Endowed with a peaceful, rolling landscape and crowned with the distinctive Blue Ridge mountains, Central Virginia is one of the most scenic areas in the nation. Those who live here take special pride in this area which is rich in American history and blessed with pastoral beauty. With its exceptional quality of life, excellent educational opportunities, and outstanding medical facilities, Central Virginia is consistently listed in national publications as one of the best places to live, raise a family, and retire. The City of Charlottesville lies east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Albemarle County surrounds the city of Charlottesville which has a total area of just over 10 square miles. The surrounding counties of Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Orange, and Nelson offer mountain views, hardwood forests, rolling country and abundant oppor tunities to experience nature at its best.