Crozet

Crozet is an unincorporated community in Albemarle County, Virginia, United States. It lies to the west of Charlottesville along U.S. Route 250, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The community developed in the 19th century around a railroad corridor and today serves as a residential and rural backdrop for the region.

The place is named for Col. Claudius Crozet (1789–1864), a French-born civil engineer who supervised railroad construction in Virginia during the mid-19th century and later became a professor at the University of Virginia. His work in Virginia’s early rail transportation led to the Crozet name being adopted for the town and its surrounding area.

Geography and economy: Crozet features a mix of housing, small businesses, and agricultural land. It sits within easy reach of Charlottesville and its universities, as well as outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The community has experienced growth as development from Charlottesville expands outward, while retaining a rural and small-town character.

Education and services: As an unincorporated community, Crozet relies on Albemarle County for governance and public services, with residents typically accessing amenities in Charlottesville or along the Route 250 corridor. The area is commonly regarded as a gateway to the region’s outdoor activities, including nearby trails and parks.