July 8, 2005
Where are the most secure places to live in America? According to the Farmers Insurance Group, our area is among the top twenty in the country.
Whether it's number one, two, or three on a list for something significant, you're sure to see the city of Charlottesville.
"In Charlottesville I feel very safe," said Jessica Kane, a mother of a 2-year-old in Charlottesville.
Most notably known for "America's #1 Place to Live", Charlottesville now has a new ranking for being the most secure city to live.
"We took into consideration things like crime statistics, the fact that there's not a heavy chance of natural disasters, and job security," said Becky Reid, of the Farmers Insurance Group.
The city measuring nearly 11square miles and home to around 40,000 residents ranks 19th out of all small cities and towns in the country. The Farmers rankings, compiled by a database, included 331 cities. The 2055 study was broken into three groups: metropolitan, mid-size, and small towns.
Kane believes in the study and feels safer than ever. "I've lived in New York, and Washington, and so Charlottesville by comparison feels like a wonderful place to raise kids," she explained.
Though the Farmers Insurance Group ranks Charlottesville just 19 out of 20 for small towns being the most secure, it doesn't mean we're in a bad position.
"I would say that it's a real accomplishment on Charlottesville's part because are a very rapidly growing area," said Reid.
The growing area includes Albemarle County as well. Reid said it shows that the police and fire departments have been able to keep up with the challenges facing them.
"Some of the challenges that we face are when people don't call right away when a crime happens, and then we are left putting the pieces together," said Sgt. Pam Greenwood, of the Albemarle County Police Department.
"It's not overnight obviously, or even something that has taken a few years. Sometimes it takes a number of years, or even decades to get to this point," added Lt. Gary Pleasants, of the Charlottesville Police Department.
Though the Farmer's Insurance Group is not big in Charlottesville, offices here will have representation in Los Angeles. Becky Reid is currently in the area attending a conference honoring her achievements in sales.
