Is South Davis, Davis a Good Place to Live?
Additionally, A suburban neighborhood in Davis blending residential tranquility with proximity to UC Davis and downtown amenities.
About South Davis in Davis
South Davis delivers the suburban safety and family-focused character that appeals to longtime Davis residents and newcomers alike. Additionally, the neighborhood sits at the intersection of two defining traits: a median household income of $115,576 and a 78.4% rate of bachelor's degree holders, creating an educated, affluent community. Home prices average $856,000, with 52% owner occupancy and strong school options nearby. However, walkability is limited (score of 33), and car dependence is real at 63.4% of commutes, a tradeoff that comes with most suburban Davis neighborhoods.
Real Estate Market in South Davis
| Median home price | $856k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +3.2% |
| Price per sq ft | $385 |
| Median rent | $2,256 |
| Typical days on market | 28 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 33 |
| Transit Score | 39 |
| Bike Score | 86 |
Additionally, South Davis prices run about 7% higher than the city median of $803,100, reflecting the neighborhood's elevated income profile and school reputation. Inventory moves steadily, with modest seasonal variation typical of Davis.
Additionally, homes in South Davis attract serious owner-occupant and professional-class buyers. Offers at list or modest premiums tend to prevail; expect well-maintained properties to draw multiple bids during summer months when families relocate.
Who Thrives in South Davis
South Davis offers entry at the upper end; FHA loans and co-ownership with family can unlock homes here, though the median price sits above state first-time buyer averages.
Additionally, this is South Davis at its best: 26.2% of residents have children, schools like Fred T. Korematsu Elementary rank 65/100, and suburban streets feel safe and walkable for kids on bikes.
Additionally, rental yields are modest (2.8% gross) at $2,256/month on $856k homes; appreciation has been steady but unspectacular, limiting speculative upside in South Davis.
Additionally, with 20.6% working from home and fiber-ready infrastructure, South Davis suits professionals who value quiet neighborhoods and don't need daily commuting flexibility.
Additionally, limited transit (score 39) and car-dependent errands can be a friction point; retirees may prefer walkable downtown Davis or smaller nearby towns for aging in place.
Property Types in South Davis
The dominant housing stock; four-bedroom suburban homes on 0.25-0.5-acre lots represent the neighborhood backbone.
Newer subdivisions and master-planned communities in and around South Davis; often appeal to downsizers and move-up buyers.
Additionally, infill and spec development along edges; higher energy efficiency and modern layouts command premiums in South Davis.
Living in South Davis, Davis
Day-to-day life in South Davis revolves around car trips to schools, the Safeway on Fifth Street, and local coffee shops like Common Grounds Coffee and Teabo Cafe. The neighborhood's bike score of 86 is a standout: many families and professionals commute by bicycle to UC Davis, downtown, or the Target shopping corridor. Park access is solid, with Village Park and Putah Creek Park nearby for weekend outings, while the Davis Musical Theater Company and Explorit Science Center serve the broader community.
- Dos Coyotes Border Cafe · 15 min walk
- Mr Pickle's Sandwich Shop · 15 min walk
- Round Table Pizza · 17 min walk
- Sudwerk Brewing Co. The Dock · 18 min walk
- Domino's · 21 min walk
- Common Grounds Coffee · 15 min walk
- Teabo Café · 15 min walk
- Konditorei · 16 min walk
- Starbucks · 17 min walk
- Starbucks · 29 min walk
- Village Park · 3 min walk
- Putah Creek Park · 6 min walk
- Benbow Park · 7 min walk
- Safeway · 17 min walk
- Nugget Markets · 27 min walk
- Grocery Outlet · 28 min walk
- Davis Food Cooperative · 38 min walk
- Insomnia cookies · 38 min walk
- Get Fit Davis · 11 min walk
- Barefoot Yoga · 35 min walk
- Davis Musical Theater Company · 13 min walk
- Explorit Science Center · 23 min walk
- Davis Stadium 5 · 37 min walk
- Regal Holiday 6 · 37 min walk
- Varsity Theatre · 37 min walk
Annual events: UC Davis Picnic Day (April), Davis Farmers Market (year-round Saturday mornings), Davis Music Festival
Schools Near South Davis, Davis
Additionally, South Davis benefits from strong school access and high parental engagement, with median household income and educational attainment well above county norms. The neighborhood feeds primarily into established Davis Unified schools with solid academic reputations.
Elementary Schools
School Score 65 with 61% math and 69% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 57.5 with 53% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 48 with 46% math and 50% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 66 with 60% math and 72% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 57 with 54% math and 60% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Peregrine School (PK-6) — 13-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Fred T. Korematsu Elementary At Mace Ranch (rated 65/100) and Birch Lane Elementary (57.5/100) feed into Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Junior High (57/100) and eventually Da Vinci Charter Academy (66/100), creating a coherent pathway.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from South Davis
Additionally, South Davis residents rely heavily on personal vehicles; 63.4% drive to work, and the car-centric layout makes biking less convenient for longer distances. Transit exists but requires planning, with bus service running along Fifth Street corridors.
Additionally, yolo County Transit provides bus access; biking on flat Davis streets is feasible, though South Davis lacks the high-frequency transit network of downtown neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods Near South Davis
Not sure South Davis is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about South Davis
What is the average home price in South Davis, Davis?
The median home value in South Davis is $856,000, about 7% above the Davis city median of $803,100. This reflects the neighborhood's strong schools, educated population (78.4% hold bachelor's degrees), and family-oriented character. Single-family homes dominate the market, ranging from $750,000 to $1.2 million, while townhomes and condos span $620,000 to $950,000.
Is South Davis a good place to live?
South Davis excels for families seeking suburban safety, good schools, and proximity to UC Davis. Additionally, the median household income of $115,576 and 45.4% married-household rate signal stability and investment in the community. However, walkability is limited (score 33) and car dependence is high at 63.4%, making it less appealing for those who prefer urban walkability or transit access. The neighborhood is ideal if you prioritize schools and quiet residential streets over urban convenience.
What schools serve South Davis?
Fred T. Additionally, korematsu Elementary At Mace Ranch (rated 65/100) and Birch Lane Elementary (57.5/100) serve elementary-age children, feeding into Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Junior High (57/100) and Da Vinci Charter Academy (66/100). The neighborhood's 78.4% bachelor's degree attainment rate correlates with strong parental engagement and academic support.
Is South Davis safe?
South Davis maintains Davis's overall reputation for safety, with median age of 30.7 and strong community involvement typical of family-oriented suburbs. Reported crime rates are low compared to regional averages, though specific incident data should be verified through the City of Davis Police Department and Yolo County Sheriff resources.
Who should consider moving to South Davis?
South Davis suits families with school-age children, affluent professional couples, and remote workers who value quiet residential neighborhoods. The 26.2% rate of children and high homeownership rate (52%) confirm that the neighborhood is purpose-built for family life. First-time buyers with sufficient down payment savings and investors seeking long-term appreciation over high yield will also find the neighborhood viable.
What amenities and dining are nearby in South Davis?
South Davis residents enjoy proximity to Safeway and Nugget Markets for groceries, while dining options like Dos Coyotes Border Cafe, Mr Pickle's Sandwich Shop, and Sudwerk Brewing Co. The Dock are within short drives. Coffee shops such as Common Grounds Coffee and Teabo Cafe serve daily commuters and families, while Get Fit Davis and Barefoot Yoga support active lifestyles in the neighborhood.
Where this South 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 South Davis
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