What’s it like to live in Crozet? (Charlottesville, Fairfax: pros and cons, prices)

[CLfan1977]

We’re in N.C. now but hope to move somewhere further north, preferably Virginia, since our grandkids are in Fairfax County, and getting away from frequent hurricanes would be a plus. We’ll begin exploring areas (thinking about an area like Fredericksburg with affordable housing, medical, retail; no commuting since we’re retired and originally from Chicago so we’re used to lots of traffic) soon.

Someone said to look at Crozet because it’s so much nicer. It appears to be smaller than we want, but maybe people drive to Charlottesville frequently.

Thanks for any insight.

[Old Dominionite]

I wouldn’t say Crozet is “much nicer” than Fredericksburg; in fact, it’s much different than Fredericksburg. Crozet is a hamlet nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge about 15 minutes west of Charlottesville, whereas Fredericksburg is a small city located along the Rappahannock River about an hour (with no/minimal traffic) south of D.C., and part of the Washington Metropolitan Area.

Both areas continue to grow. Housing in both remains relatively affordable (Crozet is cheaper on balance), but prices are rising. Both areas have access to ample retail and medical services, although Crozet is a bit further away from its nearest major retail corridor (Route 29 north of Charlottesville).

Both also offer reasonable access to Fairfax County with their pros and cons. Fredericksburg is closer, but traffic along the I-95 corridor is a headache seven days a week. Crozet’s main route to Fairfax doesn’t receive the same levels of traffic as I-95, but Crozet is over twice as far away and Route 29 is mostly a surface road with traffic lights.

I suggest visiting both areas and getting a feel for each one, as they are quite different.

Good Luck.

[CLfan1977]

Thank you. That’s very helpful.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by CLfan1977

We’re in N.C. now but hope to move somewhere further north, preferably Virginia, since our grandkids are in Fairfax County, and getting away from frequent hurricanes would be a plus. We’ll begin exploring areas (thinking about an area like Fredericksburg with affordable housing, medical, retail; no commuting since we’re retired and originally from Chicago so we’re used to lots of traffic) soon.

Someone said to look at Crozet because it’s so much nicer. It appears to be smaller than we want, but maybe people drive to Charlottesville frequently.

Thanks for any insight.

I'd recommend looking a bit north in/around Culpeper. It's large enough to offer most any services you need and affordable enough for most, as well as having fairly close proximity to Fairfax County.

Culpeper Home

[CLfan1977]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

I'd recommend looking a bit north in/around Culpeper. It's large enough to offer most any services you need and affordable enough for most, as well as having fairly close proximity to Fairfax County.

Culpeper Home

Thanks! I’m requesting a visitor’s guide. It looks like a possibility.

[choff5]

Originally Posted by CLfan1977

Thanks! I’m requesting a visitor’s guide. It looks like a possibility.

Also look at Orange, VA. Similar area, between Culpeper and Charlottesville.

[CLfan1977]

Originally Posted by choff5

Also look at Orange, VA. Similar area, between Culpeper and Charlottesville.

Thank you! I would never know to look into these less well-known cities without this forum.