8/10/24

Your Ultimate Guide to UC Davis Off-Campus Housing: Neighborhoods, Costs, & Insider Tips

Hey there, future or current Aggie! So, you're diving into the world of off-campus housing at UC Davis. It's a rite of passage, a step into real adulthood, & honestly, it can be a little daunting. The good news? You've come to the right place. I'm here to break down everything you need to know, from the vibe of different neighborhoods to how much you can realistically expect to pay in rent. Let's get you ready to find your perfect Davis home.
First off, take a deep breath. Finding a place to live in Davis can feel like a competitive sport, but it's gotten a bit easier recently. UC Davis has been building more on-campus housing, which has helped to open up more off-campus spots for the rest of us. A recent survey from fall 2024 showed that the apartment vacancy rate in Davis is around 4%, which is considered pretty healthy for a rental market. This means you have a bit more breathing room than students in previous years.
That being said, it's still SUPER important to start your search early. Seriously, I can't stress this enough. The best places get snapped up quickly, so if you're looking for the fall, you should ideally be starting your search in the winter or early spring.

Decoding Davis: A Breakdown of the Neighborhoods

Davis is a quintessential college town, & it's pretty much divided into a few main areas: North, South, Central, & West Davis. Each has its own unique personality, so let's get into it.

North Davis: The Sweet Spot of Convenience & Calm

If you're looking for a location that's close to campus, has a ton of amenities, & is still relatively quiet, North Davis is probably your best bet. This area, especially around the Sycamore, Anderson, & Alvarado "strip," is a hub for students. You'll find a bunch of apartment complexes here, & it's a super easy bike ride to campus – we're talking 10-20 minutes.
  • Vibe: A good mix of students & families. It's active, especially near the shopping centers, but not as party-heavy as South Davis.
  • Pros: Proximity to two major shopping centers (Safeway, CVS, Trader Joe's, etc.), great bus service with the Unitrans lines, & a direct shot to the north side of campus.
  • Cons: Can be a little pricier than other areas because of the convenience.
  • Popular Apartment Complexes: Aggie Square, Almondwood Apartments, & Fountain Circle Townhomes are all solid choices in this area. They're known for being student-friendly & having good amenities like pools & study rooms.

South Davis: Where the Social Scene Thrives

If you're looking for a more social, high-energy environment, South Davis is likely calling your name. This is where you'll find a lot of the undergrad-heavy apartment complexes & a more vibrant party scene. It's a bit further from campus than North or Central Davis, but still very manageable by bike or bus.
  • Vibe: Young, energetic, & social. If you like to be where the action is, this is it.
  • Pros: Often has more modern, amenity-rich apartment complexes. It's also where you'll find In-N-Out, which is a major perk for many.
  • Cons: Can be noisy, & the parties can get old if you're not into that scene. It's also a bit of a trek to get to other parts of town.
  • Popular Apartment Complexes: The Atriums at La Rue Park & other complexes around the Lillard & Cowell area are popular choices.

Central Davis & Downtown: In the Heart of it All

For those who want to be able to walk everywhere, Central Davis & the downtown area are ideal. You'll be super close to campus, as well as all the restaurants, cafes, & shops that downtown has to offer. This area has a mix of apartments, duplexes, & houses for rent.
  • Vibe: Bustling & convenient. You'll feel like you're in the center of the Davis universe.
  • Pros: Ultimate walkability & bikeability. You can easily get to class, grab a coffee, & meet up with friends without needing a car.
  • Cons: Can be one of the more expensive areas, & parking is a nightmare. Some of the rentals can be on the older side.
  • Popular Apartment Complexes: University Commons is a popular choice, located just a block from campus & Trader Joe's.

West Davis: The Quiet Escape

West Davis is a bit more removed from the student-centric hustle & bustle. It's a quieter, more residential area with a lot of families & grad students. It's separated from the rest of Davis by a highway, which can make it feel a little isolated.
  • Vibe: Calm, quiet, & family-friendly.
  • Pros: Generally less expensive rent, & you'll find some really nice apartments & houses. It's a great option if you want to escape the college bubble.
  • Cons: Fewer bus routes, & it can feel a bit disconnected from the rest of the student community. Biking to campus is definitely doable, but it's a longer ride.

