The Celeste, Davis: who it fits and what residents say
The Celeste is a purpose-built apartment complex in Davis, California, located at 95618 and within easy reach of the University of California, Davis. It offers a mix of studio, one‑bedroom, two‑bedroom, and three‑bedroom units, along with apartments (likely referring to larger floor plans). The property includes a laundry facility, a gym, and a swimming pool. As of the data snapshot (mid‑2026), the complex is listed as not currently available for new bookings, but the information below helps you decide whether it would be worth monitoring for a future lease.
Monthly rent ranges from an indicative $1,412 to $3,258 (USD) — confirm exact pricing with the operator. A security deposit of $500 is required. The minimum lease term is 11 months, which aligns with a standard academic year plus a month of move‑in/out flexibility.
City‑wide, the lowest published rent for a student property in Davis is $509 per month (indicative). The Celeste starts more than $900 above that floor, placing it in the mid‑to‑upper price bracket for the market. Residents pay for a higher level of on‑site amenities and newer construction compared to some older or shared houses downtown.
Price positioning and room types
Davis has 11 student‑housing properties listed on the platform. The Celeste’s entry price of $1,412 is about 2.8 times the city’s minimum of $509. That premium buys a private or shared unit in a managed building rather than a room in a private house or a basic walk‑up apartment.
Room types available:
- Studio – a single open living‑sleeping space with a private bathroom and kitchenette. Typically the smallest footprint and lowest rent within the complex.
- One‑bedroom (1b) – a separate bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Suitable for one person or a couple wanting full privacy.
- Two‑bedroom (2b) – two private bedrooms, usually sharing one or two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. Ideal for two roommates who want separate sleep spaces.
- Three‑bedroom (3b) – three bedrooms, shared common areas. Best for groups of three who already know each other.
- Apartment – this label may encompass larger or more flexible layouts, such as two‑ or three‑bedroom units with additional square footage.
The price spread ($1,412–$3,258) reflects differences in unit size, floor level, and possibly orientation or included utilities. Always verify what is included (water, electricity, internet, parking) when you inquire.
Compared to the cheapest options in Davis — often rooms in shared houses or older apartment complexes near the UC Davis campus — The Celeste is a significant step up in cost. It competes with other newer or amenity‑rich buildings in the city. If budget is your primary constraint, properties starting around $509–$800 may be more appropriate. If you prioritise a gym, pool, and in‑unit laundry (the latter is common in newer buildings), the premium may be justified.
What residents actually say
The Celeste holds a 3.4‑star rating on Google based on 100 reviews. The three reviews provided capture a mix of very positive experiences and some frustrations with management transitions.
Soroush Thakkar (5 stars):
“Having an amazing experience living here, I needed an apartment quickly as my first apartment was not livable. I toured the place was able to sign the lease within the next day. Holly, the leasing manager even was able to get me an early move in day since they do not open before 1 on a Sunday Since then have had amazin”
This reviewer highlights responsive leasing staff — Holly in particular — who expedited a move‑in when the tenant was in a tight spot. The ability to tour and sign in one day is a practical advantage for students arriving late or changing plans.
Jerry Jin (3 stars):
“Started living here in August of 2024. Before we applied for the apartment, the previous previous leasing manager, Romeo Macagba told us our unit would be on the second floor. On our move in day, surprise surprise, it was on the first floor. It was whatever, but already off to a bad start. Next thing that bothered me w”
Jerry’s experience points to a communication lapse: a promised second‑floor unit turned out to be on the first floor. The review cuts off, but the tone suggests ongoing dissatisfaction. This underscores the importance of getting floor plans and unit details in writing before signing.
Joon Park (5 stars):
“I’ve been living here since they opened. I was very unsatisfied with management in the beginning, but it has improved a lot with new management team! Fob key is a little inconvenient, but I use study lounge and dog wash room pretty often, and I am satisfied”
Joon notes that initial management issues were resolved under a new team, and the resident makes regular use of the study lounge and dog wash — amenities not always found in Davis rentals. The fob key inconvenience is a minor trade‑off for on‑site facilities.
The overarching sentiment: the property has experienced turnover in management, but recent changes have improved operations. Residents who value a fast move‑in process and building amenities tend to be satisfied, while those who experienced broken promises about unit specifics have been disappointed.
Who this residence suits — and who should look elsewhere
Suits:
- Graduate or professional students who need a stable, managed environment near UC Davis and are willing to pay a premium for on‑site gym, pool, and study spaces.
- Someone who needs to secure housing quickly, especially if leasing staff are responsive and can arrange an early move‑in.
- Pet owners (the dog wash room is a specific plus).
- Groups of three who want to live together in a three‑bedroom unit with shared common areas.
Does not suit:
- Budget‑conscious students seeking the cheapest possible rent in Davis — the city’s from‑price of $509 suggests alternatives exist at roughly one‑third the cost.
- Anyone who cannot commit to an 11‑month lease; shorter terms are not available according to the current data.
- Students who prefer a more traditional off‑campus house with a yard or who dislike key fob access systems.
- Those who have had negative experiences with property management changes and want a guarantee of consistent service. Given the mixed reviews, it is worth checking recent feedback with the current management team.
Booking timing and current availability
At the time of data collection (July 2026), The Celeste is listed as “not available” on the platform. This could mean all units are leased for the coming academic year or that the property is temporarily off‑market. If you are planning for a start date in 2026 or 2027, monitor the listing closely — availability may open up as tenants give notice or units are renovated.
Should the property become available, typical booking windows for Davis student housing open in the fall for the following academic year. For a September 2027 start, begin checking in late 2026 or early 2027. The 11‑month minimum lease works well for a standard two‑semester schedule plus summer if desired.
Always confirm the exact move‑in date, floor level, and included utilities with the operator before signing. The deposit of $500 (indicative) is refundable if you meet lease conditions; ask about the refund policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a room for less than $1,412?
The lowest price shown for The Celeste is $1,412 (indicative). That likely corresponds to a studio or a one‑bedroom on a lower floor. If you need something cheaper, Davis has other student residences starting at $509. Those properties may be older, share bathrooms, or lack gym and pool facilities. Evaluate your priorities.
How reliable is the management?
Resident reviews show that management has changed at least once. Early reviews were negative, but more recent feedback (from Joon Park and Soroush Thakkar) points to improvement under the current team. The 3.4‑star average suggests a mixed but improving reputation. For the latest experiences, search recent Google reviews or ask the leasing office directly.
Is the property close to UC Davis?
Yes, the address is in Davis itself, convenient to the university campus. Exact walking or biking times depend on your department building. Most students at UC Davis can cycle to campus in 5–15 minutes. Check the distance from 95618 to your specific classroom building before committing.
Sources & data date: 2026-07
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