Considered an urban suburb of Sacramento, the tight-knit community of Davis, California has a lot to offer new residents. Green with lots of parks and open spaces, Davis is a perfect slice of California living. As a college town, this little biker enclave is known for being forward-thinking, welcoming and friendly.
California is known for its sunny skies, laid-back lifestyle and dedication to the arts. Davis certainly delivers!
World famous for its animal husbandry and veterinary school, Davis has been on the university map of top institutions since 1908. The University of California, Davis has an acceptance rate of about 40%, making it one of the most competitive colleges for admission. in the USA.
In fact, many UC Davis graduates continue to operate, turning what could be a sleepy college town into a bustling mini-metropolis of educated young professionals. In Davis, you'll have the perfect mix of big city and country life.
With its more than ideal location, Davis is one of California's best kept secrets. Advantages of living in Davis include its close-knit community, its proximity to many major California cities, and its commitment to education. There may be some flaws in life in Davis. Before you pack, you might want to consider its high cost of living and expensive housing market, its somewhat boring landscape, and its status as a bustling college town.
The quality of life in Davis is undeniably high. Read on to find out if "The Bike Capital of America" is right for you.
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Advantages of living in Davis, CA
There are many reasons why Davis, CA would be a great place to live. Here are a select few!
Davis is a tight-knit community
Ask any resident and they'll tell you that community culture is key to living in Davis. If you want to live somewhere private, secluded and off the grid, Davis is definitely not for you.This is a city full of friendly, helpful people, ready and willing to talk, get to know each other and grow together.
A large portion of the community is made up of UC students and alumni, resulting in a median age in the city of 24. However, there is plenty to attract young families to Davis, including the city's four swimming pools, vast miles of green space, and the many family-friendly festivals held throughout the year.
bicycle paradise
Known as "The Bike Capital of America," Davis is dedicated to being as bike-friendly as possible. More than 50% of UC students commute by bike and all major streets have a bike lane. If you are a cyclist, Davis is definitely the city for you!
In fact, Davis is home to the United States Cycling Hall of Fame.. You'll find pristine bike paths and ride the 10.5 miles of flat terrain that make this small town perfect for two-wheeled travel.
Farmer's Mark Weekly
One of the most picturesque aspects of Davis life is the weekly Davis Farmers Market, held every Wednesday and Sunday morning. Shoppers can buy organic produce directly from the farmers who grow it. Surrounded by lush fields, it's not hard to eat healthy in Davis.
Live entertainment, art from local and emerging artists, and gourmet items are also available to shoppers and boaters at the weekly farmers market.
check itThe 10 Fastest Growing Cities in California.
Location
Contrary to popular belief, Davis isNoin the middle of nowhere.Its great location truly makes Davis one of the best places to live in Southern California.. Whether you're looking for a mid-sized city with a small-town feel or a small town with an urban feel, Davis fits the bill.
Sacramento, San Francisco and Tahoe are just a few hours' drive from Davis. Additionally, Davis is only 20 minutes from the Sacramento Airport.
Here is a list of some of the world-renowned attractions within a day's drive of Davis, California:
- Puente Golden Gate
- Alcatraz
- ancient mystery
- Plaza Ghirardelli
Commitment to Education
The University of California, Davis is one of the number one universities in the country for veterinary science.. UC graduates are among the top 50 college graduates who will earn a livable living wage for the next 20 years.
Compared to other city universities of the same size, UC Davis is ranked both in the state of California and in the nation. Because Davis is such an interdependent community, the appreciation for education extends beyond the university.
The school system in Davis is strong and nationally ranked.
Cons of Living in Davis CA
Despite its many advantages, living in Davis has some disadvantages. When making the leap to pick up and move to a different state or city, it's important to consider all aspects of a new city.
high cost of living
Compared to the rest of the United States, California is by far one of the most expensive places to live. Groceries, utilities, entertainment, rent, insurance, all of these expenses add up quickly no matter where you live, but especially in California.
Most Davis residents do not own homes, but rather rent. Owning a property in the city is very expensive. Although Davis is not as expensive as the San Francisco Bay Area, the cost of living is still quite high.
Finding a decent home for less than $500,000 is nearly impossible. If your price range is much less than five hundred thousand dollars, you are looking at zero and two-sided landscaping.
many undergraduate students
Davis is, at the end of the day, primarily a college town. The city is full of 20 year olds studying or graduating. If you're planning to retire or start a family, you may find it more difficult to adjust, although it's not impossible given how important community is to Davis residents.
