About UVA and Charlottesville

UVA Medical Center is part of the UVA Health System that provides state-of-the-art facilities for clinical care, education, and research. The UVA Children’s Hospital incorporates the CDRC and all the inpatient and outpatient services provided to children and their families.

Charlottesville is a small, thriving city of 48,000 people, geographically centered in Albemarle County, with a local area population of around 230,000. Approximately 110 miles southwest of Washington DC, and 70 miles west of Richmond, Charlottesville is nestled in the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.

Affectionately known as “C-Ville,” the city and surrounding area are home to a wide array of scenic, cultural, historical, and recreational activities. The region boasts a highly educated workforce, excellent school systems, high-quality health care, and affordable living.

Residents pride themselves on our local heritage, the area’s natural beauty, and our city’s nationally-ranked reputation. Charlottesville has enjoyed rankings as “#1 City in America” (Frommer’s), “Best Place to Live Among Small Cities” (Money magazine), “Top Ten Cities That Have It All” (A&E TV), “40 Best College Towns…” (Outside), “Healthiest Place to Live” (Kiplinger), “Hottest for Fitness” (Newsweek), and “Best Place to Raise a Family” (Readers’ Digest).

The area’s economic base centers on tourism, higher education, light industry, agriculture, and retail. Each year thousands of tourists view the Grounds of the University of Virginia and the homes of U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. The Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, and Shenandoah Valley offer recreational opportunities including hiking the Appalachian Trail, mountain biking, and white water rafting. Musical and cultural venues such as the Charlottesville Pavilion, John Paul Jones Arena, Paramount Theater, Jefferson Theater, The Southern, and the Virginia Film Festival bring national and international performers to town. Charlottesville-Albemarle is also host to an incredible selection of casual and fine dining establishments and an estimated 30 wineries within 30 miles of Charlottesville.

Whether visiting, interviewing, or moving and settling in, we hope you’ll explore the many attractions and services of our area. Please see Regional Info for Housestaff for helpful links.