Neighborhood Spotlight

Is Allwood / Alto a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide

Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Amherst, Virginia - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.

Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.

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Hoodscore

Crime Summary:

Crime Overview (last 12 months)

Severe2

Medium2

Low4

Other27

12 Registered Offenders Nearby

Rape3

Child involved5

Assault6

Other1

Crime Details:

Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.

Crime date	Crime description	Address	Crime category
Jul 12, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, eMS dispatched to address near Patrick Henry Highway for an 86-year-old male with elevated blood pressure and shortness of breath. Ambulance arrived at Lynchburg General Hospital.	Patrick Henry Hwy, Amherst, VA 24521	Medical Emergency
Jul 10, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services dispatched to a location near Edinburgh Drive for a 70-year-old female with shortness of breath.	Edinburgh Dr, Amherst, VA 24521	Medical Emergency
Jul 8, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, eMS units are dispatched to a dialysis facility near Amherst Plaza for a reported 65-year-old man with low blood pressure and decreased consciousness. The call was first dispatched at approximately 14:38.	N Amherst Hwy, Amherst, VA 24521	Medical Emergency
Jul 8, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded to a report near Rainbow Drive for a 72-year-old female with severe low back pain and nausea. The patient was conscious and breathing with no chest pain or difficulty breathing. A second patient response was also reported.	Rainbow Dr, Arrington, VA 22922	Medical Emergency
Jul 4, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched to Thomas Nelson Highway near a business location for reports of two fallen trees blocking the southbound right lane.	Thomas Nelson Hwy, Arrington, VA 22922	Road Closure
Jul 4, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews are requested to a rural area on Variety Mills Road for a reported tree on fire in the middle of a cow field.	Variety Mills Rd, Arrington, VA 22922	Fire
Jul 4, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic reports a vehicle incident on Tye River Highway where a tree fell onto a vehicle with people inside. Dispatchers describe a possible entrapment situation, though the trapped person is reported as not believed to be injured. Multiple units and agencies respond to the scene, and part of the nearby roadway is reported closed due to fallen trees and blocked vehicles.	Tye River Rd, Amherst, VA 24521	Traffic
Jul 4, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, medical emergency reported near Boxwood Farm Road involving a diabetic patient who was weak, dizzy, and having difficulty breathing. The caller later called back and decided to go private vehicle transport, so the medical unit was disregarded.	Boxwood Farm Rd, Amherst, VA 24521	Medical Emergency
Jun 30, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, rescue unit EMS 493 was dispatched to Lake Nelson for a possible sick person.	Nelson Lake, Arrington, VA 22922	Medical Emergency
Jun 30, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, officers respond to a possible rear end traffic crash on Thomas Nelson Highway near a business address. A log truck reportedly struck the back of a Toyota Camry, and vehicles are said to be out of the roadway with no reported injuries.	Thomas Nelson Hwy, Lovingston, VA 22949	Traffic

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Median Home Price

$407,349

Average Rent

$1,476

Vacancy Rate

19.3%

Nearby neighborhoods

Allwood / Alto Overview

Allwood / Alto is a remote neighborhood in Amherst, Virginia, characterized by low population density and a rural setting.

The median home price is $407,349, which is higher than 40.4% of Virginia neighborhoods but near the national median.

Average rents are $1,476, making them more affordable than most neighborhoods in Virginia.

Vacancy rates are notably high at 19.3%, exceeding 86.8% of U.S. neighborhoods, indicating many unoccupied homes.

RemoteLow DensityAffordable RentHigh Vacancy

Quick Facts

Population Density	Very low

Housing market and real estate character

The housing stock in Allwood / Alto consists mainly of small to medium-sized single-family homes and mobile homes, with most properties owner occupied.

Owner Occupied Rate	Majority
Housing Types	Single-family homes and mobile homes
Housing Age	Built mostly between 1970 and 1999, with some from 1940 to 1969

What buyers will notice right away

Most homes were built between 1970 and 1999, indicating a mature housing stock.

Vacancy rates are high, which may affect neighborhood occupancy and community dynamics.

Families & Lifestyle

Allwood / Alto offers a rural lifestyle with open space and low traffic, appealing to those seeking a quiet environment.

Rural and Spacious — The neighborhood's low density and rural character provide ample open space and minimal traffic.

Children Below Poverty Line	18.6%

Demographics & Occupations

Executive, Management & Professional Occupations	42.0%
Manufacturing and Laborer Occupations	24.8%
Sales and Service Occupations	21.9%
Clerical, Assistant & Tech Support Occupations	9.3%
Income Level	Lower-middle income
Primary Language	English (99.2%)
Top Ancestries	English (11.4%), German (9.7%), Irish (6.7%), Mexican (2.0%), Italian (1.7%)

Commute Patterns

Most residents drive alone to work, with commute times slightly above the national average.

Allwood / Alto residents primarily rely on private vehicles for commuting, reflecting the neighborhood's rural setting and limited public transit options.

Car-Dependent — With 83.3% driving alone, owning a car is essential for most residents.

Moderate Commute Length — Nearly 29% of commuters spend between 30 and 45 minutes traveling to work.