Life in Charlottesville
With the anticipation of your residency ahead of you, you'll be glad to know that Charlottesville and Albemarle County provide one of the most relaxing settings you could imagine. From the gently rolling slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the casually cosmopolitan style of the Downtown Mall, you're sure to find something to do that will be a welcome balance to your day.
Listen to what our residents have been saying:
"The high caliber of teaching I received as a medical student at UVA, and the allure of Charlottesville, made this program a frontrunner in my choice for residency. UVA offers just the right balance of quality of life and quality of education. Charlottesville is a cosmopolitan city in the middle of rural Virginia. After nearly 10 years here, I still haven't run out of fun things to do. Even as a resident, it's been possible for me to enjoy what Charlottesville has to offer and have a life away from the hospital. Besides spending time with my family, I like to dance, practice yoga, and learn about Virginia wines. Whatever interests you, there is ample opportunity to explore it here!"
Ashley Logan
Chief Resident"I attended UVA as an undergraduate and am thrilled to be back for residency. My husband is an Emergency Medicine resident here at UVA and we are enjoying being newlyweds in Charlottesville. It's a small town with a lot to offer. So far we've enjoyed dinners on the downtown mall, apple picking and hiking, playing in an ultimate frisbee summer league, and taking our dog out on the many trails around town. I could not be happier with the program and the location!"
Stephanie Chao Leary
First Year Resident
Activities and Attractions
With so much to explore, you can almost make having fun in Charlottesville and Albemarle a full-time hobby. Here are a couple of sites to get you started.
- Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau
Here you'll find lots of help to explore things going on at the University and in the community. Find out what locals love! Following up on your choices will lead you to plenty of links to other sites, too, like Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and many more. - Exploring the University of Virginia & Charlottesville
This University site has a lot of links to other sites as well. It also includes a brief QuickTime movie introduction to the area. There are also ideas on getting around (including parking). The University also maintains several online maps; start your explorations at the Maps & Directions page.
Finding Your Home
Whether you're looking for housing at the University ("on-Grounds," as they say) or for an apartment or house "off-Grounds," there are people available to help direct your search. Check out the the available links at Faculty & Staff Housing, part of the University's Housing Division. From there you can compare rates, read terms and conditions, and fill out your application for on-Grounds housing. For more "off-Grounds" housing options, continue your search online through a site maintained by the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS®, providing listings in Charlottesville, Albemarle, and other nearby counties. As many of our residents can attest, you may have to look a little, but it's definitely affordable to buy a house here on a resident's salary.