Small railroad town turns into a booming Blue Ridge hotspot
Crozet previously had the reputation of being a sleepy stopover tucked into rolling hills between Waynesboro and Charlottesville, but in recent years it has cultivated the image of a trendy hotspot. “It used to be a small railroad town, but now it’s booming,” says Matthias John, a realtor with Wiley Real Estate. “In recent years, it has just exploded.” Roughly 9,000 people make their home in the city, up from 5,550 in 2010. Realtors attribute this near doubling in size to a robust menu of amenities, including small businesses that support the local economy. “Downtown Crozet features a charming mix of shops, eateries and breweries,” says John. “It’s a popular destination for visitors, too, not just residents. The town has this vibrant community spirit. People will come out to connect at events like farmers markets and local festivals.”
Once a small railroad town, this city in the shadow of Shenandoah National Park is growing swiftly.
The Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival attracts vendors from all over Virginia, and has been a huge boon to the local economy.
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Newer homes with fresh styles meet growing demand, but vintage styles also exist
In many respects, Crozet’s residential market presents a suburban face. Curving streets with names like Rambling Brook Lane pass by homes neatly stacked together. Sidewalks, roundabouts and cul-de-sacs are part of the package, as are immaculately maintained lawns. Vintage single-story homes mix with townhouses and homes from the 2020s that have a slight Craftsman influence, giving Crozet a neo-Southern look that’s in line with its growing trendy reputation. “Housing options range from historic homes and cozy cottages to modern developments, ensuring there’s something for everyone,” says John. Prices range from $350,000 to $850,000. The local median is $735,000 while the national median is $406,100.
Brand new town homes ranging in style with spacious yards are going up all over town.
Older homes, mostly ranches, are available too, but tend to be smaller than the new build options.
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Western Albemarle High is a top choice for athletes
A well-regarded school system is another draw to Crozet. “Students can go to one of the best school districts in the state,” says John. Albemarle County Public Schools score an A from Niche and serves nearly 14,000 students. Western Albemarle High is ranked by Niche as the second-best high school for athletes in Virginia. About 20 miles east in Charlottesville is the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. It has nearly 26,000 students and has become known for specialties as diverse as law, literature and health care.
Western Albemarle High School serves as Crozet's best option for the oldest learners.
The esteemed University of Virginia is about 20 minutes from Crozet in Charlottesville.
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Claudius Crozet Park full of amenities
Access to outdoor recreation opportunities gives Crozet an earthy profile that appeals to hikers. “Mint Springs Valley Park offers hiking trails, fishing spots and picnic areas, while the nearby Shenandoah National Park provides endless opportunities to explore nature,” says John. “The Sugar Hollow area, with its scenic reservoir and access to hiking trails that lead into the Blue Ridge Mountains, is another local treasure for nature lovers.” For a public hangout in town, there’s Claudius Crozet Park, which has a fitness center, athletic fields, a playground, a walking trail and a dog park.
Claudius Crozet Park has playing fields, walking trails and an indoor rec center.
The Southern tip of Shenandoah is easily accesible to Crozet residents.
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Starr Hill Brewery and downtown's small businesses boost Crozet's profile
Local food and drink have played a large part in bringing Crozet forward. Starr Hill Brewery is one of the biggest brands in the Virginia craft beer scene, starting in the Charlottesville neighborhood of the same name. In 2005, it relocated to Crozet. Now the city has the Blue Ridge Bottle Shop, which offers growlers to go, plus Bar Botanical, where cocktails are served alongside vegan bites. Places like Mudhouse Crozet and The Yellow Mug fulfill the need for cozy coffee houses. Comfort food and diner food bring the dining scene together, through places like the Whistle Stop Grill and Smoked Kitchen and Tap. Crozet Pizza has a small bar inside, making it an inviting hangout. Groceries can be picked up at Crozet Market. For larger shopping trips, residents can drive 15 miles west to Waynesboro. “The big-box stores like Target are on the outside of town, so you don’t have to go to Downtown Waynesboro,” says Cody Persinger, a Realtor at The Real Broker.
Crozet Pizza has delicious wood fired pizzas and a full bar.
Star Hill Brewery is one of the more notable craft brewers in Virginia, and is headquartered in Crozet. There's also a tasting room with food and beer flights.
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Crozet CONNECT offers bus service to Charlottesville
Crozet CONNECT is commuter service that takes riders from east and west Crozet to Downtown Charlottesville, operating weekdays. There are nearly a dozen stops for east and west lines, located at popular destinations like Starr Hill Brewery and the Omni Hotel. Interstate 64 is just outside the south side of town. It’s less than a half-hour drive to Charlottesville.
Crozet is part of Albemarle County, where crime slightly increased from 2022 to 2023. FBI data shows violent crime rose about 4% and property crime increased about 1%. The county's crime rates, however, are lower than averages for the state and nation. A 2023 effort by police to reduce crime in the area also led to an increased focus on traffic incidents, which had grown largely because of Crozet's rapid expansion.
Gavin moved to central Virginia from Austin, TX during the early 2000’s and has fallen in love with this area! He formerly worked as a contractor to the federal government before beginning his real estate career. His business is focused on helping you search for the perfect place to either call home or invest in because he understands that each person’s dream is different. It does not matter whether this takes one week or 10 years because it is your decision about when and what to buy or sell.
He is here to advise you about the market and the best manner by which to accomplish your goals. The process of buying and selling real estate is all about you and it is certainly important to make sure you understand this. Gavin wants only to help you and will do everything he can to see that through until the end.
Gavin volunteers year-round and also serves as a Board Member with Wintergreen Adaptive Sports (WAS). During the winter months, his main role is providing ski instruction while being an active member of Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). He has a great love of the mountain!
Gavin also serves as a Board Member with The Heiser Foundation (THF), an organization dedicated to fighting global terrorism. THF was founded by Gavin’s godparents, Fran and Gary Heiser, in honor of their son, Michael.
Gavin also enjoys the art of woodworking and is a long time student of a local master woodworker.
Contact Central Virginia REALTOR® Gavin Sherwood today! He will do everything he can to help you find your path home!
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