Living in Earlysville, Virginia

Toby Beavers Realtor Guide to Amenities, Commutes & Lifestyle

As a Charlottesville real estate agent since 2003, I’ve watched Earlysville, VA, transform into one of Albemarle County’s most sought-after communities.

Located just nine miles northwest of Charlottesville, this charming area offers the perfect blend of rural tranquility and modern convenience that today’s homebuyers crave.

See Living in Earlysville, Virginia

The 2025-2026 Earlysville VA Real Estate Market

The Earlysville housing market continues to show impressive strength.

Recent data reveals that the median home sold price reached $569,900 in September 2025, while median listing prices have climbed to approximately $745,000, representing a 12.5% year-over-year increase.

See recently sold Earlysville homes here.

Earlysville homes here are selling briskly, with homes spending an average of just 53 days on the market before going under contract.

What’s driving this demand?

Buyers are discovering that Earlysville VA homes for sale offer exceptional value compared to in-town Charlottesville properties, with the added benefit of larger lots and more privacy.

The market has seen steady appreciation, with some properties commanding prices ranging from $120,000 for smaller homes to upwards of $14 million for Earlysville luxury homes.

The median home price per square foot has risen to around $233, reflecting the quality construction and desirable locations that define this area.

Top-Rated Albemarle Public Schools

One of Earlysville’s biggest selling points is access to excellent Albemarle County Public Schools.

The district consistently ranks in the top 2% of public school divisions nationwide, earning an “A” grade from Niche with a 3.94 out of 5 rating.

Families particularly appreciate Broadus Wood Elementary School, which serves the Earlysville area and maintains a respectable 7/10 rating on GreatSchools.

The Middle School is Journey.

The high school is Albemarle High.

These schools offer strong academic programs, with numerous Advanced Placement courses available at the high school level.

The district’s commitment to educational excellence means that children receive a quality education without requiring private school tuition, a significant consideration for many families relocating to the area.

Churches and Community Connections

Earlysville maintains a strong sense of community, with several churches serving as gathering places for residents.

Historic Buck Mountain Episcopal Church stands out as a welcoming, inclusive congregation that embodies the area’s warm, neighborly spirit.

The Earlysville Union Church has long been a community anchor, and residents also have easy access to numerous faith communities throughout greater Charlottesville representing diverse denominations and spiritual traditions.

Convenient Amenities and the Hollymead Shopping Center

One of Earlysville’s greatest conveniences is the nearby Hollymead Town Center, a modern shopping complex featuring over 30 shops and restaurants.

Major retailers like Target, Harris Teeter, and PetSmart provide everyday necessities, while dining options range from quick-service favorites like Chipotle and Five Guys to sit-down restaurants such as Timberwood Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Sakura Japanese Steakhouse.

Timberwood Grill deserves special mention as a local favorite since 2005, offering everything from wood-fired pizzas to hearty American fare in a welcoming atmosphere.

The restaurant’s craft beer selection and full bar make it a popular spot for both casual family dinners and evenings out with friends.

Proximity to Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport

Air travelers appreciate Earlysville’s unbeatable location just 2-4 miles from Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO).

This proximity means you can leave your home and be through security in under 15 minutes, a luxury that frequent flyers truly value.

The airport offers direct flights to major hubs, making national and international travel remarkably convenient for such a rural-feeling community.

Commuting and Accessibility

Earlysville residents enjoy easy access to major employment centers via Route 29 North.

The commute to downtown Charlottesville takes approximately 15-20 minutes, while the University of Virginia and UVA Health System are similarly accessible.

Many residents also work at nearby business parks, including the UVA Research Park at North Fork, which is just minutes away.

For those commuting to the DC metro area (2.25 hours), Earlysville offers a more affordable alternative to Northern Virginia while maintaining reasonable access to the capital region for occasional trips.

Fox Hunting and Equestrian Heritage

Earlysville sits in Virginia’s celebrated horse country, where fox hunting traditions remain vibrant with the historic Farmington Hunt Club.

The area is within the territory of several hunt clubs, and the rolling countryside provides ideal terrain for these historic pursuits.

Earlysville Horse Boarding Facilities

For equestrian enthusiasts, Earlysville offers exceptional horse boarding options. Several premier facilities provide first-class care, custom feeding programs, and access to riding trails through the beautiful Virginia countryside.

The area’s commitment to horse culture means that veterinary services, farriers, and equestrian supply stores are readily available.

Many properties in the area come with existing stables or sufficient acreage to build your own equestrian facility.

