Does Charlottesville fit? (apartment, safe area, school closings)

[Get_Glowing]

Hi everyone, I've been interested in Charlottesville for relocation. I have a few questions I haven't seen asked...

How s the local food scene? I'm in the food service industry (baker). How is the natural/organic food scene? This is super important to me! Are there health food stores? Farmers markets? I know there is. whole Foods, but beyond that.

Most importantly, how is the crime? By the stats, and from what I've read, it seems safe. Do you feel safe there? Is there a gang problem? Would you feel comfortable out and about walking with a small child/stroller?

Any idea how many average snow days the schools get a year? I'm concerned about this with regards to missing work. I'm from the south, and it barely snows here.

Lastly, I'm working with about a $700 a month budget for a one bedroom. Is this double in Charlottesville in a good, safe area of town?

I'm looking for a smallish city, very safe with a great, health conscience community. Is Charlottesville the place?

Many thanks!

[Westbound and Down]

$700 will limit your options on an apartment.

Snow days vary, of course, with the intensity of the winter. This winter was a bad one (not sure the number of snow days, but it was high, and I read some discussion of having to add days to the school year in June to make up for it). Several years in the past 20 schools have missed as many as 20+ days in the season, but then in mild winters there may not be any school closings. In Albemarle County, note that they sometimes close the schools if it rains heavily enough to cause flooding because the buses can't make their runs to the moire rural parts of the county.

Yes, there is a good farmer's market held in the city, but you find that in most communities of a certain size these days, so it is nothing special.

Charlottesville has its share of crime, and there is definitely gang and drug related activity there. Just be aware when choosing a place to live. This is where your low budget will come into play...your budget may compromise your choice of safe neighborhoods.