Richmond, VA Neighborhood
Is VCU / Virginia Commonwealth University 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)
Severe355
Medium239
Low214
Other1773
227 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape57
Child involved73
Assault56
Other63
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
$556,502
Average Rent
$2,458
Vacancy Rate
22.2%
Nearby neighborhoods
Neighborhood Overview
VCU / Virginia Commonwealth University is a densely urban neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia, known for its high population density and walkability.
The neighborhood is primarily composed of small to medium-sized apartment complexes and high-rise buildings, with a dominant renter occupancy.
It has a notably high vacancy rate, with many vacant units year-round, which may reflect new construction or prolonged vacancies.
This area is highly college-focused, with a large share of residents currently enrolled in college.
Densely UrbanHighly WalkableCollege-FocusedHigh Vacancy Rate
Quick Facts
| Population Density | 27,791 people per square mile |
|---|---|
| Walkability | Top 5% in U.S. |
Housing market and real estate character
The housing market in VCU / Virginia Commonwealth University is dominated by rental apartments, with a high concentration of large apartment buildings and small unit sizes.
| Renter Occupied | 96.9% |
|---|---|
| Large Apartment Buildings | 85.2% |
| Small Units (1-2 bedrooms or studios) | 84.0% |
What buyers will notice right away
Almost all housing is renter-occupied, so buyers living in their own property would be rare.
The neighborhood is almost entirely made up of large apartment complexes and high-rises.
Most housing units are studios or one to two bedrooms, making it unique compared to typical neighborhoods.
Vacancies are common and often year-round, which may affect neighborhood dynamics.
Families & Lifestyle
VCU / Virginia Commonwealth University is a neighborhood shaped by its large college student population and urban lifestyle.
The neighborhood is highly popular among college students due to its walkability and safety.
Parents can find reassurance in the very low child poverty rate and above average safety rating.
The community's energy fluctuates with the academic calendar, reflecting its college-centered character.
College-Friendly — Rated among the top 0.4% of college-friendly places to live in Virginia.
Urban Living — Dense population and walkability support an active, pedestrian lifestyle.
| College Enrollment | 89.1% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
Demographics & Culture
| Per Capita Income | Lower than 99.6% of U.S. neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Occupations - Sales & Service | 54.8% |
| Occupations - Executive, Management, Professional | 23.4% |
| Occupations - Clerical, Assistant, Tech Support | 20.4% |
| English Speaking Households | 81.8% |
| Other Languages | Spanish, Languages of India, Chinese, Urdu (0.6%) |
| Top Ancestries | Asian (16.2%), German (9.3%), Irish (6.9%), Sub-Saharan African (5.5%), Italian (5.1%) |
Commute & Transportation
Residents of VCU / Virginia Commonwealth University enjoy some of the shortest commutes and unique transportation patterns in the U.S.
VCU / Virginia Commonwealth University offers exceptional walkability and short commutes, supporting a low-car lifestyle.
Walkability — A large share of residents walk to work, combining exercise, cost savings, and reduced pollution.
Bike-Friendly — The neighborhood ranks among the top nationally for bicycle commuting.
Short Commutes — Most residents spend under 15 minutes commuting, enhancing quality of life.
| Commute Under 15 Minutes | 58.4% |
|---|---|
| Walk to Work | 38.7% |
| Bicycle Commute | 6.0% |
| Drive Alone | 29.8% |
Homes for sale near 23284
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VCU / Virginia Commonwealth University neighborhood mostly rental or owner-occupied?
The neighborhood is overwhelmingly renter-occupied, with 96.9% of housing units rented.
What is the typical housing size in this neighborhood?
Most housing units are small, with 84.0% being studios or one to two bedrooms.
How safe is the neighborhood for college students?
The neighborhood has an above average safety rating and is rated among the top 0.4% of college-friendly places in Virginia.
What are common commute methods here?
Many residents walk (38.7%) or bike (6.0%) to work, with a significant portion driving alone (29.8%).