywhere, especially in the county. One of the area's signature events, Foxfield Races, lures horse lovers from around the country. These races are held every fall and spring. Other local events include "Fridays After Five," central Virginia's premier outdoor concert series. This event began in 1988 on Charlottesville's Historic Downtown Mall, and has increased in scope and popularity ever since. Many headliner regional and national acts have played here and provided quality musical entertainment in a family setting.

Shopping enthusiasts will delight in Historic Downtown Mall, considered one of the finest urban parks in the country. This pedestrian mall is home to a splendid array of more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants located in the historic buildings on and around old Main Street Charlottesville. An ice-skating rink and movie theater complex offer entertainment for those people less inclined to shop. The Downtown Mall often has live music on the Mall or at the east end on an out-door amphitheater. Residents delight in a number of fine restaurants, shop the unique boutiques, watch a new movie, or simply relax and people watch with an enticing drink from one of the charming coffee or tea shops. Also the Charlottesville City Market sponsored by Charlottesville's Department of Parks and Recreation offers country fresh produce, herbs, plants, crafts and baked goods for sale from local vendors on Saturday mornings from 7 a.m. to noon in the downtown parking lot at Water and South Streets.

Charlottesville is also home to the nationally acclaimed University of Virginia, which was founded in 1819 by Charlottesville resident Thomas Jefferson. Enrolling over 12,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students each year, the University of Virginia ensures cultural enrichment of the city by hosting many events. Residents can experience a student theater or dance production. With an award-winning faculty, there are always lectures given by professors who have won awards for their research. For a weekend thrill, take your family to the newly expanded football stadium and cheer with the rest of the home team crowd.

The local school systems and secondary educational institutions, like the University of Virginia and Piedmont Virginia Community College, provide top-notch educations. The area students all benefit from top education, while local employers benefit from having a well-educated work force. Over half of the city's work force has a college or advanced degree, a fact that helps the local economy boom. Piedmont Virginia Community College goes one step further in this link by offering customized education and training programs, which are tailored to suit local business's needs.

From historic political homes and breathtaking mountain views, to award winning education and world-class shopping, Charlottesville has it all! This is an incredible place to live, work and raise a family. If you a considering moving to the area or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!