Old East Davis, Davis

Updated · 435 residents

Old East Davis is a highly walkable historic district defined by its grid layout and immediate proximity to downtown amenities. While the area offers excellent access to local dining and services, residents experience significant noise from nearby railroad tracks and road traffic.

Key Highlights

Moderate PrivacyHighly WalkableStandard SuburbanGood Green AccessSuburban MixVaried and ActiveModerate Traffic NoiseClean AirMixed-Use Industrial PresenceHigh Insurance CoverageStrongly LiberalDiverse Age GroupsUndetermined Flood Risk
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About Old East Davis

Old East Davis is a historic neighborhood and designated conservation district in Davis, California, bounded by the railroad tracks, L Street, 2nd Street, and 5th Street. Originally part of the 1868 "Davisville" townsite, the neighborhood is situated east and north of the tracks. Its first residence, the Drummond House, was built in 1876 by William S. Williams. Today, the neighborhood preserves its unique architectural character under the city's Traditional Residential Neighborhood Design Guidelines. It features eight homes on the historic registry, six traditional homes, and three landmark trees. Notably, Old East Davis has served as a sanctuary for vintage homes relocated from the downtown core to protect them from demolition while facilitating compatible urban densification. The Old East Davis Neighborhood Association, founded in 1987, actively preserves these historical assets.

The neighborhood functions as a dense, transit-oriented enclave that balances historical preservation with modern convenience. Residents benefit from exceptional walkability, allowing for easy access to nearby social hubs like the John Natsoulas Gallery and various dining options. According to iHuus data, the area maintains a high level of ideological alignment and strong health insurance coverage, reflecting a stable and community-focused population base.

Prospective residents should weigh the architectural charm against specific livability trade-offs. The acoustic environment is notably challenging due to the proximity of active rail lines and major roads, which results in elevated noise levels. Additionally, the area faces specific environmental considerations, including its location within an extended zone of an EPA Superfund site. This neighborhood is best suited for those who prioritize walkability and proximity to the city center over absolute quiet or expansive outdoor space.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 6 out of 10

Residential spacing offers a moderate level of separation between neighbors, which is slightly higher than the Davis average. Houses are situated relatively close together, though small yards and fences provide a modest buffer between properties.

Ranked #4 in Davis →
Walkability
Score: 10 out of 10

Pedestrian access is exceptional here due to a comprehensive sidewalk network and frequent crosswalks that connect residential zones to local parks. This level of connectivity and ease of movement is even higher than the Davis city average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #1 in Davis →
Visual Appeal
Score: 6 out of 10

Typical suburban layouts feature modest yards and boxy rooflines. According to iHuus data, the visual variety in this area is lower than the Davis average.

Ranked #43 in Davis →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 7.2 out of 10

Connected greenbelts and visible parklands on the western edge provide ample space for pets. While walking options are plentiful due to street trees and wide paths, the area is slightly less dog-friendly than the Davis city average.

Ranked #48 in Davis →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 6.5 out of 10

Residential areas feature a blend of single-family homes and apartment blocks interspersed with pockets of open land. This layout is slightly less rural than the typical Davis landscape, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #21 in Davis →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 5.8 out of 10

Diverse dining options and social hubs provide a slightly more active atmosphere than the Davis average. Residents can find a mix of high-energy commercial blocks and quieter, green suburban spaces near local parks.

Ranked #19 in Davis →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 4.1 out of 10

Steady traffic sounds from nearby busy streets are common here, resulting in acoustic levels slightly below the Davis average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #29 in Davis →
Air Quality
Score: 8 out of 10

Air quality is consistently good with infrequent periods of elevated readings. This level of cleanliness is consistent with the average found throughout Davis.

Ranked #3 in Davis →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 6 out of 10

Light industrial and commercial units exist alongside residential development, resulting in more industrial proximity than the Davis average. According to iHuus data, some areas are located near an EPA Superfund site where potential soil and groundwater contaminants may affect the environment.

Ranked #22 in Davis →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 9.7 out of 10

Health insurance access is nearly universal among residents, significantly surpassing the Davis city average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #8 in Davis →
Ideological Lean
Score: 10 out of 10

Voting patterns and census indicators show a deeply liberal political leaning that is slightly more pronounced than the Davis average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #1 in Davis →
Population Age Profile
Score: 3.8 out of 10

Residents live alongside a balanced mix of young adults, families, and older individuals. This demographic variety is slightly lower than the average seen across Davis, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #37 in Davis →
Flood Safety
Score: 4.5 out of 10

Flood risk levels in this area remain uncertain because official detailed studies have not been completed. According to iHuus data, the potential for flooding is higher than the Davis average.

Ranked #39 in Davis →

Address-Level Insights for Old East Davis

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

Get address-level neighborhood insights for Old East Davis

  • Street-level scores — see how individual blocks compare, not just neighborhood averages
  • Micro-zone boundaries — identify quiet pockets, flood boundaries, and walkable clusters before you visit
  • 15 dimensions in full — walkability, noise, air quality, school quality, insurance coverage, population age profile, urban/rural index, and more
  • Boundary risk alerts — know if your address sits near a block boundary where scores drop, the kind of detail no listing will ever mention
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Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionOld East DavisAdams Terrace
🚶
Walkabilityavg 9.47
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: 10 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 4.41
Score: 4.1 out of 10
Score: 6.6 out of 10
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 5.8
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 6 out of 10
🎨
Visual Appealavg 7.21
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 8.49
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Score: 10 out of 10
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.91
Score: 6.5 out of 10
Score: 6.5 out of 10
Neighborhood Vibeavg 5.48
Score: 5.8 out of 10
Score: 6.5 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 8.51
Score: 9.7 out of 10
Score: 10 out of 10
🌿
Air Qualityavg 8
Score: 8 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 7.1
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 10 out of 10
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 5.58
Score: 4.5 out of 10
Score: 7.7 out of 10
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 9.76
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: 9.9 out of 10
👥
Population Age Profileavg 4.21
Score: 3.8 out of 10
Score: 5.1 out of 10
🔥
Fire Safety
Score: not available
Score: not available
🏫
School Quality
Score: not available
Score: not available

School Insights for Old East Davis

School Insights

See what's really behind every school rating near Old East Davis

  • Individual school ratings — each school's own score with outcome context, not just a district average
  • Enrollment & class size data — student-to-teacher ratio and how it compares to the state average
  • Full demographics breakdown — ethnicity and gender composition for every school in the enrollment zone
  • Every school in the district — all schools within the enrollment boundary ranked by rating, not just the closest one
  • Grade levels & benchmarks — elementary through high school, with below/above state-average flags

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old East Davis a quiet place to live?
The neighborhood experiences significant noise from nearby railroad tracks and road traffic. According to iHuus data, the acoustic comfort is lower than the city average, making it less ideal for those who are highly sensitive to sound.
How walkable is the Old East Davis neighborhood?
It is extremely walkable. The area features a consistent grid layout with clear sidewalks and frequent crosswalks, providing seamless pedestrian access to downtown Davis and local commercial hubs.
What are the primary environmental concerns in this area?
The neighborhood is located within an extended zone of an EPA Superfund site. This status involves potential considerations regarding soil and soil gas contaminants that prospective residents should investigate.
What schools serve this neighborhood?
Residents are served by the Davis Joint Unified School District. The district is known for high academic performance and community engagement, though it currently manages budget adjustments and enrollment shifts.