Living in Central Davis, Davis, CA: Key Benefits
A bike-centric neighborhood blending university-town energy with family-friendly amenities and solid educational institutions.
About Central Davis in Davis
Central Davis stands out as one of Davis's most livable neighborhoods, anchored by a 91 bike score that makes cycling the de facto commute for residents. The median home value of $892,560 reflects strong demand and the neighborhood's appeal to families, first-time buyers, and UC Davis-connected professionals. With 81.4% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher and a median household income of $91,391, this is an educated, affluent community that balances urban convenience with genuine neighborhood character.
Real Estate Market in Central Davis
| Median home price | $892.6k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +3.2% |
| Price per sq ft | $485 |
| Median rent | $1,986 |
| Typical days on market | 28 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 55 |
| Transit Score | 46 |
| Bike Score | 91 |
Additionally, central Davis commands a premium within Davis proper, with median home values significantly above the city average of $803,100. The neighborhood remains competitive but offers solid long-term appreciation potential for homebuyers seeking university-town stability.
Additionally, central Davis homes attract multiple offers, particularly those within walking distance of downtown. Pre-approval and quick decision-making are essential; inspection and appraisal contingencies should be carefully considered given the neighborhood's strong valuations.
Who Thrives in Central Davis
First-time buyers appreciate the neighborhood's walkability, strong schools, and established community feel, though median prices push toward higher entry points.
Additionally, families thrive here, with top-rated schools like Robert E. Willett Elementary (82.5) and Davis Senior High (78) serving the neighborhood, plus safe, bikeable streets and parks like Community Park.
Additionally, investors benefit from steady demand tied to UC Davis employment and a transient rental base, with median rents of $1,986 supporting reasonable cap rates.
Additionally, the neighborhood's walkability, local coffee shops like Cafe Bernardo and Peet's Coffee, and educated, quiet blocks make it ideal for professionals working from home.
Additionally, retirees appreciate the pedestrian-friendly layout, proximity to health services including Station 31, and active community centers, though some prefer quieter areas further from downtown.
Property Types in Central Davis
Additionally, the dominant property type, ranging from established mid-century homes to updated two-story residences on tree-lined streets.
Increasingly popular with downsizers and first-time buyers seeking lower maintenance and walkable locations near downtown.
Investor-held duplexes and small apartment buildings, particularly near F Street and other commercial corridors.
Living in Central Davis, Davis
Daily life in Central Davis revolves around biking and walking to destinations. Additionally, residents pedal to Trader Joe's and Davis Food Cooperative for groceries, stop by Fluffy Donuts or Peet's Coffee on the way to work, and spend weekends at Community Park or Dewey Halden Field with family. The neighborhood's calendar fills with farmers' markets, art installations at the Davis Art Center, and seasonal celebrations tied to the university and broader Davis community culture.
- Ding How · 9 min walk
- Taqueria Guadalajara · 10 min walk
- Papa Murphy's · 10 min walk
- I Love Sushi · 10 min walk
- Snack Shack · 15 min walk
- Fluffy Donuts · 18 min walk
- Peet's Coffee · 21 min walk
- Gong Cha · 22 min walk
- Barista Brew Cafe · 23 min walk
- Cafe Bernardo · 25 min walk
- Dewey Halden Field · 7 min walk
- Community Park · 10 min walk
- Rainbow City · 11 min walk
- Savemart · 10 min walk
- Upper Crust Baking · 20 min walk
- Trader Joe's · 21 min walk
- Davis Food Cooperative · 21 min walk
- Safeway · 23 min walk
- Veterans Memorial Building · 6 min walk
- Davis Senior Center · 14 min walk
- International House Davis · 17 min walk
- Toomey Weight Room · 21 min walk
- Barefoot Yoga · 32 min walk
- Davis Art Center · 13 min walk
- Hattie Weber Museum of Davis · 20 min walk
- UC Davis Design Museum · 22 min walk
- U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame · 23 min walk
- Davis Stadium 5 · 24 min walk
Annual events: Picnic Day, Davis Farmers' Market (year-round), Davis Art Center exhibitions, Whole Earth Festival, Davis Music Festival
Schools Near Central Davis, Davis
Central Davis feeds into some of Davis's strongest schools, with several elementary and secondary options serving the neighborhood. The Robert E. Willett Elementary School (82.5 rating) anchors the north side, while Davis Senior High (78 rating) serves high school families across the district.
