
Is Ballena Bay / West End a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Alameda, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
142 Registered Offenders Nearby
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical response involves a 26-year-old female possibly under the influence with a rapid heart rate near the marina. | Challenger Dr Suite 101, Alameda, CA 94501 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency involving a 50-year-old woman with abdominal pain is reported near Gibraltar Drive by Marina Village Parkway. | Marina Village Pkwy, Alameda, CA 94501 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call for general illness was reported near 17th Avenue and Sonoma Way in Oakland. | 17th Ave, Oakland, CA 94606 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a person appeared to faint and was unconscious but breathing near MacArthur Boulevard. Fire units were dispatched to the scene. | MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94610 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical personnel are responding code 3 for a possible unconscious person near MacArthur Boulevard and Casa San Bruno Avenue in Oakland. | MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94610 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units are dispatched to a possible medical emergency involving an unconscious person who is breathing near MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland. | MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94610 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded to a reported fall near 13th Street and Broadway in Oakland. | 13th St, Oakland, CA 94612 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical unit responded to a report of chest pain near 13th Street. | 13th St, Oakland, CA 94612 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services notified for an 89-year-old woman with chest pain near Hawthorne Avenue. Patient has stable vital signs and is arriving shortly. | Hawthorne Ave, Oakland, CA 94609 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews responded to a reported vegetation fire near 37th Street and Telegraph Avenue in Oakland after a caller reported bushes on fire. Engine 1 arrived, searched the area, and apparently did not find any active fire before returning to service. | Telegraph Ave & 37th St, Oakland, CA 94609 | Fire |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Nearby neighborhoods
Ballena Bay / West End Overview
Ballena Bay / West End represents the future of professional living, with 31% of residents working from home - higher than 95.4% of American neighborhoods. This coastal community perfectly balances remote work convenience with waterfront lifestyle amenities.
The neighborhood's nautical character, combined with modern professional needs, creates a unique environment where residents enjoy both coastal recreation and career flexibility. Dense urban living meets waterfront charm in this distinctive Alameda enclave.
Neighborhood Snapshot
| Work Style | Remote Work Leader |
|---|---|
| Income Tier | Upper-middle income |
| Commute Innovation | Ferry Excellence |
| Family Environment | Low Child Poverty |
Housing market and real estate character
Ballena Bay's housing market reflects its appeal to modern professionals seeking coastal living with work-from-home convenience.
| Housing Mix | Apartments and homes |
|---|---|
| Tenure Pattern | Mixed ownership |
| Architecture | Historic and modern |
| Vacancy Rate | 6.1% |
What buyers will notice right away
Modern Professional Family Life
Ballena Bay caters to professional families seeking work-life balance with coastal amenities and flexible work arrangements.
| Work From Home | 31.0% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty | 2.4% |
| Professional Employment | 65.8% |
Community Demographics
| Executive Professionals | 65.8% |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Upper-middle income |
| Service Employment | 14.6% |
| Asian Ancestry | 24.2% |
| Foreign Born | 21.7% |
| Tagalog Language | 5.8% |
| English Primary | 71.7% |
Transportation & Remote Work
Ballena Bay leads the nation in work-from-home arrangements while offering exceptional ferry access for hybrid professionals.
Ballena Bay's combination of remote work leadership and premium ferry access creates the ultimate flexible professional lifestyle.
| Work From Home | 31.0% |
|---|---|
| Ferry Commute | 8.4% |
| Drive Alone | 43.6% |
| Typical Commute | 15-30 minutes |
Homes for sale near 94501
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.



















































































Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ballena Bay ideal for remote workers?
With 31% of residents working from home - higher than 95.4% of US neighborhoods - Ballena Bay has established itself as a premier remote work community with coastal lifestyle benefits.
What makes the ferry commute special?
At 8.4% usage, Ballena Bay has the highest ferry commute rate in America, providing scenic and efficient Bay Area transit for hybrid professionals.
How family-friendly is Ballena Bay?
Very family-friendly with only 2.4% child poverty rate (lower than 73.3% of US neighborhoods) and 65.8% professional employment creating a stable community environment.
What's the coastal lifestyle like?
The neighborhood offers nautical character with waterfront access, combining dense urban convenience with coastal recreation and scenic living opportunities.