Why Isn’t Bicycling to School More Accepted/Viable/Practiced?
Accessibility/proximity to schools and parks are two of the most common criteria my buyer clients specify when searching for homes in Charlottesville, and more often, bikeability is a factor in addition to walkability. Walkability increases property values; This is an excellent article from Bicycling magazine…
I’ll Know Housing Recovery in Charlottesville When I’ve Seen It
The housing recovery in Charlottesville (and presumably everywhere, but knowing this market is hard enough) is kind of like pornography. I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced within that shorthand description ["hard-core pornography"]; and perhaps…
Cville Bike Lab – Community, Engagement, Bike Repair & Education
Weekly if not daily, I'm reminded that Charlottesville is a great place with people who are interested and invested in making Charlottesville a better place. Cville Bike Lab is one of those "makes Charlottesville a better place" things. If you have just under five minutes…
Hyperlocal News Manifesto – An Area in Which Charlottesville Excels
Local news reporting matters. Charlottesville is lucky to have great local news and great local blogs that serve to make Charlottesville a better place. I believe local journalism, local government and local economies are the linchpins of a vibrant, healthy nation. For decades, as conglomerates swallowed up…
Plank Road Exchange in Batesville is Open
The Plank Road Exchange in Batesville is open. (more…)
The Charlottesville Real Estate Market Update – In 8 Minutes or Less
Thanks to Coy Barefoot for having me on his excellent Charlottesville - Right Now! show this afternoon. I tried to provide clear, quick analysis of the good, bad and possibly ugly in the Charlottesville real estate market - positivity framed with market realities and some context.…
Tom Tom Founder’s Festival in Charlottesville
If you haven't seen or read about the Tom Tom Founder's Festival, now would be a good time to start. Inspired by South by Southwest (SXSW), it aspires to be something it seems Charlottesville has not yet seen. Offering various tracks from biotech startup to…
Vacant Homes in Charlottesville MSA – 2012 Update
I've tracked the housing vacancy rate for homes actively on the market in the Charlottesville MSA irregularly over the past several years; it's an indicator as to the health of the housing market. More occupied homes = a healthier market. The last time I checked,…
Charlottesville’s Getting a Hyatt. And a Residence Inn
Three new hotels coming to Charlottesville (assuming they all get approved) ... Stonefield (at the corner of Hydraulic and 29) is getting a Hyatt. West Main and Mcintire is getting a Residence Inn. And a Homewood Suites on Rio Road and 29. The question is…
1st Quarter 2012 Charlottesville Area Real Estate Market Report
As always, pay attention to the segment or segments that affect you. There is no "the market is up" or "the market is down." Condos in the City of Charlottesville near the Downtown Mall are different than single family homes in Greene County - different…