Wide-angle view of the city of Charlottesville with green trees in the foreground and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background
  1. Student Experience
  2. On-Grounds Experience
  3. Life in Charlottesville

Life in Charlottesville

Charlottesville, or Cville, is so much more than a college town. With all the amenities of a big city but the welcoming and tight-knit community of a small town, it's no wonder Charlottesville is often named one of the happiest cities in America.

Food & Drink

Charlottesville boasts a vibrant and delicious food scene, ranking among the nation’s cities with the most restaurants per capita. 

Arts & Culture

Venues of all sizes, including the 15,000-seat John Paul Jones Arena, the outdoor amphitheater Ting Pavilion, and the historic Paramount Theater, support a wide range of artists and performers.

Outdoor Recreation

Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains, Charlottesville offers access to countless hikes, canoeing and kayaking on the Rivanna River, and skiing and snowboarding the slopes at Wintergreen.

At a Glance

#3
Happiest City in the U.S.

National Geographic and Gallup 2017

Old brick buildings with storefronts and awnings and a blue sky in the background
The Corner

With eight blocks full of shops, bars, and restaurants right next to Grounds, The Corner represents the intersection of the University and the greater Charlottesville area.

#10
Top 10 College Towns

Livability 2018

Aerial image of downtown Charlottesville
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This Is Charlottesville

Find out why 'Hoos love to call Charlottesville home.