As another poster mentioned, with either Benicia or Martinez you would have to drive to Pleasant Hill Bart. 20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in California - EMBRACE SOMEPLACE You cant beat the weather and people who live here love it. Mountain living is ideal for people who appreciate peace, quiet, and the chance to inhabit their own little slice of mostly untouched nature. My aunt lives in Sacramento and I refuse to visit her in summer because I just cant deal with the oppressing heat. Manage Settings Your property taxes are going to be higher if you own too since the property values are skyrocketing in the city. If you're looking for a broker, the woman we worked with, Brenda Turner-Adams, was awesome. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Redding are simply unattainable. Again, some people are bothered by this and some are not. 25 Pros And Cons Of Living In Georgia (Updated 2023) - Home Mindset 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. I was orig from CA. The discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots is painstakingly clear on the streets and practically impossible to avoid while living in California. Benicia's schools are arguably better. Friendly people. Have you considered Benicia? Several businesses allow them as well, even if they are not a service animal. 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. We live in Benicia, and moved here for the great schools. Moving back and priced out of Alameda - West CC or Solano County? 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. Very valuable information. All three of Californias major cities rank as being some of the most diverse in America. On a less positive note, Benicia does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F) and housing (D). 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. Are people dying by the hands of the government in California or did I miss something? This makes me sad as a returning native of 6 years. Vallejo or Benecia for commuting to Sacramento? There may be a few flaws to living in Davis. You can also find affordable rentals around the state in popular cities like Henderson, where a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,700. We're moving to the north bay area in couple of months. Good luck on your move! If youre planning on relocating and making this area your permanent home, its nice to know that there is an ample amount of amenities and things to do within walking distance or a short drive. You expressed some of the cons which I forgot about, such as income tax and of course the homelessness. Although I have never lived there, I have visited Davis a lot, and suspect that on a daily basis, it's more like Berkeley/Oakland/Albany than either Benicia or Vallejo. Several of the bars in the city will even let you bring your dog into the establishment if it isnt a busy night for them. Home appreciation the last 10 years has been 6.1%. If youre planning on moving to California, heres a quick recap of the pros and cons of living in California. The community is warm and friendly, the schools are very good, there are many (!) Access to the beach Dont base your schedule on what it tells you. There is a significant issue with homeless and drug addiction in the city. My biggest concern is the social aspect. We are looking for any feedback, both positive and/or negative, in regards to the community, schools, neighborhoods, and refinery. I recently moved from Berkeley to Benicia because, like you, we needed more space and couldn't afford more space in Berkeley. Benicia or Martinez for commute to Oakland? Benicia has a refinery and on occasion you can smell it. Benicia fan. Also fairly close to a Macys without having to get on any major highways. In Benicia there are a lot of parks. What's the crime rate in Benicia California? I was born and raised in the Monterey Bay area and forced by parents to move away. An added bonus is that the town is located right on the water so you can see the ships go by, etc. You can embrace your creativity when living in San Francisco. However, it is a great middle ground for a road trip. The Pros and Cons of Pros-and-Cons Lists - Harvard Business Review If you are checking out out the area, don't skip Glen Cove, which is next to Benicia. Or is there a bus? 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. Selecting a category below will take you to another page. There is always the threat of an earthquake to consider in the city. Living in Australia: What You Need to Know Before You Move - InterNations Some may even offer excursions to other parts of the peninsula and the bay so that you can get out and about on your weekend. Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living. Have you ever consider Benicia??? Heres a real-life example: A close friend of mine works for Patagonia and jokes that suits are all but banned from the company. Heres a quick breakdown of the median home prices for the three major cities in California: San Francisco: The median home price in San Francisco is $1.4 million and the city also has the highest rent in the country. Regardless, I hope you find it helpful. But moving here is a bad idea. You have to drive to Concord or Fairfield for a Trader Joes, and the closest Whole Foods is in Napa or Walnut Creek. Commute from Benicia to SF is a two-bridge commute. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of living in Wisconsin before moving there. Both times we were military and received housing allowance. Get some big dogs and move to Benicia! Benicia is a very sleepy town with a little bid of Santa Cruz feel to it. Compare today's top mortgage and refinancing providers. Based on violent and property crime rates. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Benicia is one of the the best places to raise a family in the Bay Area right now. 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. Even if you want a studio apartment, you're going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. Niche may be compensated by the third party lenders and others who place ads on the website. Could u please share your views about moving to Texas? 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. These are the pros and cons of living in San Francisco today that are worth considering. 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 Benicia has a violent crime rate of 99 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average. As you look at each state you will see some common themes. Thats when the name of the city changed for the full-time population of about 800 people. I have great news, you should be able to stave off boredom while living in California because theres never a shortage of fun things to do! The median price for a single-family home in the city was $1.65 million in May 2019. Even stores like Walgreens sell produce in the city. Not too cold either. 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. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. While this is still lower than California's cost of living, it's high enough to be expensive for most people. There is plenty of fog that rolls through the city as well. You are a short drive from some of the best places in California. Fourth of July is one such day. