The Davis CA housing market demonstrates resilience with median home prices reaching $825,000 as of January, representing 4.2% year-over-year appreciation according to Zillow. This university town in Yolo County maintains strong buyer demand driven by UC Davis employment, excellent schools, and Sacramento proximity. Inventory remains constrained with approximately 45 to 60 active listings at any given time, creating competitive conditions for buyers.
Davis combines small-town charm with big-city amenities, attracting families, university employees, and Sacramento commuters seeking quality of life. According to Redfin, homes in Davis spend an average of 28 days on market, significantly faster than the California average of 42 days. Understanding local market dynamics, neighborhood variations, and pricing trends helps buyers and sellers navigate this specialized market successfully.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Davis CA Housing Market in
- Zillow Davis CA Trends and Price Movements
- Homes for Sale in Davis CA: What Buyers Should Expect
- Housing Market Sacramento vs Davis CA
- Davis CA Real Estate by Neighborhood
- Median Home Price Sacramento vs Local Yolo County Prices
- Woodland CA Real Estate Market Connections
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Overview of the Davis CA Housing Market in
The Davis CA housing market operates as a micro-market within Yolo County, influenced by unique factors including UC Davis, bike-friendly infrastructure, and top-rated schools. The market entered with steady appreciation following modest cooling in late 2023. Real estate websites like Zillow and Redfin report consistent buyer interest despite elevated mortgage rates near 6.8%.
Davis CA housing features median prices around $825,000, limited inventory of 45 to 60 homes, and average days on market under 30. Strong UC Davis employment and school quality drive sustained demand despite affordability challenges.
Market Fundamentals and Driving Forces
UC Davis employs over 13,000 people and enrolls 40,000 students, creating stable housing demand from faculty, staff, and graduate students. This employment anchor differentiates Davis from purely residential markets, providing economic stability even during broader economic uncertainty.
School quality attracts families willing to pay premium prices for access to Davis Joint Unified School District. Davis High School consistently ranks among California’s top public schools, with API scores and college acceptance rates exceeding state averages. Families prioritize educational access, supporting price resilience.
The Davis Market Momentum Model
Use this framework to understand Davis market dynamics:
Foundation Stability: UC Davis employment and student housing needs create baseline demand floor preventing significant price declines even during broader market corrections.
Family Premium: School quality adds 8% to 15% price premium compared to similar-sized Yolo County communities without equivalent educational resources.
Commuter Appeal: Sacramento proximity (15 miles) attracts buyers seeking a smaller-town lifestyle while maintaining capital-area employment access.
Supply Constraint: Limited developable land within city boundaries restricts new construction, supporting prices through structural scarcity.
This model explains why Davis maintains stronger appreciation and faster sales velocity than surrounding markets during most economic conditions.
Current Market Metrics
Redfin data from January shows 52 active listings in Davis, down from 68 in January 2024. This 23% inventory decline intensified buyer competition, contributing to year-over-year price appreciation. Pending sales averaged 38 per month in late 2024, indicating healthy transaction velocity.
Days on market averaged 28 in December 2024, faster than Sacramento’s 35 days and California’s 42-day average. Well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods like Wildhorse and Village Homes receive multiple offers within the first two weeks.
Zillow Davis CA Trends and Price Movements
Zillow Davis CA data provides comprehensive insights into price trends, home value estimates, and market forecasts. According to Zillow’s Home Value Index, typical home values in Davis reached $825,000, up from $791,000 in January 2024. This 4.2% appreciation reflects moderating growth compared to pandemic-era double-digit gains.
Zillow reports Davis home values at $825,000 with 4.2% annual appreciation. The platform forecasts continued modest appreciation of 2% to 4% through based on inventory constraints and sustained local demand.
Price Trajectory Analysis
Davis home values peaked at $852,000 in May 2024 before modest summer correction brought values to $810,000 by September. Fall market strengthening recovered values to current $825,000 levels, demonstrating resilience despite higher mortgage rates affecting broader California markets.
