Is University of California-Davis still affordable?
So, It's a a small town city with about 8,158 people. You can expect to pay around $1,560 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -University of California-Davis sits at 126.6 per 100K. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
13 upvotes
7 Replies
Audrey Ramos
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 45, moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Old Town and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
37 upvotes
Virginia K.
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
34 upvotes
David R.
hard disagree but ok
34 upvotes
la_valentina
hmm interesting perspective
22 upvotes
Andrea R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Julia Hughes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely underrated and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Riverside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
3 upvotes
Skylar Williams
I've lived in Lakewood for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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