<p>One thing the NYT's article does not address is where students must go to find off campus housing. I know at many colleges the housing in areas near the campus are rental properties catering to students. Our son moved off campus after freshman year by choice, living about 3 blocks from campus. I would guess that about 75% of the residents in the area are students with many of them being grad students.</p>
<p>In such an environment, we have not been concerned about his safety. But there certainly are situations where security certainly could be a concern</p>