Willowbank, Davis

Updated · 398 residents

Willowbank offers a secluded, rural-like atmosphere characterized by exceptional visual appeal and mature landscaping. While it provides a quiet retreat from the urban core, residents should expect limited walkability and minimal local commercial activity compared to the rest of Davis.

Key Highlights

Moderate PrivacyHighly WalkableUpscale AestheticGood for Pet OwnersSemi-rural feelQuiet and Low-KeyModerate Traffic NoiseClean AirMinimal Industrial PresenceHigh Insurance CoverageStrongly LiberalDiverse Age GroupsModerate Flood Safety
Map showing the location of Willowbank, Davis, CA

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About Willowbank

Located south of Interstate 80 in Davis, California, the historic Old Willowbank neighborhood is a distinct residential enclave known for its eclectic home designs and exceptionally large, wooded lots. Developed starting in the early 20th century—with some properties dating back to 1918—the neighborhood grew significantly in the 1940s and 1950s. Many of these early homes were specifically designed to accommodate agricultural students from nearby UC Davis, allowing them to tend to crops and livestock on their spacious home parcels. Characterized by a canopy of mature trees, large shady properties, and a rural, country-like atmosphere within city limits, Willowbank is bordered by the Putah Creek Nature Corridor, where residents enjoy scenic bike paths and walking trails that connect directly to downtown Davis.

The area stands out for its high visual appeal and distinctly rural character, offering a quiet environment that contrasts sharply with the density of central Davis. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood provides a peaceful residential experience with low noise levels, primarily influenced by nearby road traffic. Residents benefit from excellent health insurance coverage and a demographic profile that leans toward a more mature population. Prospective residents should consider the trade-offs of this location, which include lower walkability scores and a lack of immediate local businesses. While the area offers a serene lifestyle, it is important to note the proximity to a nearby EPA Superfund site and the associated environmental considerations. Families are served by the Davis Joint Unified School District, which remains a stable academic option despite current budgetary adjustments.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 6 out of 10

Residential spacing provides a moderate level of separation between neighbors, which is slightly higher than the average for Davis. According to iHuus data, this density offers a balance of community proximity and personal buffer zones.

Ranked #4 in Davis →
Walkability
Score: 8.9 out of 10

Pedestrian infrastructure is excellent, featuring wide sidewalks and frequent crossings. While still very high, the walkability in this area is slightly below the Davis city average.

Ranked #46 in Davis →
Visual Appeal
Score: 8.5 out of 10

Large residential properties and frequent upscale amenities create a landscape that is more visually polished than the Davis average. According to iHuus data, the area features spacious driveways and well-maintained surroundings.

Ranked #1 in Davis →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 7.5 out of 10

Accessible green spaces and wide, low-traffic paths provide reliable walking routes for pets. According to iHuus data, the level of dog friendliness is slightly lower than the Davis city average.

Ranked #46 in Davis →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 7.4 out of 10

Open land and scattered homes amid fields or woodland provide a more rustic atmosphere than most of Davis. According to iHuus data, this area features more frequent open spaces compared to the city average.

Ranked #8 in Davis →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 3 out of 10

Limited commercial activity and a low density of local businesses create a much more tranquil, rural atmosphere than the typical Davis neighborhood. Residents will find a landscape characterized by significant open space and minimal social density, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #51 in Davis →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 6.3 out of 10

A steady hum from nearby busy streets is present, though acoustic levels are notably more tranquil than the average found throughout Davis. According to iHuus data, residents can expect more consistent ambient sound than most other parts of the city.

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

Air quality remains consistently good with rare instances of elevated readings. This level of air purity is consistent with the average found throughout Davis.

Ranked #3 in Davis →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 2 out of 10

Large-scale industrial operations and warehouses are notably absent from this area, which is significantly lower than the Davis average. However, proximity to a nearby EPA Superfund site may present potential environmental concerns regarding soil or groundwater quality.

Ranked #41 in Davis →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 9 out of 10

Nearly all residents in this area are covered by health insurance, which represents a higher rate of coverage than the Davis average. According to iHuus data, this indicates strong access to healthcare resources within the community.

Ranked #24 in Davis →
Ideological Lean
Score: 9.5 out of 10

Voting patterns and census indicators show a predominantly liberal community, aligning closely with the broader political landscape of Davis.

Ranked #47 in Davis →
Population Age Profile
Score: 5.2 out of 10

Residents experience a more varied demographic mix than the typical Davis profile, featuring a balanced distribution of young adults, families, and seniors. According to iHuus data, this results in a community with a more even spread of age groups compared to the city average.

Ranked #2 in Davis →
Flood Safety
Score: 7.5 out of 10

Residual flood risk exists within this area due to its location inside a 500-year floodplain, though safety levels remain notably higher than the Davis city average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #17 in Davis →

Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionWillowbankAdams Terrace
🚶
Walkabilityavg 9.47
Score: 8.9 out of 10
Score: 10 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 4.41
Score: 6.3 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: 8.5 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 8.49
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Score: 10 out of 10
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.91
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Score: 6.5 out of 10
✨
Neighborhood Vibeavg 5.48
Score: 3 out of 10
Score: 6.5 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 8.51
Score: 9 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: 2 out of 10
Score: 10 out of 10
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 5.58
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Score: 7.7 out of 10
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 9.76
Score: 9.5 out of 10
Score: 9.9 out of 10
👥
Population Age Profileavg 4.21
Score: 5.2 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Willowbank a walkable neighborhood?
Willowbank has lower walkability compared to the rest of Davis. Residents typically rely on vehicles for daily errands as there are few local businesses within immediate walking distance.
What is the noise level like in Willowbank?
The neighborhood maintains a relatively quiet acoustic environment. Most ambient noise is attributed to road traffic from the nearby interstate rather than aviation or rail activity.
Are there environmental concerns in the area?
While the neighborhood enjoys good air quality, it is located near an EPA Superfund site. Potential residents should research current environmental reports regarding soil and groundwater conditions in the vicinity.

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