A walkable neighborhood near downtown, but slow paced
Some might say that the star attraction of Starr Hill is proximity to Charlottesville’s ever-popular outdoor pedestrian mall. But despite being steps away from the city’s downtown core, it thrives by having an identity all its own. That identity might be best described as urban but approachable, rather than overwhelming and hard to navigate. “This whole area is great for walking and it’s super safe to ride your bike,” says Danny Hugus, a city native and Realtor with the Hogan Group. “It’s very accessible.” Main Street forms the southern border of Starr Hill, and despite the street’s revitalization closer to University of Virginia campus, this portion still evokes an easygoing Southern aesthetic. Exposed brick and faded paint on low-slung buildings almost makes the neighborhood feel frozen in time – as do the businesses, which focus on slower get-to-know-your-neighbor service. But on the western side is Ridge McIntire Road, one of the city’s heavily trafficked modern corridors overlooked by hotels. With sights like Staples and fast-food chains along here, it’s obvious that Starr Hill occupies a unique location: part old Charlottesville, part new.
Cottages keep Starr Hill feeling intimate
Because of Starr Hill’s prime location, houses do not go on the market often. But homebuyers can keep an eye out for cottages, which are a common form of housing here. Versions waiting to be fixed up will sell between $350,000 to $400,000. These two-bedroom homes offer single-level living and feature shade trees as landscaping. Multi-story homes, like split-levels from the 1920s, are present in the neighborhood, too. Or homebuyers can opt for a renovated cottage that’s move-in ready, presenting Craftsman features. These will sell in the $355,000 to $475,000 range. Stretches like Brown Street and Cream Street can be sought after since they converge around Starr Hill Park. Plus, their winding nature prevents traffic from passing through, giving a tranquil feeling to an otherwise urban neighborhood.
Beautifully renovated cottages dot the landscape of the Starr Hill neighborhood.
Cozy alleyways define the sparse home options in Starr Hill.
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An array of flavors along Main Street
Dining is one of the neighborhood’s strong suits, particularly because Main Street is a destination lined with options. Everything from Korean to Mediterranean to Southern cuisines is available. Drinks and general happy hour fun occur at Public Fish & Oyster. “I always get the hot lobster roll and a Jameson on ice,” says Diego Anderson, a Charlottesville resident and regular at the restaurant. There’s even a neighborhood butcher at Stock Provisions, which sells locally produced cold cuts and sausages, as well as prepared foods like hummus and pickles. Orzo Kitchen presents a somewhat different concept: Geared toward a lunch crowd, it’s in a sprawling complex with plenty of seating and room for a market containing packaged goods, plus a deli counter.
Public Fish and Oyster has a lively neighborhood vibe on Starr Hill's section of Main Street.
Public Fish and Oyster has a beautiful tree-lined patio on Main Street in Starr Hill.
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Starr Hill is a picturesque Charlottesville neighborhood not far from the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Concerts, festivals and runs year round
Events are always near with the downtown mall just steps away. Warm weather brings a free concert series called Fridays After Five, from April through September at the Ting Pavilion, a venue with swaths of grass to sit on. Waterworks Fest stretches from May to June, and focuses on the theater scene with workshops, pop ups and trivia events. Tom Tom Fest in April celebrates the local startup scene. “Holidays are always a good time to catch an event,” says Lori Meistrell, associate broker with Nest Realty. “There are fun runs downtown, like the Santa Run.”
Charlottesville High faithfully serves the Charlottesville community.
Charlottesville High's award-winning clubs
Trailblazer Elementary receives a B rating from Niche, and offers a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Buford Middle is a B-minus school with a 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Charlottesville High earns an A, and is known for award-winning clubs, with both the debate and golf teams taking state championships in 2023. The central branch of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, marked by large Jeffersonian columns, is a gentle reminder that the University of Virginia is just a mile away.
Starr Hill Park is a pocket park tucked into the eponymous neighborhood near Main Street.
Minimal Starr Hill Park offers a peaceful respite
The neighborhood’s sole green space is Starr Hill Park – a peaceful half-acre best used for catching a breather. But if residents want playground equipment, they can drive over to McGuffey Park, next to First United Methodist Church. This park is also on the small side, but abundant shade trees make it a natural gathering place for those seeking to take a break amid the greenery. Otherwise, Starr Hill is a largely urban landscape. But it’s welcoming to pedestrians, and brings people outdoors.
Old brick architecture lines Main Street in Starr Hill
Main Street is for walkers, bikers and drivers
If residents don’t choose to walk to their destinations, they can always drive along Main Street, which goes west toward the University of Virginia and east toward hip destinations like Belmont that have popular restaurants like Lampo, a Neopolitan-style pizzeria. Other main thoroughfares like Ridge McIntire Road can take drivers to Route 250, which is a convenient way to explore east end amenities like Darden Towe Park or the Rivanna River. Plus, following 250 east will allow drivers to access Interstate 64, a corridor favored by commuters.
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Thoughtfully designed residences to comfort and inspire. Pack the things that carry love and leave the rest behind. Floor to ceiling windows flood apartments with natural light, bringing inspiration inside. With unparalleled views across the Blue Ridge Mountains and Downtown Charlottesville, you can surround yourself with nature at the heart of the city. We’ve elevated the blank canvas, creating
This 1 bedroom, 1 bath, second story apartment on West Main Street is convenient and has plenty of charm. Five blocks from UVA, midway between UVA and the Charlottesville Downtown Mall the apartment provides unique city living. Heartpine floors, high ceilings, good natural light. One parking space. Shared washer/dryer with the two other apartments in the building. The building was completely
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
250
Median Age
42
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
10.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$100,368
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$112,155
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.2%
College Graduates
67.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
84/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
45/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
