Charlottesville sits in the Piedmont region of central Virginia, anchored by the University of Virginia and serving as the commercial center for Albemarle County. The city's service area extends from Crozet in the west through Pantops and Hollymead to the north, reaching east toward Zion Crossroads and south to Scottsville. The local economy revolves around UVA and the UVA Health System, which together employ over 20,000 people, alongside a growing tech sector and the vineyards and farms that dot the surrounding countryside. The population swells during the academic year and peaks again during summer tourism season, creating distinct seasonal rhythms for local businesses.