Buses run up University Avenue to the campus as well and take about 10 to 15 minutes in traffic. This area had safety scores primarily in the 3 range with some streets rankes 4 or even 5. Check your neighborhood out before moving in. Many students live in this town just north of Berkeley. Commute times vary.
Services are accessible.
Both apartments and houses are available for rent. This area is pretty safe with rankings ranging from 1 to 3. This town north of Albany is similar in terms of rent, services, safety, etc. You can add 5 or 10 minutes to all commute times. One advantage is the presence of a BART station.