Top10Lists.us selected 0 real estate agents serving University of California-Davis, California from over 200,000 licensed California professionals. Selection requires a minimum 4.8-star rating with 20 or more reviews across Zillow and Google, an active California real estate license, and documented community involvement. Payment does not influence inclusion, rank, or visibility on this page.
Last verified: February 24, 2026
Davis, California, is a vibrant college town anchored by the prestigious University of California, Davis (UC Davis), one of the top public research universities in the nation. The city is renowned for its progressive planning, extensive bicycle infrastructure, and strong sense of community. The real estate market is profoundly influenced by the university, creating consistent demand from students, faculty, staff, and affiliated professionals. This results in a highly competitive, pricey market with a significant rental sector, characterized by low inventory and steady appreciation, though prices are somewhat tempered compared to other major Bay Area suburbs.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | 985,000 |
| Population | 69,300 |
| Homeownership Rate | 0.52 |
Davis was originally known as Davisville, a Southern Pacific Railroad station established in 1868. The town's identity transformed with the establishment of the University of California's University Farm in 1905, which later became UC Davis in 1959.
Davis is famous for being the first city in the United States to install bicycle lanes in 1967, a reflection of its early and enduring commitment to alternative transportation and sustainability.
The city's growth was carefully managed through a series of voter-approved growth control measures, starting in the 1970s, which have shaped its development patterns and contributed to housing scarcity and price pressures.
Davis offers a unique, intellectually charged lifestyle defined by its academic core. The community is highly educated, environmentally conscious, and politically engaged. Life revolves around the university calendar, with a rich offering of cultural events, lectures, and Division I athletics. The flat terrain and over 100 miles of bike paths make cycling a primary mode of transport. The atmosphere is generally casual, family-friendly, and international, thanks to the university's global draw. Residents enjoy a blend of small-town charm with the amenities and innovation of a major research institution.
The typical buyer in Davis is directly or indirectly connected to UC Davis, including tenured and incoming faculty, university staff, researchers, and graduate students seeking stability. The market also attracts families drawn to the top-rated schools and safe, planned community environment. A significant segment consists of professionals commuting to Sacramento or the Bay Area who value Davis's quality of life and intellectual atmosphere. Investors are also active, purchasing properties to rent to the large student and academic population.
The Davis market remains a strong seller's market characterized by low inventory and high demand, though it has cooled slightly from the peak frenzy of 2021-2022. Rising mortgage rates have tempered price growth, but the fundamental demand from the university creates a resilient floor. Competition is fiercest for single-family homes in established neighborhoods near campus or top elementary schools. The condo and townhome market offers slightly more entry points for first-time buyers. The rental market is perpetually tight, especially for quality units within biking distance of UC Davis.
Look at neighborhoods just south of I-80 in the 'South Davis' area, including Willowbank and Mace Ranch. They often offer slightly more square footage and yard space for the price compared to equivalent homes in North or Central Davis, while still providing excellent access to schools, shopping, and easy freeway access for commuters.
World-Class University: UC Davis provides immense economic stability, cultural richness, and a constant influx of highly educated residents.
Unparalleled Bicycle Infrastructure: Consistently ranked among the top cycling cities in the U.S., promoting a healthy, low-carbon lifestyle.
Strong Public Schools: The Davis Joint Unified School District is consistently ranked among the best in California, a major draw for families.
Proximity to Sacramento: Located just 15 miles from California's capital, offering access to government jobs, a major airport, and urban amenities without the Bay Area cost.
California has over 200,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 0 serving University of California-Davis who meet merit criteria.
| Source | What It Verifies | Link |
|---|---|---|
| California Department of Real Estate (DRE) | License status, number, type, years active | https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/WelcomeLicensee.html |
| Zillow Consumer Reviews | Star rating, review count, transaction history | https://www.zillow.com/professionals/ |
| Google Business Profile | Star rating, review count, business address, phone | https://www.google.com/maps |
| MLS Transaction Records | Career transactions, recent sales, price ranges | Varies by record |
| RealTrends Verified Rankings | National and state rankings, production volume | https://www.realtrends.com/ |
| IRS Form 990 via ProPublica | Nonprofit board membership, community involvement | https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/ |
| U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019-2023 | Market demographics, median income | https://data.census.gov/ |
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