I can highly recommend Pinole. Since Im being honest, Id like to point out that wildfires will become a part of your daily vocabulary while living in California. Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. Cost of Living in Benicia, California Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. Thanks again I really appreciate it. Private studio with shared pool - 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 IDR. Benicia's schools are arguably better. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Benicia: Benicia State Capitol and Historical Park, Benicia State Recreation Area, and Benicia Historical Museum. Have you ever consider Benicia? Taxes are high in San Francisco, but this disadvantage applies to the entire state of California. That means it has more influence than the United Kingdom, which has 26 million more people contributing to the GDP. I did a year-long stint in New York City and the harsh winter made leaving an easy choice. highest homeless populations in the country, most expensive cities in America for home buyers, 7 EPIC Places to Visit in Death Valley (With 4-Wheel Drive), 20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Tucson (Locals Advice), 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Los Angeles, California. People don't care about each other. There are two NFL teams in the region as well. The downtown is indeed walkable and quite charming, and right by the water. But moving here is a bad idea. Benicia is a small town on the carquinez strait bordering Vallejo. But back to CA- cost of housing is the biggest drawback for me. I hope you found this post helpful. With a livability score of 62/100, Redding is ranked #21,245 in the United States and #856 in California. Thanks for your candor. Benicia fan. Perhaps the most notable benefit could be the appreciation of your new home. You wont earn as much and may need to commute because of it, but you can typically come out ahead with the jobs here compared to what you can find in California or the rest of the country. It's also fairly diverse (each person has their own definition of diverse, but as one point of evidence there are 35 different languages spoken at my child's public elementary school in Davis). It seems we can afford Benicia, Martinez and parts of Concord. A waterfront City of 28,000, Benicia is known for its small-town charm, history, and high quality of life. Any information would be greatly appreciated! I agree with some of your assessments. Savannah Savannah is one of the most popular cities in Georgia. Living in Redding, CA Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. When you do need to travel somewhere, using an Uber or Lyft is still affordable. Over 80% of the city was destroyed at the time, 3,000 people were killed, and 250,000 were left homeless. 20 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax, Canada Pro: It's One of the Most Beautiful Places Nova Scotia is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. Long days, regardless of mode of travel. Thank you! When I worked there, the people I knew who commuted to SF typically drove to Pleasant Hill BART, parked there, and took BART from there. When you can make ends meet, you will find that this city is one of the most magical places to be on the planet. California has some of the country's most beautiful beaches and with more than 800 miles of coastline you're going to have a lot to choose from. Hi I'm a mom with two teen boys. Today Id like to share my list of the honest pros and cons of living in California. Youve really saved me Was planning on moving to California to work and study without help from no one But from tonehe look of things I think I wont be able to. It has such a strong community feeling, between the residents, police and fire teams, business owners, etc. Immigrationgeez. But if you lived walking distance to downtown you would not see them. California is a pay to play state, theres no way around it. I am sure things have changes since I left permanently in 1996 but Sacramento has so many suburbs so there maybe a neighborhood that is similar to Berkeley? Davis makes the most sense. I had that experience originally being from wine country area. Not too cold either. When weighing the pros and cons of living in Dallas, the pros greatly outweigh the cons. We are from a small city in south florida. The schools are well-rated. It can be a challenge to get used to the weather in San Francisco. San Diego: On average, vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. Then you have the 7.25% state sales tax, which becomes 8.5% in San Francisco. A commute of around 45 min from Valejo is ok. Also can you reccomend any good rental agents? The BART is a little bit of a hike, but doable. Youll discover that not only is it one of the best sports-related metro areas in the country, but San Francisco offers several cultural options as well. The cost of housing is "cheaper " compared to some bay area locations. California would have the fifth-largest economy in the world if the state were an independent nation. Our initial concern about this town is that there is a refinery , but it hasn't bothered us at all since we've been here (about 6 months). You will always find people out with their pets during the day, enjoying the sunny weather in the city when it arrives. The economy in San Francisco keeps humming along. Fuel is also expensive, averaging $4.20 per gallon in May 2019, making it the most expensive place to fill up in the country. I take my daughter to a lot of activities in Benicia. Hard to complain about that! Unfortunately, my pay will only be just over 6 figures and everything I am reading in post sounds like I might be living in a tent. Well, maybe Nevada City! Our main worries are the refinery, convicts and sound from the Amtrak/freight trains. 