Charlottesville

Located in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west central part of the state, Charlottesville, Virginia, is a city of about 44,000 residents. This town is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the nation, and there are several good reasons why. The city is home to the University of Virginia, one of the top five public universities in the nation. The city has been home to three presidents, and the entire area is rich in history. Charlottesville is home to many famous writers and the city hosts a Virginia Festival of the Book that brings visitors here from across the country. The tourist industry is alive and well here with many opportunities. The historic downtown area has two theaters, dozens of art galleries, and amphitheater where many national touring acts play during the year. It is close to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean here, and that fact along with proximity to the mountains allows residents here to enjoy a climate that is milder than surrounding areas with four distinct seasons. There is a reasonably good public transportation here that is a cheap and easy way to see the area.