The Cascadia neighborhood is a planned community on Pantops mountain in Charlottesville, Virginia, known for its scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A relatively new development, it features a mix of modern single-family homes and townhomes. Cascadia is popular with families and those seeking a quieter residential environment that is still close to city amenities.

Location and Accessibility
Location: Cascadia is situated on the eastern side of Charlottesville, on Pantops mountain. It is located across from the 113-acre Darden Towe Park.

Proximity to Downtown: It is approximately a two-mile drive from Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, providing quick access to the area’s dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Major Road Access: The neighborhood offers convenient access to major roadways, including Route 20, Route 250, and Interstate 64. However, some residents have mentioned that Pantops traffic can be heavy.

Community Amenities: Cascadia offers a variety of amenities designed to foster a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.

Community Clubhouse and Pool: A community clubhouse is located next to a swimming pool, offering a place for social gatherings and recreation, especially with mountain views.

Parks and Trails: The neighborhood features walking trails, pocket parks, green spaces, and playgrounds.
Community Garden: Residents have access to a community garden.
Darden Towe Park: Cascadia is right across the street from 113-acre Darden Towe Park, which has walking trails, river access, sports fields, and tennis courts.

Housing and Development: Home Types: Housing in Cascadia consists of both single-family residences and townhomes, built by developers such as Craig Builders and Southern Development Homes. Some townhomes offer rooftop terraces with mountain views.

Views: The elevated homesites are designed to provide residents with mountain views, which are particularly notable during sunset.

Pricing: Homes in Cascadia tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum for the area, reflecting the community’s location, views, and amenities.

Resident Experiences
According to community discussions, residents generally view Cascadia positively, citing its convenience and family-friendly environment. Some residents have noted the potential for noise in certain townhome units and the heavy traffic on Pantops. Popular activities among residents include hiking, home improvement projects, and walking.

Homes in the Cascadia neighborhood primarily feature a Craftsman architectural style and incorporate modern design elements and materials, which contribute to a unique blend of traditional and contemporary living.

Notable architectural styles and features include:

Craftsman Style: This is the dominant architectural style for many single-family homes and townhomes in the community. Key exterior features typically involve:

Mixed Materials: Use of different exterior materials, such as stone accents on columns or chimneys, and different siding types.

Gabled Roofs: The characteristic low-pitched, gabled rooflines with wide eave overhangs are common.

Square-tapered Columns: A signature detail on porches or entryways.

Gooseneck Lamps: Some homes feature specific exterior lighting, such as gooseneck lamps.

Rooftop Terraces: A significant and popular feature, especially in the luxury Cascadia townhomes, is the inclusion of private rooftop terraces.

Open Floor Plans: The interiors of homes emphasize modern living with light-filled, open floor plans designed for comfort and entertainment.

Modern Interior Accents: Individual homes may feature upscale interior elements such as upgraded cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, shiplap accents, and specific brand-name fixtures like Nest thermostats.

Finished Lower Levels and Walk-out Basements: Many homes offer finished lower levels or walk-out basements, providing additional flexible living space such as recreation rooms, studies, or extra bedrooms.

Outdoor Living Spaces: Beyond the terraces, homes often incorporate private fenced courtyards and/or spacious backyards, extending the living space outdoors.

Attached Garages: Homes often come with attached or detached two-car garages, a practical feature for modern residents.

Exterior Maintenance Services: A distinctive community feature (though not a specific architectural style) is that exterior maintenance, including lawn care and turf maintenance, is often covered by the HOA, ensuring a consistent, well-maintained appearance across the neighborhood.