Like Old Trail out in Crozet, Belvedere – just off Rio Road and next to Dunlora – was designed to be a self-sustaining neighborhood that would include plenty of green spaces, and provide a blend of houses near retail and business centers.
Founded on the principles of sustainability, healthy living and great streets, Belvedere is a sought-after hybrid — combining the best of urban and country living.
It features spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling terrain and a park-like setting, with miles of walking and biking trails, on the banks of the Rivanna River.
Planning began in the mid-2000s, with the first homes delivered in 2008, just about the time the market burst in this area. Things were quiet until about 2012 when the building began again in earnest.
Since then, Phase 1 of the residential component of the neighborhood has been completed, with Phase 2 infrastructure underway.
At present, there are 19 properties for sale – most feature a craftsman style that was quite popular back in the mid 20th century. Driving down the streets, visitors get a sense of a residential feel to the neighborhood with broad sidewalks, lots of trees and play parks tucked in.
Walkability
With the new walking path alongside the John Warner Parkway it’s easy to go Downtown by bike or walking – by bike you can easily commute in about 10 minutes – and there you’ll find a wide variety of eclectic restaurants, shops and entertainment.
Living at Belvedere is all about fitness and the outdoors. With five miles of trails within the neighborhood, along with access to the scenic Rivanna Trail and Albemarle Green Way, and close proximity to the Rivanna River for fishing and kayaking, there’s something for everyone to do.
At the center of most activity is the giant multi-purpose Belvedere Village Green with a fire pit at one end and an elevated gazebo topping the other. Yards of playing fields stretch out in between where families can play and neighbors can gather. There is also a dedicated dog park, an organic farm, and a walkable town center.
You can also connect to the Rivanna Trail, where hikers can encircle Charlottesville on a 20-mile, rustic, urban trail that connects to six city parks where they can find playgrounds and other park facilities.
This trail and others that connect to it offer all types of surfaces, from paved trails that are great for biking to dirt and gravel. An added plus, the trail is dog-friendly.
Protected Green Space
As an eco-friendly community committed to sustainability, Belvedere is a walkable neighborhood filled with green space, areas that will never be developed, so that residents are able to enjoy their beautiful, natural surroundings, along with convenient access to more urban amenities.
Belvedere Station
Belvedere’s walkable town center, Belvedere Station, is a three-acre, mixed-use development that will co-mingle retail, commercial and residential developments, right in the heart of the neighborhood.
Once completed, it will provide the community with added conveniences, meeting places for neighbors of all ages and the perfect place to stroll on a quiet evening.
Civic Core
Organizations that do good for people are also good for a neighborhood. That’s why an important part of the Belvedere community is its Civic Core. The vibrant organizations that bring added life and heart to this community will soon include: SOCA offices/headquarters (this is the local soccer club that offers options to children starting at age 3 and moving up through to young adults), a preschool, and the Belvedere Farmer’s Market.
Organic Farm
An important aspect of healthy living is healthy eating, and organic vegetables and fruits are the cornerstone of a healthy diet. The organic farm will add to the sustainable, eco-friendly neighborhood.
Residents will be able to volunteer to help with the farming efforts, while they get to know their neighbors and ensure a plentiful crop of healthy produce. And, those who want to partake in the plenty that the farm produces will be able to sign up for the Belvedere CSA and pick up a basket of produce on a regular basis.
Dabney Park
Dabney Park offers a safe, protected place to socialize, and features an off-leash dog playground and play area.
Builders
Craig Builders, European Homes, Southern Development, Stanley Martin, Stonehaus and Gibson Homes all offer great floor plans and options.
Already built is the 294-unit luxury apartment complex, The Reserve at Belvedere, which provides many rental options. Phase 1 included the first 117 houses.
Belvedere is planned as a 775-unit development and will eventually include the new Senior Center at the six-acre commercial parcel (to which the Center will eventually move from Pepsi Place near U.S. 29).
Belvedere is the first neighborhood in Albemarle County planned in accordance with the design principles of the County’s Neighborhood Model, a new planning and development paradigm. It’s intended to manage growth and development in a very different way than the typical subdivision design and construction followed for decades.
The Neighborhood Model is closely aligned to the principles of Traditional Neighborhood Design, or more broadly, New Urbanism. It includes strategies to create mixed-use development incorporating places to live, work, shop, relax and enjoy.
New – Villas at Belvedere
The Villas at Belvedere is a new private community offering 27 first-floor master suite villas. They’re expected to be completed for summer 2017 deliveries. The energy-efficient homes feature attached 2-car garages and full unfinished walkout basements. Designed with livability in mind, the Gardiner floor plan has a main level master suite with two additional upstairs bedrooms. Luxury included features come standard: hardwood floors, gas fireplace, granite countertops, furniture-grade cabinetry, 10’x20′ deck, 2-piece crown molding, stainless steel appliances, tankless water heater, and more.
