25 Safest Charlottesville Neighborhoods 2026
By Toby Beavers, Charlottesville Realtor Since 2003 | tobybeaversrealtor.com
I have been selling real estate in Charlottesville and Albemarle County since 2003, and if there is one question I hear more than any other, it is some version of this: “Toby, which neighborhoods are actually safe?”
It is a fair and important question, and it deserves a real answer, not a vague wave toward the suburbs.
Here is what I have learned after more than two decades in this market: safety is not a single number.
It is a combination of factors that includes traffic patterns, lighting, the pride residents take in their homes, community involvement, natural surveillance from neighbors, lot sizes that limit density, and, yes, whether a neighborhood has controlled access.
When you weigh all of those elements together, Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer some genuinely exceptional options.
I also want to be upfront about something before we dive in.
Some of the most widely circulated online crime maps misrepresent what is actually happening on the ground here.
For example, crimegrade.org places red overlays on areas like Farmington Country Club and Boar’s Head Resort, both of which have around-the-clock security.
That coloring is misleading.
Similarly, NeighborhoodScout calculates Charlottesville’s crime rate against all U.S. cities of all sizes, which inflates the city’s apparent danger level.
The most useful picture for city neighborhoods comes from areavibes.com, which focuses on Charlottesville specifically and at the neighborhood level.
For context, CrimeGrade.org does note that Charlottesville’s violent crime rate earns a B grade, meaning it sits below the national average for violence, and that the southwest parts of the city rank as the safest overall.
Once you move outside city limits into Albemarle County, crime rates drop significantly.
The 25 safest Charlottesville neighborhoods mentioned below are presented in alphabetical order.
Each of these 25 safest Charlottesville neighborhoods earns its place on this list for tangible, observable reasons.
Ashcroft
Gated: No
Ashcroft sits on a mountainside in eastern Albemarle County, about ten minutes from the Downtown Mall and across the road from Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital.
There is one builder in Ashcroft and that’s R. L. Beyer Homes.
Spanning more than 500 acres of hardwood forest, the neighborhood was designed with a single main entrance, which naturally filters outside traffic.
Ashcroft lots typically run between one and three acres, and the terrain itself, rolling ridges and forested valleys, creates natural separation between properties.
Residents have access to a private pool, renovated fitness center, tennis, pickleball, basketball, and volleyball courts, plus more than 10 miles of trails through 170 acres of nature preserves.
The annual Oktoberfest gathering and an active homeowners association keep the community cohesive.
Schools are through Albemarle County Public Schools, with Stone-Robinson Elementary, Burley Middle, and Monticello High schools.
Median prices generally range from $695,000 to $2,709,000.
Bellair
Gated: No
Bellair is a classic Charlottesville suburban neighborhood in the Ivy area, located conveniently close to Boar’s Head Resort and Farmington Country Club.
It benefits from calm, predictable traffic patterns and a community culture where neighbors know each other.
Bellair homes typically feature updated interiors, large backyards, and easy access to grocery and retail.
The commute to UVA runs about 10 to 15 minutes, and I-64 access makes regional travel straightforward.
Median prices generally range from $600,000 to $900,000.
Bentivar
Gated: No
Bentivar is an estate-style community in northeast Albemarle County, close to Route 29.
Its safety comes largely from design: A railroad tunnel you must past through at one entrance, low density, no through streets, and large wooded parcels that keep activity contained to residents.
Some lots offer equestrian potential.
Many Bentivar homes include private pools, detached garages, and generous outdoor spaces.
Buyers at Bentivar tend to stay for a long time, which contributes to the neighborhood’s stable, watchful atmosphere.
Median prices run from approximately $900,000 to $1,800,000.
Blandemar Farm Estates
Gated: No
Blandemar Farm Estates sits in a countryside setting with preserved open space, estate lots, wooded buffers, and a scenic lake.
The layout actively discourages through traffic, and the spacious parcels mean homes are well separated.
Many properties include guest houses, barns, and large porches that face stunning pastoral views.
Buyers here are typically seeking a refined rural lifestyle within a reasonable drive of Charlottesville, which brings a self-selecting stable community.
Median prices range from $900,000 to over $2 million.
