This is a place where the world spins as it should. It changes with the world. And in some cases, it is changing the world. 
The university feels like a major part of this community and town. There is this separation but also togetherness. 
The beauty of the place and the intricacy and the complexity of it struck me. 
There are a lot of features of a metropolitan place that we have here in Charlottesville, but without some of the metropolitan headaches. Activities outside with friends and family, being able to eat at great restaurants, hang out at coffee houses, attend great art events. The cultural scene here is way bigger than a town this size should have. There’s always something happening. The riches of that are fantastic. 
Charlottesville is literally nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge. Any scale that you want to be getting outside and seeing incredible sites, we’re in a place that can facilitate that. 
The beauty of the outdoors around here is what drew me to Charlottesville, but the people are what made me stay. There are people that care about you, your family, and care about your goals and hopes and dreams. 
You want to be part of a community that is constantly evolving, not in a rush, but gradually, so you can piece the place together and make it work for you. 
I think Charlottesville has a way of drawing people back. 
It’s home. It becomes home pretty rapidly. 
I have a connection to neighbors and friends that I’ve not had in any other city I’ve lived in. 
After a while you wonder how you could have lived anywhere else. 
I remember saying this to myself after my first year — I’m never going to take this place for granted.
I’m never going to take for granted what I’m seeing. It’s just beautiful.