Is Crozet, Virginia a Good Place to Live?

An Honest Local Perspective by Toby Beavers, Crozet, VA, Realtor Since 2003

I have helped buyers and sellers in Crozet since 2003, long before it became one of the most talked-about communities in Albemarle County.

Over the years, clients have asked me the same core questions before deciding to move here.

This article answers the ten questions I hear most often, based on real experience, local data, and day-to-day life in Crozet.

Crozet VA map. Is Crozet, Virginia a Good Place to Live?

Is Crozet, Virginia, a good place to live?

Yes, Crozet is a very good place to live, especially for people who want a balance of small-town feel, strong schools, and easy access to Charlottesville.

Crozet real estate offers planned neighborhoods, mountain views, walkable village areas, and a slower pace of life compared to downtown Charlottesville.

Many residents move here for the lifestyle and stay long term because it continues to meet their needs as families grow or careers change.

How safe is Crozet?

Crozet is considered a very safe community. Violent crime is rare, and most reported incidents involve minor property issues rather than personal safety concerns.

Many neighborhoods have sidewalks, community parks, and active homeowner associations, which naturally increase visibility and security.

Parents feel comfortable letting kids ride bikes, walk to friends’ houses, or play outside.

Safety is one of the biggest reasons buyers choose Crozet over more urban areas.

Is Crozet one of the richest neighborhoods in Charlottesville?

Crozet is not one of the richest neighborhoods in Charlottesville, but it is one of the most desirable and steadily appreciating areas in Albemarle County.

You will find a wide range of home prices, from townhomes and cottages to luxury estates with mountain views.

While areas like Farmington or Glenmore may have higher average home prices, Old Trail Crozet homes offers strong value for the quality of life, schools, and amenities.

Is Crozet a pleasant place to live?

Crozet is an exceptionally pleasant place to live.

The views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the slower pace, and the strong sense of community make everyday life enjoyable.

Local events like farmers markets, music nights, and seasonal festivals bring neighbors together.

Many residents tell me they feel less stressed living in Crozet compared to larger cities or busier parts of Charlottesville.

Does Crozet have good amenities?

Yes, Crozet has very good amenities for a community its size.

Residents enjoy two supermarkets, coffee shops, breweries, restaurants, fitness studios, medical offices, and specialty shops.

Crozet Park is a major highlight, offering sports fields, trails, playgrounds, and a swimming pool.

The nearby Blue Ridge Tunnel, Mint Springs Valley Park, and Skyline Drive provide easy access to outdoor recreation.

Scenic vineyards and breweries are only minutes away, making weekends easy to enjoy without long drives.

Is Crozet one of the best neighborhoods to live in Charlottesville?

Crozet is often considered one of the best areas to live in the greater Charlottesville region, especially for families and professionals who want space and schools without giving up convenience.

While Crozet is technically outside the city limits, many buyers prefer it to city neighborhoods because of newer homes, larger lots, and community planning.

From a real estate standpoint, Crozet homes consistently performs well in resale value and buyer demand.

Does Crozet have a homeless problem?

No, Crozet does not have a visible or widespread homeless problem.

Unlike parts of downtown Charlottesville, Crozet does not experience regular encampments or street homelessness.

The community is largely residential, and services for unhoused individuals are concentrated closer to the city.

This is an important consideration for buyers who prioritize neighborhood appearance and day to day comfort.

How good are the public schools in Crozet?

Crozet public schools are among the best in Albemarle County and Central Virginia.

The area is served by Western Albemarle schools, including Brownsville Elementary, Crozet Elementary, Henley Middle School, and Western Albemarle High School.

These schools consistently receive strong ratings for academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs.

Many families move specifically for these schools, which directly supports long term home values.

Your Personalized Crozet Neighborhood and School Guide

Since I first started selling homes in Crozet in 2003, I have watched this community grow and change.

Today Crozet offers an attractive mix of neighborhoods for families, professionals, retirees, and second home buyers.

Below is a breakdown of key Crozet neighborhoods, what sets them apart, how the local schools serve different areas, and what you can expect in terms of home prices.

