Charlottesville is located in Central Virginia within the Piedmont region, characterized by gently rolling hills that serve as a transition zone between the flat Atlantic coastal plain and the rugged Appalachian Mountains. While it serves as the county seat of Albemarle County, Charlottesville is an independent city, meaning it is politically and administratively separate from the surrounding county.
The city's eastern border is defined in part by the Rivanna River, a tributary of the James River that historically served as a vital transportation route. The landscape surrounding Charlottesville features lush deciduous forests, fertile agricultural land, and scenic vistas.
Due to its position in the Piedmont, the city enjoys access to incredible natural resources, with the southern entrance to Shenandoah National Park and the scenic Skyline Drive located roughly 20 miles to the west.