Lake Monticello Real Estate Guide

Are you planning to buy real estate in Lake Monticello, Virginia or the surrounding area? If so, you certainly have plenty to support such a decision. In this article, we will explore every aspect of Lake Monticello from a real estate and quality-of-life perspective.

Before buying real estate in a particular area, it's important to learn as much as possible about the area in general -- the climate, the geography, culture and education, etc. Only then can you make a smart decision about buying a home in the area. So let's explore the Lake Monticello area, with all it has to offer.

What's In a Name?

Lake Monticello is named after the home / plantation of Thomas Jefferson, known as Monticello. The word itself is Italian for "little mountain," which historians believe refers to a mountain to the southwest of Jefferson's home. Even in light of this common belief, the true origin of the "Monticello" title remains a bit of a mystery.

Nevertheless, Lake Monticello is named for the home in which Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United State, lived and worked for many years. The lake itself was formed by the creation of a dam on a tributary of the Rivanna River.

Geography and Population

Lake Monticello is located in central Virginia. Lake Monticello is a relatively small community that encompasses just over nine square miles of land and water. It is a private 3,500-acre community located within Fluvanna County and centered on the lake of the same name. As mentioned above, the lake was created by a dam on part of the Rivanna River (a tributary of the James River).

In 2000, the population of Lake Monticello, Virginia was estimated at 6,800 people spread over 2,700 households. As of this writing in 2008, there are roughly 11,000 residents and just over 4,000 homes in Lake Monticello.

The full history of Lake Monticello is a bit murky. In recent years, however, more information has come to light about the creation and history of the lake itself, as well as the community that sprung up around it. Just a few years ago, the Lake Monticello Owners' Association launched a research project to fill in some of the historical gaps, and to present a more complete history of the Lake Monticello area.

Lake Activities

Perhaps no other single factor contributes as much to Lake Monticello real estate values as the lake itself -- and the many activities it offers. If you are into golf, you'll be happy to know that Lake Monticello offers a semi-private 18-hole course spread over the beautiful rolling hills that surround the lake. The marina offers a boat launch, fueling services and more. Fishing and water skiing are both permitted (and popular) on the main lake. Tufton Lake, an offshoot of the main lake, allows fishing only. The community also offers a full-size swimming pool, six tennis courts, a clubhouse and other amenities. In short, there are plenty of activities at Lake Monticello, which is good for both quality of life and real estate values.

Lake Monticello Real Estate

If you are the kind of person who enjoys a small, tight-knit community with plenty of outdoor activities, Lake Monticello may be the perfect real estate market for you. The best place to start would be a guided tour of the area, and this is one of the ways we can help you. We know the Lake Monticello real estate market inside and out, and we would be happy to answer any questions you have about it. Please contact us for more information.