What is the value of a green way to a buyer in today’s market?
Had an interesting conversation this morning in the Crozet Mudhouse with someone who was noting that the attitude shift toward greenways has shifted significantly in the past 10 years or so.
It used to be that real estate agents and developers and even buyers placed little to no value in having access to a means of passage that was not centered around an automobile.
Today, that attitude has shifted 180°.
Access to bike paths or suitable walking trails (for strollers) is an enormous asset. Through my admittedly myopic view as seen through the eyes of my buyer clients who are seeking such access and proximity, and through the eyes of my seller clients who are advocating for the benefits of such access, I would say that the world has shifted in this respect.
In the Charlottesville-Albemarle area my view is that the City of Charlottesville is fairly well poised to design and build more greenways and bike paths (hint: West Main). The County of Albemarle needs more will and more money, but the Crozet Trails Crew (archived: 2017) and Trails System are fast becoming outstanding assets to the community. And they both need to work together to have the respective systems work together.
Worth noting is that the departments within the respective localities are filled with remarkable people doing remarkable work.
The market wants these things.
Interested in Learning More?
Jim Duncan has been helping buyers and sellers in Charlottesville’s neighborhoods for 25 years. 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…