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Charlottesville/Albemarle Facts

Located approximately 120 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. and 70 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia. The area is situated within the upper Piedmont Plateau, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and at the headwaters of the Rivanna River. Immediately accessible by U.S. 29 and Interstate 64, connecting with Interstates 95 and 81, the community is served by rail, bus, and direct air flights from major cities.

Our Unique Heritage

In 1744, the Virginia General Assembly created Albemarle County, a sprawling tract encompassing all or parts of seven future counties and named in honor of William Anne Keppel, Second Earl of Albemarle and titular Governor of Virginia at the time. The county seat was established at Scott's Landing on the James River in 1745. Seventeen years later, on the Three Notch'd Road, an early Monacan Indian Trail used by explorers and traders, Albemarle leaders established their new central county seat. Laid out on a hilltop overlooking the Rivanna River, a navigable branch of the James, and cradled by the mountains, the planned community was named Charlottesville in honor of Princess Charlotte, who had become the Queen of England that year as the wife of George III. In 1790, Albemarle County's population was 12,585. Today, Charlottesville occupies 10.8 square miles and has a population of 45,000 people. Albemarle County's population is 79,300 and consists of 739.2 square miles.

Agriculture

The U.S. Census of Agriculture shows that out of a total County land area of 473,600 acres, 172,251 acres were farms in 1997, with an average farm size of 231 acres. Over 293,000 acres were forestland. The market value of agricultural products sold in Albemarle County that year exceeded $21,450 million, including over $16,827,000 million in livestock, mostly beef cattle. Albemarle also ranked significantly statewide in 1998 in grapes acreage, peach and apple production, hay production, pine stumpage value, sheep and lambs inventory, and beef cattle inventory.

Historic Attractions

Ash Lawn-Highland. The home of President James Monroe, this 535-acre estate hosts a number of special events, including the Summer Festival.
Michie Tavern ca. 1784. This 18th century inn invites visitors to dine on traditional midday fare offered by period-attired servers. Afterward, one may tour the original Inn, visit the Virginia Wine Museum, and even dance the Virginia Reel.
Monticello. Named “one of the 25 must see sights in the United States” by Travelers Magazine, the home of President Thomas Jefferson is more than an architectural masterpiece. Recent archeological excavations and the Center for Historic Plants have drawn much attention.
The University of Virginia. One of the most prestigious public university in the nation was built by Thomas Jefferson as an “academical village” to enrich all wanting to learn. Montpelier. Lifelong plantation home of President James Madison and his wife Dolley. 200-acre old growth forest, archaeological sites and cemeteries for both the Madison family and its slaves. Located 40 minutes North of Charlottesville in Orange County.

The region's rich history, however, is not limited to its great homes or the University. Charlottesville's Court Square neighborhood, the judicial center of the community for over 200 years. The Charlottesville Historic District provides many interesting stories of times past as well as architectural variety and contemporary fun.

Climate: The climate of Charlottesville and Albemarle County is modified continental with mild winters and mild and humid summers. Information is supplied by the Virginia Climatology Department based on climatic normals from 1971-2000. (434) 924-0548

Temperature: Mean Annual Average 57 degrees June through August 75.1 degrees December through February 37.8 degrees Rainfall: Mean Annual Average 48.87 inches Snowfall: Mean Annual Average 24.2 inches Humidity: Mean Annual Average afternoon 52%.

Commerce

Charlottesville is the commercial and marketing center of a seven county area serving a trade population of approximately 225,000. In the Charlottesville/Albemarle County area, the basic economic factors are composed of the following industries: manufacturing, education, retail trade, travel trade, construction, and services. For more information call (434) 979-7310.

Education

The Albemarle County School System has an approximate enrollment of 12,000 students throughout the 15 elementary schools, five middle schools, and three comprehensive high schools and one non-traditional high school. In addition to basic education, supplemental programs include After School Enrichment, Gifted Education, Adult Basic Education, and Special Education. For further information call (434) 296-5826.

Charlottesville City Schools has an approximate enrollment of 4,400 students throughout the 6 elementary schools (grades K-4), one upper elementary school (grades 5-6), one middle school (grades 7-8), and one high school (grades 9-12). Enrichment programs exist at every level, a comprehensive range of special education services is offered, CHAPTER 1 is available in early grades, and CLASS is offered at all elementary schools year round. For further information call (434) 245-2400.

Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center (CATEC) offers a wide variety of vocational-technical courses for students attending Charlottesville and Albemarle High Schools and opportunities for adults to learn skilled trades by enrolling in evening courses. For further information call (434) 973-4461.

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is a state-supported two year nonresidential college operating as part of the Virginia Community College System. PVCC provides the first two years of baccalaureate study for students who wish to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and offers programs to support the growth and development of the area's workforce. For more information, contact the PVCC Office of Institutional Advancement at (434) 977-3900. The University of Virginia's grounds with its neoclassical buildings, white porticoes and impressive vistas are considered to be among the most beautiful in America. Industry is able to take advantage of the excellent research and training facilities the University offers. The School of Engineering and Applied Science, the McIntire School of Commerce, and the Darden School provides a valuable source from which industry and businesses are continually recruiting qualified personnel. The University of Virginia is also noted for its schools of law and medicine. Graduates of the law school figure prominently in the nation's political and judicial system. The University provides adult education through the school of Continuing Education, which offers a wide variety of credit and non-credit courses. Many activities of public interest are scheduled, including athletic events in all major sports as well as concerts, plays, lectures, and forums. Enrollment at the university, approximate 19,000 students, includes undergraduates, graduate and professional students. Call (434) 924-1400 for information.