Bundoran Farm
Gated: No
Located in North Garden in southern Albemarle County, Bundoran Farm is one of the most thoughtfully designed conservation communities in Virginia.
More than 2,000 acres of conserved land surround the homesites, which are positioned to protect scenic viewsheds. Horses, sheep, and cattle are grazed.
Private trails are open for hiking and horseback riding, apple orchards add agricultural charm, and Pippin Hill Farm and Winery calls this community home.
Development density is intentionally low, keeping traffic minimal.
Median prices run from $900,000 to $1.8 million.
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Colthurst Farm
Gated: No
Located in the Western Albemarle School District.
Colthurst Farm Charlottesville homes are located just west of the University area, offering a prime address near the Farmington corridor.
This established neighborhood features a mix of classic brick colonials, traditional two story residences, and thoughtfully updated properties on spacious lots.
Many Colthurst Farm homes were built in the mid twentieth century and showcase solid construction, hardwood floors, and timeless architectural details.
Buyers are often drawn to Colthurst because of its proximity to the University of Virginia and the grounds designed by Thomas Jefferson.
Residents enjoy quick access to the shops and restaurants at Barracks Road Shopping Center as well as everyday conveniences along Emmet Street.
Colthurst Farm offers a quiet, tree lined setting while remaining just minutes from Downtown Charlottesville and the Historic Court Square district.
Home sizes in Colthurst Farm typically range from approximately 2,000 to over 4,000 square feet, with many properties offering mature landscaping and private backyards.
The neighborhood’s established character and limited turnover contribute to steady resale demand.
Many homes have been renovated to include modern kitchens, expanded primary suites, and open concept living spaces that appeal to today’s buyers.
Colthurst Farm’s location provides an easy commute to the University of Virginia Medical Center and other major employers in the area.
Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate nearby walking trails, parks, and the scenic beauty that defines Charlottesville living.
The Colthurst Farm neighborhood is not gated, but its low traffic streets create a strong sense of privacy and community.
Architectural styles in Colthurst Farm tend to emphasize symmetry, brick facades, and traditional rooflines that have stood the test of time.
Because of its central location and established reputation, Colthurst Farm homes often attract professionals, University affiliates, and long term Charlottesville residents.
For buyers seeking classic Charlottesville charm combined with convenience and lasting value, Colthurst Farm remains one of the area’s most desirable residential enclaves.
Median prices fall between $957,000 and $4.4 million.
Cory Farms
Gated: No
Located in Crozet, Cory Farms offers large lots and a friendly neighborhood character.
Streets see very little through traffic, children play outside regularly, and the proximity to Western Albemarle County schools, including Western Albemarle High School, is a consistent draw for families.
The Crozet area has grown considerably over the past decade but still maintains the small-town feel that buyers are looking for.
Median prices fall between $700,000 and $1.4 million.
Dunlora
Gated: No
Dunlora is one of the most sought-after family communities in Albemarle County, located off Rio Road in the northeast part of the county.
It is not gated, but its roads, playgrounds, street lighting, clubhouse, pool, and tennis courts create the kind of pedestrian-friendly environment that naturally generates community oversight.
Neighbors are engaged, HOA events are well-attended, and the commute to UVA and downtown runs 10 to 15 minutes.
Median prices range from $700,000 to over $1 million.
Far Hills
Gated: Yes
Far Hills is a gated community in the Ivy area with elevated views and estate-sized cul-de-sac lots.
Controlled access keeps outside traffic away entirely.
Custom homes often feature home offices, outdoor kitchens, and private pools.
Proximity to western Albemarle schools and quick access to UVA and Martha Jefferson Hospital make it practical as well as beautiful.
Median prices range from $1 million to $3 million and above.
Farmington
Gated: No
Farmington surrounds the historic Farmington Country Club in Ivy and has maintained its prestige and stability for generations.
Farmington Country Club offers golf, tennis, swimming, gym, pilates, dining, and an active social calendar for members.
Estate-sized parcels and winding interior roads keep traffic slow and residents connected.
Despite not being gated, this neighborhood has never felt anything other than secure in my experience, and long-term residents create a watchful, close-knit community.
Median prices span from $900,000 to over $8 million.
