Albany, California
Is Garfield / West Washington 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
$1.21M
Train Commute
16.6%
Vacancy Rate
6%
Garfield / West Washington Overview
Garfield / West Washington is a densely urban Albany neighborhood that combines sophisticated urban living with strong Asian cultural influence. The area attracts residents who value both cultural diversity and refined urban amenities.
This walkable community stands out for its exceptional train commute access and significant Asian population, creating a unique blend of transit convenience and multicultural character. The neighborhood appeals to urban sophisticates who appreciate both accessibility and cultural richness.
Urban SophisticatesTrain AccessAsian CommunityWalkableMulticultural
Quick Facts
| Home Price Tier | $1.21M median |
|---|---|
| Rent Level | $4,045 average |
| Transit Access | 16.6% train commute |
| Cultural Character | 39% Asian ancestry |
Housing market and real estate character
The housing market reflects the neighborhood's desirable urban location and transit accessibility.
| Vacancy Rate | 6.0% |
|---|---|
| Housing Mix | Single-family + apartments |
| Occupancy Pattern | Mixed owners/renters |
| Housing Age | 1940-1969 + pre-1940 |
What buyers will notice right away
High home prices reflect the rare combination of train access and urban walkability in the Bay Area.
6.0% vacancy rate indicates balanced supply and demand with moderate market tightness.
Older housing stock from 1940-1969 era provides consistent architectural character and mature community feel.
Families & Lifestyle
This neighborhood attracts sophisticated urban families who value cultural diversity and convenient transit access.
Strong concentration of arts and culture patrons creates sophisticated community atmosphere
Exceptional train access supports car-free or car-light family lifestyles
Top 5% walkability enables easy access to daily amenities
Multicultural environment with strong Asian community presence
Cultural Sophisticates — Residents who regularly support the arts, attend cultural events, and value refined urban amenities, ranking in the 97.4th percentile nationally.
Transit-Oriented Professionals — High concentration of executives and professionals who utilize the exceptional train access for Bay Area commutes.
| Urban Sophisticates | 97.4th percentile |
|---|---|
| Executive/Professional | 65.7% |
| Wealth Rank | 94.3% |
Demographics
| Executive/Professional Share | 65.7% |
|---|---|
| Wealth Rank | 94.3% |
| Child Poverty | 2.9% |
| Primary Language | English 55.8% |
| Chinese Speakers | 17.8% |
| Asian Ancestry | 39.2% |
| Foreign Born | 34.4% |
Commute & Transportation
Transportation options emphasize train access and walkability, supporting diverse commute patterns.
Garfield / West Washington offers exceptional train access combined with walkable urban design.
Premier Train Access — 16.6% train commute rate ranks in the 96.9th percentile nationally, providing efficient Bay Area connectivity.
Walkable Urban Design — Top 5% walkability supports daily needs and reduces transportation dependence for local activities.
Longer Commute Trade-off — Many residents accept 45-60 minute commutes in exchange for exceptional neighborhood amenities and train access.
| Train Commute | 16.6% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone | 39.9% |
| Walk to Work | 6.5% |
| Typical Commute | 45-60 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
What makes the train access special in this neighborhood?
16.6% of residents commute by train, ranking in the 96.9th percentile nationally. This provides exceptional connectivity to Bay Area employment centers.
How diverse is the Garfield / West Washington community?
The neighborhood is highly multicultural with 39.2% Asian ancestry, 17.8% Chinese speakers (99th percentile nationally), and 34.4% foreign-born residents.
What type of residents does this area attract?
Urban sophisticates (97.4th percentile) who value arts and culture, with 65.7% in executive/professional occupations and wealth ranking in the top 6% nationally.