Is Hollymead Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hollymead
Is it Safe to Live in Hollymead?
Hollymead presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates reported as significantly lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime index in Hollymead is below the national average, and violent crimes are notably lower (as reported by AreaVibes and DoorProfit). In a typical year, the crime rate is approximately 20.01 per 1,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests that residents generally have a low risk of becoming a victim of crime, with chances often cited as around 1 in 84 (as reported by AreaVibes).
While the overall statistics are favorable, crime perception can vary by neighborhood within Hollymead. Some residents consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with crime risk ranging from 1 in 23 in western neighborhoods to 1 in 93 in the southeast (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident is also lower than the national and state averages, indicating a generally secure community (as reported by AreaVibes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Hollymead
Hollymead offers a compelling mix of advantages for potential residents, including a strong job market and a generally safe environment. The area boasts a robust employment sector, with employment growing at a rate of 6.58% from the previous year, employing approximately 4,700 people (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate is low, standing at 3% (as reported by Data USA), which contributes to a stable economy.
However, the cost of living in Hollymead is notably high, with expenses for everyday goods, services, housing, and groceries exceeding average levels (as reported by AreaVibes). Additionally, while amenities are available, a significant portion may not be within easy walking distance, potentially requiring residents to rely on vehicles or public transportation (as reported by AreaVibes). The limited access to public transportation can also lead to longer commute times to workplaces (as reported by AreaVibes).
Demographics and Lifestyle
Hollymead is home to approximately 8,482 residents, with a projected population of 8,768 by 2026 (as reported by Data USA and Census Dots). The community offers a suburban-rural mix feel, with most residents owning their homes (as reported by Niche). The median age in Hollymead is 37.4 years (as reported by Census Dots).
The racial composition of Hollymead is predominantly White, accounting for about 72.3% of the population, followed by Hispanic (11.4%), Black (6.6%), and Asian (5.8%) residents (as reported by Census Dots). The community tends to be liberal, attracting many families and young professionals (as reported by Niche).
Housing Market and Costs
The housing market in Hollymead is described as somewhat competitive, with a median sale price for homes around $582,000 (as reported by Redfin). This median sale price is higher than the Virginia state average, indicating a more expensive real estate market (as reported by AreaVibes). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9, which is lower than the Virginia average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Rental prices in Hollymead are also on the higher side, with the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types around $2,200 (as reported by Zumper). This is approximately 13% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). The tight housing supply, with a vacancy rate of 0.7%, contributes to the demand and associated costs (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Job Market and Economy
Hollymead’s economy is supported by a growing workforce, with employment increasing by 6.58% and employing approximately 4,700 individuals (as reported by Data USA). The largest employing industries include Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate is a low 3% (as reported by Data USA).
The highest paying industries in Hollymead are Real Estate & Rental & Leasing, Information, and Finance & Insurance (as reported by Data USA). The average salary in Hollymead is approximately $42,844 per year, or $20.60 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Major employers in the wider Charlottesville area, which influences Hollymead’s job market, include the University of Virginia and Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital (as reported by C-VILLE Weekly and Why You Should Consider Working & Living Here).
Climate and Weather
Hollymead experiences a climate with warm, muggy summers and very cold, snowy winters, with partly cloudy conditions year-round (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Temperatures typically range from 29°F to 87°F, rarely falling below 16°F or exceeding 95°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The hottest month is July, with average highs of 87°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows of 29°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with May being the wettest month, averaging 3.6 inches of precipitation, and February being the driest, with an average of 2.0 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area receives about 44 inches of precipitation annually, with roughly 15 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
Hollymead is served by Albemarle County Public Schools, with Hollymead Elementary School being a notable institution. This public elementary school, serving grades Pre-K to 5, receives high ratings, including an “A” on Niche and a 7/10 GreatSchools Rating (as reported by Homes.com). Academically, Hollymead Elementary demonstrates strong performance, with approximately 87% of students achieving math proficiency and 92% achieving reading proficiency (as reported by Homes.com).
Hollymead Elementary School consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in Virginia, often placing within the top 5% for overall test scores, math proficiency, and reading proficiency (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger). The student-teacher ratio is favorable at 12:1, contributing to a supportive learning environment (as reported by Homes.com and Niche).