I randomly and fortuitously met some potential clients last week. As I was finishing a showing, a couple drove by and asked if we were having an open house. My client assured me that we were finished, she introduced me to them, (as a “great Realtor,” thankyouverymuch) and we had an interesting conversation about their impending move to the area.
One of the best things that came from the discussion was this – they had asked several people in Virginia this question – “if you could live anywhere in Virginia, where would it be?” The repeated answer was, “Charlottesville.” Clearly, broadband is the new infrastructure.
Coming to a new area is daunting, and having a knowledgeable advocate/guide/Realtor is, in my clearly biased opinion, crucial to successfully navigating the market.
Google’s great, but being able to ask someone questions and get answers – in the context of the local market – is mighty helpful.
Search for homes here
A relocation map of Charlottesville/Albemarle I did last year
Market Data/Statistics - start here to get a grasp on the market.
We discussed ways to tap into the Charlottesville area – moving to a new area without an existing support structure can be an isolating experience.
It seems that the Charlottesville area has a club for everything.
Clubs/Networks (just a sampling)
Charlottesville Young Professionals
Charlottesville Sports and Social Club
The next three came from my curiosity – I started typing in “Charlottesville [blank] club” into Google and quickly figured that there’s likely a club for anything and everything (seriously be creative when you try it!) -
Charlottesville Track Club
Rentals - For most people relocating blind to the area (having only been here once or twice) I would much rather we take a “rent now, buy later approach” (although this is certainly not “one size fits all” – each person and situation is different). For this task, start here -
My search site (just select “rentals”)
These are the best sites I have found to search for rentals.
- The HooK (one of the two free weekly newspapers)
- C-Ville (one of the two free weekly newspapers) *
- Daily Progress - the daily newspaper
- Blue Ridge Apartment Council
- Charlottesville Craigslist
-Jobs in Charlottesville
Network, network, network.
I’d start with the groups above, and troll the classifieds in the C-Ville (http://www.c-ville) and the HooK – (http://www.readthehook.com)
* Notice the deftly political way of not saying “one of” and then “the other” – thereby keeping both on equal footing in an attempt to alienate neither? 
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If the person is involved in the technical community they would be wise to hook up with the Neon Guild (www.neonguild.org).
http://www.c-villeclassifieds.com
This site has more classifieds related material than even the Daily Progress.
Maybe that now makes the “two” newspapers less than equal?
- bob
For your consideration, we have a free community based hiking group – no exorbitant fees, no bs, no fine-print. Check us out at http://www.charlottesvillehiking.com
Thanks
ig