Berkeley, CA Neighborhood
Is Southside a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Berkeley, CA - 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)
Severe834
Medium415
Low1258
Other5021
133 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape46
Child involved92
Assault15
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, 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 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 |
| 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, a medical emergency was reported near Pine Avenue and Webster Street in Berkeley, with Engine 3 and Medic 3 assigned and units instructed to stage. | Pine Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705 | 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 |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$1,499,742
Average Rent
$2,933
Vacancy Rate
15.1%
Overview
Southside is a densely urban neighborhood in Berkeley, CA, with a median home price of $1,499,742 and average rent of $2,933.
The area features mostly small to medium apartments and single-family homes, with high renter occupancy and a notable vacancy rate.
Dense UrbanCollege FocusedRenter Dominated
Quick Facts
| Walk to Work Rate | 39.4% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Southside's housing is dominated by apartments and high renter occupancy, with many homes built between 1970 and 1999.
| Apartment Complexes/High-Rises | 73.6% |
|---|---|
| Renter Occupied | 93.0% |
| Vacancy Rate | 15.1% |
| Housing Age | Mostly built 1970-1999, some 1940-1969 |
What buyers will notice right away
Over 90% renter occupancy indicates a strong rental market.
One of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the U.S.
Families & Lifestyle
Southside is a low-income, college-focused neighborhood with very low child poverty and a diverse workforce.
College Student Friendly — High college enrollment and amenities make it attractive for students.
| College Enrollment | 72.2% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| Executive/Professional Share | 49.6% |
Demographics
| College Enrollment | 72.2% |
|---|---|
| Executive/Professional Share | 49.6% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 23.1% |
| Primary Language - Chinese | 13.5% |
| Top Ancestries | ["Iranian (4.3%)","Asian (37.8%)","Mexican (8.9%)","English (6.4%)","Irish (5.9%)","German (5.4%)"] |
Commute
Southside residents enjoy short commutes with a high rate of walking and carpooling.
Southside offers excellent walkability and short commutes, supporting a low-car lifestyle.
Walkability — High walk-to-work rate supports health and convenience.
Carpooling — Significant carpooling reduces traffic and emissions.
Short Commutes — Many residents have commutes under 15 minutes.
| Walk to Work | 39.4% |
|---|---|
| Carpool Rate | 15.1% |
| Drive Alone | 15.9% |
| Main Commute Time | Under 15 minutes for 44.6% of workers |
Homes for sale near 94704
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Southside?
The median home price is $1,499,742, higher than 79.7% of California neighborhoods.
How walkable is Southside?
It has one of the highest walk-to-work rates in the U.S. at 39.4%.
What is the vacancy rate?
The vacancy rate is 15.1%, higher than 79.2% of U.S. neighborhoods.