Davis

Introducing Davis

The unexciting name of this town doesn’t exactly draw motorists off the highway, but Davis has some commendable qualities. It’s a college town, with students comprising about 50% of the population, and a progressive outpost amid the conservative agricultural towns of Sacramento Valley. In addition to a well-educated citizenry, it boasts more bikes per capita than any other town in the US. The student population and year-round community have a mutual respect for each other and together support a vibrant café, pub and arts scene.

Downtown Davis looks like you might expect a town named Davis to look. Many of the buildings are practical-looking structures that went up in the 1970s. But the streets are shaded and the shops and businesses friendly. There’s a discernable but likeable nerd factor here.

Last updated: Jul 22, 2009