Charlottesville Apartments and Rentals

As much a college town as it is a tourist destination, Charlottesville, Va., is the economic, cultural and educational center of Central Virginia, where it is independent of any county or political subdivision.

Those looking for Charlottesville apartments for rent can enjoy a host of educational opportunities at the University of Virginia as well as a beautiful location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the headwaters of the Rivanna River.

Charlottesville was established in 1762, but was officially incorporated in 1888. Today, the city boasts more than 43,475 people. Although the University of Virginia is certainly a presence in the city, there are only an estimated 9,000 students living in the city. The city is situated in the countryside, but once there, there are a host of opportunities to explore first-class museums, galleries, wineries and shops.

Charlottesville is made up of a quaint downtown but also has miles of countryside and orchards, which is perhaps why it was named 4th Best Place to Live in the Country by Kiplinger Magazine in 2009. Kiplinger also named Charlottesville no. 1 city for retirement in 2010.

Of course, many people come to Charlottesville to attend the University of Virginia, which was founded by Thomas Jefferson. The university enrolls just over 14,000 undergrads each year and about 6,500 graduate students, offering hundreds of areas of study. The school has a reputation for a low student-to-teacher ratio and is an important research center.

The university is also the principal employer in Charlottesville, but the Blue Ridge Hospital, University of Virginia Medical Center and Martha Jefferson Hospital are also top employers. Aside from education and healthcare, those who seek apartments in Charlottesville may find jobs in government, auto insurance and the military, as Northrop Grumman Corporation is located here. The city was also ranked as one of the top 50 places in the U.S. to start a small business by Money Magazine in 2008.

Families can feel good about sending their children to school through the Charlottesville City School System, which has been recognized as one of the best in the state. Charlottesville High School was ranked one of the top 500 schools in the country by Newsweek Magazine in 2003.

When looking for rentals in Charlottesville, individuals may have some competition with college students, but the cost of living remains reasonable. The 2010 U.S. Census found that the median gross rent in Charlottesville was $933, which seems a small price to pay to reside in one of the Best Places to Live in America, as ranked by Cities Ranked and Rated in 2004.

Charlottesville offers a number of opportunities to explore its rich history, which includes the raising of three presidents. Many people come to see Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, nearby, but the city itself has plenty of things to do and see, too.

Wine lovers can sample flavors from more than 20 vineyards along the Monticello Wine Trail, and outdoor enthusiasts will love kayaking the James or Rivanna Rivers, or hiking through miles of wilderness in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Arts and entertainment are thriving in Charlottesville. The arts scene dates back to Georgia O'Keeffe, who found a renewed interest in painting after attending classes at UVA. The city still pays tribute to local and international artists with its dozens of museums and galleries. Each spring, the city, which has developed a reputation as a readers' and writers' paradise, hosts the Virginia Festival of the Book, which attracts thousands of readers across the country.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a Charlottesville apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.