The 11 Best Overall Student Apartments Near University of California, Davis (October 2026)

1. 1.

   

   Identity Davis

   view → Identity Davis

   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Identity Davis stands out as the top overall choice near UC Davis because of its unbeatable location right across the street from campus and its consistently stellar community vibe. Students rave about the pristine building maintenance, genuinely friendly and knowledgeable staff like Maritza, and the regular events that actually bring people together. The property clearly keeps residents coming back people are resigning for their third year and recommending it to friends without hesitation. As one long-term resident put it, 'I've lived here for a few years now and I'm going to be graduating soon, but I stayed here since the dorms since it's so convenient to be across the street from school.' It's the kind of place that feels like home from day one.

   $864/person/mo
2. 2.

   

   Chaparral Apartments

   view → Chaparral Apartments

   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Chaparral Apartments earns its ranking through genuinely responsive management and a staff that actually cares about residents even after they move out. Students consistently praise the quick turnaround on questions, the professionalism of the leasing team, and the well-maintained amenities throughout the complex, all backed by a safe and quiet neighborhood. The team goes the extra mile: as one resident noted, 'the staff was as quick to respond and friendly as usual even when I'm no longer a current resident.' While some minor quirks exist, the overall experience here is solid enough that people call it their best renting experience at UC Davis.

   $665/person/mo
3. 3.

   

   Seville at Mace Ranch-Davis

   view → Seville at Mace Ranch-Davis

   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Seville at Mace Ranch-Davis shines because of its exceptional maintenance team and genuinely warm leasing office that makes residents feel valued. Randy, the maintenance standout, doesn't just fix things he responds quickly, explains his work, cleans up after himself, and consistently goes above and beyond on repairs. The combination of a lovely complex, kind staff, and this level of care keeps people renewing their leases without question. As one resident put it, 'Randy did a 10 out of 10 job for fixing our closet. He went above and beyond, and went out of his way to fix the brackets.' That's the kind of attention to detail that makes a place feel like it actually cares.

   $2760/person/mo
4. 4.

   

   Ellington Apartments

   view → Ellington Apartments

   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Ellington Apartments rounds out the top four with staff and maintenance that genuinely prioritize responsiveness and quality work. Students consistently highlight how available the team is to answer questions and how efficient the maintenance crew especially Arnold tackles repairs with real care and speed. The energy here is unmistakably positive, with residents expressing genuine enthusiasm about living there. As one resident shared, 'I just want to say that the staff at Ellington Apartments is absolutely AWESOME!!!!! Always available to answer any questions I have. The maintenance person is top notch and efficient.' When your team is this engaged, it shows in everything from the small fixes to the overall experience.

   $1850/person/mo
5. 5.

   

   Aggie Square Apartments

   view → Aggie Square Apartments

   4.6(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Aggie Square stands out as a top overall choice near UC Davis because it nails the fundamentals that matter most to students: responsive management, well-maintained amenities, and genuine community care. Residents consistently praise Lauren and Francisco for going above and beyond, the reliably clean pool area, and thoughtful touches like free parking and resident events with food. As one long-time resident put it, 'The amenities are always well maintained, and Lauren (admin) and Francisco (maintenance) consistently go above and beyond to support residents and make you feel at home.' With three major bus lines nearby and a location that doesn't feel too far from campus, this is the kind of place where you actually want to stick around.

   $1920/person/mo
6. 6.

   

   Sterling Fifth Street

   view → Sterling Fifth Street

   4.2(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Sterling Fifth Street earns its ranking by delivering on the basics that make student life easier: a responsive leasing office, clean and well-maintained common areas, and a calendar full of weekly events that actually bring people together. Residents highlight how available and helpful the staff are, and the facilities themselves are genuinely convenient and fun to use. As one resident shared, 'Leasing office staff is always available to help, amenities are super convenient and fun!' The vibe here is one of genuine care, where management steps up to solve problems and the community aspect feels real.

   $1200/person/mo
7. 7.

   

   The Colleges at La Rue

   view → The Colleges at La Rue

   4.2(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: The Colleges at La Rue stands out for its unbeatable proximity to campus and the peaceful, modern living environment that comes with it. Students love the clean, well-maintained facilities, the quiet surroundings, and easy access to parks and the Farmers Market that make it feel like an actual community rather than just a dorm alternative. As one resident reflected, 'The apartments are clean, modern, and conveniently located right on campus. Quiet surroundings, well-maintained facilities, and easy access to parks and the Farmers Market make this place feel like an actual community.' The responsive management team, including standouts like Rachel and Brance, consistently goes the extra mile to support residents.

   $1561/person/mo
8. 8.

   

   La Salle Apartments

   view → La Salle Apartments

   4.2(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: La Salle Apartments ranks high overall because it combines stellar management and maintenance with a location that's genuinely convenient for student life: just a mile from campus and steps away from Safeway, CVS, and the G and J bus lines. Residents rave about the quick, professional maintenance team, the thoughtful events with free food, and a management staff that goes out of their way to make residents feel at home. As one resident put it, 'The management is wonderful and very helpful, the amenities are great, the location is amazing (only a mile from campus and close to many grocery stores).' This is the kind of place where people genuinely wish they'd moved in sooner.

   $995/person/mo
9. 9.

   

   Pinecrest Apartments

   view → Pinecrest Apartments

   3.6(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Pinecrest Apartments stands out for its genuinely livable setting near UC Davis, with quiet grounds, well-maintained amenities, and a location that puts you close to downtown shops and transit. Students consistently praise the peaceful landscaping, the pool and gym facilities, on-site laundry, and dog-friendly policy that make everyday life easier. The complex also earns points for its proximity to Nugget and other essentials, and as one resident noted, the "Friendly & professional staff in office" can make a real difference when you need help. Just know that management responsiveness can be hit-or-miss, so document everything.

   $1825/person/mo
10. 10.

    

    Academy Lane

    view → Academy Lane

    3.4(5 reviews)FMP Score

    why it ranked: Academy Lane earns its spot with a maintenance and office team that actually shows up for residents when things work, they work well. The standout here is the dedicated staff: students rave about Elmer's prompt, professional maintenance work and Sarah's timely handling of concerns, creating a rare sense that someone's genuinely looking out for you. As one satisfied resident put it, "The maintenance supervisor here has addressed all of my needs in the apartment promptly." That said, newer reviews flag unresolved noise issues and some frustrating communication gaps around pricing, so it's worth asking current residents about their experience before committing.

    $1464/person/mo
11. 11.

    

    The U Apartments

    view → The U Apartments

    3.2(5 reviews)FMP Score

    why it ranked: The U Apartments offers decent value and a social vibe that appeals to students looking for a laid-back community feel, but the overall experience is undermined by serious management and accountability issues. While some residents enjoy the space and roommate dynamics, multiple reviews document aggressive deposit disputes, unresponsive follow-up, and what feels like predatory practices toward student tenants. As one resident experienced, "Never got my security deposit back and they tried charging me extra for damages that literally were not from my room," a pattern that suggests you'll need to protect yourself extensively with documentation. Move in with eyes wide open and a camera in hand.

    $799/person/mo

Walk times are door-to-door to University of California, Davis campus. Rent is per person, per month.