I don’t “sell” Charlottesville – I educate and inform my clients so that they can make the best decisions possible. Charlottesville is truly a great place to live; while I’ve been here for only 24 years, I wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else.
With that preface, there are negatives about Charlottesville and while they’re all relative (traffic) I’d like to think there are solutions.
I’ve been having this conversation on Google+ and on Facebook in advance of posting here.
My answer to the question: Perhaps the single greatest negative with living in CharlAlbemarle is the collective inability of the City and County to implement plans – specifically for infrastructure. Their constant bickering, planning, fighting, planning, discussing, planning and then planning some more is remarkably irresponsible.
My other response was – when I have the free time, choosing what to do from the plethora of options – sporting events, theater, music, arts, etc. Seriously. There is so much to do that choosing how to fill my limited free time is challenging.
The responses have varied from lack of Implementation of infrastructure plans to bickering of the localities.
I said last year: When explaining the City/County relationship to relocating buyers, I often describe the governments as being akin to estranged husbands and wives who are sharing custody of the kids. Or as brothers and sisters who occasionally poke each other in the eye, just to see what will happen.
It’s true, and it’s pathetic. And ultimately detrimental to the quality of life.
Or, as the UVA Law Blog’s title says: On Consideration, Charlottesville is Awful Actually OK (archived: 2012)
Interested in Learning More?
I have been been representing buyers and sellers in Charlottesville, Albemarle, and Central Virginia since 2001. Get local insight born of experience.
Dig Deeper
Thoughts on 2026 Albemarle County Assessments
Albemarle County assessments increased again in 2026. Want to challenge your assessment? Here's the form. Curious about FAQs about Albemarle County assessments, here's the FAQ. Think your assessment is too high or too low? Ask me; I'm happy to give a quick thought or two.…
When Will Homes Come on the Market in Charlottesville and Albemarle in 2026?
When will homes come on the market in Charlottesville and Albemarle in 2026? The Charlottesville real estate cycle has bee fairly consistent over the years. In 2023, I wrote a similar story to this one. The biggest two changes between 2023 and 2026* are: interest…
Developers Have Long-Term Vision
Developers think and plan long-term. Generally. An example. Many years ago, I represented sellers of a piece up land up 29 North. It was a relatively small piece of land, and we received an offer pretty quickly for asking price. About twenty years later, all…
Who Knew HOAs Could be Progressive? No Woodstoves?
No woodstoves in your neighborhood? Woodstoves. No woodstove (including free-standing and fireplace insert) shall be installed, maintained or used on any Lot. Read the HOA packages, folks. My clients found this when they read the HOA docs. There's often some interesting things in homeowner association…