How safe is Emeryville ?

[Gentoo]

Oh stop. Emeryville is fine for people who like Big Box stores and chain restaurants. It's not my cup of tea, but plenty of people live there and like that it's close to everything and are willing to put up with the traffic, which is just as bad in Berkeley. It reminds me a lot of Mission Valley in San Diego and there are far worse places to live in the Bay Area.

With that said, I'd never live there, but I know some people that really like it.

Sure, but it is mostly overpriced for the amount of crime and issues you have there. If I wanted big box stores, I'd rather live in the suburbs. E-ville has quite a few car break-ins and property crime. And you don't get the benefits of walkability, transit, interesting restaurants, or charm

I have to agree with both of these posts. Before moving to Richmond, I used to spend a lot of time in Emeryville. It's not as bad as some have made it sound. As a musician I still go there because Guitar Center is there. In fact I'd prefer it over Richmond. However it is a bit over priced as well. Emeryville is very small so you are never far from the chain stores or anything else in Emeryville. Getting to those places can be a bit of a hassle because you usually have to get to Shellmound or 40th street and drive longer than the distance requires. Having said that, when I go there, I take BART to MacArthur and the Emery-Go-Round. Despite the fact that Emeryville is actually the most central city in the Bay Area, it has a lot of characteristics of an edge city.

[ippi76]

I've lived in Emeryville for going on 5 months now and I love it! It's really not that hard to drive in, and my area is really walkable. Seems pretty safe as well.

45th and Essex is more on the Oakland side, though, and I've heard there is crime on that side (east side) of San Pablo Ave.

It is fairly pricey, but so is other parts of Oakland/Berkeley.

[Nineties Flava]

Originally Posted by ippi76

I've lived in Emeryville for going on 5 months now and I love it! It's really not that hard to drive in, and my area is really walkable. Seems pretty safe as well.

45th and Essex is more on the Oakland side, though, and I've heard there is crime on that side (east side) of San Pablo Ave.

It is fairly pricey, but so is other parts of Oakland/Berkeley.

Essex is west of San Pablo Avenue and everything west of San Pablo between 47th and 580 is Emeryville.

[EvilleEye]

I'm a 10 year Emeryville Resident and write a blog about Emeryville.
E'ville is generally safer than it's neighboring communities and if you read the article below, most criminal activity is car theft and property theft. We have free transit (The Emery-go-round) and a bicycle boulevard that runs the length of the city. Locals know how to avoid the congestion that the mall and IKEA bring. New places like Prizefighter, Honor Bar & Victory Burger are popping up more often and giving the city an identity beyond Bay St. The area on Essex is referred to as "the Triangle" and is probably a bit grittier than the interior/West of San Pablo. It all depends on your comfort level and street savviness. It's not for everyone but I like it.

[url=http://evilleeye.com/2012/11/23/does-retail-make-emerville-a-target-for-criminals/]Does Retail make Emerville a Target for Criminals? |[/url]

[jade408]

Originally Posted by EvilleEye

INew places like Prizefighter, Honor Bar & Victory Burger are popping up more often and giving the city an identity beyond Bay St. The area on Essex is referred to as "the Triangle" and is probably a bit grittier than the interior/West of San Pablo. It all depends on your comfort level and street savviness. It's not for everyone but I like it.

Does Retail make Emerville a Target for Criminals? |

Honor Bar is yummy!

[FabianS]

How dangerous it is depends on your definition of 'dangerous'.

The area around Essex street is definitely sketchy but there's no active gang wars or horrific blight like you sometimes get in East/West Oakland.

If you absolutely must live in Emeryville the best spot right now is probably just East of Doyle St.

[Gentoo]

I keep seeing references to "Bay Street". How long has it been since some of you were in Emeryville?

[gnail222]

Originally Posted by yathrakaaran

Considering a move to CA and is still in planning,research stage. But just came across a reasonable house on Essex street in Emeryville area. Is this a safe area? Rent cheaper than other areas around there? Thank you so much for your help......

I live a few streets north of here on the Oakland side. This is NOT West Oakland, it is next to North Oakland. West Oakland is on the south side of the 580. This area is mostly residential. I actually quite like this area. There are some crimes but over all is pretty safe. The area is super convenient and central location for walking, driving and public transits. 40th and San Pablo is a major transit hub. The EmeryGoAround is a free shuttle that goes from the Emeryville shopping area to MacArthur Bart station. You are literally 5 minutes away from the last on ramp to the Bay Bridge.

I would suggest take a walk or drive around the neighborhood to see for yourself. Everyone has a different tolerance for what is safe or unsafe.

Get some temporary housing when you first arrive and then do the apartment hunting in person.