Foxchase & Foxchase Landing
Gated: No
Located in Crozet along Rt 250.
Positioned along Route 250 West in the heart of Western Albemarle County, Foxchase and Foxchase Landing occupy some of the most visually striking residential terrain between Ivy and Crozet, where the Blue Ridge Mountains rise dramatically to the west and Lickinghole Creek winds quietly through the landscape below.
Foxchase was first developed in 2003 and ultimately built out to 56 custom home sites, and then in 2016 Foxchase Landing was introduced as a companion enclave of just 14 home sites, privately bordered by a natural lake, a land preservation tract, and the mature tree canopy that gives this inner pocket its distinctly unhurried character.
Home sites in Foxchase span from roughly three-quarters of an acre to nearly two acres, while Foxchase Landing parcels run between half an acre and 1.3 acres, generous proportions that keep density low and give every household a meaningful sense of separation from its neighbors.
Finished square footage across both communities typically falls between 2,000 and just over 4,000 square feet, though several homes have been built well beyond that range, including recent sales featuring seven bedrooms and more than 8,000 square feet of living space.
Architectural variety is one of the quiet pleasures of walking through either community, with colonial, Georgian, Queen Anne, Craftsman, and classic custom designs appearing throughout both neighborhoods.
Builders include Craig Builders, Gibson Homes, Arcadia Builders, Dobson Homes, Gaffney Homes, and several other respected regional firms in Foxchase, while Southern Classic Homes served as the primary builder shaping Foxchase Landing’s residential character.
One of Foxchase Landing’s most frequently cited distinctions is its unusually dense tree coverage, a feature that stands out in a broader Crozet market where rapid growth has stripped much of the surrounding area of its mature canopy, making preservation-minded buyers take notice here in a way they simply cannot elsewhere in the zip code.
Amenities: Every homeowner in both Foxchase and Foxchase Landing has access to a shared set of resident amenities managed through the community owners association, covering a swimming pool, a tennis court, a fully equipped fitness room, a clubhouse available for private events, maintained walking trails, and several small fishing ponds distributed throughout the common areas.
The quarterly HOA assessment for both communities has run approximately $378, which is a reasonable figure when weighed against the breadth of maintained infrastructure and the professional landscaping that keeps the neighborhood’s common spaces consistently well-presented.
Foxchase Landing residents participate in the community’s Architectural Review Board, ensuring that new construction and exterior modifications meet the neighborhood’s established design standards, though the Landing’s governance structure keeps its owners off the primary Foxchase HOA board itself.
Families with school-age children will find the public school assignment here to be one of the most consistently appealing in all of Albemarle County, with both communities zoned for Brownsville Elementary School, Henley Middle School, and Western Albemarle High School, a pipeline that draws relocating buyers to this corridor year after year.
Daily convenience is genuinely strong for a neighborhood of this character: the Blue Ridge Shopping Center sits approximately one mile from the neighborhood entrance and offers a Harris Teeter supermarket, Cardinal Building Supply, and a well-rounded mix of specialty shops, medical and dental practices, and casual dining options.
The heart of downtown Crozet, with its independent coffee shops, local restaurants, public library, and steadily expanding retail scene is only a few minutes’ drive, giving residents small-town accessibility without any sacrifice in lifestyle quality.
Buyers who want access to a full-service fitness facility beyond the neighborhood exercise room will find the ACAC at Old Trail just five miles west, and the popular Old Trail Golf Course is close enough to make a late-afternoon round entirely practical on a weekday.
Interstate 64 is easily reached from either community, placing the full resources of Charlottesville, including the University of Virginia, major medical centers, and the historic Downtown Mall, within a comfortable 15-to-20-minute drive.
Median prices run from $1,400,000 to $1, 65,000.
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Frays Grant
Gated: No
Frays Grant is located in Earlysville with large lots, quiet streets, equestrian-friendly parcels, and easy access to Charlottesville Albemarle Airport.
Landscaped common areas and walking paths give it a maintained, cared-for quality that speaks to community pride.
Residents appreciate the rural tranquility combined with practical accessibility to shopping, dining, and the airport.
Median prices run from $600,000 to $1.5 million.