Residents with equestrian interests will find numerous horse boarding facilities nearby, offering professional care and training services.

The community’s agricultural character means large lots are common, and many properties feature their own stables and riding areas.

View Charlottesville area farms for sale.

Dining Beyond the Shopping Centers

While Hollymead Town Center provides convenient dining, Earlysville residents also enjoy quick access to Charlottesville’s renowned restaurant scene.

From farm-to-table establishments to international cuisine, the area offers culinary diversity that rivals much larger cities.

Local favorites include numerous restaurants within a 15-minute drive, ensuring that everything from casual dinners to special celebrations can be accommodated.

Earlysville Vineyards and Wine Country Living

Earlysville benefits from its location in the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA), surrounded by award-winning vineyards and wineries.

Chisholm Vineyards is nearby, offering 100% estate-grown Virginia wines in a beautiful farm setting.

Hark Vineyards crafts elegant wines on 20-acres of vines amidst 80 acres of rolling, bucolic foothills of Earlysville. Its serene patio and pastoral views offer a quintessential Virginia wine country escape.

Weekend wine tastings have become a beloved local tradition, and residents enjoy exploring the numerous wineries that dot the countryside within a short drive.

This wine country atmosphere adds to Earlysville’s sophisticated rural character.

Rivers, Fishing, Hunting, and Kayaking

Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in and around Earlysville. The Rivanna River, located just minutes away, offers excellent kayaking and canoeing for paddlers of all skill levels. The Rivanna River Company provides rental equipment and guided trips, making water sports accessible to everyone.

Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in the Rivanna and various county reservoirs, including South Fork Rivanna Reservoir, Beaver Creek, and Chris Greene Lake.

Hunting remains popular in the area, with ample opportunities for deer and turkey.

Virginia hunting and fishing licenses can be easily obtained online or through local sporting goods stores.

The surrounding countryside provides vast areas for outdoor pursuits, and the region’s natural beauty makes every excursion memorable.

The 10 Top Neighborhoods in Earlysville, Virginia

Walnut Hill – This gated, luxury community offers upscale living with a beautiful lake, meticulously maintained homes, and prestigious addresses. Properties here represent the pinnacle of Earlysville living.
Earlysville Forest – Featuring homes on spacious, tree-lined lots, this neighborhood offers privacy and natural beauty with convenient access to Route 29.
Hickory Ridge – Known for quality construction and family-friendly atmosphere, Hickory Ridge provides excellent value in a peaceful setting.
Arbor Park – This established neighborhood offers a mix of home styles on generous lots, appealing to families seeking space and community.
Loftlands Glen – A quiet subdivision with well-maintained properties and a strong sense of community among residents.
Indian Springs – This planned community features modern homes with access to shared amenities and a neighborhood feel.
Frays Mill – Offering newer construction and contemporary designs, Frays Mill (often referred to as Advance Mills) attracts buyers seeking updated homes.
Blue Ridge Meadow – Rural lots with Blue Ridge Mountain views provide the ultimate in privacy and scenic beauty.
Frays Grant – A rare blend of pastoral tranquility and luxury living close to Charlottesville. This private enclave features expansive lots where discerning homeowners have built unique, sophisticated residences and horse farms. The community offers a peaceful retreat with stunning mountain views, all while ensuring convenient proximity to essential amenities and retail centers.
Tanager Woods – Nestled in northern Albemarle County, the Tanager Woods community in Earlysville, Virginia, provides a peaceful, semi-rural lifestyle. Residents enjoy larger properties set amidst natural scenery, creating a private and tranquil atmosphere. While the neighborhood itself is quiet and favored by those seeking retirement, it maintains excellent proximity to the urban amenities of Charlottesville, the University of Virginia, and the local airport.

The Earlysville Virginia Lifestyle

After two+ decades helping clients find their perfect Earlysville homes, I can confidently say that living in Earlysville, Virginia offers something truly special.

It’s where you can enjoy your morning coffee overlooking rolling pastures, spend your afternoon kayaking the Rivanna River, grab dinner at a local restaurant, and still be home in time to watch the sunset from your deck.

The combination of natural beauty, excellent schools, convenient amenities, and genuine community spirit makes Earlysville one of the best places to live in Central Virginia.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, growing family, equestrian enthusiast, or retiree seeking peaceful surroundings, Earlysville real estate deserves your serious consideration.

The market remains strong, and properties here continue to appreciate, making now an excellent time to explore what this exceptional community has to offer.

Living in Earlysville Virginia | Toby Beavers Realtor Guide