Charlottesville Area 55+ Retirement Communities

Located in central Virginia, this region offers a mild climate, stunning mountain views, and a charming mix of small towns and rural landscapes. There is a large variety of activities for residents including museums, wineries, hiking, farm to table restaurant scene, and annual festivals. Overall, the Charlottesville metro area offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, cultural amenities, and a relaxed, friendly lifestyle, making it an ideal place to retire.

Resources for visitors and potential residents:

• The official tourism website of Charlottesville and Albemarle County offers information on events, attractions, and outdoor activities in the area.
• The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce provides information on local businesses, economic development, and community events. 
• The Daily Progress is a local newspaper that covers news, sports, and events in the Charlottesville area. 

Affordability and Cost of Living 

The Charlottesville metro area cost of living is slightly higher than the national average but remains affordable for retirees. The median home price in the area is around $400,400, which is slightly higher than the national average. According to Bestplaces, other costs in Charlotte are on par with the rest of the country. Groceries, healthcare, and utilities are all within 5 percent of the national average although transportation is the outlier at 18 percent lower than the national average.

Virginia's income tax ranges from 2 to 5.75 percent, Social Security is not taxed and seniors can deduct up to $12,000 per person of other retirement income. Virginia's sales tax is fairly low, the average of the combined state and local sales tax is 5.75 percent. The statewide average for property taxes is 0.74 percent although this varies greatly by exact location. There are property tax assistance programs for qualified seniors. Virginia no longer has an estate or inheritance tax although there is a probate tax on estates valued at more than $15,000. 

Climate and Geography 

The Charlottesville area experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. Average temperatures in the summer months (June to August) range from the mid-80s to low 90s, while winter months (December to February) see average temperatures in the mid-30s to low 40s. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually, mostly during the summer months. 

The Charlottesville area is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The area is also known for its stunning fall foliage, with peak colors typically occurring in late October. The region is home to several bodies of water, including Lake Monticello and the Rivanna River, which provide opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The area's rolling hills and scenic countryside make it a popular destination for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

The Charlottesville area is a vibrant and fun destination, with a range of recreational activities, cultural events,and entertainment options for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the popular things you can do in the Charlottesville area:

Golf and racquet sports

• Charlottesville Pickleball Club
• Glenmore Country Club
• Lake Monticello Golf Course
• Forest Lakes Tennis Courts

Hiking, biking, and boating

• Rivanna Trail
• Carter Mountain Orchard Trail
• Chris Greene Lake Park
• James River State Park

Museums and historical sites

• Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson
• Ash Lawn-Highland, home of James Monroe
• The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia
• Michie Tavern Historic Area

Performing arts

• The Paramount Theater
• The Jefferson Theater
• John Paul Jones Arena
• Sprint Pavilion

Parks and gardens

• University of Virginia's Rotunda and Lawn
• Saunders-Monticello Trail
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Festivals and fairs

• Virginia Festival of the Book
• Charlottesville Dogwood Festival
• Ash Lawn Opera Festival
• Virginia Wine Expo

Health and Wellness 

For those looking to maintain their health and wellness the Charlottesville area is home to numerous fitness centers and gyms, as well as yoga and Pilates studios, cycling studios, and other wellness-focused businesses. There are several parks and trails throughout the area that are perfect for outdoor exercise, including the Rivanna Trail, which offers 20 miles of scenic hiking and biking paths. For retirees who want to optimize wellness through diet, the Charlottesville City Market is a weekly farmers market that runs from early April to late December. City Market offers locally grown produce, dairy, and meats as well as handcrafted goods.

The most prominent medical center in the area is the University of Virginia Medical Center, which is consistently ranked as one of the top hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Other area hospitals include Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, Augusta Health, and Sentara RMH Medical Center. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast at Mudhouse Coffee, known for its delicious coffee and pastries.
• Visit Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, located just outside of Charlottesville. Take a tour of the house and explore the beautiful gardens.
• Take a short drive to the University of Virginia, where you can take a stroll around the stunning grounds and see the Rotunda and Lawn, two of the most iconic landmarks on campus.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Roots Natural Kitchen, a restaurant in Charlottesville that specializes in healthy, plant-based bowls and salads.
• Visit the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, a pedestrian-friendly area with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Be sure to check out the Virginia Discovery Museum if you're traveling with grandkids.
• Drive to Ruckersville and visit the Stone Mountain Vineyards, a picturesque vineyard where you can taste and purchase wines made from estate-grown grapes.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Maya, a restaurant in Charlottesville that serves delicious Latin-inspired cuisine.
• End your day with a performance at The Paramount Theater in Charlottesville, a beautifully restored venue that hosts a variety of concerts and shows.

Day Two

Morning:

• Grab breakfast at Bodo's Bagels, a Charlottesville institution known for its delicious bagels and sandwiches.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss your retirement community options and explore any properties that may be of interest.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Moe's Original BBQ, a popular barbecue restaurant in Charlottesville.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the Rivanna Trail, a beautiful hiking trail that winds through the woods and along the river in Charlottesville.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Public Fish & Oyster, a seafood restaurant in Charlottesville that sources its ingredients from local farms and fishermen.
• End your weekend with a relaxing stay at The Inn at Willow Grove in Orange, a luxurious bed and breakfast located just a short drive from Charlottesville.

Getting to the Charlottesville Metro Area

To get to the Charlottesville metro area, visitors have several transportation options. If arriving by air, the closest major airport is Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO), which is serviced by several major airlines including American Airlines, Delta, and United with connections to major hubs such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Washington D.C. For those who prefer to travel by train, the Amtrak station in Charlottesville provides service to major cities such as New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago. If driving, major highways that lead into the area include Interstate 64 and US Route 29.

Retiring to the Charlottesville metro area offers a wide range of benefits. The area boasts a mild climate, a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, and a rich cultural and historical heritage. The area is also known for its welcoming and friendly residents, making it an ideal place for retirees to call home.