Do the different sections of town have different reputations? Is one side more family orientated and another more of a party atmosphere?
Any suggestions on how to find houses to rent or which apartment complexes are better than others?
My older son a recent UCD graduate and still living in Davis, preferred North Davis near the Market Place for easy access to the bus routes, shopping and some restaurants. He lived in Pepperwood and Fountain Circle apartments/townhomes and currently resides in Almondwood. He found South Davis to far and not convenient if you are relying on the buses for transportation to and from the campus. Cannot say anything about the party atmosphere, but I am sure there a parties everywhere around campus.
The Pepperwood apartment manager is great: Russell, so I would try to check out these apartments and the earlier the better. Try to have something lined up by January/February. My son’s apartment lease at Almondwood is not going to be renewed for next year, so I know they will have an opening for a 2 bedroom.
Best of luck in the apartment hunt.
Thanks for your feedback. If you don’t mind me asking, why did he move apartments?
He spent 2 years on campus for housing. 3rd year he moved off campus and just got lucky in finding the Pepperwood apartment with 2 of his former roommates. He got along well with his two roommates but in his 4th year he was given the opportunity to share a room with his best friend at Fountain Circle. The costs were half, so he decided to change apartments. He did not renew his lease at Fountain Circle at the end of Senior year since he was not sure where you he would living after graduating. He decided at the last minute to remain in Davis to finish up his research internship so since he did not renew his lease, he found another apartment to share.
Since most apartments fill up quickly it is difficult to predict where you will be especially if you need to make the decision in January/February to renew the lease and still did not have a job secured.
Both my son’s have moved each year which unfortunately is common among students.
I would have definitely preferred that both would have stayed put for most of their college career but things happen and many potential roommates end up changing their minds about their living arrangements.
I just graduated from UC Davis.
The entire town has small town feeling. There are some bars ( 10 or so ) in downtown. One Thai restaurant that turn in to Nightclub on the weekend.
THIS is what you need to know.
- Our Campus is enormous. and even if you get a car parking pass, you can only park in the parameters.
- Classes are spread out throughout the day. Class discussion can be late in the evenings.
- Most student will bike to campus. Even in rains. and cold weathers.
- Studying at this school is not easy. you will want to attend TA hours, Office hours, cub events etc.
- Free Bus service cut off around 10PM. and the service slows down.
Therefore, The proximity of to the campus become #1 factor in finding housing in Davis.
Class A - The best - You can walk to campus. or biked to campus under 15 min.
Class B - Can bike to campus within 30 minutes.
Class C - must take a bus.
Class A - Downtown, Old Davis, North Davis around Trader Joes,
Class B - Further north Davis, East Davis, West Davis
Class C - South Davis, anywhere that is far.
Due to the large student body and limited apartments, almost all apartments gets sold out early in the year for next school year. If you do receive Financial Aid, SHA housing at Primero grove is recommended or Colleges at La Rue.
Proximity is the king when it comes to Davis Housing.