Expert Tip: Zillow’s Zestimate accuracy in Davis averages within 4% of final sale prices for on-market homes. Use estimates as starting references, but verify with comparative market analysis from local realtors like Anna Aljabiry who maintain deep neighborhood-specific knowledge unavailable through automated valuations.
Price per square foot averaged $485 in Davis during late 2024, significantly exceeding Sacramento’s $315 average. This premium reflects school quality, bike infrastructure, and limited inventory rather than superior construction quality or larger lot sizes.
Forecast and Forward Indicators
Zillow’s one-year forecast projects Davis home values reaching $845,000 to $860,000 by January 2026, representing 2.4% to 4.2% appreciation. This forecast assumes mortgage rates remain near current levels and UC Davis employment stays stable.
Leading indicators supporting continued appreciation include pending sales remaining above historical averages, new listing volumes declining, and buyer demand measured through saved searches and website traffic maintaining elevated levels.
Davis CA Housing Market: Trends, Prices, and Local Insights
Homes for Sale in Davis CA: What Buyers Should Expect
Homes for sale in Davis CA span diverse neighborhoods, property types, and price points, though inventory concentration occurs in established single-family residential areas. Buyers in face competitive conditions requiring strong pre-approval, flexible viewing schedules, and strategic offer construction.
Davis buyers should expect limited inventory, move-in-ready condition expectations, prices from $650,000 to $1.5 million for single-family homes, and multiple-offer situations on desirable properties. Pre-approval and local realtor representation are essential.
Inventory Composition and Property Types
Single-family detached homes comprise 78% of Davis inventory, with remaining listings split between townhomes, condominiums, and occasional land parcels. Popular neighborhoods like Wildhorse, Mace Ranch, and Village Homes see fastest turnover due to school proximity and established amenities.
Checklist for Davis Home Buyers:
- Obtain pre-approval from lenders familiar with Yolo County appraisal standards
- Work with realtors specializing in Davis market and neighborhood nuances
- Identify priority neighborhoods based on school boundaries and commute routes
- Prepare financial capacity for 5% to 10% over-asking offers on competitive properties
- Schedule home inspections within 10 to 14 days to maintain offer competitiveness
- Research bike trail access if active transportation is lifestyle priority
- Verify solar installation status as many Davis homes feature owned or leased systems
- Understand HOA fees in planned communities affecting monthly housing costs
Buyers prioritizing UC Davis employment convenience focus on Central Davis, Old North Davis, and Downtown areas offering walkable or bikeable campus access. Family buyers emphasize Wildhorse, Mace Ranch, and newer developments near schools.
Pricing Expectations by Neighborhood
Entry-level homes in Davis start around $650,000, typically featuring two to three bedrooms in older neighborhoods requiring updates. Move-up homes in desirable areas range from $825,000 to $1.2 million, offering three to four bedrooms with modern amenities. Luxury properties in neighborhoods like El Macero Estates and custom homes exceed $1.5 million.
Mini-Case: A family relocated from the Bay Area to Davis in October 2024, seeking a four-bedroom home near schools. They worked with realtor Anna Aljabiry to identify options in Wildhorse and Mace Ranch. After viewing seven properties over two weekends, they submitted offers on two homes. Their winning offer on a $950,000 listing in Wildhorse came in at $985,000 with waived appraisal gap coverage and 21-day close. The home appraised at $980,000, requiring the buyers to cover the $5,000 gap as agreed.
This case illustrates typical Davis buying experiences where strategic offer construction and experienced local representation determine success in competitive situations.
Housing Market Sacramento vs Davis CA
The housing market Sacramento comparison reveals significant differences in pricing, inventory levels, and market dynamics despite geographic proximity. Sacramento County median home prices reached $515,000 in January according to Zillow, substantially below Davis’s $825,000 median. This $310,000 gap reflects Davis’s specialized market characteristics.
Sacramento offers lower median prices around $515,000, greater inventory variety, and diverse neighborhood options. Davis commands premium pricing through superior schools, university employment stability, and small-town character attracting specific buyer profiles.
