Only two and a half hours by car from Washington, D.C., and six hours from New York City, the city of Charlottesville has a vibrant cultural and music scene, 30+ vineyards and craft breweries, outdoor and athletic events, as well as an expansive food scene.
Students get involved in many activities while in graduate school. The University of Virginia has 25 varsity sports teams to cheer on, and graduate students can compete in a variety of intramural sports. Many students take advantage of the running trails, skiing, or hiking at nearby state and national parks. The city’s historic Downtown Mall features local shops and restaurants and is easy to access with the free trolley and bus system.
The Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) is eight miles north of the city, and the Amtrak and Greyhound stations are a short walk from the University. Graduate students typically live within walking distance to McIntire, located centrally on the Lawn, although some prefer to bring a car for easier access to grocery stores and shopping.
We polled our classmates on the best places to live (walking distance!) and explore.
Places to live:
The Flats ($825/mo.)
The Standard ($800/mo.)
Uncommon: Lark on Main ($950/mo.)
The Range ($780/mo.)
GrandMarc ($800/mo.)
University Heights ($425-550/mo.)
South Range Apartments ($900-$1,000/mo.)
Jefferson Commons ($725/mo.)
Woodlands of Charlottesville ($550/mo.)
Cavalier Crossing ($450-500/mo.)
Things to do:
The Corner (restaurants, shopping, pharmacy)
Scott Stadium (football)
John Paul John’s Arena (basketball, concerts)
Barrack’s Road (shopping, restaurants, grocery)
Rivanna Trail (running)
Shops at Stonefield, Fashion Square Mall (shopping, restaurants, grocery)
Fralin Museum of Art
Amtrak Train Station
Greyhound Bus Station
Downtown Mall (restaurants, theaters, farmer’s market, concerts)
McIntire Skate Park
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Monticello Wine Trail, Michie Tavern, and Carter Mountain Orchard