When should I start looking for off-campus housing near UC Davis?

You should begin your search in September or October of your freshman year, targeting housing for the following fall. Davis is one of the tightest rental markets in California, and the best units are typically leased by November or December.

How far is Davis from Sacramento?

Davis is approximately 15 miles west of downtown Sacramento, about a 20-minute drive on Interstate 80. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor train also connects Davis and Sacramento, making it easy to get to the city without a car.

Is it necessary to have a car as a UC Davis student?

A car is not necessary for most day-to-day needs in Davis. The city's exceptional bike infrastructure and the Unitrans bus system (free for students with a valid ID) handle most local trips efficiently.

What are typical rent prices near UC Davis?

Rent near UC Davis varies, but expect to pay roughly $1,200 to $1,800 per month for a single room in a shared house or apartment as of recent years. Prices have trended upward due to persistently low vacancy rates, so budgeting on the higher end is advisable.

Off-Campus Housing Near University of California, Davis - 27 Rentals

Listings from:

Landlords Students

$880/unit

Fees may apply

8th & Wake

$1,920+/unit

Fees may apply

Aggie Square Apartments

$1,995+/unit

Fees may apply

Cambridge House Apartments

$864+/unit

Fees may apply

Identity Davis

$509+/unit

Fees may apply

Sol at West Village

$1,200/unit

Fees may apply

Sterling Fifth Street

$1,561+/unit

Fees may apply

The Colleges at La Rue

$739+/unit

Fees may apply

The Spoke

$799+/unit

Fees may apply

The U Apartments

$880/unit

Fees may apply

8th and Wake Student Housing

$1,464+/unit

Fees may apply

Academy Lane

$668+/unit

Fees may apply

Adobe at Evergreen

$880+/unit

Fees may apply

Aria & Luma Davis

$615+/unit

Fees may apply

Arlington Farm Apartments

$880+/unit

Fees may apply

Axis at Davis | Coming Fall 2025! Early Move-Ins Available!

$525+/unit

Fees may apply

Casitas Apartments

$665+/unit

Fees may apply

Chaparral Apartments

$799/unit

Fees may apply

DAVINCI APARTMENTS

$1,825+/unit

Fees may apply

El Macero Apartments

$1,850+/unit

Fees may apply

Ellington Apartments

$995+/unit

Fees may apply

La Salle Apartments

1 2

About Off-Campus Housing Near University of California, Davis

UC Davis is a major public research university in the University of California system, located in Davis, CA, about 15 miles west of Sacramento. With roughly 32,000 undergraduates, it is one of the largest UC campuses. The university is nationally recognized for programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and the biological sciences. Davis itself is a compact, walkable college town of about 70,000 people with an exceptionally strong cycling culture. The surrounding Sacramento Valley setting gives students easy access to both urban Sacramento and Northern California outdoor recreation.

University of California, Davis Housing Requirements

Freshman Live-On Requirement

UC Davis requires all first-year students to live in university housing for their freshman year. This policy ensures new students have a structured transition into campus life and access to academic and social support resources.

Off-Campus Eligibility

Students who have completed their freshman year are free to seek off-campus housing in Davis or surrounding areas. Because the Davis rental market is extremely tight, most students begin searching well before their sophomore year begins.

Lease Timing

Davis landlords typically begin showing and leasing units for the following academic year as early as September and October of the current year. Students who wait until spring or summer often find very limited options at higher price points.

Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with University of California, Davis before signing a lease.

When to Start Looking for Housing Near University of California, Davis

Early Searchers

Davis has one of the most competitive college rental markets in California, and serious apartment hunters begin their search in September or October -- a full academic year before their intended move-in date. This is not an exaggeration: popular properties near campus routinely fill by November for the following fall. Starting early dramatically expands your options and negotiating leverage.

Peak Demand Window

The heaviest leasing activity occurs from October through January, when the majority of available Davis units are claimed. Students searching during this window will find the widest selection of unit types and price points. Waiting until February or March means picking from whatever remains after the early movers have already locked in their leases.

Last-Minute Options

Students who find themselves searching in spring or summer are not out of options, but the pickings are slim. Sublets, room replacements, and newly listed units do appear, and university off-campus housing boards can surface last-minute leads. Be prepared to act immediately when something opens up, as units in Davis rarely sit vacant for more than a day or two.

Neighborhoods Near University of California, Davis

Central Davis

Just north and west of campus, the most popular area with the shortest bike or walking commutes.

South Davis

Slightly more affordable options with easy bike-path access to campus.

West Davis

Quieter and more residential, attracting upperclassmen and graduate students who value a calmer setting.

Downtown Davis

Along G Street, within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, and the farmers market. Most of Davis is reachable by bike thanks to its extensive cycling paths.

Frequently Asked Questions: Off-Campus Housing Near University of California, Davis

Common questions from students searching for housing.

Yes, UC Davis requires all incoming first-year students to live in university residence halls during their freshman year. This policy supports the academic and social transition to college life.

More Housing Near University of California, Davis

Off-Campus Housing Near University of California, Davis

About Off-Campus Housing Near University of California, Davis

University of California, Davis Housing Requirements

Freshman Live-On Requirement

Off-Campus Eligibility

Lease Timing

When to Start Looking for Housing Near University of California, Davis

Early Searchers

Peak Demand Window

Last-Minute Options

Neighborhoods Near University of California, Davis

Central Davis

South Davis

West Davis

Downtown Davis

Frequently Asked Questions: Off-Campus Housing Near University of California, Davis

Do UC Davis freshmen have to live on campus?

When should I start looking for off-campus housing near UC Davis?

How far is Davis from Sacramento?

Is it necessary to have a car as a UC Davis student?

What are typical rent prices near UC Davis?

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