Comparative Market Analysis
Sacramento’s larger population and geographic area provide greater housing diversity. Buyers find options from $350,000 starter homes to $2 million luxury properties across dozens of distinct neighborhoods. Inventory typically includes 1,500 to 2,000 active listings compared to Davis’s 45 to 60.
Days on market average 35 in Sacramento versus 28 in Davis, indicating relatively less competitive conditions despite strong overall demand. Sacramento buyers have more negotiating leverage and time for due diligence compared to Davis’s fast-paced multiple-offer environment.
Buyer Decision Framework: Sacramento vs Davis
Choose Sacramento If: You prioritize affordability, seek greater housing variety, prefer urban amenities and nightlife, work in downtown Sacramento or state government, or want lower property taxes relative to home values.
Choose Davis If: You prioritize top-tier schools, prefer small-town walkability, work at UC Davis, value extensive bike infrastructure, seek stronger community engagement, or accept higher costs for quality-of-life factors.
This framework helps buyers align housing choices with lifestyle priorities and financial capacity. Many Sacramento-employed buyers choose Davis despite longer commutes, valuing schools and community over convenience.
Davis CA Real Estate by Neighborhood
Davis CA real estate varies significantly by neighborhood, with distinct characteristics affecting pricing, amenities, and buyer appeal. Understanding these micro-markets helps buyers target searches effectively and sellers price competitively based on location-specific demand factors.
Davis neighborhoods range from established areas like Village Homes and Central Davis to newer developments like The Cannery and Mace Ranch. Median prices vary from $700,000 in older neighborhoods to $950,000 in premium locations.
Top Performing Neighborhoods
Wildhorse attracts families seeking newer construction, community amenities including pools and parks, and excellent school access. Homes typically feature three to four bedrooms, attached garages, and built between 1995 and 2015. Median prices reach $900,000 to $1.1 million.
Village Homes appeals to environmentally conscious buyers valuing sustainability, community gardens, and alternative housing designs. This pioneering cohousing community features unique architecture, extensive bike paths, and strong resident engagement. Prices range from $750,000 to $950,000.
Mace Ranch offers a family-friendly suburban environment with parks, schools, and newer homes built 1990s through 2010s. Three to four-bedroom homes with standard suburban layouts dominate inventory. Prices average $850,000 to $1 million.
Emerging and Value Neighborhoods
The Cannery represents Davis’s newest major development, featuring modern construction, LEED-certified homes, and walkable mixed-use design. Homes built 2015 to present offer contemporary amenities and energy efficiency. Prices start around $800,000, reaching $1.2 million for larger models.
West Davis Manor and Davis Manor provide relative affordability with older homes requiring updates. These established neighborhoods offer larger lots, mature landscaping, and bike access to downtown and campus. Prices range from $650,000 to $800,000.
Expert Tip: Research school boundary maps before finalizing neighborhood choices. Davis redistricts periodically, and boundaries don’t always follow expected geographic lines. Confirm current assignments through Davis Joint Unified School District before purchasing for school access.
Median Home Price Sacramento vs Local Yolo County Prices
The median home price Sacramento comparison with Yolo County reveals pricing hierarchy influenced by employment centers, school quality, and urban amenities. Sacramento County’s $515,000 median anchors regional pricing, while Davis’s $825,000 represents county high. Woodland, Yolo County’s other major city, averages $525,000.
Sacramento median prices of $515,000 exceed most Yolo County communities except Davis. Woodland matches Sacramento pricing around $525,000, while smaller Yolo towns like Winters and West Sacramento range from $450,000 to $550,000.
Regional Price Dynamics
Yolo County’s small population concentrated in Davis and Woodland creates limited housing inventory compared to Sacramento’s sprawling development. Davis commands premium pricing despite smaller size due to UC Davis employment and school reputation exceeding Woodland’s offerings.
