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City of Charlottesville

The City of Charlottesville is home to a diverse economy, including business and financial services, bioscience, health services, and technology firms. Businesses benefit from Charlottesville’s strategic location, excellent road, rail and air transportation, a highly educated workforce, the University of Virginia, and exceptional quality of life in a small metro setting with natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Charlottesville was ranked a top 10 Best Cities for Work 2026 by Indeed.com.

Charlottesville Downtown Pedestrian Mall

Fast Facts

3.1% Unemployment Rate
180,249 Population within 30 minutes
$75,344 Average Annual Wages
65.0% Population with bachelor’s degree or higher

 

City of Charlottesville Advantages

  • Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia and is poised to unite the  University’s intellectual firepower with Charlottesville’s highly educated  workforce, leading to unique opportunities for businesses in the area. The  University’s innovative research and entrepreneurial support encourage  Charlottesville businesses’ diversity and success.

CFA Institute

  • Charlottesville has multiple access points to Interstate 64, offering  businesses easy access to I-95 and  I-81; US Routes 29 and 250 also  run through Charlottesville.
  • Charlottesville is home to one of the longest and most successful  pedestrian malls in the nation,  which is located in the beautiful  and historic downtown area. In 2026, the Downtown Mall is celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
  • Charlottesville has been voted Best Place to Live in America, Top 15 Happiest Cities in the U.S., and a Top 10 Best Small College Town!
  • The entire Charlottesville footprint has a Technology Zone designation, allowing  the city to offer incentives to technology companies looking to do business here.

Target Industries

Charlottesville Fact Sheet


Contact Information:

Chris Engel, Director of Economic Development
Phone: (434) 970-3110
E-mail: engel@charlottesville.gov
Website: Charlottesville Office of Economic Development

Address:
610 East Market Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902