Old Davis North, Davis

Updated June 22, 2026 · 633 residents

Old Davis North is an exceptionally walkable neighborhood defined by its historic character and central location near the city's civic center. Residents enjoy easy access to local parks and amenities, though the area experiences moderate noise levels from nearby road traffic and the railway.

Key Highlights

Moderate Residential PrivacyHighly WalkableStandard Suburban VibeGood Walking SpacesSemi-rural feelActive Social HubsHigh Noise LevelsClean AirMinimal Industrial PresenceHigh Insurance CoverageStrongly LiberalDiverse Age Groups
Map showing the location of Old Davis North, Davis, CA

About Old Davis North

Old Davis North, historically established in 1913 as the Bowers Addition, is one of the most architecturally distinct neighborhoods in Davis, California. Developed by C.W. Bowers, the area bounded by Fifth, Seventh, B, and G Streets was built out between the 1910s and 1940s. Its residential stock comprises approximately 140 pre-1950 homes, split between craftsman bungalows from the 1910s and 1920s—such as the unaltered 1913 Liggett House—and cottages from the 1930s and 1940s. The neighborhood is also notable for preserving historical structures relocated from downtown, including the 1903 Queen Anne style Anderson-Hamel House, built by Davis’s first mayor, John B. Anderson. Today, Old Davis North is protected under the city's Conservation District guidelines to maintain its tree-lined streets and historic character.

The neighborhood functions as a dense, suburban-style community that blends residential streets with commercial and educational blocks. Its layout is highly conducive to pedestrian activity, featuring a complete grid of sidewalks and paths that connect to landmarks like Civic Center Park and the Davis Community Church. With no industrial proximity, the area maintains a consistent, community-focused atmosphere that is entirely residential and commercial in nature. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood provides a lively environment where green spaces and streetscapes are evenly balanced, making it a preferred location for those who prioritize accessibility and local engagement.

Living in this area involves certain trade-offs, particularly regarding acoustic comfort, as ambient noise levels average around 59 decibels due to road and rail activity. Prospective residents should also note the neighborhood's location within the Davis Joint Unified School District, which is recognized for strong academic performance despite ongoing fiscal adjustments. It is best suited for individuals or families who value a walkable, historic setting and are comfortable with the typical noise profile of an active, centrally located urban neighborhood.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

🤫 Privacy Index

Housing density is moderate with varying distances between neighbors; some properties offer a buffer, while multi-family units feature shared common areas. This level of spacing is slightly higher than the Davis average, according to iHuus data.

🚶 Walkability

A complete grid of sidewalks and frequent crosswalks make navigating the area on foot easy. Pedestrian-priority paths and wide walkways are more comprehensive here than in most other parts of Davis.

🎨 Visual Appeal

Uniform rooflines and modest lot sizes define this area, which offers less visual variety than the typical Davis neighborhood. According to iHuus data, the landscape consists primarily of standard tract housing with tidy but small yards.

🐕 Dog Friendliness

Abundant green verges, parks, and large sports fields provide ample space for pets. While these features offer several walking options, the overall accessibility for dog owners is slightly lower than the Davis city average.

🗺️ Urban-Rural Index

Open land and scattered homes amid fields or woodland characterize this area, which feels slightly less urban than the Davis average according to iHuus data.

Neighborhood Vibe

Local dining options and social spaces provide a higher level of activity than the Davis average. Residents have access to a diverse range of amenities, including various eateries and community parks, near major transit corridors.

🔊 Acoustic Comfort

Frequent sounds from nearby railroad tracks and major thoroughfares create a noisy environment. According to iHuus data, acoustic comfort in this area is lower than the Davis average.

🌿 Air Quality

Air quality remains consistently high with rare instances of elevated readings. This level of cleanliness is typical for the Davis area according to iHuus data.

🏭 Industrial Proximity

Largely residential and educational in nature, this area lacks significant industrial presence and remains quieter than the Davis average. Some parts of the neighborhood sit near an EPA Superfund site, which may involve historical soil and waste considerations according to iHuus data.

🏥 Health Insurance Coverage

Health insurance access is exceptionally high among residents, sitting well above the Davis average according to iHuus data.

🗳️ Ideological Lean

Voting patterns and census indicators show a predominantly liberal community, which is slightly more pronounced than the city average according to iHuus data.

👥 Population Age Profile

A balanced mix of young adults, families, and older residents defines the community demographic. This population spread is slightly lower than the Davis city average, according to iHuus data.

Block-Level Insights for Old Davis North

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

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Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionOld Davis NorthAdams 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 Old Davis North

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 Old Davis North

School Insights

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Davis North a walkable neighborhood?
Yes, it is considered highly walkable. The neighborhood features a complete grid of sidewalks and dedicated pedestrian paths that allow residents to easily reach local parks and downtown amenities on foot.
What is the noise level like in Old Davis North?
According to iHuus data, the neighborhood averages 59 decibels. This noise is primarily attributed to road traffic and the nearby railway, which creates a moderately lively acoustic environment.
Are there good schools near Old Davis North?
The neighborhood is served by the Davis Joint Unified School District. This district is known for high academic standards and community engagement, though it is currently managing budget adjustments and enrollment changes.