University Heights
Is University Heights a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Charlottesville, Virginia - 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)
Severe435
Medium600
Low905
Other2217
143 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape29
Child involved63
Assault33
Other27
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, emergency responders are attending to a bleeding patient near Nichols Court. Units including the first ambulance are on scene. The incident appears to involve a medical emergency at room (number withheld). | Nichols Ct, Charlottesville, VA 22901 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call for a sick person with basic life support priority was reported near Nichols Court. Rescue unit 18-2 was dispatched. | Nichols Ct, Charlottesville, VA 22901 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers responded to a trespassing complaint at a residence on Montebello Circle after a caller reported two men in the garage area with bicycles. One man reportedly left on a bicycle toward Stadium Road, and the other remained nearby. The incident appears to involve possible unauthorized entry or presence on the property. | Montebello Cir, Charlottesville, VA 22903 | Break-In |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers in the Charlottesville area respond to a report of a suspicious vehicle after a car alarm is heard. They locate a truck with its hazard lights and interior light on and plan to check the vehicle, with another unit offering to assist. | Charlottesville, VA | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible fight near a restaurant on Abbey Road in front of a nearby church, where a caller saw a man raise his arm toward a woman and people walking toward a parking lot. | Abbey Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911 | Assault Report |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were dispatched to a reported noise disturbance at Riverview Park in Charlottesville, involving two cars with teenagers reportedly partying at the park. The caller was reported to be on scene. | Riverview Park, 1909 Chesapeake St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | Disturbance |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a suspicious person complaint from a caller near a drug store on East Main Street in downtown Charlottesville. The caller spoke quickly and was hard to understand but appeared to report concerns about a taxi driver, a vehicle’s license plate, and retrieving items from the back of the car. Officers were sent to check the situation downtown. | E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were dispatched to a possible suspicious person situation near a business on East Main Street after a caller reported that someone may have scared or threatened her and then hung up while requesting help at the downtown mall area. | E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical incident involving oxygen issues is being handled near Charlottesville. The patient has been cleared to hospital. The patient's name is not yet available. | Charlottesville, VA | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency responders are attending to a traumatic injury near the Aquatic Fitness Center on Alderman Road. | Alderman Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$807,173
Average Rent
$2,038
Vacancy Rate
11.1%
Nearby neighborhoods
Overview of University Heights
University Heights is an urban neighborhood in Charlottesville, Virginia, known for its strong college presence and walkable lifestyle.
The median home price is $807,173, which is higher than 82.4% of Virginia neighborhoods, while average rents are $2,038, lower than two-thirds of Virginia neighborhoods.
This neighborhood features a high proportion of renters and a unique housing stock dominated by small to medium-sized apartments and townhomes.
Walkability is a key feature, with nearly one-third of residents walking to work, a rate higher than 99% of U.S. neighborhoods.
UrbanCollege-FocusedWalkableHigh Renter Occupancy
Quick Facts
| Walk to Work Rate | 31.7% |
|---|---|
| College Enrollment | 83.4% |
Housing market and real estate character
The housing market here is dominated by renter-occupied apartments and townhomes, with a notable concentration of small units.
| Renter Occupied Rate | 98.4% |
|---|---|
| Apartment/High-Rise Share | 83.8% |
| Small Unit Share (1-2 bedrooms or studio) | 84.6% |
| Vacancy Rate | 11.1% |
| Housing Built 1970-1999 |
What buyers will notice right away
With 98.4% renter occupancy, this neighborhood is largely rental-focused, appealing to those seeking apartment living.
Most housing units are small, with 84.6% being studios or one- to two-bedroom apartments, ideal for singles or students.
The 11.1% vacancy rate is above average, possibly reflecting seasonal occupancy or recent new construction.
Families and Lifestyle
University Heights is a vibrant, college-centered neighborhood with a dynamic population and diverse occupational groups.
The neighborhood is highly popular among college students due to its walkability and safety.
Its mix of occupations includes executive, sales, clerical, and manufacturing roles, reflecting diverse economic backgrounds.
Despite the college focus, families with children live here, though child poverty is somewhat elevated.
College-Friendly Environment — Rated among the top 0.8% of college-friendly places in Virginia, the neighborhood suits students and academic lifestyles.
Walkable Commute — High walk-to-work rates support an active, low-car lifestyle.
| College Enrollment | 83.4% |
|---|---|
| Executive/Professional Employment | 39.5% |
| Child Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
Demographics and Culture
| Executive/Professional Occupations | 39.5% |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Below average |
| Child Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 17.0% |
| Top Ancestry - Asian | 18.4% |
| Other Notable Ancestries | German (7.7%), Irish (7.3%), Italian (5.8%), English (5.3%) |
| Top Languages Spoken at Home | English (71.4%), Spanish, Chinese, Korean (3.1%), Languages of India |
| Brazilian Ancestry | 0.8% |
Commute Patterns
University Heights offers some of the shortest and most walkable commutes in the country.
The high walk-to-work rate and short commute times contribute to a lifestyle with less reliance on cars and more neighborhood interaction.
Walkability — Nearly one-third of residents walk to work, a rare feature that supports health and reduces transportation costs.
Short Commutes — More than half of residents have commutes under 15 minutes, enhancing quality of life.
Diverse Commute Modes — While walking dominates, many also drive alone or carpool, reflecting varied transportation needs.
| Under 15 Minute Commute | 54.8% |
|---|---|
| Walk to Work | 31.7% |
| Drive Alone | 27.7% |
| Carpool | 14.6% |
Homes for sale near 22904
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 University Heights?
The median home price is $807,173, which is higher than 82.4% of neighborhoods in Virginia.
Is University Heights a good neighborhood for college students?
Yes, with 83.4% of residents attending college and a top 0.8% college-friendly rating in Virginia, it is well-suited for students.
How walkable is University Heights?
About 31.7% of residents walk to work, a rate higher than 99.2% of U.S. neighborhoods.
What types of housing are most common here?
The neighborhood is dominated by apartments and high-rise complexes, with 84.6% of units being studios or one- to two-bedroom apartments.