Similar to Richmond, Charlottesville offers the perfect blend of city amenities and small-town charm. It’s home to tens of thousands of college students, which has shaped its cultural life — the city buzzes with bars, restaurants, music and art venues, athletic events, and outdoor recreation. 

“We are two and a half hours from [Washington], D.C., Williamsburg [Virginia], and the [Atlantic Ocean] beaches, yet only 45 minutes from skiing at Wintergreen, hiking on the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Trail, and a host of other outdoor activities,” said Denise Ramey, agent at Long & Foster, adding that the city is at the heart of the state’s wine country.

There’s also good news for newcomers looking to buy their first residence here. “Inventory levels are slowly increasing, and that means there are more homes from which to choose,” she said. But act fast because Redfin data shows home prices in the city have jumped 15 percent since last year, and the current median sale value is $465,000.