I've rented a place at Berkeley in Hillegass avenue. How safe? (lease, crime)

[NewHereQ]

Hi,

I know it might not sound commonplace to ask such question after signing the rent. The reason I did that is because I've got a summer program at Berkeley University. I will stay there for three months. Hillegass avenue does not seem to in South Berkeley. I cannot categorize its exact position. It is near People's Park.

How safe is the neighborhood? I had to sign the lease because I am starting next week.

I will have a room with a family that owns the place.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[Ruth4Truth]

The area around People's Park isn't great. If you're living with a family, can't you ask them? I'm sure they'd want you to be safe. Are you male or female? That area is more of a problem at night, so avoid walking around at night, but in summer, it's light until around 9 p.m., so it shouldn't be an issue, very often. Also, to walk to campus, you can walk up to College Ave, and walk to campus that way, rather than cutting past the park.

[artemis78]

What is your cross street? Hillegass ends at People's Park, and I don't think there are any single-family homes in the stretch near the park, so assuming you're renting a room in someone's home, it seems more likely that you'll be living in Elmwood (south of Dwight). The area closer to campus is Southside. (Both are neighborhoods in South Berkeley.) I would not be super worried about safety anywhere along Hillegass but as Ruth4Truth says, pay attention when you walk at night (as in any city). Southside is pretty studenty and I'm not sure what it's like during the summer; it may empty out a bit, and thus have fewer people on the streets. Elmwood is mostly families so there isn't much summer turnover; it's quite safe.

[23windows]

Chances are that you lucked out, it's a very nice street....

[NewHereQ]

Thanks all. I should have given you the exact block. Well. The house is located in Hillegass avenue.


on the Right: Parker Street


On the left: Derby Street


Behind: Benvenue Avenue


So, how safe is the area?


I am using Google maps to locate the place. It does not tell if it is in South Berkeley.


Is it also safe to park my car on the street corner?

[NewHereQ]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

The area around People's Park isn't great. If you're living with a family, can't you ask them? I'm sure they'd want you to be safe. Are you male or female? That area is more of a problem at night, so avoid walking around at night, but in summer, it's light until around 9 p.m., so it shouldn't be an issue, very often. Also, to walk to campus, you can walk up to College Ave, and walk to campus that way, rather than cutting past the park.

Male. I usually do not walk alone at night. I will be very exhausted from daily working hours at UCB.

[NewHereQ]

Originally Posted by artemis78

What is your cross street? Hillegass ends at People's Park, and I don't think there are any single-family homes in the stretch near the park, so assuming you're renting a room in someone's home, it seems more likely that you'll be living in Elmwood (south of Dwight). The area closer to campus is Southside. (Both are neighborhoods in South Berkeley.) I would not be super worried about safety anywhere along Hillegass but as Ruth4Truth says, pay attention when you walk at night (as in any city). Southside is pretty studenty and I'm not sure what it's like during the summer; it may empty out a bit, and thus have fewer people on the streets. Elmwood is mostly families so there isn't much summer turnover; it's quite safe.

No not in Elmwood. Check my previous answer.

[NewHereQ]

Originally Posted by 23windows

Chances are that you lucked out, it's a very nice street....

Is it? How so? I mean, based on what grounds? I am asking because I have not been there yet to judge. If it that nice, then thanks. I feel safe.

[Ruth4Truth]

You're at the park end of Hillegass. That area has been reported here before for being a bit of a crime pocket, due to the presence of transients in and around the park.


I wouldn't park the car anywhere near People's Park. Does your host family not park on the street; they have a garage? You could ask them for advice, but it's not like there's much alternative. If I were you, and were in Berkeley only for a summer program, I wouldn't have brought a car. There's no need for one, really.

[NewHereQ]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

You're at the park end of Hillegass. That area has been reported here before for being a bit of a crime pocket, due to the presence of transients in and around the park.


I wouldn't park the car anywhere near People's Park. Does your host family not park on the street; they have a garage? You could ask them for advice, but it's not like there's much alternative. If I were you, and were in Berkeley only for a summer program, I wouldn't have brought a car. There's no need for one, really.

Because I might stay longer ( could be till the end of this year, not sure), and I am travelling to Berkeley by car.