Glenmore
Gated: Yes
Glenmore in Keswick is one of the region’s premier gated communities.
A staffed gatehouse controls access, and the neighborhood offers a championship golf course, clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pools, tennis courts, dining, and sweeping Southwest Mountain views.
The Glenmore equestrian center adds an additional layer of lifestyle amenity.
Schools are through Albemarle County Public Schools.
Median prices historically start around $967,000 and reach $2.5 million or higher.
Greencroft
Gated: No
Greencroft is a walkable, tree-lined community in the Ivy area that sits
Greencroft neighborhood is anchored by the historic Greencoft Club known for its fun social events, dining, swimming, and tennis/ pickleball.
Greencroft is conveniently close to Downtown Charlottesville’s restaurants, boutiques, and theaters via Rt 250.
Sidewalks encourage pedestrian activity, which increases natural surveillance and community connection.
Many homes feature front porches and fenced yards.
For buyers who want city access with a calmer residential feel, Greencroft delivers consistently.
Median prices range from $600,000 to $900,000 and above.
Ivy Fields
Gated: No
Ivy Fields combines modern home designs with green space and a family-friendly layout.
The neighborhood’s design discourages cut-through traffic, keeping streets calm.
Playgrounds and open lawns invite outdoor activity, and proximity to Western Albemarle County schools is a major draw.
Median prices fall between $700,000 and $1.2 million.
Kenridge
Gated: No
Kenridge is an established luxury townhome neighborhood in the Ivy corridor with mature trees, sidewalks, and easy access to parks and retail.
The stability of long-term residents creates a reassuring predictability.
Commutes to UVA and downtown run 10 to 15 minutes.
For buyers seeking lower-maintenance ownership without sacrificing location quality, Kenridge is a reliable choice.
Median prices run from $600,000 to over $1 million.
Keswick Estate
Gated: Yes
Keswick Estate is a gated community in the rolling countryside east of Charlottesville, with estate-sized lots and views of the Southwest Mountains.
The proximity to Keswick Hall, a AAA Four Diamond resort with fine dining, spa services, and golf, is a genuine lifestyle advantage.
Lots are generous enough to feel completely private, and the gated entry provides that additional layer of reassurance.
Median prices range from $800,000 to $3 million.
Lewis Mountain
Gated: No
Right inside the City of Charlottesville, Lewis Mountain is a neighborhood that surprises a lot of buyers with its safety profile.
It sits adjacent to the University of Virginia Grounds, and crime statistics from areavibes.com consistently show total incidents running significantly below the city average here.
The resident base of professors, administrators, and longtime UVA affiliates creates an attentive, stable community.
Tree-lined streets with mature oaks and maples give it a suburban feel despite being a city neighborhood.
Foods of All Nations is a short walk away, along with other daily conveniences. Barracks Road Shopping Center is a short drive.
School options include Trailblazer Elementary, Buford Middle, Charlottesville High, and the nearby St. Anne’s-Belfield School for families exploring private education.
Walk Score for this area reaches 78 out of 100.
Median sale prices in recent years have exceeded $1 million, with some trailing 12-month medians approaching $1.36 million.
Properties move quickly, often in under a week.
For anyone tied to UVA or wanting city access with genuine neighborhood safety, Lewis Mountain stands apart.
Old Trail
Gated: No
Old Trail in Crozet is a master-planned walkable village with 18-hole golf, tennis courts, Olympic-size pool, full gym, restaurants, coffee shops, retail, fitness studios, parks, playgrounds, and Blue Ridge Mountain views all within easy reach.
A community pool and Old Trail Golf access round out the amenities.
The thoughtful planning means residents interact regularly, which builds the informal community oversight that contributes meaningfully to safety.
Western Albemarle County schools serve the area.
Median prices range from $650,000 to $900,000 and above for homes and townhomes.
Ragged Mountain Farm
Gated: No
Ragged Mountain Farm in Ivy feels private without a gate because the estate lots and natural wooded buffers do the work on their own.
Proximity to the Ragged Mountain Natural Area means residents have thousands of acres of hiking, birding, and outdoor recreation steps from their door.
Ragged Mountain homes typically feature luxury finishes and expansive outdoor living spaces.
