The Best College Town In Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, is steeped in history, culture, and academia. Founded in 1762 in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this lovely colonial-era town quickly established itself as a vital hub for commerce and governance in Virginia鈥檚 early days, ensuring its place as a key player in the development not just of the state, but the United States as a whole.
It was here that Thomas Jefferson, one of America鈥檚 Founding Fathers and the third US President, chose to establish a public university that would rival already established institutions like Harvard, the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, and even Yale. His remarkable vision led to the founding of the University of Virginia (UVA), now one of the country鈥檚 premier institutions of higher learning.
A History of Excellence at UVA
What makes Charlottesville a great college town? It鈥檚 undoubtedly the synergy that exists between the university and the community in which it鈥檚 located. Great college towns not only offer opportunities for cultural and academic engagement, but they also boast a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to students, residents, and visitors. Charlottesville nails every one of these criteria, consistently ranking not only as one of the best public universities in the United States but also as one of the best travel destinations in the South.
The University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, who envisioned it as a place for fostering research and advancing knowledge. Jefferson personally designed the university鈥檚 layout, including its iconic Rotunda, a magnificant central structure inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. UVA鈥檚 commitment to education began humbly, however, with its inaugural class consisting of just 123 students, a number that has since grown to over 26,000 students today.
Academically, UVA is renowned for its programs in law, business, and medicine, with the Darden School of Business and the School of Law attracting top-tier talent from across the globe. It also boasts an impressive roster of alumni, including author Edgar Allan Poe, astronaut Kathryn Thornton, and journalist Katie Couric鈥攁 legacy of excellence that underscores the university鈥檚 significant role in shaping leaders and innovators.
Must-See Attractions on Campus
Whether you鈥檙e a student or a visitor, the Academical Village is the historic heart of the university鈥檚 magnificent campus and a great place to get to know UVA. Conceived and designed by Jefferson himself, this well-preserved 鈥渧illage鈥� stands as a hallmark of both architectural brilliance and philosophical depth, embodying his revolutionary idea of integrating living, learning, and community within an educational setting. His vision was groundbreaking in the early 19th century and continues to shape UVA鈥檚 identity as a leading place of learning.
At the heart of this UNESCO 海角社区 Heritage Site is The Lawn, a long, rectangular expanse of grass and trees that serves as the university鈥檚 central axis. The Rotunda, inspired by the Roman Pantheon, anchors the space as its architectural and symbolic centerpiece. Originally housing the university library, the Rotunda now hosts events and meetings and is open to the public, with some of the best views of the Lawn can be had from the Rotunda鈥檚 upper levels.
Boarding the Lawn are 10 pavilions, each with unique classical designs. Reflecting Jefferson鈥檚 commitment to blending architecture with education, these pavilions serve as both faculty residences and spaces for instruction, promoting an environment where academic exchange thrives. The Lawn is flanked by 54 student rooms (27 on each side), highly coveted accommodations that are awarded to fourth-year students through a competitive application process.
You can walk along the covered walkways in front of these accommodations, each with a classic wooden rocking chair and a small blackboard where students write the words 鈥淎sk Me About,鈥� and invitation for other students to stop and chat about whatever topics they鈥檙e interested in learning more about, or about which they鈥檇 like to share their knowledge.
Another campus must-see is the Fralin Museum of Art which houses a diverse collection of works ranging from classical to contemporary. Other highlights include the Leander McCormick Observatory offers public nights where visitors can stargaze through historic telescopes; and the University Cemetery, where Jefferson鈥檚 descendants and notable faculty are buried, provides a contemplative link to the past.
Charlottesville Beyond the Campus
Charlottesville offers plenty of other attractions which are deeply connected to the university but are located off-campus. The Downtown Mall, a historic pedestrian-only thoroughfare, is within walking distance and is home to shops, restaurants, and bars that are popular with students and visitors. And the historic Paramount Theater, built in 1931, still hosts concerts, plays, and film screenings.
The big off-campus attraction, though, is Thomas Jefferson鈥檚 Monticello. Jefferson had his magnificent estate built atop a hill within sight of the university鈥檚 Rotunda (at least it was at the time) over a period of 40 years starting in 1769. Pay a visit to this UNESCO 海角社区 Heritage site and you鈥檒l see neoclassical designs including a striking dome and columned porticoes drawn from ancient Roman and Palladian principles.
The interior showcases Jefferson鈥檚 inventive spirit, with features such as skylights, a dumbwaiter, and alcove beds added to maximize space and function. Admission is by well-organized guided tours only, and for those who enjoy walking, the extensive grounds are a delight to explore on foot. And while you can take the shuttle bus for the short uphill journey to Monticello from the visitor center, the easy walk back down takes you past the property鈥檚 graveyard where Jefferson and members of his family are buried.
If you鈥檙e planning on staying for a night or two in order to explore this magnificent college town (and you really should), check out the availability at the wonderful Oakhurst Inn. Located just a short distance from UVA鈥檚 campus, this elegant 4-star hotel is a pretty, 10-minute walk to the Lawn and the Rotunda. The Oakhurst Caf茅, owned by the hotel, is en route and is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or a coffee and a sweet treat, and is frequented by locals and students.
The Final Word
Charlottesville鈥檚 identity as Virginia鈥檚 best college town is certainly a reputation that鈥檚 well-deserved. Together, this lovely town and its university have created a community that not only values education, but also the region鈥檚 fascinating history and rich culture. The University of Virginia鈥檚 contributions, from its academic excellence and traditions to its economic and cultural impact, have transformed the town into a hub of innovation and exploration. Little wonder, then, that Charlottesville鈥檚 rich history, picturesque campus, and thriving downtown make this Southern town a destination that appeals to students, alumni, residents, and visitors.
