Albany, California
Is City Center a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Albany, 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)
Severe621
Medium322
Low980
Other3102
94 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape27
Child involved69
Assault9
Other7
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 emergency may involve an unknown issue near Sacramento Avenue, (number withheld). Emergency units are using a French interpreter. | Sacramento Ave, Richmond, CA 94804 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical aid was dispatched to an address near Brookside Avenue in Richmond. | Brookside Ave, Richmond, CA 94805 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency was reported near Sacramento Avenue in Richmond, involving unit (number withheld) and dispatched code 3. | Sacramento Ave, Richmond, CA 94804 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency involving chest pain was reported near Brookside Avenue and Glen Avenue. Fire and medical units responded with urgency. | Brookside Ave, Richmond, CA 94805 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical aid was dispatched near 8th Street across from McDonald Avenue in Richmond for a person experiencing abdominal pain. | 8th St, Richmond, CA 94801 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency with abdominal pain was reported near S 38th Street and McDonald Avenue in Richmond, with emergency responders dispatched urgently. | S 38th St, Richmond, CA 94804 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a 29-year-old woman reported abdominal pain near 38th Street in Richmond, possibly related to recent gallbladder surgery. Emergency engine 66 dispatched. | S 38th St, Richmond, CA 94804 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, units are responding code 3 to a possible choking medical emergency involving a 62-year-old man near Nevin Avenue in Richmond. | Nevin Ave, Richmond, CA 94801 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency is reported near Austin Way and Shattuck Avenue, with possible location at 2201 Shattuck Avenue. Engine 2 and Medic 2 are responding. | Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units dispatched to a medical emergency near Austin Way and Shattuck Avenue. | Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$1.35M
Walk to Work
32.8%
Vacancy Rate
4.6%
Albany City Center Overview
Albany City Center stands out as one of California's most walkable urban neighborhoods, where 32.8% of residents walk to work daily. This densely populated area features predominantly high-rise apartments and small living spaces, creating a unique urban environment near the San Francisco Bay.
The neighborhood attracts a diverse mix of residents, including a significant student population (27.7% enrolled in college) and professionals working in executive and management roles. With 100% rental occupancy and premium pricing, it represents a distinctive urban lifestyle choice in the Bay Area.
Urban LivingWalkableHigh-RiseTransit-FriendlyStudent Area
Key Neighborhood Facts
| Housing Type | 80.1% high-rise apartments |
|---|---|
| Commute Pattern | 32.8% walk to work |
| Student Population | 27.7% enrolled in college |
| Rental Market | 100% renter occupied |
Housing market and real estate character
Albany City Center represents a premium rental market with unique housing characteristics and strong demand indicators.
| Vacancy Rate | 4.6% |
|---|---|
| Small Units | 82.8% studio to 2-bedroom |
| Recent Construction | Many built 2000+ |
| Population Density | 20,693 per sq mile |
What buyers will notice right away
Strong rental demand with low vacancy rates and premium pricing suggest a stable investment market, though 100% rental occupancy limits owner-occupant opportunities.
Ideal for urban professionals and students who prioritize walkability and transit access over space, with most units being small-format apartments.
Families & Lifestyle
Albany City Center caters to urban professionals and students with an active, walkable lifestyle, though family amenities may be limited.
Exceptional walkability supports car-free urban living
Strong public transit connections including bus and bike infrastructure
Diverse, educated community with international representation
Urban Professionals — High concentration of executive and professional workers who value walkable commutes and urban amenities over suburban space.
Student Community — Significant college enrollment creates a dynamic, younger demographic that contributes to the neighborhood's energy and diversity.
| Child Poverty Rate | 61.9% |
|---|---|
| Same-Sex Couples | 3.0% |
| Professional Workers | 63.5% |
Demographics & Community
| Executive/Professional | 63.5% |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Middle-income |
| College Enrollment | 27.7% |
| English Speakers | 55.5% |
| Foreign Born | 27.2% |
| Asian Ancestry | 32.7% |
| Danish Ancestry | 5.4% |
Commute & Transportation
Albany City Center offers exceptional alternative transportation options, with walking and cycling rates among the highest in the nation.
In a neighborhood where transportation choices define daily life, understanding commute patterns helps evaluate lifestyle fit and long-term satisfaction.
Car-Free Living Potential — Exceptional walkability and transit access make car ownership optional, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact.
Commute Flexibility — Multiple transportation options provide backup plans and seasonal flexibility for getting to work and around the Bay Area.
| Walk to Work | 32.8% |
|---|---|
| Bicycle Commute | 7.3% |
| Bus Ridership | High usage |
| Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
Homes for sale near 94706
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albany City Center good for families?
The neighborhood has a high child poverty rate (61.9%) and is primarily designed for urban professionals and students. Families may find limited child-focused amenities and predominantly small apartment units.
What makes this neighborhood unique?
Albany City Center has 100% rental occupancy, 32.8% walk-to-work rate, and 80.1% high-rise apartments - all among the highest concentrations in America.
How walkable is the area?
Extremely walkable, with 32.8% of residents walking to work daily, placing it in the top 1% of US neighborhoods for pedestrian commuting.