Crozet, Virginia traces its roots back to the 19th century as a humble rail stop in western Albemarle County. The village was originally known as Wayland’s Crossing, named for the family farm where a railroad station was established in 1876. In 1870, the town was renamed Crozet to honor Colonel Claudius Crozet – a French-born civil engineer renowned for directing construction of the Blue Ridge Railroad Tunnel through Afton Mountain (an engineering marvel of its day). That railroad heritage gave Crozet an early reputation as a bustling railroad town surrounded by fertile farmland and orchards.
By the early 20th century, Crozet had also earned fame as an “apple town.” The area’s gentle climate and rolling hills were ideal for fruit orchards, and local growers shipped staggering quantities of apples and peaches across the country. From a small farm in Crozet, the Chiles family began packing peaches for nationwide shipment in 1912, sparking the founding of a major orchard company that even exported Albemarle Pippin apples overseas. The mid-1920s saw an agricultural boom – 500,000 new fruit trees were planted around Crozet and a large cold-storage facility opened in 1929 to handle the bounty. Orchards on the nearby Blue Ridge slopes generated considerable business for the railroad as boxcars of Virginia apples rolled out each harvest season. This agricultural and rail heritage defined Crozet’s character for decades.
In recent years, Crozet has evolved from its sleepy rural roots into a sought-after residential area known for its small-town charm. The population has grown rapidly – roughly 9,000 people now call Crozet home, nearly double the 5,500 residents in 2010. New neighborhoods (like the master-planned Old Trail community) have attracted families and professionals seeking a high quality of life within easy reach of Charlottesville. Yet Crozet retains its friendly, hometown spirit and historic roots. Locals often describe Crozet as “having it all” – stunning Blue Ridge views, plenty of outdoor recreation, and the convenience of modern shopping and dining, all in one relaxed community.
Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Crozet offers endless outdoor activities in a gorgeous natural setting. The area is a paradise for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. You can hit the local trails in town or venture a few miles west to Shenandoah National Park for backcountry hiking with panoramic mountain vistas. Popular local spots include Mint Springs Valley Park, a 520-acre park boasting wooded hiking trails, fishing lakes, swimming beaches in summer, volleyball courts, picnic areas and playgrounds. For something off the beaten path, take the short Sugar Hollow hike to Blue Hole – a hidden swimming hole in the mountains that rewards adventurers with a cool dip on hot days. Families enjoy Claudius Crozet Park, a 23-acre community park with playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts, and even a dog park and swimming pool.
Despite its small size, Crozet’s dining scene is impressively rich and full of local flavor. In the heart of downtown you’ll find beloved eateries like Crozet Pizza, a quirky landmark pizzeria that has been tossing pies since 1977 – it was even named “Best in the World” by National Geographic in a travel guide. For farm-to-table fare and comfort food, locals rave about spots such as Smoked Kitchen & Tap and Fardowners, a friendly pub serving craft brews and elevated pub grub. Craving a sweet treat or caffeine fix? Try a scoop from Crozet Creamery or a latte at the Mudhouse Coffee shop, housed in a charming historic brick building on The Square.
In Crozet, there’s always something happening to bring the community together. Every spring and fall, the town hosts the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival, a juried fine arts show that draws 125+ of the region’s best artists and craftsmen to Claudius Crozet Park. Visitors browse tents filled with artwork – pottery, textiles, jewelry, paintings and more – while enjoying live music, food trucks, Virginia wines and a fun kids’ area. Crozet’s vibrant community spirit is also on display at the weekly farmers market downtown and various small-town celebrations. In early July, residents line the streets for an old-fashioned Independence Day Parade complete with fire trucks and floats, followed by an evening celebration with live music and fireworks at a local vineyard.
Moving to Crozet is an exciting prospect – and a relatively smooth transition thanks to the town’s helpful infrastructure and services. Location-wise, Crozet sits about 12 miles west of Charlottesville (roughly a 25–30 minute drive on U.S. Route 250 or I-64), making it easy for commuters who work in the city or at UVA. A weekday commuter bus service called Crozet Connect even offers a public transit option into Charlottesville and the university area. For long-distance travel, Amtrak rail service and Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport are both within 30–40 minutes. Despite its rapid growth, Crozet still enjoys a small-town feel with modern conveniences: there are two grocery stores (including a large Harris Teeter), a handy pharmacy, and plenty of local shops for everyday needs.
Kids growing up in Crozet attend Brownsville Elementary or Crozet Elementary for K-5, then move up to Joseph T. Henley Middle School and Western Albemarle High School. Beyond academics, kids in Crozet have access to a wealth of activities – from sports leagues and dance classes to nature camps in the Blue Ridge.
Fun and Quirky Facts about Crozet:
(And one more tip for newcomers: “Crozet” is pronounced crow-ZAY, with a silent ‘t’ – a little detail that reflects the town’s French namesake and that friendly locals will appreciate you getting right!)