4. Tax ID:46-4347971, About BPN Contact BPN Credits Terms of Use, Connecting Bay Area families online since 1993, Daycares & Preschools with Current Openings, Parent Classes, Workshops & Groups with Openings, Advice about Classes, Camps, Groups, & Tutors. We have three grandsons (ages 12, 14, and 16) who are currently attending the Benicia schools and they are all doing well and the quality of their education is excellent. You can easily join a fitness class, a sports league, or some other favorite activity to start making friends when living in San Francisco. When youre used to the hotter, dryer climates in the southern part of the state, then living in this city can feel downright chilly. They both have advantages of amazing views from many neighborhoods. Expensive energy costs; the cost of gasoline and electricity is very high in California compared to other states. Los Angeles is considered one of the best food cities in America. Otherwise I personally would prefer not to be commuting to SF from Benicia or Martinez because of lack of transit options. Living in Benicia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Our budget is around $2200 a month. In moving around so much, Ive had an opportunity to experience living in California through various large cities and Ive definitely learned a lot about what life in California is like. You can get to the Fairfield store from Benicia without getting on busy highways. Others involve nothing more than the persons birthday suit. Low crime. More Education Best Places to Live in Benicia Rankings View All You will find people in the city throughout the entire year where trying to figure out if that is what they usually wear or they are dressed up for a specific occasion. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Well I live in Placerville California and Ive lived in Yosemite and weed and a lot of different places and let me tell you that not all parts of the state have mild Winters or constant sunshine or High cost of living or poor performing public schools. If I need Berkeley or SF fix, we just drive down and can be on the Bay Bridge in 20mins with no traffic. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and its not hard to see why. This will be a big change for us. Both cities are relatively well-run, as these things go; I'd give Pinole the administrative edge. We're hoping for diversity, for a whole approachthat is not hyper focused on testing (art, music, theater valued as well as academics), and not huge amounts of homework every night. Dont base your schedule on what it tells you. I think Hercules High is pretty strong (that is my school district). She developedasthma after moving there. There is a neighborhood for everyone here, and most people can integrate into almost any living situation. pros and cons plural noun 1 : arguments for and against often + of Congress weighed the pros and cons of the new tax plan. Benicia is a small, family-friendly town and we have lots of fun downtown activities for families and teens. Very valuable information. Ill be the first to admit I dont know what the right solution for homelessness is, but I want to be transparent about it for anyone considering moving to California because you will notice it on a daily basis. The public schools in Benicia are highly rated. I work for Macys and am scared to death to drive out there (foolish I Know) . Or is there a bus? Yet another thing to be mindful of while living in California are the constant droughts. Hi! There are tons of community events, it is very safe, has that small-town feeling and is still affordable. I would crack up when the ''water view'' was looking at the refinery, but there are plenty of houses that do have a real water view. Then spend time in the bay area on weekends. (Doesnt seem like it to me, but Im open to learning). Wildfires have been engulfing the west coast in record numbers over the past few years and California has definitely been hit the hardest. Thanks. There is plenty of fog that rolls through the city as well. Never noticed till gone for awhile, but a lot of the kindness and friendliness is a phoney act. I like it a lot and it is definitely walkable and has a lot of charming small businesses on 1st street. The cost of living in Nevada is also lower than in many other states. It really shows when you are out around town. You have people working in Silicon Valley making six figures, but living out of their vehicle because they cant find a place they can afford. Perhaps one of my favorite things about living in California is the constant sunshine. You'll have access to amenities like an extensive trail system . Vallejo has a bad rap about crime; Benicia has a large oil refinery in town, with the environmental concerns that entails; you'd want to research each of those issues extensively, as well as your school options, before committing. Kathy, Re: considering a move to Sacramento 14 Pros of Living in Vancouver, BC PRO: YVR is a fantastic airport Pro: Amazing schooling Pro: Shopping haven Pro: It's home to Stanley Park Pro: You'll always find food trucks Pro: Plenty of fun sporting events Pro: You don't need to know French Pro: The nightlife Pro: Relatively moderate