Elementary Schools
School Score 82.5 with 78% math and 87% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 77.5 with 76% math and 79% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 69.5 with 71% math and 68% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 63 with 58% math and 68% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 78 with 74% math and 82% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 73.5 with 71% math and 76% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 70 with 55% math and 85% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 70 with 66% math and 74% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- St James School (KG-8) — 6-minute walk
- Little Friends Montessori School (PK-KG) — 14-minute walk
- Davis Waldorf School (PK-8) — 33-minute walk
- Montessori Country Day (PK-KG) — 35-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Elementary students typically advance to Oliver Wendell Holmes Junior High (73.5 rating) before attending Davis Senior High, creating a coherent K-12 pathway.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Central Davis
Additionally, central Davis's location places residents within easy reach of UC Davis, downtown Sacramento, and the broader Sacramento Valley. Bike commuting dominates the neighborhood; car and transit options serve longer distances well.
Additionally, yolo County Transit (Unitrans) provides local bus service with stops on F Street and Covell Boulevard; regional Amtrak and Sacramento Regional Transit connect to broader destinations, though the neighborhood's 46 transit score reflects limited frequency for car-free commuting beyond Davis.
Neighborhoods Near Central Davis
Not sure Central Davis is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Central Davis
What is the average home price in Central Davis, Davis?
The median home value in Central Davis is $892,560, reflecting the neighborhood's strong schools, walkability, and proximity to UC Davis. This is notably higher than the citywide Davis median of $803,100, positioning the neighborhood as a premium address within the city. Single-family homes typically range from $750k to $1.1 million, while condos and townhomes start around $550k and often sell within the $550k to $850k range.
Is Central Davis a good neighborhood to live in?
Central Davis ranks as one of Davis's most desirable neighborhoods, particularly for families, professionals, and students seeking walkability and excellent schools. Additionally, the neighborhood's 91 bike score is exceptional, the median household income of $91,391 signals affluence and stability, and the 81.4% rate of bachelor's degree attainment or higher creates an intellectually engaged community. The primary trade-off is density and noise near commercial corridors, which some residents find energizing and others find disruptive.
Are the schools in Central Davis good?
Yes, Central Davis feeds into strong public schools including Robert E. Additionally, willett Elementary (82.5 rating), Oliver Wendell Holmes Junior High (73.5 rating), and Davis Senior High (78 rating). These schools consistently rank in the top tier for the Davis Unified School District and benefit from active parent participation and solid funding. Private options like St James School and Davis Waldorf School also serve the neighborhood, offering alternative pedagogies for families who prefer them.
Is Central Davis safe?
Central Davis is generally a safe neighborhood with a strong police presence and engaged community. Additionally, like any urban-adjacent area, property crime occurs but is not unusually high for a university town. The neighborhood's walkability and mixed-use character create natural surveillance, and the presence of families and long-term residents contributes to a cohesive sense of community. Night safety on major streets is solid; some quieter residential blocks feel less active after dark.
Who should move to Central Davis?
Central Davis suits families with school-age children, first-time buyers seeking established neighborhoods with strong fundamentals, UC Davis employees and students, remote workers who value walkability, and empty-nesters attracted to low-maintenance urban living. The neighborhood is less ideal for those seeking large rural properties, car-dependent lifestyles, or affordability at sub-$500k price points.
How is biking in Central Davis?
Biking in Central Davis is exceptional, with a 91 bike score that ranks among California's highest. Additionally, the neighborhood is crisscrossed by dedicated bike lanes, low-traffic residential streets, and connections to the greater Davis bike network. Most residents bike to work, shopping, and social activities; Trader Joe's, Davis Food Cooperative, and downtown businesses are all easily reachable on two wheels, and the flat terrain makes cycling accessible for all ages.
Where this Central Davis data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Find Your Home in Central Davis
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