I live in Benicia. The downtown main street is popular with visitors and residents walking their dogs. California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and its not hard to see why. Is California A Good Place to Live? Pros and Cons of Living in 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Are you thinking about moving to California? The road tripping opportunities are endless, you can spend days at the beach or peruse a plethora of museums or attend world-class events. But moving here is a bad idea. 4. Thank you! The Amicalola Falls are among the biggest, and they are a popular attraction for Georgia residents to check out and enjoy. 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax: Should You Move to Nova Scotia Mountain living is ideal for people who appreciate peace, quiet, and the chance to inhabit their own little slice of mostly untouched nature. The town gets two big thumbs up from me!!! Unlike wills, trusts require that you give up direct ownership of that property. I don't think I could ever find a more lovely town. This city and its surrounding suburbs are a great place to live, and with the help of Landing, your move can be stress-free and on your terms. Even stores like Walgreens sell produce in the city. A reasonable cost of living, good schools, family-friendly activities, and decent weather are the major draws to the city. I highly recommend Benicia. Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. Personally, I would not want to live in so isolated a place as Benicia, but I know plenty of people who love it. The hipsters tend to stay in the Mission district, and then youll find the blue collar folks down by the Marina. While the state offers many benefits, such as natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and a low cost of living, there are also potential downsides, such as harsh winters and high property taxes. but not great in my opinion restaurants, and there are only local stores such as Raley's or Safeway. In Benicia there are a lot of parks. (Doesnt seem like it to me, but Im open to learning). Living in California is a tale of extremes extreme wealth and extreme poverty. I really feel like Pinole is one of the "best kept secrets" here in the Bay, and my husband and I joke that it must have a cloaking device on it or something. In fact, most of my friends and neighbors in LA were part-time actors who spent most of their free time looking for gigs. 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. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! If you are checking out out the area, don't skip Glen Cove, which is next to Benicia. Some people have found that it is cheaper for them to fly into the city, stay in a hotel for their five days of work, and then fly home for the weekend its that crazy. 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. Home appreciation the last 10 years has been 6.1%. Immigrationgeez. At the beginning of 2021, the median home price was around $382,000. I worked a few years in downtown Benicia commuting from Berkeley this combo. We will be renting. Both times we were military and received housing allowance. You dont even need to make a drive to a national park if youre not feeling up to it because youll still be privy to incredible nature that surrounds most cities in California, this is a nature enthusiasts dream. Im guessing youve never live on your own. 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. Benicia CA Real Estate & Homes For Sale 27 Agent listings 1 Other listing Sort: Homes for You 565 Lori Dr APT 5, Benicia, CA 94510 WARRING & ASSOCIATES $349,000 1 bd 1 ba 641 sqft - Condo for sale 424 Greenbrier Ct, Benicia, CA 94510 KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY-EAST BA $695,000 3 bds 2 ba 1,566 sqft - House for sale Loading. If youre planning on moving to California, heres a quick recap of the pros and cons of living in California. So youre moving to California with the intention of buying a home? The Pros and Cons of Revocable Living Trusts - The Balance We are looking in Novato, Petaluma, Santa Rosa or Fairfield/Vacaville, Concord areas. She developedasthma after moving there. There are lots of job opportunities available in San Francisco. A wonderful place to raise a family! Low crime. The cost of living in Nevada is also lower than in many other states. Pros and Cons of living in Barcelona - 10 best and worst things Sign up for a yoga class on the beach and see what all the hype is about. Alongside million dollar homes, youll find tent cities and folks living in doorways and streets. I think you would be much happier in Benicia; from what I know of Pinole, it is not what you seem to be looking for. It's much more of a state of mind than Pinole! Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. you did not mention is the California Government. 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. The weather is always nice enough in San Francisco to get outside, so youll see people enjoying the outdoors through hiking and cycling. Your not my dream state. Benicia is a small, family-friendly town and we have lots of fun downtown activities for families and teens. 30 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK 1. Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. There are also several celebrations that you can only find in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and Bay to Breakers. We lived there for 10 years and I actually miss it tremendously. Feel free to email me! Pinole is not too far from the Rodeo refinery although I don't recall ever smelling it. Thanks. 8. The traffic in San Francisco is legendarily terrible. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Benicia are simply unattainable. Kathy, Re: considering a move to Sacramento The community is warm and friendly, the schools are very good, there are many (!) 