Random thought, Just moved here 2 months ago and Crime rate is something to consider -Charlottesville sits at 324.0 per 100K. It's a a smaller city city with about 45,863 people. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. With a population of 45,863, Charlottesville is a smaller city. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Has anyone dealt with this? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
Eliana Murphy
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Edward M.
interesting, hadn't considered that
29 upvotes
William Adams
spot on
27 upvotes
Julian Jones
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
26 upvotes
wild_mia59
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 52, moved here 4 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in North and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
23 upvotes
Gabriel
I work in construction here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is tough. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Sophie C.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
16 upvotes
Jayden Reed
exactly what I was thinking
16 upvotes
Christian M.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Lydia Hernandez
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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