Employment

Albemarle County labor force 41,239, unemployment rate 1.3% (2001).
Major Employers:
1. Albemarle County Schools
2. County of Albemarle
3. Department of Defense
4. State Farm Insurance

City of Charlottesville labor force 18,802 (2001), unemployment rate 2.6% (2001).
Major Employers:
1. University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
2. University of Virginia
3. City of Charlottesville
4. Charlottesville City School System
5. Martha Jefferson Hospital
6. Lexis Publishing
7. Pepsi Cola Bottle Center

Federal Agencies

The Federal Government employs approximately 1,500 persons. Federal civilian employment in the area is concentrated at the U.S. Army's National Ground Intelligence Center in Albemarle County. Military personnel are attached to recruiting offices, ROTC programs, the Army's Judge Advocate General's School at the University of Virginia, and the Federal Executive Institute (a government training facility).

Government

The City of Charlottesville has the Council-Manager form of government with legislative powers vested in a five member council, elected at large, one of whom is Mayor. Administrative and executive duties are performed by the Council appointed City Manager.

Albemarle County has the Board of Supervisors-County Executive form of government with legislative powers vested in a six member Board of Supervisors, one of whom is Chairman, elected by magisterial districts. Administrative and executive duties are the responsibility of the County Executive, who is appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

Housing

According to the U.S. 2000 Census, Charlottesville had a total of 17,591 living units, and the County had 33,720 for a 51,311 total of units. For more information regarding area realtors and properties available please contact the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors at (434) 817-2227, or at www.caar.com.

Media

The Business Journal (monthly) (434) 964-1085. C'ville (weekly) (434) 817-2749. The Daily Progress (daily) (434) 978-7200. Echo (monthly) (434) 295-3407. Hook (weekly) (434) 295-8700. The Observer (monthly) (434) 295-0124. The Tribune (weekly) (434) 979-0373. Working Weekly (weekly) (434) 817-4473.

The area also has over 20 local radio stations and 5 television stations.

Medical

University of Virginia Health Sciences Center has four components: patient care, schools of medicine and nursing and a health science library. Patient care is provided through an integrated network of primary and specialty care ranging from wellness programs to the most technologically advance care. The Health System includes a 683-bed hospital, a level one trauma center, and out patient clinics throughout Charlottesville and the neighboring counties. For client services and patient referrals call (434) 924-3627 or (800) 251-3627. General information call (434) 924-0211.

Martha Jefferson Hospital provides full medical and emergency care with 200 beds. The hospital is a not-for-profit, community hospital with more than 200 affiliated physicians representing more than 30 medical specialties. (434) 982-7000.

Retirement

The Senior Center is available to anyone 55 years or over. The center offers recreational and educational programs such as games, book reviews, travelogues, musicals, ceramic classes, arts and crafts, parties, picnics, and out-of-town trips. For more information call (434) 974-7757.

The Jefferson Area Board of Aging (JABA) provides full information and a wide array of services to all families and individuals dealing with the aging process. For more information' please contact JABA at (433) 978-3644.

There are over ten retirement/nursing homes located in the area with choices between intermediate skilled care and retirement living available.

Taxes

Charlottesville Albemarle County Real Estate $1.11 per $100 $0.76 per $100 (of assessed valuation based on 100% of fair market value)

Personal Property $4.20 per $100 $4.28 per $100 (levied on motor vehicles, boats, campers, airplanes and motor homes)

Sales tax: 4.5% (3.5% state and 1% local)

Shopping

Charlottesville hosts an eclectic variety of specialty shops and chain stores. The Downtown Mall, a pedestrian mall, offers a vast assortment of specialty shops, variety stores, restaurants, and entertainment including an indoor ice-skating rink and cinema. Barracks Road Shopping Center contains an exceptional collection of over 80 shops, restaurants, and services. Fashion Square Mall is a regional indoor mall located just north of the city and is anchored by four major department stores. Six other shopping centers are distributed around the city along with numerous smaller neighborhood retail centers.

Tourism

The Charlottesville/Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau located in the Monticello Visitors Center building is just off I-64 at exit 121A (heading east) or exit 121 (heading west) and is open March through October- 9am to 5:30pm: November through February, 9am to 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1st. The Charlottesville/Albemarle Downtown Visitors Center is located at 2nd Street SE and Water Street. In addition to providing a wealth of information on the area to individual visitors, the CVB assists motorcoach tour operators, meeting planners, reunions and other group events to find attractions, restaurants, hotels, and other visitor related businesses.

Transportation

Air Service: The Charlottesville/Albemarle Airport is equipped with a full instrument landing system as well as aircraft surveillance radar. 201 Bowen Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22901. (434) 973-8341. www.gocho.com