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. Dont trust Google for your public transportation schedules. Not sure which area would be best. Based on the housing stock, population density, and the proximity of amenities of the area. 6. If you're looking for a broker, the woman we worked with, Brenda Turner-Adams, was awesome. Friendly people. Heres a real-life example: A close friend of mine works for Patagonia and jokes that suits are all but banned from the company. Especially a young woman. San Francisco was named one of the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world in 2019. Chose Glen Cove over Benicia, Re: Safe, family--oriented neighborhood? We moved to Benicia 2 1/2 years ago from Los Angeles. Costumes are a way of life in San Francisco. I appreciate any info/input you have. Every neighborhood has a couple of dog parks that offer an expansive area for leash-free running. Although you'll want to leave early in the day to avoid traffic issues, the central location means a day trip can help you to avoid lodging expenses. There is a wonderful library and community pool and lots more. These are the pros and cons of living in San Francisco today that are worth considering. Im glad Im not the only one feeling this. If people are looking for a place to go that has a lot to do, Benicia is not the place to go. 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. If there is anything else you like to know please email me at aware1967 [at] yahoo.com. Half Moon Bay is only thirty minutes to the east of the city. 4. Since Im being honest, Id like to point out that wildfires will become a part of your daily vocabulary while living in California. Thanks for your candor. It tends to be in the 50s in December, around the 80s in the summer, and youre going to get plenty of rain thanks to its position near the water. Residents - Benicia, California Because of the citys location near fault lines, there is always the lingering threat of the Big One that exists in residents minds. Most restaurants tailor their menus to healthy eating instead of huge portions of high-carb foods. And if you're looking to be as remote as possible, there are plenty of opportunities to live in the mountains without any neighbors in eyesight. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. 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. Fuel is also expensive, averaging $4.20 per gallon in May 2019, making it the most expensive place to fill up in the country. 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. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. There is a local park that the locals are hoping the state does not close. But back to CA- cost of housing is the biggest drawback for me. Benicia has lots of open space, a state park on the water, and plenty of places to hike. 1. The Pros and Cons of Living Trusts - AARP Living in the city: Pros and cons - Common You will always find people out with their pets during the day, enjoying the sunny weather in the city when it arrives. It's a fantastic place to raise your kids! . The whole bus will start yelling at you too, so maybe dont be the first one out until you get used to the situation. And it's one of the most underrated, which means it's not as full of tourists as other places, like Montreal and Vancouver. 2 : good points and bad points Each technology has its pros and cons. Living in Redding can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. 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. it seems that everyone who lives here knows how special this place is and wants to take care of it. Posted on February 27, 2023 by laguardia airport food terminal c I was born and raised in the Monterey Bay area and forced by parents to move away. The cost of housing is "cheaper " compared to some bay area locations. Everything from fashion to film and tech is covered pretty well in California, so you honestly wont have much a reason to be bored. 2. You may want to check it out. For me, it would depend on what kind of town I want to live in, schools, etc. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Nevada - Redfin More Education Best Places to Live in Benicia Rankings View All There is more access to healthier food choices, including the presence of several farmers markets throughout the city. There might be a neighborhood for everyone to find in San Francisco, but where you choose to live is going to become the definition of who you are. How safe is benicia? Explained by FAQ Blog The landscape is as diverse as it gets and changes drastically from north to south. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon. In some areas the traffic isnt bad especially if you dont live in a big city. She treated us super well and drove us around to give us a feel of the entire town. The Economic Life Puerto Rico is more about social life than economics. Knowing that there are an abundance of amenities and things to do can ensure that you always have access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants and coffee shops. Purchasing your new home can come with many financial benefits, some of which are more lucrative than others. Sure, come visit for awhile. We have a Trader Joe's, Sprouts, Peet's etc. Hands down, one of my favorite things about living in California is the diversity of the people. 20 Pros And Cons Of Living In Vancouver, BC Canada - Nina Out and About At present, California is the worst state in the country for fire dangers. I agree with some of your assessments. About half of the buses also require that you step down into the steps to get the back door to open. beautiful parks and the social activities in town are always wonderful. But since there are many children in that town I never minded that they were agressive. And the scenery is amazingly beautiful! Los Angeles is considered one of the best food cities in America. From the striking sunny coastline of Southern California to the towering cliffs of Big Sur, youll be privy to every natural wonder in between. Over the past 10 years, theres been a unified anti-California resentment in other states where residents blame Californians single-handedly for the rise in home prices across the country. Benicia City Hall, 250 East L Street Benicia, CA 94510 Phone: (707) 746-4200 This is a city that is often said to be a "love it or hate it" type . But if you choose to live in a city further inland, you can expect blazing hot summers. And the school are highly rated. Average temperatures vary by city, but by and large, you can expect highs around 69F in the winter and 80-85F in the summer. Which city would you recommend social wise? Those are awful places to live with skewed statistics on crime and things because it isnt a total picture of this great state. Spacious new 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartment homes offer high-quality kitchen appliances, private patios or balconies and plentiful storage. Could u please share your views about moving to Texas? Our kids are 15, 13, 11 and 8, so high school, middle and elementary. While there is a progressive faction in town, there is also a strong uh less progressive group. A Benicia public option is bus to Vallejo Transit Center from Benicia. Everyone is welcome, no matter what your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status happens to be. If you work in tech or film, theres no better place to live than California. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. Redding has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. It doesn't feel very diverse and it doesn't really feel like it's part of the Bay Area proper. I recently moved from Berkeley to Benicia because, like you, we needed more space and couldn't afford more space in Berkeley. The community often has little events that are great for meeting new people. Many young professionals live in Benicia and residents tend to have moderate political views. Fitness is a priority in San Francisco. Winnford M. Dela Torre, BSN, RN - Registered Nurse - U.S. Department of If youre considering moving to California and settling further from the coast, understand that the average summer temperature exceed 95F and 100F+ days are not uncommon. My Aunts house I have been staying over for a while costs over $950,000 and its a middle class house. Thank you for helping me decide. If you dont have a car, public transportation is the breeding ground for all the above. happy empty nesters. When youre used to the hotter, dryer climates in the southern part of the state, then living in this city can feel downright chilly. And almost anywhere in the city, you can see the water. Our budget is around $2200 a month. When you move to California, one thing will become clear very quickly California is proof that climate change is real. It might be a city of transplants, but no one really cares about that here. You have access to cabs, bicycles, scooters, buses, trollies, and light rail so that you can access almost any part of the city. 8. Benicia has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #160 in California and #4,047 in the USA. 2. Never noticed till gone for awhile, but a lot of the kindness and friendliness is a phoney act. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. He called the area Yerba Buena, and it became a popular destination for Americans in the 1840s. A couple of them are atypical learners/creative types. Good Stuff. 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). 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. Right now not for something specific like work or study, I just really need the change. The downtown is indeed walkable and quite charming, and right by the water. 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. Climate. We looked at a lot of houses in Benicia. Can you tell us about the schools? You will find two active Major League Baseball teams in the Bay Area for you to catch a game. However, it can be a little too hot for some. Select any tags that apply to this area. Long days, regardless of mode of travel. We are from a small city in south florida. I suggest that you try looking at Davis. Benicia, California . Housing prices are comical (well, they would be if they werent reality). As for life in California? The price of most rentals is very reasonable and the houses are very nice. That means youll want to bring a jacket and an umbrella whenever you head out. However, a high crime rate, high cost for shelter, and lagging economy might be a problem. Whether you head down to enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge, go across to see the redwoods, stay on the piers, or enjoy the unique culture, some people find that they can fill up their free time without ever going somewhere. The cost of living in South Korea varies depending on the city one lives in. As a budget traveler and travel blogger, this is definitely the number one plus for living in Europe. Several businesses allow them as well, even if they are not a service animal. I can't really think of anything negative. vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. 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. If you have advice on Napa, please post ! MUNI is the public transportation system in San Francisco where you can hop onto a bus to get around the city. California has the largest network of public schools of any US state, but you know what else? 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. plus a bunch of chains and a handful of mom and pops. I was born and raised in the East Bay. I think it is considered a ''safe'' town, and it is convenient to the Vallejo Ferry or casual carpool for commuting into the city. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Wisconsin - Redfin 2. Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. 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 schools are well-rated. With the new Benicia Bridge that opened late last year the commute to Contra Costa County is a breeze. A lot of people don't even know Benicia exists, but it was the state capital in the 1850's so has some interesting history. Enter California, a state that averages 260+ days of sunshine per year. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Benicia, well see that the home price to income ratio is 5.5, which is 14.1% lower than the California average. 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. Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone, Kid friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay. Thanks again I really appreciate it. Benicia is in Solano County. This could be due to factors like a faster pace of life . There are plenty of opportunities for you to create a startup in this environment as well. Living in Australia: What You Need to Know Before You Move - InterNations 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. Neighborhood define you in San Francisco. I like it a lot and it is definitely walkable and has a lot of charming small businesses on 1st street. Is buying and building a home in Smith River, Ca any better when it comes to the cons you stated. And even in mid-winter, the temperature during the day averages 16C / 61F. Benicia City Hall, 250 East L Street Benicia, CA 94510 Phone: (707) 746-4200, Open: Monday - Thursday from: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and alternating Fridays, Finance Department Open: Monday Thursday from: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and alternating Fridays, Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program, Objective Standards for Mixed Use and Multifamily Housing, Public Information Bank - Hazardous Materials. In San Francisco alone, tech accounts for 20.5% of all jobs, with the largest employers being Facebook, Netflix, Google, Yahoo, Apple and Tesla. Pros and Cons of Moving to South Korea | Expat Arrivals Living in Bali: The Costs, Pros and Cons - Omnivagant - CON: Expensive non-essentials Employment opportunities. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. Home appreciation rates are a good way to generate tax-free equity on a long term basis. 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. The bridge commute isn't that bad, depending on timing. As someone that (briefly) considered moving to the Pacific Northwest, I cant even begin to fathom that challenge of living under a cloud most of the year. I want to live where the boys can have a little freedom with stuff to do but not in a big city. Living in Benicia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. That said, groceries, utilities, public transport and even alcohol are all reasonably priced compared to the prices in most Western countries. Even having a sourdough bread bowl filled with chowder while enjoying a view of Alcatraz makes for a memorable day. One thing I do miss about Berkeley/Oakland/Albany are the amazing restaurants, but my kids are little so we rarely go out anyway. Pros and Cons of living in Benicia, California Benicia, California Benicia, CA is #21 on the list Top 100 Best Places to Raise a Family in the West in 2023 Pros and Cons of living in Benicia, California according to Data Pros and Cons of living in Benicia, California in reviews from users in their own words: Do you live in Benicia, California? Therfore just to visit weekend ok but not to live in Cali. All three of Californias major cities rank as being some of the most diverse in America. At least you wont be shoveling snow by the foot like people to the north are during the winter months from the same storms. Hi! Are people dying by the hands of the government in California or did I miss something? The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. Pinole has a Peet's, In n Out, and a Trader Joe's. Pros and cons Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster Additionally, Barcelona enjoys a bit more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year - about average for the south of Europe. You are going to need some cash to make things happen if you want to start living here. Using data from crime, cost of living, weather, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages. 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. Have you considered Benicia? Benicia is by far more attractive with a larger historic district downtown and more view corridors of the bay. Prices differ largely based on where in town accommodation is located, if all the bills are included (wifi, electricity, water, etc. In total, more than 72% of the population is classified as married and 67% have kids. Ive been living with roommates for a few years now, Btw, it will be relevant only in about a year and a halfe, I have to finish my degree here first, but I still want to wrap my head around it and I would love to get your input. If I need Berkeley or SF fix, we just drive down and can be on the Bay Bridge in 20mins with no traffic. I hate to burst your bubble, but lets look at the numbers. Any information would be greatly appreciated! San Diego: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment clocks in at a steep $2,400 and the median home price is currently $765,000 (and rising annually). Expensive energy costs; the cost of gasoline and electricity is very high in California compared to other states. Hi there,We are very excited and sad to be moving from our home in the Colorado Mountains to the Bay Area. All she said is true. It is very safe and family oriented. I am a teacher in an adjacentschool district and know many, many teachers who work for Benicia Unified. We absolutely love this community!! In the past year, appreciation rates for homes in the Benicia area were 5.8% and 5 year appreciation rates were 10.7%. 5. Get some big dogs and move to Benicia! Even if you cook every meal at home, youll need to budget at least $420 per person, which is over $100 more than the national average. We are also less than 20mins away from Napa. Several apartment complexes and condos offer these areas as well. Actually sales tax was less there than the state Im in now (Louisiana)- so was car insurance. Benicia is a suburb of Vallejo with a population of 27,191. And 5 reasons not to live in California. When James Marshall discovered gold in the area, a surge of people came to make their fortune. Benicia has a refinery and on occasion you can smell it. . Im terrified. Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. As another poster mentioned, with either Benicia or Martinez you would have to drive to Pleasant Hill Bart. Our (only) son went off to OSU (Oregon)3 years ago.