Let the numbers do the talking.
Davis, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA
Davis, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA: What the data shows
Davis, CA is in Davis, CA while Santa Rosa, CA is in Santa Rosa, CA — both in the same state. On home prices, Santa Rosa, CA is the more affordable option at $605,500 median — $228,700 less than Davis, CA's $834,200. WYLT rates Davis, CA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Santa Rosa, CA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Davis, CA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Santa Rosa, CA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Davis, CA has Low flood risk and Santa Rosa, CA has Low flood risk.
Davis, CA is the more walkable neighborhood. Davis, CA scores 23/100 (car-dependent) versus Santa Rosa, CA's 13/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Davis, CA rates 5/10 and Santa Rosa, CA rates 5/10.
| Category | Davis, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $834K | $606K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $69K | $88K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 23/100 ✓ More walkable | 13/100 |
| Transit Score | 32/100 ✓ Better transit | 22/100 |
| Bike Score | 70/100 ✓ More bikeable | 62/100 |
| Commute | 23 min ✓ Shorter commute | 78 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Best for | College StudentsFamilies with childrenRemote workers | Families with childrenStudents in highly rated schoolsRemote workers who need a car |
Bottom line
For remote workers who don't mind a long commute, Santa Rosa is a slightly better choice with its safer bike routes and potentially more livable cost. However, Davis might be a better fit for families with kids in a college-bound phase of life, due to its top-rated schools and walkability for parents. Overall, the choice between these two neighborhoods ultimately comes down to your individual priorities.
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