This middle stage of life can get a little lonely unless you're an established professional raising a family or a graduate student biking to class..
flat landscape
While the flat topography is perfect for cycling and we all know how important cycling is in Davis, it can be a bit monotonous. There are no mountains to cross or beaches to explore in Davis. However, you're close enough to places like Napa, San Francisco, and Monterey to keep things interesting.
Related questions
Is Davis a safe city?
You can be sure that Davis ranks in the top 50 safest cities in California. Although the city has seen an increase in its homeless population in recent years, most residents feel comfortable leaving their doors open.
How far is Davis, CA from the beach?
If you're moving to Cali, you'll definitely want to be at least a day's drive from the beach! Here are some beaches near Davis, CA:
- McNears Beach (55 miles)
- Paradise Cove (60 miles)
- Water park (63 miles)
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What is the verdict?
It is important to consider whether or not a college town fits your lifestyle. If the answer is yes, Davis is the perfect choice for you! With an emphasis on education, the environment, and a strong connection to the community, Davis, CA could be the place to call home.
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paige hanawalt
Paige is an elementary school librarian with a passion for writing. Her hobbies include reading an excessive amount of fantasy, slowly learning to paint, and decorating the house. Although she is not the most talented artist or interior designer, what she lacks in skill she makes up for in enthusiasm. When she's not curled up with a book, you can definitely find her curled up on the keyboard.
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FAQs
Is Davis CA a good place to live? ›
Davis is one of the most desirable locations in southern California because of its convenient position. Davis can be described as either a medium-sized metropolis with a small-town atmosphere or a small town with an urban vibe, depending on your preference.
What is the average utility bill in Davis CA? ›On average, Davis, CA residents spend about $212 per month on electricity. That adds up to $2,544 per year. That's 28% higher than the national average electric bill of $1,990.
Is Davis a good place to retire? ›Davis a a great, safe college town and an overall amazing place to live…if you can shell out the big bucks to pay for housing. Honestly, Davis is literally perfect, from the extremely low violent crime rate to the diversity, to the abundance of well maintained parks. It's amazing for families.
What is the average cost of housing in Davis? ›| Average Rent | Average Apartment Size |
|---|---|
| $2,579 | 959 sq. ft. |
What is the sales tax rate in Davis, California? The minimum combined 2023 sales tax rate for Davis, California is 8.25%. This is the total of state, county and city sales tax rates.
Is Davis better than Santa Barbara? ›Both are among the best universities on the planet. The 2020 Times world rankings placed UC Davis at #55, and UC Santa Barbara at #57.
How much is water bill in Davis? ›| User Classification | Unit Charge (per CCF) |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Residential | $5.01 |
| Multi-Family Residential | $5.07 |
| Commercial | $4.88 |
| Irrigation | $6.23 |
The cost of living in Davis is 123.4% of the national average.
What state has the highest utility rates? ›- The Average Electricity Rate in the U.S. is 15.85 cents per kilowatt-hour.
- Hawaii has the highest average electricity rate of 44.25 cents per kilowatt-hour.
- North Dakota has the lowest average electricity rate of 9.72 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Vibrant, walkable, bikeable and diverse, Davis always has something going on.
Is Davis better than San Diego? ›
San Diego is a higher ranked school overall, but Davis has an assortment of programs that you can't find anywhere else. Agriculture, Veterinary medicine, Wine-making are all available at Davis. Weather? UCSD is definitely more pleasant but if you're someone who likes 4 seasons, Davis wins out.
Is it cheaper to live on or off campus UC Davis? ›At University of California-Davis, living off-campus is more affordable than living on-campus. The average cost living on-campus is 0 and the the average cost for living off-campus housing 5073. Learn more about living off campus vs.
Is Davis CA expensive to live? ›The median home price in Davis is $800,000 with a median price per sqft of $473. The cost of living index for housing estimates the cost of housing in Davis to be 146.2% of the national average.
Is Davis expensive to live in? ›Cost of Living in Davis, CA
The average cost of living in Davis is $2238, which is in the top 4% of the most expensive cities in the world, ranked 341st out of 9294 in our global list, 265th out of 2202 in the United States, and 96th out of 319 in California.
Davis is noted for its desirable quality of life, its small-town atmosphere, and an emphasis on parks and open spaces. Davis' parks contain picnic facilities, ball fields, and swimming pools. The Davis Farmers Market is held year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Central Park. It is a unique shopping experience.