West Sacramento, technically Yolo County but functionally Sacramento metro, shows median prices near $550,000. This area attracts buyers seeking affordability while maintaining Sacramento employment access. Recent development and improving schools increased West Sacramento’s appeal.
Investment and Affordability Considerations
Buyers priced out of Davis increasingly consider Woodland as an alternative offering good schools, Sacramento access, and $300,000 savings compared to comparable Davis homes. Woodland’s median price of $525,000 provides entry opportunity while maintaining a reasonable commute to both Sacramento and Davis.
Mini-Case: A Sacramento-employed couple evaluated Davis versus Woodland early . Davis homes meeting their criteria cost $925,000 to $1.05 million. Comparable Woodland properties ranged from $625,000 to $725,000. They chose Woodland, investing the $300,000 savings in property improvements and retirement accounts while accepting a slightly longer Sacramento commute and different school environment.
This trade-off analysis demonstrates how regional price variations create different value propositions based on individual priorities and financial capacity.
Woodland CA Real Estate Market Connections
The Woodland CA real estate market operates as Davis’s lower-cost alternative within Yolo County, attracting buyers seeking affordability while maintaining regional employment access. Woodland’s median home price of $525,000 provides $300,000 savings compared to Davis, though buyers sacrifice some school quality and university-town amenities.
Woodland offers median prices around $525,000, larger inventory than Davis, and good value for buyers prioritizing affordability over Davis-specific amenities. The market serves Sacramento commuters and agricultural industry employees.
Market Comparison and Buyer Migration
Woodland typically maintains 120 to 180 active listings, triple Davis’s inventory despite similar population size. This greater supply provides buyers more options and negotiating leverage. Days on market average 38, slower than Davis’s 28 but comparable to regional norms.
Real estate websites show buyer searches frequently span both Davis and Woodland, indicating many buyers evaluate both markets before deciding. Price sensitivity often determines final choice, with budget-constrained buyers selecting Woodland while those prioritizing schools choose Davis despite higher costs.
Investment Potential and Growth Drivers
Woodland benefits from agricultural industry employment, growing healthcare sector, and improving retail amenities. Recent downtown revitalization and new residential development increased market appeal, driving modest appreciation averaging 3% to 5% annually.
Buyers viewing Woodland as an investment opportunity anticipate continued Sacramento metro expansion increasing values over time. Proximity to I-5 and Highway 113 provides employment access to both Sacramento and Bay Area, supporting long-term demand.
FAQ
What is the median home price in Davis CA?
The median home price in Davis CA reached $825,000, representing 4.2% year-over-year appreciation. Prices vary significantly by neighborhood, ranging from $650,000 for entry-level homes to over $1.5 million for luxury properties.
How does Davis CA compare to Sacramento housing prices?
Davis CA median prices of $825,000 exceed Sacramento’s $515,000 median by $310,000. Davis commands premium pricing due to superior schools, UC Davis employment stability, and limited inventory. Sacramento offers greater affordability and housing variety.
What neighborhoods in Davis CA are best for families?
Top family neighborhoods include Wildhorse, Mace Ranch, and The Cannery, offering excellent schools, parks, and family-friendly amenities. Village Homes appeals to families valuing sustainability. Prices in these areas range from $850,000 to $1.1 million.
How competitive is the Davis CA housing market?
The Davis CA market remains highly competitive with homes averaging 28 days on market and well-priced properties receiving multiple offers. Limited inventory of 45 to 60 active listings intensifies competition. Buyers need pre-approval and experienced local representation.
Conclusion
The Davis CA housing market maintains strength through UC Davis employment, exceptional schools, and structural inventory constraints. Median prices near $825,000 reflect premium positioning compared to Sacramento and Woodland, justified by quality-of-life factors attracting specific buyer demographics. Understanding neighborhood variations, regional price comparisons, and market dynamics helps buyers and sellers navigate this specialized market successfully.Explore the latest Davis CA housing market insights and work with a trusted local expert. Contact Anna Aljabiry at 530.400.0496 for personalized guidance on buying or selling in Davis, backed by 13 years of local market expertise.