Locals sometimes complain that Charlottesville is far from it all, but while the nearest big city (in this case, Washington, D.C.) might be a good distance away, this bustling college town has everything residents need day-to-day, from a dynamic restaurant scene to thriving local cultural institutions. It’s even possible to live car-free here, and many residents get around on two wheels. Thomas Jefferson’s hometown has plenty to recommend it, from a solid local economy grounded in one of the country’s top universities to abundant natural beauty and deep historical significance. He might have written the Declaration of Independence and served as the nation’s third president, but Thomas Jefferson was just as proud of founding the University of Virginia, which tied Charlottesville for #4 in University ranking and earned and its citizens a #7 ranking for Educational Attainment. And while the University of Virginia may be the foundation of the local economy, there are also abundant jobs in health care and tourism.