weather Pro: Easy access to nature If there is anything else you like to know please email me at aware1967 [at] yahoo.com. People from Benicia drive to Pleasant Hill BART if they're going to take BART. The public schools in Benicia are highly rated. Living in PR means, you will be living in lines for everything as well. You can also catch the NBA, NHL, and MLS when living in the city. Benicia is in Solano County. The homeless population has gotten completely out of control and is scary at this point. However, high salaries are offset by a high cost of living. You have to drive to Concord or Fairfield for a Trader Joes, and the closest Whole Foods is in Napa or Walnut Creek. Pros and cons of living in Wisconsin: Bottom line. Pinole is OK. The 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco was estimated to be 7.9 8.25 with extreme shaking. Most expats find that living in South Korea is an efficient way to save money. 2c. I honestly cant recall the last summer where imminent wildfire danger didnt stress me out. European settlers first started coming to San Francisco Bay in the early 19th century, but it wouldnt be until 1828 when Jedediah Smith crossed the Sierra Nevada Mountains that permanent settlements were considered in the area. 30 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK 1. No longer do you need to be stuck in long-term lease agreements. We moved to Benicia 2 1/2 years ago from Los Angeles. San Diego alone is home to more than 7,000 restaurants, and the Hispanic cuisine is considered the best in the country thanks to the citys close proximity to Mexico. Spacious new 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartment homes offer high-quality kitchen appliances, private patios or balconies and plentiful storage. And the school are highly rated. Pinole Valley is safe, family-friendly, and diverse. Monica, My family is hoping to buy a home soon. Benicia is right on the water, so there are many small beaches to stroll along, and there is a long pier that is a popular place to walk down. They also have a thriving and vibrant small- town arts scene. The train goes along the Bay Shore, looking out at the Golden Gate. Im terrified. While this is still lower than California's cost of living, it's high enough to be expensive for most people. If youre used to a temperate coastal climate, then the weather in San Francisco may not seem like much of a disadvantage. I think it is considered a ''safe'' town, and it is convenient to the Vallejo Ferry or casual carpool for commuting into the city. Posted on February 27, 2023 by laguardia airport food terminal c Another interesting fact is that San Francisco is one of the few large metro areas where Latinos are the majority ethnicity, with 39.1% of the population coming from this background. Living in California is a tale of extremes extreme wealth and extreme poverty. Many young professionals live in Benicia and residents tend to have moderate political views. 6. Knowing if your home will appreciate on a long term or even a short term basis should be factored into your decision making. Benicia is a very sleepy town with a little bid of Santa Cruz feel to it. As you can imagine, theres definitely pockets of homogeneous areas and neighborhoods, but if you dont live in the ritzy part of town, youll find it easy to make friends with people from different backgrounds and walks of life. It's a great location; pretty much 30-40 mins from Oakland, SF, Napa And with the "new" bridge, only 20 mins to downtown Walnut Creek. The employment boom thanks to Silicon Valley and the other high-tech industries in the area makes it one of the most robust economies in the country right now. It's affortable and close to Easy Bay. Pinole is not too far from the Rodeo refinery although I don't recall ever smelling it. Con: Difficulty with access I would love feedback. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Then, if your bus is going through Chinatown, expect a lengthy delay. Hmm. The downtown area is pretty flat, so it is perfect for strolling around or bicycling. Prices differ largely based on where in town accommodation is located, if all the bills are included (wifi, electricity, water, etc. For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month. These were helpful. The community often has little events that are great for meeting new people. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. My husband and I were starting to plan a move there at one point when we thought he'd be working in Sacramento; alas, that didn't come to fruition, but we were geared up and excited for Davis - you might want to check it out. Moving back and priced out of Alameda - West CC or Solano County? Select any tags that apply to this area. Also, yoga culture is huge in San Diego. If you work in tech or film, theres no better place to live than California. One more thing, I thought of living there in a roommates apartment. Friendly people. Our kids are 15, 13, 11 and 8, so high school, middle and elementary. The city has a population of 27,780 people. Benicia, CA is a seaside town that people think of when they think "getaway vacation". But if you choose to live in a city further inland, you can expect blazing hot summers. To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below. Cons of living in Nevada 1. Benicia is no more than 10 minutes from Vallejo. I mean, its no coincidence that California has more national parks than any other state and draws millions of visitors annually. According to the most recent Census, 72% of Benicia residents are White, 12% Asian and 6% Black. Please. By the 1870s, the first cable cars began to operate, providing a public transportation option for a city that reached a population of 150,000 people. Thank you! #5. Although its gotten more expensive (like everywhere else) this last year, its still affordable compared to other nice parts of the Bay Area. Overall, Valero is the economic engine of town - largest employer, taxpayer, etc. Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. Benicia is a suburb of Vallejo with a population of 27,191. Making the effort to think through all possible pros and cons of a given course of. In the past year, appreciation rates for homes in the Benicia area were 5.8% and 5 year appreciation rates were 10.7%. California is a beautiful state California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and it's not hard to see why. There is always the threat of an earthquake to consider in the city. Weather In Colombia. The income tax rate is one of the highest in the country at 12.3%, even though that rate only applies to taxable income above $572,000. And 5 reasons not to live in California. I would also love any information you can give about that in relation to California. Instead, it's normally transferred, or "retitled," into the trust. Your property taxes are going to be higher if you own too since the property values are skyrocketing in the city. . I appreciate any info/input you have. I have 2 young sons and we absolutely love it here! I'm considering a move to Benicia in the next few months. This makes me sad as a returning native of 6 years. San Francisco was named one of the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world in 2019. 8. It would be fair to say that the Bay to Breakers festival is more like a second Halloween for adults to enjoy. Official Website of the City of Benicia, California. Looking for a light filled home close to hiking/walking trails. From the striking sunny coastline of Southern California to the towering cliffs of Big Sur, youll be privy to every natural wonder in between. About half of the buses also require that you step down into the steps to get the back door to open. The Economic Life Puerto Rico is more about social life than economics. This is a city that is often said to be a "love it or hate it" type . Thanks to its temperate climate, it is also one of the best walking communities in the United States. Without any friends or family waiting for me there. 80 bus from VTC to Del Norte BART. The town is very laid back, so the police officers seem to jump on any violation where they can. We currently live in LA and are pre-retirement. Also fairly close to a Macys without having to get on any major highways. The best ride of all is the ferry from Mare Island Channel but it only goes to Alameda and by way of SF. Pros of Living in Australia One of the many benefits of living in Australia is its healthcare. Also occasionally you can smell the refinery - some people are bothered by this, some are not. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Benicia ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (A), weather (B+), education (B-) and employment (B). In Redding, the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 18.8% lower than the California average. The crime rate is high; 20.3%, 3 times (in 100,000 people) more than the entire US itself. If you are trying to get somewhere during rush hour, then you need to avoid all of the highways at all costs. Fourth of July is one such day. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. At least you wont be shoveling snow by the foot like people to the north are during the winter months from the same storms. JOJ, We live in Benicia and really like it. It might be a city of transplants, but no one really cares about that here. My goal is to be part of a pretty active community in a walkable charming old seaport town. Im 25 now and I guess I can say that its not the easiest for me to make new connections. That places it just one spot behind Los Angeles and one spot ahead of Switzerland yes, the country. Actually sales tax was less there than the state Im in now (Louisiana)- so was car insurance. We just made new friends sitting on the sidewalk, sipping an adult beverage with our dogs at our feet. The United States would annex California in 1846, with the USS Portsmouth sailing into San Francisco Bay to raise the American flag. California is a car-centric state and you will absolutely need to have a car while living in California because things are spread far apart. All the advantages of Benicia at Vallejo housing prices. Sorry Cali. Youre never too far from the mountains, beach, desert or forests, which is one of the biggest reasons my parents moved to California to raise a family. There is a wonderful library and community pool and lots more. Yet, if people are looking for a vacation spot that is relaxing and welcoming, Benicia is it. Im guessing youve never live on your own. Can you share your insights? The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is the city is $3,108 per month. We're moving to the north bay area in couple of months. There is a direct transfer point to BART in Richmond. When you look at the city, San Francisco and the Bay Area has the 19th-largest domestic economy in the world. While there is a progressive faction in town, there is also a strong uh less progressive group. 