5. Charlottesville, Virginia: A Pedestrian Mall Anchoring a Dynamic Community

Charlottesville features one of the most successful pedestrian environments in the country: the Historic Downtown Mall. This eight-block, brick-paved corridor completely prohibits vehicle traffic, creating a massive outdoor living room for the community.

Shaded by mature oak trees, the mall is lined with restaurants, pharmacies, bookstores, and theaters, allowing you to run errands and socialize in a completely safe, relaxed environment.

Because the University of Virginia calls Charlottesville home, the town benefits from the UVA Health System, providing access to specialists and advanced treatments rarely found in towns of this size.

The climate offers four moderate seasons, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains without enduring extreme, prolonged winters.