What It's Like to Live in West Davis, Davis
A family-oriented neighborhood combining cycling culture with proximity to UC Davis and downtown amenities.
About West Davis in Davis
West Davis is a thriving residential neighborhood defined by its world-class biking infrastructure, strong educational presence, and diverse community character. The area attracts families, UC Davis-connected professionals, and first-time buyers seeking an active lifestyle within Davis's compact footprint. Additionally, with a bike score of 95, excellent schools including Robert E. Willett Elementary and Ralph Waldo Emerson Junior High, and median household income of $99,823, West Davis balances affordability relative to the broader region with genuine neighborhood vitality.
Real Estate Market in West Davis
| Median home price | $734k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | market-stable |
| Price per sq ft | $485 to $520 |
| Median rent | $2,113 |
| Typical days on market | 14 to 18 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 62 |
| Transit Score | 36 |
| Bike Score | 95 |
Additionally, the median home value in West Davis is $734,000, reflecting solid demand among families and professionals drawn to the neighborhood's school quality and biking culture. Homes here move moderately in Davis's competitive market, with ownership representing 47.2% of the housing stock.
West Davis attracts both owner-occupants and investors, creating steady competition. Homes in good repair and near parks or schools often receive multiple offers; pricing at or slightly above list with quick response times is standard.
Who Thrives in West Davis
Additionally, West Davis offers accessible entry-point pricing within Davis, strong schools for growing families, and exceptional biking infrastructure.
Additionally, the neighborhood delivers top-rated schools, parks like West Area Pond Recreational Area, and a proven track record with families raising children.
Moderate rental demand and stable appreciation make West Davis a reliable buy-and-hold market, though Davis's overall growth is steady rather than explosive.
Additionally, with 18.9% of residents working from home, the community has infrastructure and culture to support remote work alongside biking and local engagement.
Additionally, biking and walkability appeal to active retirees, though the median age of 30.3 skews younger, meaning fewer specialized senior services than other neighborhoods.
Property Types in West Davis
Dominant housing type; typically 3 to 4 bedrooms with generous lots and garages.
Popular with first-time buyers and investors; many built in the 1990s and 2000s.
Smaller presence; primarily owned by investors targeting student and young-professional renters.
Living in West Davis, Davis
Daily life in West Davis centers on the bicycle. Additionally, whether commuting to UC Davis, running errands at Trader Joe's or Sage Street Cafe, or heading downtown to restaurants like Lamppost Pizza or Shanghai Town, residents rely on the neighborhood's protected bike lanes and flat terrain. Moreover, the community is intellectually engaged, with 81.2% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, fostering a collaborative, education-forward culture. Parks including Figgy Park and West Manor Park provide green space for families and active adults.
- Lamppost Pizza · 7 min walk
- Shanghai Town · 7 min walk
- Chuy's Taqueria · 7 min walk
- Subway · 22 min walk
- Burger King · 23 min walk
- Starbucks · 24 min walk
- Sage Street Cafe · 26 min walk
- Gong Cha · 27 min walk
- Peet's Coffee · 28 min walk
- Fluffy Donuts · 33 min walk
- West Area Pond Recreational Area · 7 min walk
- Figgy Park · 8 min walk
- West Manor Park · 9 min walk
- Westlake IGA Market · 8 min walk
- Safeway · 26 min walk
- Trader Joe's · 31 min walk
- Savemart · 35 min walk
- Honey Bee Haven Garden · 31 min walk
Annual events: Davis Farmers Market (year-round Saturdays), Picnic Day (UC Davis traditions), Davis Food Co-op seasonal events, local school fundraisers and farmer celebrations
Schools Near West Davis, Davis
West Davis serves several of Davis's strongest elementary and junior high schools, making it a magnet for families prioritizing education. Robert E. Willett Elementary (82.5 rating) and Cesar Chavez Elementary (77.5 rating) are both within or adjacent to the neighborhood, offering strong academics and community engagement.
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 63 with 58% math and 68% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 70 with 66% math and 74% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Tender Learning Care (PK-KG) — 13-minute walk
- Davis Waldorf School (PK-8) — 37-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Students typically feed from elementary schools into Ralph Waldo Emerson Junior High (70 rating, grades 7-9), creating a coherent K-9 educational pathway within the neighborhood.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from West Davis
Additionally, West Davis offers quick access to both UC Davis and downtown Davis, plus reasonable connectivity to regional destinations. The neighborhood's proximity to major employers and university facilities means most commutes are short.
Additionally, davis Unitrans local bus service connects West Davis to the university, downtown, and surrounding neighborhoods; regional transit to Sacramento and the Bay Area is available but limited compared to urban hubs.
Neighborhoods Near West Davis
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Frequently Asked Questions about West Davis
What is the average home price in West Davis, Davis?
The median home value in West Davis is $734,000, making it slightly less expensive than the broader Davis median of $803,100. Single-family homes typically range from $650,000 to $950,000, while townhomes and condos start around $520,000. Rental properties command higher prices, reflecting investor demand tied to the university presence.
Is West Davis a good place to live?
Yes. Additionally, the neighborhood combines excellent schools, a bike score of 95, strong community engagement, and diverse dining and retail options. Moreover, the median household income of $99,823 indicates financial stability, and 81.2% of residents hold bachelor's degrees, fostering an educated, collaborative environment. Tradeoffs include moderate walkability (62 score) outside the core commercial areas and limited public transit compared to larger cities.
What are the top-rated schools in West Davis?
Robert E. Additionally, willett Elementary (82.5 rating) and Cesar Chavez Elementary (77.5 rating) are both among Davis's strongest elementary schools and serve families in West Davis directly. Moreover, ralph Waldo Emerson Junior High (70 rating) serves grades 7-9 as the primary feeder school. All three emphasize academics, community involvement, and student wellbeing.
Is West Davis safe?
West Davis is a safe, family-friendly residential neighborhood typical of Davis overall. Like many college towns, petty bike theft and minor property crimes occur, but violent crime is low. Active neighborhood associations and strong community policing presence contribute to residents feeling secure.
Who is West Davis the best fit for?
West Davis suits families with school-age children, first-time homebuyers seeking affordability within California, remote workers valuing biking culture and community, and professionals affiliated with UC Davis. The neighborhood also appeals to active retirees and investors targeting stable, education-anchored returns.
Are there good shopping and dining options near West Davis?
Yes. Additionally, trader Joe's, Safeway, and Westlake IGA Market provide grocery shopping within short bike or car distances. Moreover, dining options include Lamppost Pizza, Shanghai Town, Chuy's Taqueria, and numerous cafes like Sage Street Cafe and Peet's Coffee. Retail includes Family Dollar, Petco, and Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Where this West 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 West Davis
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