ABOUT VIRGINIA: ALBEMARLE, VA

Albemarle County, Virginia nestles at the foothills of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Albemarle County lies approximately 70 miles west of the bustling capital city of Richmond and 110 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., our nation's capital. Willem Anne van Keppel, the 2nd Earl of Albemarle and Virginia's titular Governor at the time of the area's founding, is the inspiration for the name of Albemarle County.

The towns of Crozet, Keene, Scottsville and the independent city of Charlottesville make up Albemarle County, where nearly 80,000 citizens reside (Census 2000 data). Scottsville, population 555, is Albemarle County's only incorporated town. This scenic town, found along the banks of the James River, played a vital role in central Virginia's history. Keene is a tiny town with less than 15 residents and Crozet, known for Crozet Pizza, reported a population of 2,820.

Charlottesville, whose population was just over 45,000 in the 2000 Census, is an independent city that lies within the confines of Albemarle County. Although considered independent, Charlottesville serves as the seat of Albemarle County. For four years in a row, Charlottesville earned the distinction of a prominent listing among Money Magazine's 100 Best Places to Live and it has been Virginia's highest ranked city in each of those four years.

Charlottesville and the Albemarle County area is a vital economic hub for the region, where major employers such as the Inova Corporation and the Martha Jefferson Hospital draw employees from a seven-county area. Dominant sectors include agriculture, education, manufacturing, retail, services, trade and travel. The median income for a household is near the national average at $50,749 per year. Charlottesville, Virginia is also home to the prestigious University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson. Together, the University of Virginia Health Systems and the Martha Jefferson Hospital provide a wealth of jobs and a dynamic healthcare system to serve the community.

The extraordinary quality of life available to residents of Albemarle County, VA makes the area one of Virginia's most enviable places to live. The area contributes to a well-balanced lifestyle through its excellent schools, healthy economy and its wide range of recreational opportunities. A low crime rate blends security with a wealth of housing possibilities that range from Jeffersonian-style estates to Colonial farmhouses. In addition, residents enjoy a balanced climate with four full seasons of scenic beauty. Winters are mild with an average temperature of 37 and the mild, humid summers average 75 degrees.

Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, Albemarle County, Virginia also offers a wide array of cultural, historical and recreational attractions. The lush countryside teems with art galleries, museums, parks, shops and wineries that provide a balance to the areas numerous historical attractions. Stately presidential homes include Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, James Monroe's Ash-Lawn Highland and James Madison's Montpelier. Other popular sites include the Court Square Area and Michie Tavern.

Albemarle County, VA includes nearly 730 square miles of striking beauty characterized by a vibrant skyline that illuminates the vast rolling hills. Cultural and educational advantages blend well with a prosperous economy to rank Albemarle County among America's premier communities for business and living.

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