Without a doubt. Charlottesville has turned into strip malls and car dealerships. It is ugly. Even walking around Charlottesville near the school isn't particularly attractive. If you walk as far as the old downtown, you'll find it's just like hundreds of other "historic districts" that have been given face lifts to no avail.
Many years ago, before air conditioning was common, and when the old business district was healthy, Charlottesville was actually a nice town.
Lexington on the other hand is largely untouched by time. It is far enough off the beaten path that time has passed it by. It is in a very conservative mountainous region with great traditions. Compared to Charlottesville, Lexington is worth touring on foot. A visit to Lee Chapel, the resting place of Robert E. Lee, is guaranteed to move you beyond words.
I was there last year. The docent showing people around the Lee Chapel was excellent. But a visit to Lexington should also include going to the cemetery where Stonewall Jackson is buried.