Why Davis? What makes this distinctive college town such a magnet for us and so many others? I was first asked this by friends and colleagues in the Bay Area as I prepared to move east, and now, as a Realtor, I find myself asking newcomers the same question, curious about what led them to this lively and quirky town. Let’s dive into what makes Davis so unique.
Lively and Quant Downtown
When you take the Richards exit off HWY 80, you’re immediately immersed in the lively downtown of Central Davis. The streets are filled with life—pedestrians, bicyclists, the sound of a street piano, or perhaps a violinist sharing their music on a busy corner. Cafés buzz with activity; people enjoy their hot drinks and sweet treats, focused on their laptops or deep in conversation. Look around, and you’ll see a diverse community, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. You might find yourself at a café counter, overhearing a conversation between a UC Davis professor and a local rice farmer, discussing the latest event at the Mondavi Center. While this kind of energy is common in many college towns, Davis offers so much more.
Central Davis is incredibly convenient—everything you need is within easy reach, and you rarely feel the need to drive. With UC Davis at the heart of the town, students are a constant presence, and the cafés are filled with people engaged in their studies or group projects. UC Davis is world-renowned and ranked 33rd in the nation amongst national universities and is in the top 10 for public universities according to US News. With over 100 majors and nearly as many graduate and professional programs, it’s one of the top 20 public universities in the U.S., attracting over $1 billion in research funding. Davis draws people from all corners of the globe who come here to learn, teach, and take part in cutting-edge research. This creates a community rich in diverse perspectives, artistic expression, and open dialogue on the important issues shaping our world.
Family Oriented
But Davis isn’t just about its students, professors, and researchers. Every year, young entrepreneurs and families come here to settle down, joining the long-established families raising children and grandchildren here for generations. The city’s exceptional K-12 schools have earned national recognition from U.S. News, with every neighborhood—from Central to West, North to South Davis—offering quality education for all children.
Family Fun List
When the weekend or summer break arrives, Davis offers plenty of options to keep the whole family active and entertained. Here are a few fun activities to add to your family’s to-do list:
- California Raptor Center
- Explorit Science Center
- Davis Paintball
- Picnic Day
- Celebrate Davis
- Manor Pool at Slide Hill Park or Arroyo Pool
- Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Davis
- Candlelight Parade & Holiday Tree Lighting
Youth Sports and Activities
If you’re looking to keep the kids active and engaged, Davis offers a wide range of youth sports and activity options. Here are just a few local opportunities to try.
- Davis Forest School gets kids into nature, psst… it’s not just for kids, adult programming is available too!
- Soccer with Kidz Love Soccer and Davis AYSO clubs programs, or Davis Legacy club programs
- Basketball with Davis Rec Basketball, Davis Hoops Wildcats Basketball or Davis Hotshots AAU club programs
- Swim with the Davis Aquaqmonsters or the Dart Swim Team
- Softball with Davis Youth Softball Association
- Baseball with Davis Little League Baseball
- Climbing at Rocknasium
- Martial Arts with Inspire Martial Arts or Nova Geração Davis Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Fencing at Davis Fencing Academy
- Gymnastics at Davis Diamonds Gymnastics
- Football and Cheer with Davis Junior Blue Devils
- Tennis with the Davis Tennis Academy
- Golfing at the Davis Golf Course or Wilhorse Golf Club
- Summer Camps with the UC Campus Rec program, City of Davis Summer Camp programs
Local Events Bringing Everyone Together
Each week, the Davis Farmers Market brings local farmers and artisans together in Central Park. If you’re seeking a family-friendly atmosphere, grab a blanket and settle in to enjoy the delicious treats available at the market. You’ll head home with fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, meats, plants, and flower bouquets to enjoy all week long. From May through September, the Picnic in the Park events add live music to the Wednesday evening market, making it the perfect time for everyone to relax and have fun.
Music & Art Scene
Davis thrives with a vibrant art and music scene. The city offers a map of public art installations, and the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs Facebook page is a great way to explore the creativity of both well-known and emerging local artists. The music scene is just as rich, offering an eclectic range of performances at the UC Davis Mondavi Center, with local live music events featured on the Davis Live Music Collective Facebook page. The annual Davis Music Fest in June is a highlight, with proceeds supporting arts and music education in local schools. A spot is reserved for a local youth artist or band each year—how awesome is that?
Neighborhood & Community Events
Davis frequently hosts community events that bring people together, with something happening nearly every month. Next on the calendar is the Davis Neighbors’ Night Out, a relaxed block party that encourages neighbors to meet, connect, and build stronger relationships. If running or walking is your thing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities, including the Davis Labor Day Run in September, the Davis Turkey Trot in November, the Davis Stampede in February, The Lucky Run in March, and the Moonlight Run in July. For those who prefer a quieter pace, the town’s greenbelts connect neighborhoods, providing ideal spots for leisurely walks, dog walkers, bike rides, playground fun, and open spaces for casual sports or quiet relaxation on a park bench.
Natalie’s Corner and the Community Spirit That Defines Davis
I recently attended a particularly meaningful event—the groundbreaking ceremony for Natalie’s Corner, an interactive water feature and garden in Central Park. This project, in the heart of downtown, honors the memory of Natalie Corona, a Davis police officer who lost her life in the line of duty. Standing in the crowd, listening to the speakers, and seeing the community come together, I felt a warmth and a sense of belonging. At that moment, I thought this is why we chose Davis.
I believe it’s the community spirit that truly sets Davis apart. Whether you’re here for the world-class education, the arts, or the welcoming neighborhoods, there’s something special about the way this town brings people together. This is just a glimpse of the fun activities and opportunities Davis has to offer. From casual café conversations to lively cultural events, Davis offers a blend of intellectual curiosity, creative energy, and small-town warmth that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s a place where roots grow deep and new connections are easily made. For us, Davis isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.