8. Right now not for something specific like work or study, I just really need the change. Not others. Because of the citys location near fault lines, there is always the lingering threat of the Big One that exists in residents minds. Ive lived in Sacramento twice- fun times, but you never have much money to spare. Another really fun event is the Tree Lighting Ceremony. It has excellent schools - all but one are California Distinguished Schools and are actually in the top nationwide. Any time you add a bridge to the equation, it gets dicey, so in general I'd say Martinez is better than Benicia strictly from the commute perspective. 10. One of the reasons why the housing market and rental costs are so high in San Francisco is because the economy is strong, diverse, and consistent. We have a cute little downtown with a great library and community pool, awesome parks and playgrounds, good schools, a great Farmers market every Thursday on the main drag, a neat artist community, and wonderful people in general. I like your negative points. We live in Benicia, and moved here for the great schools. It's much more of a state of mind than Pinole! Happy in Benicia, We are considering a move to Benicia with our two small children. The housing market in San Francisco is pricing everyone out. Thanks. San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living . Benicia City Hall, 250 East L Street Benicia, CA 94510 Phone: (707) 746-4200 Human trafficking is ramped. Sign up for a yoga class on the beach and see what all the hype is about. The median price for a single-family home in the city was $1.65 million in May 2019. You can find plenty of small shops, museums, and points of interest that will captivate your attention. Benicia ca - The Pros and Cons of Benicia California, Moving to Benicia ca. Fantastic schools, a good community, and much more affordable than the Bay Area. There are many additional borrowing options available. Thanks again, really appreciate it . If so, youll be joining many other Californians in the most populous state in the country. My aunt lives in Sacramento and I refuse to visit her in summer because I just cant deal with the oppressing heat. However, a high crime rate, high cost for shelter, and lagging economy might be a problem. So Im thinking of relocating to California, myself. beautiful parks and the social activities in town are always wonderful. Unlike wills, trusts require that you give up direct ownership of that property. The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. I was born and raised in the Monterey Bay area and forced by parents to move away. That means youll want to bring a jacket and an umbrella whenever you head out. Everyone gathers at the green field at the end of 1st Street and watches the fire works. Traffic and homeless is not something to fun to see they are in need of help but no one can. There are two Macy's stores near Benicia - one in Concord (about 15 miles away) and the other in Fairfield (also about 15 miles away.) If you want to save some cash by ditching the vehicle, then San Francisco has you covered with its public transportation system. The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. Get approval in minutes. Based on violent and property crime rates. Rent too high. It is very much a small town. Pros of Living in Palm Springs The desert resort city of Palm Springs is the axis point of affordable California living and full-scale luxury amenities. Unless you live in a high-elevation area, youll seldom see snow and can count on sunshine even in the dead of winter. San Francisco is renowned for its cultural diversity. Niche may be compensated by the third party lenders and others who place ads on the website. There is a local park that the locals are hoping the state does not close. However, it is a great middle ground for a road trip. The town puts on wonderful holiday celebrations and the entire town comes out to celebrate. Amy, Re: Kid friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay Benicia may be a bit too far North for you, but it is an amazing little treasure. In fact, most of my friends and neighbors in LA were part-time actors who spent most of their free time looking for gigs. Yet another perk of living in California is seldom feeling rushed. Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. Great parks. It is a wonderful small town.Good schools. Though it is a suburb of Vallejo, it is significantly different. And seeing as Canadians are enjoying increased income, they'll have more to spend at your new business - easily making this one of the best pros and cons of living in Canada. - The Weather Northern California is home to a lot of wonderful weather. A great and safe community with a lots of parks. Thanks. But which state is best to stay for a loner like me who has zero support from any angle. Whenever I visit other cities, Im constantly met with enjoy your visit, but dont move here which stopped being funny in 2010. Good luck on your move! Hi there Thanks a lot for that, it was very informative and helpful. 25 Pros and Cons of Living in San Diego There are many positive aspects of residing in San Diego including these that are worth mentioning: 1. One thing you quickly learn after moving to California is that you will never go hungry. Have you looked at Benicia? Checking rates won't affect your credit score. In some areas the traffic isnt bad especially if you dont live in a big city. Additionally, Barcelona enjoys a bit more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year - about average for the south of Europe.