People don't care about each other. happy empty nesters. Most restaurants tailor their menus to healthy eating instead of huge portions of high-carb foods. Personally, I would not want to live in so isolated a place as Benicia, but I know plenty of people who love it. Benicia is a little gem that gets overlooked because of the nearby refineries. It is a wonderful small town.Good schools. Benicia is known to be family friendly as more than 76% of the population has already tied the knot. I had that experience originally being from wine country area. A great and safe community with a lots of parks. Benicia is a nice little town, and the Carquinez Strait is really lovely. Suburb Population 27,191 So youre moving to California with the intention of buying a home? It would be fair to say that the city residents have a love-hate relationship with this service and most days, its more of the latter. recommendations? Living in Benicia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Yet another thing to be mindful of while living in California are the constant droughts. One thing you quickly learn after moving to California is that you will never go hungry. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. There are about 23.6 students per teacher in Benicia. Benicia seems to have a condensed downtown with a nice mix of businesses, Pinole is closer to the city and looks to have its downtown more spread out, but also a very cultural, thriving community. Traffic and homeless is not something to fun to see they are in need of help but no one can. I'd suggest spending a full day in each. Did you ever live in any other state for any amount of time? The hipsters tend to stay in the Mission district, and then youll find the blue collar folks down by the Marina. California is not the place you want to come to without knowing anybody. Im 25 now and I guess I can say that its not the easiest for me to make new connections. I also have found from talking to my artsy friends who grew up in Benicia that they felt fairly isolated as teenagers because they were just that little bit too far from Berkeley/San Francisco and most teen activities were focused around sports. There is plenty of fog that rolls through the city as well. There are plenty of activities to enjoy when living in San Francisco. Benicia fan. Pro: The NHS Means (Mostly) Free Healthcare Con: But It's Super Slow Pro: Cheap Airlines Mean More Travel Con: But Expensive Visas Mean Less Accessibility Pro: Easy Access to Europe Con: Brexit and Politics Pro: Snow is Nothing Compared to Canada Con: The Weather is Miserable Pro: Adorable Cottage Homes At least you wont be shoveling snow by the foot like people to the north are during the winter months from the same storms. Although there are free parking options outside of the city center, the average monthly rate to keep your vehicle stored while you work comes to about $310 per month. Manage Settings Benicia, CA - Niche Canada is Beautiful Let's face it - Canada is one of the most Instagrammable (read, stunningly beautiful) places in the world. Compared to the United States average, Benicia ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! In Oceanside, the cost of living is 43.8% higher than the national average. BART to downtown Oakland. There is a wonderful library and community pool and lots more. 9. In fact, California usually ranks as the worst 10-states for public education. Even having a sourdough bread bowl filled with chowder while enjoying a view of Alcatraz makes for a memorable day. Benicia or Martinez for commute to Oakland? The downtown is indeed walkable and quite charming, and right by the water. 2. At the beginning of 2021, the median home price was around $382,000. With a livability score of 62/100, Redding is ranked #21,245 in the United States and #856 in California. The Lifestyle is Very Laid-Back Shorts, sunglasses, and sandals is the non-official uniform or "California look" of the Palm Springs lifestyle. Public transportation in San Francisco covers the entire city. It can be a challenge to get used to the weather in San Francisco. 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. But because of it's smaller size and little room for growth, it doesn't have some of the more popular stores like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, nor does it have much recreation, like bowling or a theater, so it's a bit inconvenient to have to go to Vallejo or across the bridge for some of those things. Much of the homework appears to be driven by parent demand for "rigorous" academics, so that even the teachers I know who recognize the dubious value of homework in elementary feel compelled to issue substantial homework packets. 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 My husband & I moved to Benicia with our 13-year-old son more than 33 years ago. Everything from fashion to film and tech is covered pretty well in California, so you honestly wont have much a reason to be bored. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! If you do, we have the highest gas prices in the nation, along with the high insurance costs that are required by law (as it should be) or you cant register your vehicle. what if i am moving to cali for a decent paying tech job ? Are you thinking about moving to California? We really like the look of homes in downtown Martinez and our commute to Richmond on the 4. Average temperatures vary by city, but by and large, you can expect highs around 69F in the winter and 80-85F in the summer. Thanks. Benicia cost of living is 158.3 100=National Average AVERAGE RENT BY BEDROOM SIZE (Yikes!!) Come to our farmers market and check out the town- every Thursday from 4-8. Some places in Florida have been ranked 8% lower to 18% higher in cost compared to the average American city. In just two years, the population reached 25,000 people. The Pros and Cons of Pros-and-Cons Lists - Harvard Business Review I need to move out of here. Savannah Savannah is one of the most popular cities in Georgia. There is more access to healthier food choices, including the presence of several farmers markets throughout the city. While knowing about the availability of Disney parks is useful, it would not be my reason for moving across the country to pay high taxes. I highly recommend Benicia. Please. Therfore just to visit weekend ok but not to live in Cali. Ive never found it easy to get from Point A to Point B using public transportation, which is why I wouldnt even consider moving to California without a car (with the exception of San Francisco). Employment opportunities. 35 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK: Should You - Nina Out and About I only was able to buy a house the 2nd time due to moving there during the recession- the same house I bought for $210 in 08 now would go for around $400K- it was only 1,200 sq ft. Id like to move back, but my salary of just over 100K just really wont cut it most anywhere- at least to buy a descent house that isnt a 500K shack! Select any tags that apply to this area. That means you can use the money that youd spend on your car payment, automotive insurance, and fuel to ease the burden of your rental costs in the city. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text. Looking for a light filled home close to hiking/walking trails. This may be the most honest review of anything (period) Ive ever read on the internet. Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. I take my daughter to a lot of activities in Benicia. Pros of Living in Australia One of the many benefits of living in Australia is its healthcare. I have friends in Benicia who say the schools are good, but I have not checked that out as a fact. Pros and Cons of Living in California The taxes should be taken into strong consideration while researching if moving to California is right for you because they will greatly reduce your overall take home pay. It might be worthwhile to consider commuting if you can manage the traffic situation in the city. Which city would you recommend social wise? 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. With prices like this, theres no denying that living in California isnt even in the same timezone as affordable. 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. If youre in the film industry you probably already know that Los Angeles is the place to be. Benicia is in Solano County. As another poster mentioned, with either Benicia or Martinez you would have to drive to Pleasant Hill Bart. However, there can be some health disadvantages. Additionally, Barcelona enjoys a bit more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year - about average for the south of Europe. There is a main street, called First Street, that is the location of the town's main restaurants and lots of little shops and boutiques. Prices were lower there, but she believes theair quality from the refinery has affected their health and that of others she knows in the community. Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. I think you are priced out of El Cerrito if you want to keep it under $700k, but should be able to get something nice in Pinole ifyou move quickly when you see a house you like. 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. Heres the stats on traffic for the three most populous cities in California: Los Angeles horrendous traffic is known the world over and the proof is in the pudding. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in California Right Now Thank you for helping me decide. Specialties: 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments in San Ramon, CA Welcome to Muirlands at Windemere Apartments! It has excellent schools - all but one are California Distinguished Schools and are actually in the top nationwide. We're moving to the north bay area in couple of months. Both cities are relatively well-run, as these things go; I'd give Pinole the administrative edge. Fuel is also expensive, averaging $4.20 per gallon in May 2019, making it the most expensive place to fill up in the country. She developedasthma after moving there. 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? The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. MUNI is the public transportation system in San Francisco where you can hop onto a bus to get around the city. In Redding, the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 18.8% lower than the California average. I appreciate any info/input you have. Benicia has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #160 in California and #4,047 in the USA. As for life in California? Between the lovely Mediterranean climate, the colorful architecture and the breathtaking nature, it seems that Californians take work-life balance seriously and we are all better for it. Good Stuff. Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living. The pros and cons of living in San Francisco will always look at the cost first. Antioch reminds me of Elk Grove now. At this point, anyone living in California knows that wildfires are inevitable during the summer and we actually plan around them. Although its gotten more expensive (like everywhere else) this last year, its still affordable compared to other nice parts of the Bay Area. However, it can be a little too hot for some. Checking rates won't affect your credit score. California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and its not hard to see why. Parking is a significant problem as well. California is a pay to play state, theres no way around it. The whole bus will start yelling at you too, so maybe dont be the first one out until you get used to the situation. You are a short drive from some of the best places in California. Long days, regardless of mode of travel. Benicia CA Real Estate - Benicia CA Homes For Sale | Zillow In total, more than 72% of the population is classified as married and 67% have kids. Have you ever consider Benicia? You displayed the positive of moving to California and the negative alike. Also people say move to Texas- rethink that- not only are prices going up there, but the weather SUX with humidity, heat, and no mountains so escape to, no snow skiing. In addition to the high sales and income taxes, California also has the highest gas prices in the country too. 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. Year after year, Los Angeles is ranked one of the 10 most congested cities in the country, with an estimated 103 hours a year spent in traffic for the average commuter. If you want to rent in San Francisco, then you can expect to pay a lot for that option too. When you can make ends meet, you will find that this city is one of the most magical places to be on the planet. 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. Living In California Vs Florida: Pros And Cons In 2023 - Budget Travel Buff Just an FYI that Amtrak runs from Martinez to Jack London Sq in Oakland - so that might be another option. Have you considered Benicia? In the past year, appreciation rates for homes in the Benicia area were 5.8% and 5 year appreciation rates were 10.7%. I grew up in Sacramento actaully Elk Grove before all those houses were built. 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. There are two NFL teams in the region as well. There are unique offerings in each area, with a lot of pros and cons to consider with each one, but there are also stereotypes that youll want to consider. People there either take the 80 express bus to SF, or drive to Del Norte BART, park there, and BART into SF from there. Then spend time in the bay area on weekends. Davis makes the most sense. This is a city that is often said to be a "love it or hate it" type . I worked in Benicia for 5 years (commuting from Berkeley), and spent time in Vallejo for work purposes during that job. is it still impossible to buy a house ? We live next to Benicia, but technically are zip coded as Vallejo. Pros and Cons of living in Barcelona - 10 best and worst things Living in Benicia - Benicia, California Hear what they say to your face then listen closely what they say behind your back. San Francisco was named one of the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world in 2019. My friend who lives in Benicia says she would not make that decision again. 5. plus a bunch of chains and a handful of mom and pops. Its becoming a state for the independently wealthy, LARGE salary earners, and just people who were lucky enough to have already lived there for generations. Benicia is a small town on the carquinez strait bordering Vallejo. When James Marshall discovered gold in the area, a surge of people came to make their fortune. Costco is close by, and plenty of Starbucks. Benicia is in Solano County. Best Places to Live in Benicia, California Our main worries are the refinery, convicts and sound from the Amtrak/freight trains. Living in Redding can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. Don't drive 29 miles/hr in a 25 mile zone, 'cause the cops will ticket you immediately. Right now not for something specific like work or study, I just really need the change. We are very excited. It all sounds like fun to move but when youre actually far from your old surrondings and family then it can be pretty frightening at the least. I know some folks who live in Benicia and have spent a good bit of time there. Though it is a suburb of Vallejo, it is significantly different. The state is overcrowded. He called the area Yerba Buena, and it became a popular destination for Americans in the 1840s. You can easily join a fitness class, a sports league, or some other favorite activity to start making friends when living in San Francisco. 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. If you live downtown, you can walk to everything without a car. Although the high school has a strong arts program, overall the district spends a lot of time and emphasison test prep and there is significant homework starting in Kindergarten. Pinole is not too far from the Rodeo refinery although I don't recall ever smelling it. The Davis Farmers' Market has been named the best in the country, and for good reason. and a Pain It generally costs more time and money to set up and fund a revocable living trust than to simply write a willas much as three times more, at least initially. Benicia, California . pragmatic theory of truth pros and cons Benicia is looking like where we might land. Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. Taxes are high in San Francisco, but this disadvantage applies to the entire state of California. There is a very active moms club with about 130 members. Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 1. Sales tax is the highest in the nation. Whether youre moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Benicia could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to look. but not great in my opinion restaurants, and there are only local stores such as Raley's or Safeway. I hate to burst your bubble, but lets look at the numbers. She's lived in Benicia for over 30 years, I think, so she is really knowledgeable about the area, and she never, ever pressured us. There is a significant issue with homeless and drug addiction in the city. California is a beautiful state California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and it's not hard to see why. Well done, well said and bravo for being honest. As a budget traveler and travel blogger, this is definitely the number one plus for living in Europe. I memorized a script. Explore the dramatic desert in the Mojave, the granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park, the towering trees in Redwood National Park or the rolling hills of Napa Valley and youll see what all the fuss is about. I know most folks like to hate on airports, but I must admit I have a pretty easy time flying into and out of California. Hi I'm a mom with two teen boys. From the striking sunny coastline of Southern California to the towering cliffs of Big Sur, youll be privy to every natural wonder in between. I have worked for both cities but not lived in either. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. 6. 1. There are a lot of gorgeous aspects of San Francisco to love, but the issues the city has with heroin and meth are quite problematic. The price of most rentals is very reasonable and the houses are very nice. You can get to the Fairfield store from Benicia without getting on busy highways. Actually sales tax was less there than the state Im in now (Louisiana)- so was car insurance. I would also love any information you can give about that in relation to California. But back to CA- cost of housing is the biggest drawback for me. Can you tell us about the schools? San Diego: On average, vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. We are also less than 20mins away from Napa. #3. There are tons of community events, it is very safe, has that small-town feeling and is still affordable. I originally thought I could work primarily from home, but now it appears I will have to go into the office in downtown Oakland several times a week. Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Thanks. You will find two active Major League Baseball teams in the Bay Area for you to catch a game. 9. It is 45 minutes from San Francisco, three hours from Lake Tahoe, an hour from Napa, and 15 minutes from Concord, that has a vibrant night life. If so, youll be joining many other Californians in the most populous state in the country. Dylyn, Berkeley Parents Network, founded in 1993,isbased in Berkeley, California andis a 501(c)(3) nonprofit online network for parents in the San Francisco Bay Area. Did Californias policies drastically change in the last 10 years? A commute of around 45 min from Valejo is ok. Also can you reccomend any good rental agents? However, a high crime rate, high cost for shelter, and lagging economy might be a problem. One of the reasons why people are consistently attracted to the idea of living in San Francisco is because of its emphasis on diversity. #5. We'd also love to hear about neighborhoods. Are people dying by the hands of the government in California or did I miss something? 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. Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. Does anyone have any negative or positive experiences with the above, especially the refinery. The year over year appreciation rates in Redding were 4.4%, and the 5 year appreciation rates came in at 6.4%. Thats when the name of the city changed for the full-time population of about 800 people. What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Davis, CA? Thank you so much for your replies, we will explore Davis and also Napa . Regardless of where in California you live, youre never further than a days drive from an epic national park and some of the best hiking trails in the country. Although not Napa or Sonoma, this is a historic town surrounded by the bay with a small-town feel and very family oriented. If you have a dog that is coming with you to San Francisco, then both of you are in for a fantastic time. I never felt the need to join a mom's club, or something, 'cause I met so many people just by walking downtown, going to the parks or doing my groceries. There are plenty of opportunities for you to create a startup in this environment as well. Perhaps the most notable benefit could be the appreciation of your new home. People are very interested in each other and generally extremely friendly. Pros and cons of living in Oceanside, California Not too cold either. You do seem honest. California is home to nine national parks, which means it has more national parks than any other state in America, including Alaska! beautiful parks and the social activities in town are always wonderful. The cost of housing is "cheaper " compared to some bay area locations. 7. It might be a city of transplants, but no one really cares about that here. Like wills, living trusts (formally known as revocable trusts) list the people who will receive your property after you die, leaving you free to manage it while you're alive. Pros and Cons of Moving to South Korea | Expat Arrivals The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is the city is $3,108 per month.