Is Crozet Expensive?

A Comprehensive Look at Crozet Real Estate, Schools, and Property Taxes

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just west of Charlottesville, Crozet, Virginia, has emerged as one of the most desirable communities in Albemarle County.

With its charming downtown, excellent schools, and proximity to both natural beauty and urban amenities, it’s no surprise that prospective homebuyers frequently ask: Is Crozet expensive?

The short answer is yes…but the full picture reveals why many families find the investment worthwhile.

The Cost of Living in Crozet

According to recent data, Crozet’s cost of living is approximately 2% higher than the national average and about 21% higher than the Virginia state average. Payscale confirms that housing costs drive most of this premium.

The typical home in Crozet costs around $498,400, which is 47.4% more expensive than the national average and 45.2% higher than the average Virginia home. This substantial housing premium reflects the area’s strong demand, excellent amenities, and limited inventory.

Crozet Real Estate Prices: Single-Family Homes

The Crozet single-family homes have shown remarkable resilience and continued appreciation.

As of early 2025, the median sale price for homes in Crozet reached approximately $492,000 to $600,000, depending on the data source and specific month.

Redfin and Realtor.com show year-over-year price increases, with the 3rd Quarter of 2025 CAAR MLS Housing Report reporting an 11.1% increase in median listing prices.

For detached single-family homes specifically, the numbers tell an even more premium story. According to a detailed third-quarter 2024 real estate report, the average price for detached homes in Crozet rose 5.5% to $686,000. The average price per square foot reached $245, with newly built homes commanding even higher premiums at an average of $823,000 and $281 per square foot.

The Crozet real estate market remains competitive, with resale homes selling in a median time of just 13 days, and approximately 60% of properties selling at or above list price.

This speed and pricing power indicate sustained demand despite elevated mortgage rates. Interestingly, about half of all sales in Crozet are new construction, a reflection of limited resale inventory as current homeowners remain locked into lower mortgage rates.

Crozet Townhome Prices: A More Affordable Entry Point

For buyers seeking more affordable entry into the Crozet market, townhomes and attached villas present compelling options. The Crozet Gazette reported that the Crozet townhome market has been particularly active, representing 49 out of 92 total sales in the third quarter of 2024.

Crozet townhomes averaged around $489,000 with a construction cost of approximately $233 per square foot.

Resale townhomes offer even better value, with average prices around $424,000, representing an 11% year-over-year increase but still significantly more affordable than detached homes. These properties move quickly, with a median time on market of just six days, and two-thirds selling at or above asking price.

Specific neighborhoods like Bargamin Park feature townhomes with a 2025 median sales price of $433,000 and an extremely fast median of 4 days on market since they are the older, more affordable Crozet townhomes.

The popularity of townhomes reflects their role as the most consistently affordable housing option in Crozet, particularly appealing to first-time buyers, downsizers, and those prioritizing location and amenities over square footage.

Best Crozet Neighborhoods and HOA Fees

Old Trail stands out as Crozet’s premier master-planned community, offering a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and extensive amenities including trails, parks, a golf club, and swim club. Click to view Old Trail homes for sale. Old Trail’s median home price sits at approximately $674,000, reflecting its desirability according to Realtor.com.

HOA fees in Old Trail vary by property type.

According to updated 2025 information, the quarterly HOA fee is $207 for most properties.

For Old Trail townhomes, monthly fees are approximately $102, which includes weekly landscaping, fall seeding, mulch, mowing, ice removal, and snow plowing.

Other Crozet townhome neighborhoods like Parkside Village, Wickham Pond, The Highlands, Glenbrook, and Bargamin Park may have varying fees, with some listings showing monthly fees ranging from $67 to $110 depending on the specific unit and amenities.

Popular, smaller Crozet neighborhoods include Wickham Pond, Glenbrook, Pleasant Green, Westhall, Grayrock, Chesterfield Landing, The Highlands, Stonegate, Cory Farm, Liberty Hall, Western Ridge, and Bargamin Park, each offering distinct characteristics and price points.

These communities typically feature HOA fees that maintain common areas, manage snow removal, and preserve neighborhood aesthetics.

Western Albemarle Schools: Academic Excellence

One of Crozet’s strongest selling points is its access to highly-rated Western Albemarle County schools. Western Albemarle High School consistently ranks among Virginia’s top public high schools from US News, earning a #52 ranking statewide.

The school receives impressive ratings across multiple platforms: GreatSchools awards it a 9 out of 10 rating, noting it performs “above average compared to public and charter schools in Virginia with the same grade levels.”

Niche gives Western Albemarle High School an overall grade of A, with a rating of 3.86 out of 5 based on student and parent reviews.

SchoolDigger ranks it 45th out of 328 Virginia high schools with a 4-star rating.

The school offers extensive Advanced Placement coursework, maintains a 3.69 average GPA, and boasts strong student achievement scores.

For families prioritizing education, the Western Albemarle schools represent exceptional value and are a significant factor driving Crozet’s real estate premium.

Albemarle County Real Estate Taxes

Property taxes in Albemarle County are relatively reasonable, particularly when compared to Northern Virginia jurisdictions.

For 2025, the Albemarle County real estate tax rate is $0.894 per $100 of assessed value. This represents a modest increase from the previous rate of $0.854 per $100.

To put this in practical terms, a home assessed at $500,000 would have an annual property tax bill of approximately $4,470. For a $700,000 home, around the average for detached homes in Crozet, the annual property tax would be about $6,258.

These figures are notably lower than neighboring Charlottesville City, which has a rate of $0.98 per $100 of assessed value.

Property assessments in Albemarle County increased by approximately 5.1% for 2025, reflecting continued appreciation in the real estate market. Virginia’s statewide average effective property tax rate of 0.76% remains well below the national average of 0.90%, making it a relatively tax-friendly state for homeowners.

The Verdict: Is Crozet Expensive?

Yes, Crozet is expensive relative to both national averages and much of Virginia. However, the premium reflects genuine value: top-rated schools, a tight-knit community with excellent amenities, stunning natural surroundings, and convenient access to Charlottesville’s employment and cultural opportunities.

The strong market fundamentals, quick sale times, consistent appreciation, and limited inventory, suggest that Crozet’s pricing is supported by sustained demand rather than speculation.

For buyers Crozet townhomes offer the most accessible entry point at around $420,000-$490,000, while detached homes command a significant premium averaging $686,000-$823,000 for Crozet new construction.

Reasonable HOA fees and property taxes help offset some of the housing costs, and the exceptional school system provides long-term value for families with children.

Ultimately, whether Crozet is expensive depends on individual circumstances and priorities.

For those who value quality of life, educational excellence, and community character, many find that Crozet delivers exceptional returns on their housing investment.

Also see: Living in Crozet – A 2026 Local’s Guide

And, 27 Reasons To Love Living in Crozet VA

Toby Beavers, a savvy Crozet realtor since 2003, may be reached by text or phone at 434-327-2999