A growing suburban city with a big retail center, just 10 miles from downtown Charlottesville
Hollymead fulfills a growing demand for North Charlottesville getaways, as neighborhoods closer to downtown become associated with rising costs and lower inventory. This city of nearly 9,000 people provides a suburban experience but it’s less than a 10-mile drive to the University of Virginia, thanks to U.S. Route 29. Plus, Hollymead fashions itself as economically self-sufficient. Offices for the Defense Intelligence Agency, a major local employer, are located on the north side. In addition, Hollymead Town Center serves as a big retail destination.
Hollymead is also a city in the midst of change, appealing to those who want newer housing compared to more historic homes in Charlottesville proper. “You’re seeing new development around Polo Grounds Road,” says Benjamin Reeves, CEO of The Titan Team, referring to Hollymead’s southernmost border. Not that the city lacks a sense of roots. “The Forest Lakes subdivision was a major player in bringing new construction to the area, as a planned community with amenities,” says Lori Meistrell, associate broker with Nest Realty. Established developments can bring sought after lifestyle amenities, like pools, social clubs and garden plots – even a cohesive aesthetic. “Forest Lakes has the area’s largest HOA,” says Matthias John, a Realtor with Wiley Properties.
Many Hollymead residents are employed by the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Hollymead is a City in the midst of change, appealing to those who want newer housing compared to more historic homes in Charlottesville.
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Colonial influenced townhouses and Craftsman influenced single-family homes
Some of the newer housing that’s hitting the market is enticing to first-time homebuyers, Realtors say. “A common style that you’ll see here is a new-construction townhouse in the mid- to upper $300,000s,” says Reeves. “But when it comes to a detached single-family homes, these are closer to $500,000. They’re usually two stories, some with a basement, some without, averaging three bedrooms. They’re new construction, too, so the design is an open floor plan.” Properties in Hollymead tend to be colonial inspired or Craftsman influenced. For those who want more land or space, luxury options are available. “These can be very large homes that are 3,500 square feet or bigger, and sit on an acre of property or more,” says Reeves. Overall, prices range from the mid $300,000s to $900,000. The local median is around $520,000 and the national median is closer to $420,000.
Modern Colonial influenced townhomes are plentiful for growing families in Hollymead.
Hollymead’s craftsman style homes combine detailed woodwork with updated living features.
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STEM studies at Albemarle High
Albemarle County Public Schools are highly regarded, scoring an A from Niche. Nearly 14,000 students are in attendance. The A-rated Albemarle High is the largest school in the district, known for offering MESA, which stands for the Math, Engineering and Science Academy. Each year, nearly 100 students are invited to participate in this accelerated learning environment, which includes opportunities to enter competitions. The University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, has nearly 26,000 students. The school has become known for its law and graduate literature programs, but in recent years the name has also become associated with its network of health care facilities.
Albemarle High School is an A rated school according to Niche, known for offering MESA.
The University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, has nearly 26,000 students.
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Dog-friendly Chris Greene Lake Park
While some subdivisions such as Forest Lakes have recreation amenities like a fitness center and athletic fields, most residents will go to the city’s northern tip for a public park experience. “Chris Greene Lake Park is full of things to do,” says Reeves. “It has a public beach with boat ramps, or you can go fishing. There are miles of hiking trails and picnic facilities. There’s also a large dog park with a fenced-in area and access to the lake – which is great if you have a dog that enjoys swimming.”
The dog park at Chris Greene Lake Park near Hollymead is perfect for playful pups.
The beach at Chris Greene Lake Park offers Hollymead locals a spot for sunbathing and swimming.
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Hollymead's casual dining scene
Hollymead is bordered to the south by Rio, a neighborhood already known for being rich with retail centers, including Charlottesville Fashion Square and Albemarle Square. But the city has its own shopping and dining opportunities along Route 29. Whether the outing involves running errands or deciding where to eat for the night, Hollymead Town Center is a top choice. Visitors can stop at big-box stores like Target and Harris Teeter, or swing by fast casual places like Starbucks and Five Guys. Dining experiences are largely focused on the grill and taphouse genre. Bonefish Grill takes a seafood approach to this genre, while Sakura streamlines the concept with Japanese aesthetics. Timberwood Grill is more of an all-American tavern with burgers and fries. It also offers outdoor seating.
Hollymead Town Center provides a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and local events.
Timberwood Grill near Hollymead offers a great selection of hearty meals and a cozy environment.
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Route 29 is a retail strip and commuter corridor
Route 29 carves through the middle of town, and residential streets feed into it. This pathway serves as both a retail strip and a commuter corridor. “If you work anywhere downtown, it’s a convenient straight drive down Route 29, but also your groceries and entertainment are just a couple minutes away, so you don’t have to commute into the city for those needs,” says Reeves. No buses connect with this portion of 29. However, the city’s west end is anchored by Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, offering non-stop flights to five major cities. Also, some subdivisions accommodate alternative transportation: for example, there are miles of trails in Forest Lakes.
Crime lower than state and national averages
Hollymead is part of Albemarle County, which saw a 4% increase in violent crime from 2022 to 2023, according to data provided to the FBI. Property crime increased about 1%. Crime rates here, though, are generally lower than state and national averages.
Helping people is Cynthia Hash passion! Problem solving is her gift. But you are here to find out if she is worthy of your trust. So, allow Cynthia to share. The experience and Designations/Education that she has earned puts her in the top 5% of realtors in the country. Cynthia’s background in real estate began in 1981 as a real estate Title Insurance Examiner, then Underwriter. In the 1990's, she worked for a real estate settlement company, and, in 1999, her desire to work more directly with the public prompted her to obtain her Realtor's License. Cynthia collaborates with Buyers and Sellers of all ages, cultures, and social classes, and deal with all kinds of properties.
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