Richmond, VA Neighborhood
Is Northern Barton Heights / Virginia Union University a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Richmond, 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)
Severe356
Medium242
Low213
Other1770
279 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape100
Child involved93
Assault79
Other53
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
$459,098
Average Rent
$1,962
Vacancy Rate
14.3%
Nearby neighborhoods
Neighborhood Overview
Northern Barton Heights / Virginia Union University is a suburban neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia, known for its historic homes and a significant college student population.
The area features a mix of small to medium-sized single-family homes and small apartment buildings, with most residences renter occupied.
Vacancy rates are notably high at 14.3%, indicating many homes or apartments may be empty year-round.
SuburbanHistoric HomesCollege Student HubHigh Vacancy
Quick Facts
| College Enrollment | 33.7% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
The neighborhood's housing stock is dominated by small apartment buildings and historic homes, with a majority of renter occupancy.
| Small 2-4 Unit Apartment Buildings | 33.2% |
|---|---|
| Housing Age | Many homes built no later than 1939; some built 2000-present |
| Renter Occupied | Majority of residences |
What buyers will notice right away
Expect a mix of older historic homes and newer constructions, with a strong presence of small apartment buildings.
A 14.3% vacancy rate suggests many homes or apartments may be unoccupied year-round.
Most housing units are renter occupied, reflecting the neighborhood's student and transient population.
Families & Lifestyle
Northern Barton Heights / Virginia Union University is shaped by a large college student population and a unique occupational mix.
The neighborhood is relatively walkable and rated above average in safety, making it appealing for college students.
Seasonal population changes occur with academic semesters, leading to quieter summers.
The presence of military personnel adds to the neighborhood's unique character.
College Student Friendly — With over a third of residents enrolled in college, the neighborhood offers amenities and a lifestyle suited to students.
Military Presence — A significant share of residents are active military, noticeable in daily life and community culture.
| College Enrollment | 33.7% |
|---|---|
| Military Residents | Higher than 97.2% of U.S. neighborhoods |
Demographics & Culture
| Executive, Management & Professional Occupations | 37.3% |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Lower than 93.7% of U.S. neighborhoods |
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 45.9% |
| English Speakers | 88.2% |
| Spanish Speakers | 3.3% |
| Sub-Saharan African Ancestry | 10.9% |
| Jamaican Ancestry | 4.4% |
| Asian Ancestry | 5.5% |
| English Ancestry | 4.6% |
| Irish Ancestry | 4.5% |
Commute
Most residents have short commutes and primarily drive alone to work.
Northern Barton Heights / Virginia Union University offers convenient and short commute times for many residents, with a majority relying on private vehicles.
Short Commutes — Nearly half of working residents spend less than 15 minutes commuting one-way.
Car Dependency — Most residents drive alone, reflecting the neighborhood's suburban character and transportation needs.
| Commute Under 15 Minutes | 45.4% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 65.6% |
Homes for sale near 23220
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 Northern Barton Heights / Virginia Union University?
The median home price is $459,098, which is more expensive than 52.6% of Virginia neighborhoods.
What is the average rent in this neighborhood?
The average rent is $1,962, which is lower than 69.1% of Virginia neighborhoods.
What is the vacancy rate here?
The vacancy rate is 14.3%, higher than 77.3% of U.S. neighborhoods.
Is this neighborhood suitable for college students?
Yes, 33.7% of residents are enrolled in college, and the neighborhood ranks in the top 8.1% of college-friendly places in Virginia.
What are common ancestries in the neighborhood?
Common ancestries include Sub-Saharan African (10.9%), Jamaican (4.4%), Asian (5.5%), English (4.6%), and Irish (4.5%).