Richmond, VA Neighborhood
Is Monroe Ward / City Center a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Richmond, VA - 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)
Severe345
Medium223
Low216
Other1627
232 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape59
Child involved79
Assault60
Other57
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, medical call for chest pain at an apartment near Chalfont Drive, Berkeley Warwick Place Apartments, Richmond. | Chalfont Dr Apt 72, Richmond, VA 23224 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews responded to a reported inside gas leak at an apartment on Floyd Avenue near North Vine Street and North Allen Avenue in Richmond. The caller reported a strong sulfur odor after returning from several days away. Firefighters searched the apartment and did not detect a gas odor, noting it may possibly be a sewer smell. A utility technician was requested to continue checking the situation while most units were released. | Floyd Ave Apt D, Richmond, VA 23220 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a lift assist was reported near Carlisle Avenue and the cross streets Beams Lane and Sherm Street within Station 6's district in Richmond. | Carlisle Ave, Richmond, VA 23231 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call for seizures was reported near Lincoln Avenue, close to dead end and West Side Avenue. Units were dispatched on TAC channel 2. | 1/2 Lincoln Ave, Richmond, VA 23222 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a possible medical emergency involving difficulty breathing was reported near South 14th Street and Dock Street. Emergency unit Engine 1 was dispatched and the call was repeated on TAC channel 2. | Dock St & S 14th St, Richmond, VA 23219 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews responded to a general fire alarm at an apartment complex on Richmond Highway in Richmond. A smoke detector was reportedly sounding in a vacant unit. Responding units investigated and initially saw no visible smoke or fire from the apartment windows. | Richmond Hwy N, Richmond, VA 23224 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units are dispatched to a reported fire alarm at a commercial location on Richmond Highway near Chestnut Avenue and Mimosa Street. Multiple engines, a truck, and a battalion chief are responding and operating on tactical channel 2. | Richmond Hwy, Richmond, VA 23224 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched for a reported person down near North 21st Street and Fairfield Avenue in Richmond, with Engine 11 operating on tactical channel 2. | Fairfield Ave & N 21st St, Richmond, VA 23223 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, there is a possible medical emergency involving difficulty breathing near Randolph Street, close to Wallace Street and Dance Street. | S Randolph St, Richmond, VA 23220 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency responders are dispatched to a report of an unconscious person at an apartment complex near 10th Avenue and South 9th Street in Richmond. | S 10th St, Richmond, VA 23219 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$671,917
Average Rent
$2,245
Vacancy Rate
14.6%
Neighborhood Overview
Monroe Ward / City Center is a densely urban neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia, known for its historic apartment buildings and strong college presence.
The median home price is $671,917, which is higher than 74.4% of Virginia neighborhoods, while average rents are $2,245, lower than 58.8% of the state.
Vacancy rates are elevated at 14.6%, above 78.0% of U.S. neighborhoods, indicating many empty homes or new unoccupied housing.
This neighborhood is notable for its walkability, with 31.8% of residents walking to work, one of the highest rates nationally.
UrbanHistoric ApartmentsCollege-FriendlyWalkable
Quick Facts
| Walk to Work Rate | 31.8% |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Rate | 14.6% |
Housing market and real estate character
Monroe Ward / City Center's housing market is dominated by rental apartments, mostly small units in historic buildings.
| Renter Occupied | 99.5% |
|---|---|
| Small Units (1-2 bedrooms or studio) | 91.2% |
| Apartment Complexes / High-Rise | 86.9% |
What buyers will notice right away
Almost all housing is renter occupied, so owner-occupants are rare.
The neighborhood has a very high concentration of studios and small apartments.
Many buildings date from before 1940, contributing to the neighborhood's character.
Families & Lifestyle
Monroe Ward / City Center is a college-focused, walkable neighborhood with a high share of residents living alone.
High college enrollment creates a youthful, academic atmosphere.
Walkability supports a lifestyle less dependent on cars.
Above average safety rating offers peace of mind for students and families.
Student-Centric — The neighborhood caters to college students with nearby amenities and seasonal activity tied to the academic calendar.
Urban Living — Dense apartment living with a high proportion of residents living alone.
| College Enrollment | 39.7% |
|---|---|
| Households Living Alone | 54.2% |
| College-Friendly Ranking in VA | Top 9.1% |
Demographics & Culture
| Per Capita Income | Lower than 96.4% of U.S. neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| Sales & Service Workers | 42.9% |
| Executive, Management & Professional | 42.4% |
| Military Employment | Higher than 98.2% of U.S. neighborhoods |
| College Enrollment | 39.7% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 15.9% |
| Top Ancestries | Irish (13.8%), German (11.8%), Asian (9.1%), Sub-Saharan African (9.0%), English (7.7%) |
| Unique Ancestries | Greek (2.2%), Czechoslovakian (0.5%) |
| Languages Spoken | English (79.1%), Spanish, Chinese, German/Yiddish |
| Persian Speakers | 1.4% |
Commute & Transportation
Residents enjoy short commutes and a variety of transportation options, with a notable share walking to work.
Monroe Ward / City Center offers a walkable environment and short commutes that can reduce transportation costs and improve quality of life.
Walkability — High walk-to-work rate supports a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle.
Short Commutes — Nearly half of residents commute under 30 minutes, less than the national average.
Car Ownership — While many drive alone, a significant portion walk or carpool, reflecting diverse transportation choices.
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone | 42.3% |
| Walk to Work | 31.8% |
| Carpool | 6.8% |
Homes for sale near 23219
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
$565,000
2 bd | 2 ba | 1,684 sqft
23219 N HANK RAYMOND Drive
Sun City West, AZ, 85375
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Monroe Ward / City Center?
The median home price is $671,917, which is more expensive than 74.4% of Virginia neighborhoods.
Is Monroe Ward / City Center a renter or owner dominated neighborhood?
It is overwhelmingly renter occupied, with 99.5% of housing units rented.
How walkable is Monroe Ward / City Center?
About 31.8% of residents walk to work, one of the highest rates in the U.S.
What types of housing are most common here?
The neighborhood is dominated by small apartments and high-rise complexes, with 91.2% of units being studios or one to two bedrooms.
What is the demographic profile of Monroe Ward / City Center?
It has a large college student population, low per capita income, and a diverse mix of ancestries including Irish, German, Asian, and Sub-Saharan African.