While you can find plenty of fast food and fine dining establishments just a few blocks south in Downtown Charlottesville, the North Downtown area is mostly smaller shops and family housing. However, this urban area isn't lacking for greenspace with 11 parks within a radius of a few blocks. These include nearby Booker T. Washington Park, a 9.25-acre facility that offers everything from a playground and basketball courts to an outdoor pool and a bog.

Real estate in North Downtown Charlottesville is a near-even mix of owner-occupied and rental homes. Rental prices are on par with the rest of the state, coming in around $1,000 per month, and there are plenty of condos and high-end apartments to be had. However, if you're looking to buy in this trendy area, be prepared to spend almost double what you would elsewhere. 

Because of its central location, there are plenty of public transportation routes from North Downtown to the rest of Charlottesville. If you're looking to get out of town, it's an easy drive to the Rivanna River and only an hour or so east to Richmond. You can also head north for a weekend at Shenandoah National Park.