Crozet Neighborhoods and What Makes Them Unique

Here are some of the most popular neighborhoods you will find in Crozet:

Old Trail
This is one of Crozet’s most well-known and established master-planned communities. Old Trail has walkable streets, neighborhood parks, trails, and a strong sense of community involvement. Many homes here are Craftsman or traditional styles with options for different budgets. Old Trail also offers fancy townhomes.

Western Ridge
One of my favorite areas, Western Ridge offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, homes with a range of sizes, and easy access to trails and outdoor spaces. This family-oriented Crozet neighborhood has a mix of single-family homes built primarily from the early 2000s to the 2010s.

Westhall
Westhall homes sit in a wooded, quiet setting with modern construction and an emphasis on outdoor living. If you want a peaceful home close to nature, Westhall is hard to beat.

Downtown Crozet
Closer to the town center, you will find homes on smaller lots as well as older farmhouses and cottages. The advantage here is proximity to restaurants, breweries, shops, and local events.

Foothill Crossing and Chesterfield Landing
These areas are newer developments that provide modern home styles, open floor plans, and mountain views. They are close to schools and convenient for daily errands.

Parkside Village and Highlands at Mechums River
Parkside Village has mature trees and a classic neighborhood feel near town. Highlands at Mechums River offers older custom homes and townhomes with sweeping views and privacy for buyers who want more space.

Current Home Prices in Crozet

Here are rough home price ranges based on recent sales data and current listings:

Townhomes and smaller single family homes: often found from around $350,000 to $500,000 in and around downtown Crozet and some newer developments.
Typical single family homes in established neighborhoods like Western Ridge, Chesterfield Landing, and Cory Farm: generally range from the high $400,000s to the mid $700,000s.
Larger homes or luxury lots in places like Old Trail, Westhall, and newer custom neighborhoods: can sell from the high $700,000s into the $1.3 million plus range depending on size, views, and features.
As of Jan 2026, median listing prices in Crozet hovered around the mid $500,000s, with active demand keeping homes competitive and often selling relatively quickly.

These numbers are approximate and vary by market conditions, lot size, finishes, and exact location.

School Attendance and Performance

Crozet is part of the well-regarded Albemarle County Public School Division. The schools most Crozet families focus on are:

Brownsville Elementary School
This school serves many Crozet neighborhoods and consistently earns strong academic results above state averages. Parents appreciate the close community and focus on foundational learning.

Crozet Elementary School
Located near the heart of town, Crozet Elementary is another strong option. Smaller class sizes and a supportive environment are often cited as strengths by local families.

Joseph T. Henley Middle School
Henley has a strong academic reputation, with engaging programs in arts and athletics and a community feel that many families value.

Western Albemarle High School
This high school is frequently ranked among the top public high schools in Virginia. It offers Advanced Placement courses, competitive sports, and college preparatory pathways.

Many buyers specifically choose Crozet for access to this quality high school.

School assignment can vary slightly by neighborhood.

For example, many homes in Western Ridge and Old Trail feed into Crozet Elementary while others may be zoned for Brownsville.

I can provide precise boundaries for any address you are considering.

How long is the commute to UVA and UVA Hospital from Crozet?

The commute from Crozet to the University of Virginia and UVA Hospital typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and your specific location within Crozet.

Most commuters use Route 240 to Route 250, which provides a scenic and reliable drive.

Many healthcare professionals, faculty members, and staff choose Crozet because the commute is manageable without feeling rushed or congested.

What is the cost of living in Crozet?

The cost of living in Crozet is higher than the national average but competitive for the Charlottesville area.

Housing is the largest expense, with home prices reflecting strong demand and excellent schools.

Property taxes in Albemarle County ($0.894 per $100) are reasonable compared to many metro areas, and utility costs are generally moderate.

When buyers consider the safety, schools, amenities, and lifestyle, many feel Crozet offers strong overall value.

Final thoughts from a Crozet realtor since 2003

Crozet has grown, but it has grown thoughtfully.

That is why demand remains high and inventory remains competitive.

If you are looking for a place that offers community, safety, strong schools, and access to both nature and Charlottesville, Crozet deserves serious consideration.

After more than two decades helping people move here, I can say with confidence that Crozet is not just a good place to live, it is a place people are proud to call home.

Is Crozet Virginia A Good Place To Live?