Mace Ranch, Davis
Updated June 22, 2026 · 1,052 residents
Mace Ranch is a quiet, highly walkable residential community in East Davis defined by its extensive network of greenbelts and park access. It offers a serene suburban environment that is particularly well-suited for families and pet owners seeking proximity to outdoor recreation.
Key Highlights
About Mace Ranch
Located in East Davis, California, the Mace Ranch neighborhood occupies land originally part of the 19th-century Rancho Laguna de Santos Calle Mexican land grant. In 1950, the C. Bruce Mace family purchased the property, replacing the historic Joseph B. Chiles pioneer homestead with the Mace Ranch House. By the 1980s, developer Frank Ramos proposed transforming the agricultural land into a master-planned community. Because Davis’s strict slow-growth policies initially led the city to reject the project, Yolo County approved it independently, sparking a high-stakes political showdown that ultimately forced the city to annex the land to maintain planning control. Developed in the late 1980s and 1990s, the modern neighborhood features extensive greenbelts, Mace Ranch Park, and local landmarks like the Explorit Science Center and the historic Mace Ranch House.
Mace Ranch serves as a peaceful residential enclave in East Davis, characterized by its integrated greenbelts and accessible park system. Residents benefit from high walkability and a neighborhood design that prioritizes pedestrian paths and outdoor recreation. According to iHuus data, the area maintains a high level of acoustic comfort, providing a serene environment that remains distinct from the busier urban centers of the city. The neighborhood is designed for those who value quiet streets and consistent access to nature, with a layout that encourages walking and outdoor activity throughout the year.
While the area offers a stable lifestyle, it exhibits a lower level of commercial activity, which may require residents to travel by car for major shopping or dining needs. Prospective residents should note the presence of a nearby EPA Superfund site, which warrants awareness regarding local environmental conditions. With strong health insurance coverage and access to the Davis Joint Unified School District, the neighborhood is well-suited for families seeking a stable, suburban setting with significant natural amenities.
Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities
Detached homes offer a moderate level of separation with some buffer between neighbors, which is slightly higher than the Davis average. Backyards remain relatively close to adjacent properties according to iHuus data.
Continuous sidewalks and dedicated paths through greenbelts provide safe, low-traffic routes for pedestrians. This level of walkability is slightly above the Davis city average.
Large homes with private pools and well-maintained lawns characterize the area, providing a visual aesthetic that is slightly above the Davis average. According to iHuus data, the presence of manicured landscapes and spacious driveways contributes to a high level of visual appeal.
Expansive greenbelts, wide grass verges, and large public parks offer highly accessible routes for pet owners. According to iHuus data, these connected spaces provide more pet-friendly walking options than the typical Davis neighborhood.
Residential pockets of medium-density housing sit alongside commercial complexes and nearby agricultural fields. This layout provides a more suburban feel than the slightly more rural character found elsewhere in Davis, according to iHuus data.
Daily errands and social activities typically require driving due to the low density of commercial hubs. This area is significantly more subdued and less active than the Davis average, offering a tranquil but largely car-oriented lifestyle.
Local traffic from nearby busy streets creates a consistent hum. According to iHuus data, acoustic levels in this area are slightly higher than the Davis average.
Air quality remains consistently good with very few instances of poor air readings. This level of cleanliness is consistent with the average found throughout Davis.
Heavy industrial activity and warehouses are notably absent from this area, placing it well below the city average for industrial proximity. According to iHuus data, while the neighborhood lacks visible industry, a nearby EPA Superfund site exists which may pose potential risks to local air, soil, and groundwater quality.
Health insurance access is exceptionally high among residents, sitting above the Davis city average according to iHuus data.
Voting patterns and census indicators show a very high concentration of liberal-leaning residents, which is slightly more pronounced than the Davis average according to iHuus data.
A balanced mix of young adults, families, and older residents characterizes the area, reflecting a slightly more varied demographic spread than the Davis average. According to iHuus data, this results in a multi-generational community feel.
Flood risk in this area is notably higher than the Davis average due to its location within a 500-year floodplain. Residents should be aware of some residual flood risk according to iHuus data.
Block-Level Insights for Mace Ranch
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| Dimension | Mace Ranch | Adams 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 |
Mace Ranch Rankings
School Districts Serving Mace Ranch
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
School Insights for Mace Ranch
Below average outcomes; significant attendance and academic challenges.
School Insights
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