Dos Pinos, Davis

Updated June 22, 2026 · 40 residents

Dos Pinos is a distinctive, resident-governed housing cooperative located on the rural edge of northern Davis. The area offers a high degree of visual appeal and open space, though residents should note that the proximity to major roads results in elevated noise levels.

Key Highlights

Limited PrivacyHighly WalkableUpscale and SpaciousGood for Dog WalkingSemi-rural characterActive Social SceneModerate Traffic NoiseClean AirNo Industrial PresenceModerate Insurance CoverageStrongly LiberalPredominantly Young AdultsHigh Flood Risk
Map showing the location of Dos Pinos, Davis, CA

About Dos Pinos

Approved by the Davis City Council in 1984, Dos Pinos is a historically significant housing cooperative located on Sycamore Lane. Developed by the Sweetwater Development Company, the community welcomed its first residents in 1985 and transitioned to member ownership in March 1986. Comprising 60 attached townhomes across nine buildings, Dos Pinos is celebrated as one of California’s longest-operating and most successful limited-equity housing cooperatives (LEHC) functioning without government subsidies. Designed to preserve long-term affordability for low- and moderate-income households, the community operates under a democratic, resident-owned governance model. Its unique structure requires owner-occupancy, fostering a stable, family-oriented environment with a historically near-zero vacancy rate and a multi-year waiting list.

The neighborhood is defined by its suburban-rural transition, where residential townhomes meet expansive agricultural land. This setting provides a unique aesthetic and a sense of openness that is distinct from the denser urban core of Davis. According to iHuus data, the area boasts high visual appeal and a strong sense of community, making it a quiet, low-density enclave for those who prioritize a stable, owner-occupied living environment.

Living in this area involves specific trade-offs, particularly regarding acoustic comfort. The proximity to major thoroughfares results in consistent road noise, which is a significant factor for those sensitive to sound. While the neighborhood is free from industrial hazards and provides a safe, family-oriented atmosphere, it is less walkable than other parts of the city. It is best suited for residents who value the cooperative structure and a slower, more rural-adjacent pace of life over proximity to urban centers.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

🤫 Privacy Index

Residential spacing is tighter than the Davis average, with some multi-unit complexes and houses positioned closely to one another. According to iHuus data, the mix of housing types provides moderate buffers but limited distance between neighbors.

🚶 Walkability

Comprehensive sidewalk networks on both sides of the streets and dedicated off-street pedestrian paths make navigating the area on foot easy. This level of accessibility is consistent with the rest of Davis.

🎨 Visual Appeal

Large homes with private pools and expansive driveways characterize this area. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood offers a higher level of visual appeal than the Davis average.

🐕 Dog Friendliness

Large public greenbelts and wide, grassy verges with integrated walking paths offer ample space for pets. While this area is highly accessible for animal owners, it sits slightly below the Davis city average for dog friendliness.

🗺️ Urban-Rural Index

Open agricultural fields and woodland borders meet low-density housing, creating a suburban-rural edge that is slightly more open than the typical Davis landscape. According to iHuus data, this area features a mix of dense suburban pockets and vast adjacent landscapes.

Neighborhood Vibe

Local dining options and community spaces provide a notably higher level of activity than the Davis average. According to iHuus data, residents have access to a diverse concentration of cafes and restaurants spread throughout the neighborhood.

🔊 Acoustic Comfort

Steady traffic sounds from a nearby busy street are present. This level of ambient noise is slightly higher than the average found throughout Davis.

🌿 Air Quality

Air quality in this area is consistently good, matching the typical levels found across Davis. According to iHuus data, residents can expect mostly clean air with only rare instances of elevated readings.

🏭 Industrial Proximity

Residential and agricultural land uses dominate this area, with no warehouses or heavy industrial hazards detected. According to iHuus data, this neighborhood is significantly further from industrial zones than the Davis average.

🏥 Health Insurance Coverage

Health insurance enrollment among residents is lower than the average seen across the rest of Davis. According to iHuus data, a significant portion of the population remains uninsured.

🗳️ Ideological Lean

Voting patterns and census indicators show a predominantly liberal community, consistent with the broader Davis area.

👥 Population Age Profile

Residents are significantly younger than the Davis average, consisting mainly of young adults with fewer families or elderly neighbors. According to iHuus data, this creates a demographic profile centered on a much younger population than the rest of the city.

🌊 Flood Safety

Significant flood risk exists in this area due to its location within a designated floodplain. According to iHuus data, this level of risk is notably higher than the Davis average and may necessitate flood insurance.

Block-Level Insights for Dos Pinos

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

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Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionDos PinosAdams Terrace
🚶
Walkabilityavg 9.47
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 4.41
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 5.8
🎨
Visual Appealavg 7.21
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 8.49
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.91
Neighborhood Vibeavg 5.48
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 8.51
🌿
Air Qualityavg 8
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 7.1
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 5.58
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 9.76
👥
Population Age Profileavg 4.21
🔥
Fire Safety
🏫
School Quality

School Districts Serving Dos Pinos

Davis Joint Unified School District school district map
Davis Joint Unified School District
Grades K–127/10
17 schools Rating range: 210 / 10

Davis Joint Unified School District is a premier academic organization characterized by top-tier performance metrics and high community engagement. While the district maintains a robust portfolio of schools—including several 10/10 elementary and high-performing secondary campuses—it is currently navigating a period of fiscal adjustment due to declining enrollment and budget gaps. Despite these challenges and community concerns regarding the 'high pressure' academic culture and special education staffing, the district demonstrates strong operational health through successful facility modernizations and proactive curriculum updates. It remains a 'Solid/Stable' choice for families, offering a high-quality public education that rivals private institutions, supported by a taxpayer base that continues to fund significant capital improvements.

Schools

Pioneer ElementaryElementary
10/10
Robert E. Willett ElementaryElementary
10/10
Fairfield ElementaryElementary
10/10
Da Vinci Charter AcademyHigh
9/10
Oliver Wendell Holmes Junior HighMiddle
9/10
Davis Senior HighHigh
8/10
North Davis ElementaryElementary
8/10
Cesar Chavez ElementaryElementary
8/10
Birch Lane ElementaryElementary
8/10
Patwin ElementaryElementary
7/10
Marguerite Montgomery ElementaryElementary
7/10
Ralph Waldo Emerson Junior HighMiddle
7/10
Davis School For Independent StudyOther
6/10
Fred T. Korematsu Elementary At Mace RanchElementary
6/10
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Junior HighMiddle
5/10
Martin Luther King HighHigh
2/10
Davis Special Education Pre-School
Not rated

School Insights for Dos Pinos

School Insights

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dos Pinos a good place for families?
The resident-owned cooperative model fosters a stable and family-oriented environment. It is well-suited for those who value community governance and a consistent, long-term neighborly atmosphere.
What is the noise level like in Dos Pinos?
The neighborhood experiences significant noise from nearby road traffic. Prospective residents should be aware that acoustic comfort is lower here compared to many other residential areas in Davis.
How walkable is the Dos Pinos area?
While the neighborhood has a pleasant, low-density aesthetic, it is less walkable than central Davis. Residents typically rely on vehicles to access city-wide amenities and services, as the area sits on the suburban-rural edge.