charlottesville is a city in virginia in the united states. it is named for charlotte of mecklenburg-strelitz, king george iii's queen. 45,049 people live there. in 2004, charlottesville was named the best place to live in the united states in a book named "cities ranked and rated." three american presidents have lived in charlottesville, including thomas jefferson, james madison, and james monroe. the university of virginia is in charlottesville. president jefferson's home, monticello, is also in charlottesville. both are popular places for people to visit.