Empty Nesters Are Falling in Love with This California City

If the kids are out of the house and you're finally getting a little breathing room, Davis, California might be exactly what you've been craving. This walkable, low-stress college town has grown into something special, especially for empty nesters who still want to be active, eat well, and enjoy life without the chaos. With an 89% Vibe Score for empty nesters looking for walkability, great food, and active living, the 95618 zip code delivers the kind of easygoing lifestyle that just feels right for this next chapter.

What It's Like to Live in Davis as an Empty Nester

Life in Davis is comfortable and steady. The pace is slower than a big city but there's still enough going on to keep things interesting. You're not far from good coffee, local restaurants, or a show at the Mondavi Center. It's easy to be social without making a big production out of it. In the Davis area, neighborhoods are established and quiet. You'll see people walking their dogs, riding bikes, and stopping to chat with neighbors. The streets are shaded, the sidewalks are wide, and the whole place feels settled in a way that's reassuring.

Walkability is a real feature here. With a 76 Walk Score, you can check off most errands on foot. Grocery stores, parks, and coffee shops are often just a few blocks away. You're close enough to the university to benefit from its energy and amenities, but far enough that student life doesn't dominate the neighborhood. That balance gives Davis its character. It feels lived-in and approachable.

Most people here are active but not in a rushed way. It's common to see folks walking the greenbelt trails in the morning or biking to the farmers market on a Saturday. There's a rhythm to daily life that makes it easy to settle in. For empty nesters looking for a place that's easy to live in and easy to enjoy, Davis keeps things simple in the best way.

Walkable Downtown with Restaurants

Downtown Davis is made for wandering. You can park once, grab a coffee, meet a friend for lunch, hit the bookstore, and grab wine on the way home. Temple Coffee is where everyone heads for their morning ritual. Seasons Kitchen & Bar is a favorite for long dinners and low-key people-watching. Bistro 33 sits in a beautifully restored historic building and is great for casual date nights. And if you're just in the mood for a drink and some comfort food, De Vere's Irish Pub never disappoints.

This is real walkability. You don't need to plan much or go far. Everything you'll want to eat, sip, and enjoy is just a few blocks away.

The Davis Farmers Market Is the Heart of the Weekend

Saturday mornings in Davis usually start at the Davis Farmers Market. It's not just about produce, though the produce is incredible. It's a whole vibe. You'll find local wine, handmade pasta, fresh bread, flowers, and food trucks at Central Park. Most people make a morning of it. Walk over with your coffee, browse the stands, maybe run into someone you know, and head home with way more than you meant to buy. This is what weekends are supposed to feel like.

Greenbelt Trails and Arboretum Walks

If you want to stay active without dealing with gym memberships or packed classes, Davis makes it easy. The Greenbelt is a network of over 60 miles of trails that connect pretty much every neighborhood to downtown. Whether you're walking, biking, or just heading to the park, it's all smooth, safe, and scenic. These trails are part of everyday life here, not just something for weekends.

Then there's the UC Davis Arboretum, which stretches across 100 acres. It's full of shaded paths, native plants, peaceful water views, and seasonal blooms. You can go for a quick walk or spend a full morning here without even realizing how much ground you've covered.

Arts, Live Music, and Low-Key Nightlife

Davis isn't trying to be flashy, but it's full of culture. The Mondavi Center brings in symphonies, speakers, jazz, and big performances you'd usually have to go to the city for. It's all just a short drive or bike ride from home. For more casual nights out, the Varsity Theatre shows indie films in a retro setting that still feels current. Many restaurants and bars offer live music or wine nights with no big crowds or hassle. You'll find yourself doing more here, not because you have to, but because it's fun and easy.

Quick Trips to Sacramento and the Bay

Living in Davis means you're close to the best parts of Northern California without dealing with traffic and noise every day. Sacramento is just 20 minutes away. You can easily get to the airport, bigger hospitals, or a Kings game.

San Francisco is about 75 miles out, so a weekend in the city is always doable. And Napa? Just an hour if you want to grab lunch at a winery or take visiting friends wine tasting. If you'd rather not drive, you don't have to. The Amtrak Capitol Corridor stops right in Davis and connects you to Sacramento, the Bay Area, and even San Jose.

Healthcare and Day-to-Day Comfort in Davis

At this point in life, access to great healthcare is a must. You've got Sutter Davis Hospital right in town and UC Davis Medical Center nearby in Sacramento, which is one of the top hospitals in the state. There are also plenty of doctors and specialists in town. Whether it's a regular checkup or something more involved, you won't have to drive far or wait forever.

Errands are a breeze too. Nugget, Trader Joe's, and the Davis Food Co-op are all close by. Pharmacies, salons, and local shops are easy to reach, and parking is never a hassle.

Should You Move to Davis?

If you're thinking about downsizing, simplifying, or just starting a new chapter somewhere that feels easy to live in, Davis is worth considering. The 89% Vibe Score for people who love walkability, food, and outdoor living reflects what life here actually feels like. You don't have to commit to a retirement community to find peace and convenience. You just need a place that fits your lifestyle now.

Want to know how Davis compares to where you're living now? Use our cost of living calculator to see how far your budget could go in 95618.