Can anyone recommend a more affordable town near Charlottesville, VA? (Richmond: real estate, condo)

[lea1975]

We are looking to move to Raleigh, NC area because you just can't beat the home prices. However, we both just absolutely love Charlottesville, VA. Our limit is 175,000 for a house and I just do not see any houses in that price range in Charlottesville.

Could anyone recommend an area that is close to Charlottesville that has more affordable housing. It has to be a clean, safe, kid-friendly community.

Thanks so much, Lea :-)

[williamsburgfan]

175 in your preferred geographic area probably not an option in a good school district. I hate to say it, but it's true.

[syracusebound]

I have family in Charlottesville, and you're lucky to get a decent condo for less than $250K. The real estate is out of this world, but it is a beautiful place. There isn't really anywhere nearby that is any less expensive. You could try to go North into Greene County or East into Fluvanna County, but I don't think you'll find those area as desirable as Charlottesville. A good alternative is the suburbs of Richmond. Depending on where you look, there are good schools and reasonable real estate. The south side of Richmond is much cheaper but apparently, the schools aren't as nice, though I beg to differ. If you look in Chesterfield County, you will find very reasonably-priced homes for around $160-200K. Anywhere else is going to creep up into $230K+ Another great option is Goochland County, which is somewhat in between Richmond and Charlottesville. The area is really starting to grow, and I believe you can still get a nice place for a good deal.

[richmondpics]

Really, the only difference in the quality of schools between Chesterfield and Henrico (western burbs) is that all Henrico students (I think middle-high) receive a laptop to use while they are in the school system. Test scores are very comparable.

[Rhett_Butler]

Look in Fluvanna or Orange and you might be able to find something. Or I'd think Waynesboro might also fit your price range. Staunton would as well, but may be a bit further than you wish to go, but if some are actually suggesting Chesterfield, it's a lot closer than that... .

[virginialyd]

I know both Charlottesville and Raleigh. If you have the chance to live in Raleigh...pick Raleigh. You can always visit Cville but you can't beat Raleigh.

[badger74]

You can get a decent house around Lynchburg/Forest for that money. Only an hour or so from Cville and had most of what you need.

[matthew20052010]

Originally Posted by lea1975

We are looking to move to Raleigh, NC area because you just can't beat the home prices. However, we both just absolutely love Charlottesville, VA. Our limit is 175,000 for a house and I just do not see any houses in that price range in Charlottesville.

Could anyone recommend an area that is close to Charlottesville that has more affordable housing. It has to be a clean, safe, kid-friendly community.

Thanks so much, Lea :-)

Charlottesville is not a large metro with an extensive reach. You are not going to get the benefits of it living in Waynesboro, Greene, Fluvanna, etc. You may find a house in your budget, but you're sacrificing convenience and school quality.

[Armyvet1]

I live in Orange, 3 bedroom, 1 bath, full basement, 120k.

[mrfritodude]

You all realize this thread is 7 years old?