<p>jc,</p>
<p>The poverty rate reflects the city population, not the University population or even the Albemarle County population. This 2008 Daily Progress article discusses it more fully.</p>
<p>[City</a> confronts rising poverty | Charlottesville Daily Progress](<a href=“http://www2.dailyprogress.com/cdp/news/local/article/city_confronts_rising_poverty/29345/]City”>http://www2.dailyprogress.com/cdp/news/local/article/city_confronts_rising_poverty/29345/)</p>
<p>A big factor is the cost of living here. In many respects, it rivals that of NOVA. Many of our teachers in Charlottesville and Albemarle cannot afford to live here; instead they reside in the surrounding counties where the housing costs are lower. It is also difficult to find work. Even the jobs that the uneducated poor are qualified for are often scooped up by others who are considered “overqualified.” I know someone who was given a head custodial job over other candidates because of his degree from UVA! Many of our Teaching Assistants in the schools are actually fully certified teachers, some with an M.Ed. In addition, the city is flooded with highly qualified UVA grads (like my husband and me:)) who never leave, spouses of professors, and eager high school and college students, so jobs are hard to get.</p>
<p>I have three children, my older two will be in their junior and senior year next year. They and their friends enjoy attending “Fridays After Five” on the Downtown Mall. We find that even though it is downtown, the mall is a safe environment, particularly during the day and even at night as long as certain rules are adhered to. One, stay on the mall. Two, stick with a buddy, preferably several. Three, leave the mall by 10 (or, if they are attending a movie, leave when the movie is over). I would not encourage young people to be out alone downtown or even in a pair after 11 or so (a group would be better), especially in the area surrounding the mall. One of my friends and her husband were attacked last year on Belmont bridge by what they think were members of a gang. Basically, it pays to use common sense. The old rule, “Nothing good happens after midnight” is a good one to live by when you are out downtown. And, take friends with you if you are going downtown at night.</p>
<p>The University community is kind of like its own world, especially the first year. It is a pretty safe environment over all and I would feel perfectly comfortable sending my children to UVA as full time students.</p>