The setting is refined and unhurried.
Median prices fall between $900,000 and $2 million.
Redfields
Gated: No
Redfields sits south of I-64 near Charlottesville with spacious yards, open skies, and suburban surroundings that keep traffic minimal.
It is served by Albemarle County Public Schools and commutes to UVA and downtown run 15 to 25 minutes.
Neighborhood trails and parks add outdoor appeal.
The relaxed pace of the area combined with ample square footage makes it attractive to families and those downsizing from larger estates.
Median prices range from $650,000 to $1.2 million.
Rosemont
Gated: No
Rosemont is located on a historic Ivy farm site, with scenic large estates facing west toward the Blue Ridge Mountains and easy access to I-64.
Just 5 to 10 minutes from UVA and downtown, it offers one of the shortest commutes of any neighborhood on this list outside the city limits.
The mountain views are remarkable, and the combination of estate-scale privacy with proximity to everything makes this a particularly strong option.
Median prices range from $700,000 to $1.3 million.
Spring Hill Farm
Gated: No
Spring Hill Farm in Ivy is an estate community set on a historic farm with equestrian facilities, fenced pastures, and barns.
Quiet rural roads and open pastoral land create the kind of environment where virtually no unwanted outside activity occurs.
For buyers seeking true country living with room to breathe, this is a compelling option.
Median prices run from $900,000 to $2 million.
Walnut Hill
Gated: Yes
Walnut Hill in Earlysville is gated and sits on rolling wooded hills with a large private lake.
The controlled entry keeps outside traffic away, and large lots mean residents enjoy genuine privacy.
The neighborhood is just minutes from Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, which is a practical benefit for frequent travelers.
Albemarle County Public Schools serve the area.
Median prices range from $700,000 to $1.3 million.
West Leigh
Gated: No
West Leigh rounds out this list as a well-organized suburban community in the Ivy corridor.
Landscaped common areas, sidewalks, garages, and updated homes all reflect the pride of ownership that defines stable, secure neighborhoods.
Commutes to UVA run 10 to 20 minutes.
For investors, the area also holds consistent appeal.
Median prices range from $650,000 to $1.1 million.
What These Neighborhoods Have in Common
Looking across all 24 safest Charlottesville neighborhoods 2026, a few patterns stand out clearly.
The safest neighborhoods in this area share at least several of the following qualities: limited entry and exit points that filter traffic, low overall density, active homeowners associations that create community cohesion, residents with long tenure who know their neighbors, good lighting and pedestrian infrastructure, and, in several cases, gated entry.
None of this means that other Charlottesville neighborhoods are unsafe.
The broader Charlottesville area, particularly the southwest and northeast parts of the city, scores well on violent crime measures according to CrimeGrade.org, which rates the city’s violent crime in the 64th percentile for safety nationally.
Property crime is the more significant concern in the city proper, particularly in the downtown core, which sees higher incident counts driven by commercial activity and visitor traffic.
The 24 safest Charlottesville neighborhoods 2026 on this list, however, consistently outperform city and national averages across the board, and buyers who choose them report high satisfaction with the calm, stable atmosphere they find.
A Final Word from Toby Beavers
If you are relocating to Charlottesville or looking to move within the area and want guidance on which neighborhood best fits your lifestyle, budget, and safety priorities, I am happy to walk you through the details.
I have helped families, UVA faculty, executives, and retirees find the right community here for over 23 years, and I know these neighborhoods from the inside, not just from listing data.
Visit tobybeaversrealtor.com to browse current listings in these communities or to schedule a consultation.
Whether you are drawn to the gated elegance of Glenmore and Keswick Estate, the conservation beauty of Bundoran Farm, the walkable convenience of Old Trail, or the historic prestige of Farmington, Charlottesville and Albemarle County have a safe, welcoming neighborhood that fits what you are looking for.
Sources referenced in this article include CrimeGrade.org, NeighborhoodScout.com, and areavibes.com for crime and safety data.
Neighborhood details, school zoning, and pricing information reflect current market conditions as of 2026.
All real estate data is subject to change.
Contact Toby Beavers at tobybeaversrealtor.com at 434-327-2999 for the most current listings and market analysis.