Upper Valley, Castro Valley
Is Upper Valley a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Castro Valley, 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)
Severe356
Medium162
Low828
Other2809
202 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape59
Child involved137
Assault35
Other19
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, fire crews are dispatched for a reported illegal burn near 84th Avenue in Oakland after a corrected location update. | 84th Ave, Oakland, CA | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a female was reported sitting on the curb near the fire station at Main Street in Hayward. Emergency personnel located her across the street from the firehouse. Police response was also requested. | Main St, Hayward, CA 94541 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, an emergency medical call for general illness was reported near Main Street and D Street. | D St & Main St, Hayward, CA 94541 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic describes a possible burglar alarm activation at a swim center near Sunset and Inverness. Multiple ranger units indicate they are en route and coordinating their arrival times. | Laurel Ave, Hayward, CA 94541 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units are responding code 3 to a possible chest pain medical incident near Montgomery Street and Sunset Boulevard in Hayward, California. | Sunset Blvd & Montgomery St, Hayward, CA 94541 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency was reported near Sunset Boulevard and Montgomery Street. Fire engine 1 was dispatched to the scene. | Sunset Blvd & Montgomery St, Hayward, CA 94541 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, responders are investigating a possible medical emergency involving a semi-conscious individual acting strangely near Hayward Station. | Hayward Station, Hayward, CA 94541 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, eMS responded to a medical emergency involving eye problems near Earl Street crossing Earl Street Drive in Oakland. The situation was coded as a level two dispatch. | Earl St, Oakland, CA 94605 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency involving psychiatric issues was reported near Somerset Avenue in Castro Valley. Emergency personnel were dispatched with a code two response. | Somerset Ave, Castro Valley, CA 94546 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency involved an adult male transported to Eden Hospital near Lake Chabot Road. The man's age is estimated between 25 and 30 years and he may be (person_name withheld). No further incident details are provided. | Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$1,231,883
Average Rent
$3,858
Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Overview of Upper Valley
Upper Valley is an urban neighborhood in Castro Valley, CA, known for its medium to small single-family homes and small apartment buildings. Most homes are owner occupied and built between 1940 and 1999.
The neighborhood is popular among college students and families, offering a walkable environment with above average safety. It features a diverse population with significant Asian and Portuguese ancestry and a high rate of Chinese language use at home.
UrbanCollege-FriendlyDiverseOwner Occupied
Quick Facts
| College-Friendly Rank | Top 4.8% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Upper Valley's housing stock mainly consists of medium to small single-family homes and small apartment buildings, with a majority owner occupancy and a tight housing supply.
| Owner Occupied Rate | High |
|---|---|
| Housing Age | Most built 1940-1969, some 1970-1999 |
| Housing Type | Medium to small single-family homes and small apartments |
What buyers will notice right away
Low vacancy rate indicates strong demand and limited supply.
Many homes built mid-20th century, reflecting a well-established community.
Families and Lifestyle
Upper Valley suits college students, families with school-aged children, and urban sophisticates seeking a safe, walkable environment.
The neighborhood's safety and walkability attract students and families alike.
Diverse cultural background enriches community life.
Urban Sophisticates — Residents enjoy a vibrant, diverse urban setting with cultural variety.
Family Friendly — Safe environment with good amenities for children.
| College-Friendly Rank | Top 4.8% in CA |
|---|---|
| Safety | Above average |
| Walkability | High |
Demographics and Culture
| Executive, Management, Professional Occupations | 51.8% |
|---|---|
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| Income Rank | Top 15% in US |
| Asian Ancestry | 35.6% |
| Portuguese Ancestry | 4.5% |
| Chinese Language Spoken at Home | 21.8% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 29.9% |
Commute Patterns
Most residents have short to moderate commutes, with a majority driving alone but notable use of carpooling and train transit.
Upper Valley offers manageable commute times with diverse transportation options supporting residents' needs.
Short Commutes — Most residents spend 15-30 minutes commuting.
Multiple Transit Options — Driving alone is common, but carpooling and train use are significant.
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 55.2% |
| Carpool Rate | 11.6% |
| Train Commute Rate | 7.6% |
Homes for sale near 94546
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
$1,169,990
4 bd | 4 ba | 1,714 sqft
3824-3824A Norbridge Ave
Castro Valley, CA, 94546
$1,159,990
4 bd | 4 ba | 1,714 sqft
3818-3818A Northridge Ave
Castro Valley, CA, 94546
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upper Valley safe for families?
Upper Valley has an above average safety rating, making it suitable for families and college students.
What types of homes are common in Upper Valley?
The neighborhood mainly features medium to small single-family homes and small apartment buildings.
How diverse is Upper Valley?
Upper Valley has a diverse population with significant Asian and Portuguese ancestry and a high rate of Chinese language use at home.