Central Alameda Neighborhood
Is Central 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)
Severe875
Medium420
Low1671
Other5853
142 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape53
Child involved94
Assault24
Other8
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
Median Home Price
$1.21M
Historic Homes
54.5%
Vacancy Rate
5.2%
Central Alameda Overview
Central Alameda offers a distinctive coastal lifestyle with historic charm and modern convenience. This waterfront neighborhood combines nautical character with urban density, featuring a significant concentration of pre-1940 architecture that gives it a unique sense of place.
The neighborhood attracts residents who value diversity and accessibility, with strong representation from Asian communities and multiple languages spoken throughout. Its coastal location provides both recreational opportunities and practical commute advantages through ferry service.
CoastalHistoricDiverseFerry AccessWalkable
Neighborhood Snapshot
| Price Tier | Premium |
|---|---|
| Community Character | Diverse |
| Commute Pattern | Mixed Transit |
| Housing Era | Historic |
Housing market and real estate character
Central Alameda's housing market reflects its desirable coastal location and historic character, with premium pricing and strong demand indicators.
| Owner Occupancy | Mixed tenure |
|---|---|
| Housing Types | Small to medium homes |
| Building Stock | Historic focus |
| Vacancy Rate | 5.2% |
What buyers will notice right away
Low vacancy rate of 5.2% indicates above-average demand and potential for price stability or growth.
Significant concentration of pre-1940 homes offers unique architectural character but may require maintenance considerations.
Waterfront access and nautical setting contribute to premium pricing and lifestyle appeal.
Family Life & Lifestyle
Central Alameda offers a family-friendly environment with cultural diversity, walkable streets, and unique recreational opportunities.
Low child poverty rate suggests stable family environment
High professional employment indicates educated community
Coastal setting provides recreational opportunities
Cultural diversity offers rich community experience
Cultural Diversity — Strong Asian community presence with multiple languages creating a multicultural environment for families.
Waterfront Recreation — Coastal location provides access to water activities and scenic walking opportunities.
Historic Neighborhood Character — Well-established community with architectural charm and neighborhood stability.
| Child Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
|---|---|
| Professional Employment | 49.3% |
| Walkable Community | Urban density |
Community Demographics
| Professional Employment | 49.3% |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Upper-middle income |
| Support Occupations | 22.9% |
| Asian Ancestry | 38.5% |
| Foreign Born | 23.0% |
| Chinese Language | 10.5% |
| English Primary | 66.2% |
Transportation & Commute
Central Alameda offers unique commute options with exceptional ferry access and bike-friendly infrastructure.
Central Alameda's exceptional ferry and bike commute options provide flexibility and convenience for Bay Area workers.
Rare Ferry Access — Among the top 1% of US neighborhoods for ferry commuting, providing scenic and efficient Bay Area transit.
Bike-Friendly Infrastructure — High bicycle commute rate indicates safe, accessible cycling infrastructure for daily transportation.
Reasonable Commute Times — Most residents enjoy shorter-than-average commutes, supporting work-life balance.
| Ferry Commute | 1.5% |
|---|---|
| Bike Commute | 5.0% |
| Drive Alone | 51.5% |
| 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
What makes Central Alameda's housing market unique?
Central Alameda features a significant concentration of historic homes built before 1940, combined with coastal location and low vacancy rates indicating strong demand.
How diverse is the Central Alameda community?
The neighborhood has substantial diversity with 38.5% Asian ancestry and 23.0% foreign-born residents, with multiple languages including Chinese spoken by 10.5% of households.
What are the commute options from Central Alameda?
Residents enjoy exceptional ferry access (1.5% usage rate, top 1% nationally) and bike-friendly infrastructure (5.0% bike commute rate), plus traditional car and walking options.
Is Central Alameda family-friendly?
Yes, with a low child poverty rate of 3.8% and high professional employment at 49.3%, indicating a stable, educated community environment.