Albany, California
Is Lower Solano / Dartmouth 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
$1.50M
Graduate Degrees
41.5%
Vacancy Rate
6%
Lower Solano / Dartmouth Overview
Lower Solano / Dartmouth stands out as one of Albany's most educated and sophisticated neighborhoods, with 41.5% of adults holding graduate degrees - a rate found in only 2.6% of American neighborhoods. This historic area combines walkable urban living with cultural refinement.
The neighborhood attracts urban sophisticates who value arts, culture, and intellectual engagement, ranking higher than 96.7% of US neighborhoods for this lifestyle. Historic architecture and premium walkability create an appealing environment for educated professionals and families.
HistoricWalkableGraduate EducatedUrban SophisticatesMixed Housing
Key Neighborhood Facts
| Graduate Education | 41.5% advanced degrees |
|---|---|
| Walkability | Top 5% nationally |
| Cultural Lifestyle | Urban sophisticates |
| Professional Workers | 74.7% executives/managers |
Housing market and real estate character
Lower Solano / Dartmouth offers a mix of historic single-family homes and apartments with strong market fundamentals and moderate vacancy rates.
| Vacancy Rate | 6.0% |
|---|---|
| Housing Mix | Single-family and apartments |
| Historic Character | Built pre-1939 |
| Housing Age | 1940-1969 construction |
What buyers will notice right away
Combination of historic architecture and modern walkability creates unique appeal for buyers seeking character and convenience in a premium location.
Exceptional education levels and professional concentration suggest strong long-term property value support from high-income, stable residents.
Families & Lifestyle
Lower Solano / Dartmouth appeals to educated families and professionals who value cultural amenities, walkability, and intellectual community.
Exceptional walkability supports active, car-reduced lifestyles
High education levels create intellectually engaged community
Low child poverty rates indicate family-friendly economic environment
Educated Professionals — High concentration of graduate degree holders and executives creates a community focused on career achievement and intellectual pursuits.
Cultural Enthusiasts — Urban sophisticate lifestyle includes regular engagement with arts, theater, and cultural activities that define neighborhood character.
| Child Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
|---|---|
| Wealthy Residents | Top 15% income |
| Urban Sophisticates | High concentration |
Demographics & Community
| Graduate Degrees | 41.5% |
|---|---|
| Executive/Professional | 74.7% |
| Income Level | Wealthy |
| English Speakers | 67.4% |
| Foreign Born | 19.5% |
| Asian Ancestry | 22.2% |
| Irish Ancestry | 11.9% |
Commute & Transportation
Lower Solano / Dartmouth offers diverse transportation options with strong bicycle infrastructure and mixed commute patterns.
Understanding commute diversity helps evaluate the neighborhood's appeal to different professional lifestyles and work arrangements.
Transportation Flexibility — Multiple commute options including driving, rail, and cycling provide residents with choices based on work location and personal preferences.
Professional Accessibility — Mix of short and long commutes suggests the neighborhood serves both local Bay Area employment and San Francisco professionals.
| Drive Alone | 43.6% |
|---|---|
| Train Commute | 7.3% |
| Bicycle Commute | 3.8% |
| Long Commutes | 11.2% over 1 hour |
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 this neighborhood special for educated professionals?
Lower Solano / Dartmouth has 41.5% graduate degree holders (top 2.6% nationally) and ranks as urban sophisticates community (top 3.3% nationally), creating an intellectually engaged environment.
How walkable is the neighborhood?
The area ranks in the top 5% of American neighborhoods for walkability, making daily errands and local activities easily accessible on foot.
Is it good for families?
Yes, with only 4.8% child poverty (better than 64.6% of US neighborhoods) and wealthy residents (top 15% income nationally), it offers a stable family environment.