You can thank Davis for ketchup! Researchers at UC Davis genetically engineered tomatoes and created the mechanical harvester that allowed the tomato industry to thrive in California, which is now responsible for 95 percent of US tomato processing. You're welcome!
Davis is known for its liberal politics and for its extensive bike paths through town, often named the most bike-friendly city in America
You can thank Davis for ketchup! Researchers at UC Davis genetically engineered tomatoes and created the mechanical harvester that allowed the tomato industry to thrive in California, which is now responsible for 95 percent of US tomato processing. You're welcome!
Davis is known for its liberal politics and for its extensive bike paths through town, often named the most bike-friendly city in America. The city itself has a population of around 65,622, not including students attending UC Davis. With such an educated populace all riding bikes everywhere, you can bet the quality of life is through the roof. Indeed, there are innumerable cultural activities to engage in, whether on campus or not. Davis residents have been known to jaunt down to the bay area just for a day trip. It is, after all, just an hour and a half away. Equally close are the mountains of the Sierra Nevadas and the gorgeous Yuba River. Despite having so many options available to them, numerous Davis residents will just stay put for the weekend.
With such a large student population, there is constant flux in the housing market. This generally means that deals and opportunities will pop up quickly, only to be snapped up by recent arrivals into town.
The Housing Market
With so many students coming in each year, often using loans or gifts from their family to help finance them, the housing market has gotten decently competitive. One can find a place to live, certainly, but the average rent has risen as the market has gotten tighter. Meanwhile, the average price of a home in Davis has risen significantly, although much of this price gain has taken place within newer, planned communities on the edges of town. There are still deals to be found in some of the older homes and condos spread throughout Davis.
Renting in Davis
With the market growing ever more competitive, it's important to have all your materials in order to ensure you get exactly the property you want. There are three fairly simple steps. First, you'll need a copy of your credit report. This can be found online for a nominal fee; simply google "get credit report" and follow the appropriate link. Secondly, you'll need to show you can pay the rent. This can be done either with last year's tax return, some recent pay stubs, or, if you're a student and not working yet, you can get one of your parents to co-sign the lease. And third, you'll need a list of references from past landlords. This simply includes their names and contact info (phone number, email address) so that your prospective landlord can get in touch.
The city of Davis is generally divided into quarters, all surrounding the hub of Central/Downtown Davis. It almost looks like a giant game of Simon, but not exactly circular.
North Davis: North Davis is considered everything north of Covell Boulevard. In North Davis, you'll find the most affordable homes and rental in Davis, with the McKeon condos being one of the most affordable options in town. Besides the numerous condo rental options, there are several apartment complexes and many other houses here for rent. North Davis is the most residential area of town, but there are still some dining options. Safeway is the grocery shopping spot here, located in The Marketplace shopping center. There you'll also find Dos Coyotes Border Cafe, a tasty Mexican food option, and Yogurtland.
East Davis: East Davis is generally considered to begin starting at L Street. Chestnut Park and Slide Hill Park are two of the larger parks in East Davis, which provide some nice community recreation. In East Davis you'll find the master planned community of Mace Ranch, which is one of the newer communities in town and dominates the east side, along with recently built big box stores. Sudwerk Dock Store is a great brewery here and a favorite for locals. Ikedas California Country Market offers a range of options, with groceries and fresh produce for sale, in addition to a bakery and a deli. Another favorite for both shopping and eating is the East Davis location of Nugget Market.
West Davis: West Davis is most of the area west of highway 113, home to the following planned communities: Stonegate, Village Homes, West Manor, Westwood, Aspen and Evergreen. Notable in West Davis is the Muir Commons, known as the first cohousing community newly constructed in the United States. Westlake Market is a grocery with fresh produce, a bakery, and a deli that's the favored shopping spot in the area. For a more upscale meal, Osteria Fasulo cooks some great Italian food. Shanghai Town serves tasty Chinese food to those more budget minded. A particularly fun adventure in West Davis is the Impossible Acres Farm, where you can pick your own cherries, raspberries, blackberries, apricots, and peaches. A pumpkin patch is also on-site, host to innumerable family photos.
South Davis: South Davis is the portion of Davis falling south of Interstate 80. It's a web of very nice neighborhoods connected by green belts and bike paths. Of particular note here is the presence of the UC Davis arboretum. South Davis features many homes from the '70s, with plenty of nice 3 bedroom houses for rent and other rental houses. Common Grounds is the go-to spot for super-strength, freshly roasted coffee.
Central Davis: Central Davis is the beating heart of the city, with historic homes and a thriving business district, featuring a weekly farmer's market of produce trucked in from the Central Valley. Here you'll find the Davis Food Co-Op, Trader Joe's, and numerous small restaurants like Tommy J's and Sam's Mediterranean Cuisine. You can wet your whistle at the Davis Beer Shoppe and numerous bars spread throughout downtown. Get your caffeine at the locally owned Mishka's Cafe, where the coffee is roasted right upstairs.
Davis is all about the easy going and fun lifestyle. Graduates often have difficulty leaving because the standard of living is so high. What makes it so special is a combination of a dedication to local businesses, lots of food and entertainment options, and a commitment to sustainable living spurred on by advancements from the university.
There's always something to do in Davis. Spend the day riding the Davis Bike Loop, a long bike path that circles the entire town. Watch a community production of a popular musical at the volunteer-run Davis Musical Theater Company. Catch an indie flick at the historic Varsity Theater, renovated and reopened in 2006, that retains that old school art deco style. After the movie, wander through downtown to Yoloberry, across the street from Central Park, for delicious fro-yo.
Full of that small town charm and university energy, Davis makes for a unique living experience.
