The University of Virginia is located in the city of Charlottesville, a metropolitan area (including the surrounding Albemarle county) with a population of about 130,000. The city is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 110 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., and 70 miles west of Richmond. Twenty-one miles to the west are the Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Park. Charlottesville was the home of two past United States Presidents, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. Their residences, Monticello and Ash Lawn, respectively, are nearby and open to the public. The home of a third President, James Madison's Montpelier, is located on 2700 acres in nearby Orange County and has also recently opened to the public. The beautiful surroundings and historic sites in and about the city have attracted a vigorous tourist industry, which brings over $100 million/year to the local economy.

While the surrounding county is largely rural and contains numerous estates in its rolling hills, Charlottesville itself supports a variety of businesses and services, as well as light industrial and research and development plants. A wide range of activities is available in the city, including numerous nightclubs, restaurants, and theaters, which cater to a wide range of tastes. Charlottesville benefits from its convenient location in attracting nationally recognized musical talent in all the genres (rock, jazz, and classical). The city is also the home of the annual Virginia Festival of American Film, which includes screening of numerous films, many in their debut, and activities involving highly regarded filmmakers and actors. The City has earned a reputation as a writers' and readers' paradise, with more newspaper readers and computer owners per capita than anywhere else in the nation, and an annual Virginia Festival of the Book that attracts thousands. For many years, Charlottesville has been listed among Money magazine's 100 best places to live and it has been the most highly ranked city in Virginia each year. The University of Virginia Health Sciences Center provides medical research and training renowned worldwide. Martha Jefferson Hospital complements the mix with a comprehensive women's health center, oncology center, and a strong community focus. The area also supports a variety of specialists in traditional and non-traditional medical fields.

Not surprisingly, the University is a significant contributor to the local culture. The Virginia Players at the University produce at least eight major plays during the year, plus many workshop performances. The University of Virginia Glee Club, the Virginia Singers, and the University and Community Orchestra perform regularly, and there are chamber music concerts under the sponsorship of the Department of Music. The Tuesday Evening Concert Series sponsors programs of visiting chamber ensembles, vocalists, and solo instrumentalists. The proximity of the University to Washington allows frequent talks by persons prominent in public affairs under the auspices of the School of Law, the Woodrow Wilson Department of Government and Foreign Affairs, and the Corcoran Department of History. In addition, the Student Legal forum sponsors addresses by outstanding individuals including senators, governors, Supreme Court justices and other distinguished speakers.

The University of Virginia participates in the prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference in mens' and womens' intercollegiate athletics. Many of these programs, including football, basketball, lacrosse, and soccer, have risen to national prominence in recent years. Squash, handball, swimming, and gymnasium facilities are available for use by the individual. There are numerous tennis courts on the University Grounds and both indoor and outdoor tennis facilities are also available in Charlottesville. The University supports a large and active intramural/activities program, which provides activities for diverse interests.

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