The All-Important Budget: What to Expect for Rent in Davis

Alright, let's talk numbers. Rent in Davis is definitely higher than the national average, so it's important to have a realistic budget in mind. Prices can vary a lot depending on the neighborhood, the size of the apartment, & the amenities. Here's a general idea of what you can expect to pay per month as of late 2024/early 2025, based on a few different sources:
  • Studios: $1,820 - $1,874
  • 1-Bedroom Apartments: $1,850 - $1,901
  • 2-Bedroom Apartments: $2,150 - $2,387
  • 3-Bedroom Apartments: Around $2,993 or more
Keep in mind that these are just averages, & you can definitely find places that are more or less expensive. One of the best ways to save money on rent in Davis is to have roommates. The more people you can split the rent with, the more affordable it will be.

Finding Your Perfect Pad: Resources & Tips

So, where do you actually find these places? Here are some of the best resources for your off-campus housing search:
  • The ASUCD Community Housing Listing (CHL): This is the official UC Davis off-campus housing marketplace, & it's a great place to start. You can find listings for apartments, houses, & rooms for rent, as well as connect with potential roommates.
  • Apartment Complex Websites: Most of the major apartment complexes in Davis have their own websites where you can view floor plans, check availability, & even apply online.
  • Facebook Housing Groups: There are several UC Davis housing groups on Facebook where students post about subleases, empty rooms, & roommate searches. These can be a goldmine, but be sure to be cautious & watch out for scams.
  • ForRentUniversity.com & Other Rental Sites: Websites like ForRentUniversity.com, Apartments.com, & Zumper are also great resources for browsing available rentals in Davis.
When you're looking at listings, be sure to pay attention to the details. Does the rent include utilities? Is there on-site laundry? What's the pet policy? These are all important factors to consider.

Getting Around: Transportation in a Bike-Obsessed Town

One of the best things about living in Davis is that you really don't need a car. This is a town that was practically built for bikes, & it's by far the most popular way for students to get around. But even if you're not a cyclist, there are plenty of other great transportation options.

Biking: The Aggie Way

Seriously, everyone bikes in Davis. The town is incredibly flat & has an extensive network of bike paths. If you're living off-campus, a bike will be your best friend for getting to & from class. The ASUCD Bike Barn on campus is a full-service bike shop that offers repairs, sales, & rentals.

Unitrans: The Iconic Red Buses

The Unitrans bus system is another fantastic option for getting around Davis. It has routes that cover the entire city, & it's FREE for all undergraduate students with a valid student ID. The buses run frequently on weekdays, & there's also weekend & holiday service. You can use the Unitrans website or app to plan your trip & get real-time bus tracking.

Other Transit Options

If you need to get out of Davis, there are a few other options:
  • Yolobus: This bus service connects Davis to other cities in Yolo County, as well as Sacramento & the Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
  • Causeway Connection: This is a free bus service that runs between the UC Davis campus & the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.
  • Amtrak: The Capitol Corridor train line stops in Davis & can take you to the Bay Area, San Jose, & other destinations.

What About Cars & Parking?

Now, let's talk about cars. While you don't need one in Davis, some students still choose to have one. If you do, you need to be prepared for the challenge of parking. On-campus parking is limited & requires a permit, which can be expensive. Off-campus parking can be just as tricky, especially in the crowded neighborhoods around campus.
This is where a service like Prked can be a total lifesaver. If your apartment doesn't come with a dedicated parking spot, or if you have more cars than spots, Prked can help you find affordable & convenient parking solutions. It's a platform that connects people who have extra parking space in their driveways or garages with drivers who need a place to park. It's a pretty cool way to solve the Davis parking puzzle without breaking the bank.

A Note on Storage

When you're moving in & out of apartments, you might find yourself with more stuff than you have space for. Whether it's furniture you don't need for the summer or just extra belongings you can't fit in your new place, finding affordable storage can be a challenge.
That's another area where Prked can come in handy. In addition to parking, Prked also connects people who need storage with homeowners who have extra space in their garage, attic, basement, or even a closet. It's a more affordable & convenient alternative to traditional storage units, & it's perfect for students on a budget.

Final Thoughts & Good Luck!

Phew, that was a lot of information! I know it can seem overwhelming, but I hope this guide has given you a better sense of the off-campus housing landscape at UC Davis. The key takeaways are to start your search early, figure out your budget, & decide which neighborhood vibe is the best fit for you.
Davis is an amazing place to go to college, & finding the right place to live is a big part of that experience. So, get out there, explore the different neighborhoods, & don't be afraid to ask questions.
Hope this was helpful, & good luck with your housing search! Let me know what you think, & feel free to share your own tips in the comments below.
;