#8 Charlottesville, VA

Charlottesville ranks first among all college towns in earning potential and also has the highest number of people working in the creative class. Charlottesville seamlessly combines the old and the new with Southern hospitality, well-preserved historic architecture, an active music and restaurant scene, and chic wineries. The University of Virginia boasts expansive grounds, framed by rolling lawns, secluded gardens, and towering trees. Not surprisingly, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has cited Charlottesville as one of the country’s most unique and well-preserved communities.

[Photo: Monticello, Charlottesville, VA, Wikimedia Commons]

Click to see how Charlottesville’s ranking compares to other cities.