This county was created in 1744 by an act of the Virginia General Assembly. It was named after the Earl of Albemarle, who was serving (in title at least) as the Governor of Virginia back then. Thomas Jefferson was born in the county, and his home at Monticello can still be visited by tourists today.

Geography and Population

Albemarle County is located in the north-central part of Virginia, about 100 miles southwest of Washington DC and about 70 miles west of Richmond (state capital of Virginia). The city of Charlottesville is the county seat of Albemarle, and also one of the biggest cities.

Population figures are always important from a real estate perspective. Understanding the overall growth of a particular county can help you when making home-buying decisions. So let's consider the population trends for Albemarle County, Virginia. In 2000, the population within Albemarle County was estimated at just over 84,000 people. Six years later, in 2006, the population had grown to about 90,000 folks. The estimated population for 2010 is 97,000 plus.

With these numbers in mind, the overall growth in Albemarle County could best be described as "slow but steady." From a real estate perspective this is a favorable growth pattern, and it's one more reason to consider buying real estate in Albemarle County, Virginia.

Schools and Education

Like many counties in Central Virginia, Albemarle County has an excellent public school system. Under the purview of Albemarle County Public Schools, there are 16 elementary schools, five middle schools, six high schools (including a technical education center), and several adult education programs.

Albemarle County is also home to one of the finest public universities in the United States, the University of Virginia. In their annual rankings of public universities, U.S. News and World Report ranked UVA #2 among universities.

In addition to UVA, there are a variety of smaller colleges and technical training schools in and around Charlottesville, Virginia. A student considering college in this area would have many great opportunities from which to choose

Culture and Entertainment

Albemarle County offers the usual entertainment venues you would find in other regions of the country, but in terms of historical culture the county truly shines. Here is a short list of some of the historical sites in the area.

• Monticello - Translated as the Little Mountain, the home of founding father (and third president of the U.S.) Thomas Jefferson is a popular attraction in Albemarle County. The plantation and the estate have been restored to perfect authenticity. Learn more at http://www.monticello.org

• Montpelier - James Madison, fourth president of the United States and another founding father of our nation, also has a home located in Albemarle County, Virginia. Today, you can tour the home where Madison spent most of his life. Learn more at http://www.montpelier.org

• Ash Lawn-Highland - You might be noticing a pattern here. The third, fourth and fifth presidents of the United States all had homes within Albemarle County, and they are all still viewable today. Ash Lawn-Highland, the home of James Monroe, is located in the historic city of Charlottesville. Learn more at http://www.ashlawnhighland.org/

These are only a few of the most popular historic sites in the county. This part of Virginia was also a backdrop during the Civil War, and as a result there are many battlefields and monuments within driving distance of Albemarle County. In addition to the historic attractions, the county also offers a wide range of parks, trails, fishing piers and more.

Albemarle County Real Estate

As you can see, this Virginia county has a lot going for it. So if you are considering Albemarle County from a real estate perspective, there is much to support your decision. If you already live here and are considering buying a home, we would be happy to assist you. If you live elsewhere and are planning to relocate to Albemarle County, Virginia, we can help you with that as well. Please contact us with any questions you have.