Albany, California
Is Hillside 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
Other3107
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
$586K
Graduate Degrees
48.2%
Vacancy Rate
2.4%
Hillside Overview
Hillside is a densely urban Albany neighborhood distinguished by its exceptionally educated population and modern apartment-focused housing. The area attracts highly credentialed professionals who value both intellectual community and transit convenience.
This unique neighborhood combines affordability relative to other Albany areas with one of the highest concentrations of graduate degree holders in America. The modern apartment complexes built primarily between 1970-1999 create a cohesive architectural character.
Highly EducatedApartment LivingTrain AccessProfessionalModern
Quick Facts
| Education Level | 48% graduate degrees |
|---|---|
| Home Price Tier | $586K median |
| Housing Type | 75% large apartments |
| Transit Access | 12% train commute |
Housing market and real estate character
Hillside's housing market offers a unique combination of affordability and modern apartment living in the Albany area.
| Vacancy Rate | 2.4% |
|---|---|
| Apartment Concentration | 75.1% |
| Small Unit Focus | 86.6% studios-2BR |
| Housing Age | 88.5% built 1970-1999 |
What buyers will notice right away
$586K median price provides more accessible entry to Albany's highly educated community compared to other neighborhood options.
75% large apartment buildings create urban density with modern amenities, ideal for professionals and smaller households.
2.4% vacancy rate indicates strong demand for this unique combination of affordability and education levels.
Families & Lifestyle
Hillside attracts highly educated professionals who value intellectual community and modern urban conveniences.
Exceptional concentration of graduate degree holders creates intellectual community atmosphere
Modern apartment living appeals to professionals who value convenience and amenities
Strong train access supports Bay Area professional commutes
Tight housing market indicates stable, desirable community
Highly Credentialed Professionals — 48.2% hold graduate degrees (98.9th percentile nationally), creating a community of doctors, lawyers, academics, and other advanced professionals.
Urban Apartment Dwellers — Residents who prefer modern apartment amenities and urban density over traditional single-family home ownership.
| Graduate Degrees | 48.2% |
|---|---|
| Executive/Professional | 70.7% |
| Wealth Rank | 85.3% |
Demographics
| Graduate Degrees | 48.2% |
|---|---|
| Executive/Professional Share | 70.7% |
| Wealth Rank | 85.3% |
| Primary Language | English 49.0% |
| Asian Ancestry | 41.0% |
| Foreign Born | 33.7% |
| Japanese Speakers | 5.0% |
Commute & Transportation
Transportation patterns reflect professional commute needs with strong train access and typical urban patterns.
Hillside combines excellent train access with urban convenience for educated professionals.
Strong Train Connectivity — 11.7% train commute rate (95.9th percentile) provides efficient access to Bay Area employment centers.
Moderate Commute Times — Most residents enjoy 15-30 minute commutes, balancing accessibility with neighborhood quality.
Urban Professional Pattern — Transportation choices reflect the preferences of highly educated professionals who value both convenience and sustainability.
| Train Commute | 11.7% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone | 43.4% |
| Carpool | 8.3% |
| Typical Commute | 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
What makes Hillside unique educationally?
48.2% of adults hold graduate degrees, ranking in the 98.9th percentile nationally. This creates one of America's most highly educated neighborhood communities.
What type of housing dominates Hillside?
75.1% large apartment buildings (96th percentile nationally) with 86.6% being studios to 2-bedroom units, and 88.5% built between 1970-1999.
How does Hillside compare price-wise to other Albany neighborhoods?
$586K median price is significantly more affordable than other Albany areas while maintaining access to the same highly educated community and transit benefits.