Charlottesville, VA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Charlottesville, VA: What You Need to Know

Charlottesville in central Virginia is steeped in presidential legacy. It boasts of not one but two Founding Fathers: Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. 

Things to Do in Charlottesville

No visit to Charlottesville is complete without touring the homes of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president, and James Monroe, the fifth U.S. president. Nearly half a million people visit Monticello, Jefferson’s estate, every year. Jefferson himself designed the plantation, which was originally 5,000 acres. It’s a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Monroe and his family lived in Highland from 1799 to 1823. The main residence burned down in the mid-1800s, but the presidential guest house remains intact. 

Charlottesville is also a popular winetasting destination. Jefferson once planted grapevines with a dream of producing wines that would rival European wines, but his vision wasn’t realized. Today you can visit more than 30 wineries with easy access to Monticello.

The Cost of Living in Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a charming small city (population: 47,266), although its cost of living is 4.4% higher than the national average. On the positive, food and housing costs are 28.8% and 11.1% lower than the national average. Another plus – Virginia doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. The state levies 2% to 5.75% in income tax and 5.3% to 7% in sales tax. Charlottesville’s median gross rent is $1,118.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Residents praise Charlottesville’s amenities combined with its college-town sensibility and its highly rated public schools. The majority of the city’s residents are renters. Seeking a suburban haven? Crozet, Hollymead, and Piney Mountain are a short drive away from Charlottesville and are known for their above-average schools.

Schools and Education

Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819 as an ambitious experiment. He’d envisioned a public university that would cultivate an informed citizenry. Today the university is a nationally recognized school with 24,639 students. In all, there are 67 colleges within 100 miles of Charlottesville. The city has 31 public schools with an enrolment of 14,327 students.

Shopping in Town

Retail therapy in history-rich Charlottesville means going downtown to shop at locally-owned shops and eat at friendly restaurants and diners. Not far from downtown, you’ll find West Main Street – a mile of stores, restaurants, and hotels. For a change of pace, visit Barracks Road Shopping Center where you’ll find national retailers alongside local brands. Locals love the Charlottesville City Market, which offers fresh produce, meats, crafts, and baked goods from more than 100 local vendors. The market is open every Saturday morning from April to December.