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Living In. 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. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon. we love it here! JL. It's a fantastic place to raise your kids! The Amicalola Falls are among the biggest, and they are a popular attraction for Georgia residents to check out and enjoy. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. I like your negative points. That places it just one spot behind Los Angeles and one spot ahead of Switzerland yes, the country. 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. Traffic and homeless is not something to fun to see they are in need of help but no one can. Pros and Cons of Living in Each State - Dividends Diversify Hello and welcome to the Bay! It is very safe and family oriented. 80 bus from VTC to Del Norte BART. Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. 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. If your teens are at all interested in sports, Benicia would be a great place for them! The economy in San Francisco keeps humming along. Climate. 2 : good points and bad points Each technology has its pros and cons. I don't think I could ever find a more lovely town. Enter California, a state that averages 260+ days of sunshine per year. You will always find people out with their pets during the day, enjoying the sunny weather in the city when it arrives. Perhaps the most notable benefit could be the appreciation of your new home. The town is very laid back, so the police officers seem to jump on any violation where they can. No longer do you need to be stuck in long-term lease agreements. Hi I'm a mom with two teen boys. If you cant afford being here, even with a job offer, then maybe another destination is the right choice to make. You displayed the positive of moving to California and the negative alike. Well, maybe Nevada City! 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. Kathy, Re: considering a move to Sacramento It's definitely cheaper than Berkeley, safe, quiet, but with a great ''old town'' downtown. Con: Difficulty with access However, high salaries are offset by a high cost of living. Living in Benicia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. A Benicia public option is bus to Vallejo Transit Center from Benicia. If I need Berkeley or SF fix, we just drive down and can be on the Bay Bridge in 20mins with no traffic. pragmatic theory of truth pros and cons Im looking for input on areas that have nice high schools(safe). Some costumes in the city are elaborate. 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. Living in Redding, CA Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. You might even say that socialization doesnt really happen unless you bring your dog along. 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). If you arent involved in the high-tech sector, there are still excellent jobs in healthcare, hospitality, and indirect positions that contribute to the economy. It continues to be one of the worst and deadliest earthquakes in U.S. history. There is a significant homeless population in the city as well, especially in the core, where youre going to find a higher crime rate, unsanitary conditions at times, and encounters with people who are desperate for a fix, down on their luck, or struggling with their mental health. Although not Napa or Sonoma, this is a historic town surrounded by the bay with a small-town feel and very family oriented. I love the East Bay especially Berkeley. 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. There are also several celebrations that you can only find in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and Bay to Breakers. One thing I do miss about Berkeley/Oakland/Albany are the amazing restaurants, but my kids are little so we rarely go out anyway. Benicia is no more than 10 minutes from Vallejo. Never noticed till gone for awhile, but a lot of the kindness and friendliness is a phoney act. Though it is a suburb of Vallejo, it is significantly different. 20 Pros And Cons Of Living In Vancouver, BC Canada - Nina Out and About We lived in Benicia for 10 yrs and we made the big mistake of moving away from it. Fuel is also expensive, averaging $4.20 per gallon in May 2019, making it the most expensive place to fill up in the country. Neither town is great for commuting to Oakland. I know some folks who live in Benicia and have spent a good bit of time there. Pinole has a Peet's, In n Out, and a Trader Joe's. For me, it would depend on what kind of town I want to live in, schools, etc. As for life in California? He arranges charts, rehearses and plays shows(mostly Cabaret and standards). A waterfront City of 28,000, Benicia is known for its small-town charm, history, and high quality of life. (Doesnt seem like it to me, but Im open to learning). I travel often for work, so access to airports is a strong consideration when moving to a new city. It's affortable and close to Easy Bay. Can you give me some advice? Most of the people we know here in Pinolego into the city or Oakland/Berkeley pretty regularly, whereas most of the people we know in Benicia don't really seem to like to cross the bridge. We have a Trader Joe's, Sprouts, Peet's etc. Since Im being honest, Id like to point out that wildfires will become a part of your daily vocabulary while living in California. Benicia is looking like where we might land. 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in SAN DIEGO, California Even when your goal is to get over to Oakland or down to San Jose, youre going to need to budget plenty of extra time to reach your destination. I live in Benicia. California would have the fifth-largest economy in the world if the state were an independent nation. I think Hercules High is pretty strong (that is my school district). The Pros and Cons of Living Trusts - AARP If you dont have a car, public transportation is the breeding ground for all the above. The weather is always nice enough in San Francisco to get outside, so youll see people enjoying the outdoors through hiking and cycling. Sign up for a yoga class on the beach and see what all the hype is about. California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and its not hard to see why. I have heard very good things about the Cameron School, in El Cerrito,which offers speech therapy and preschool style classes for students who qualify in WCCUSD. Looking for a light filled home close to hiking/walking trails. You will find two active Major League Baseball teams in the Bay Area for you to catch a game. You can also catch the NBA, NHL, and MLS when living in the city. Even though there was a lag in growth for the first time in forever in 2018, the rental market in San Francisco is insane and the housing market isnt any better. 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). When James Marshall discovered gold in the area, a surge of people came to make their fortune. 4. 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. My husband is a professional musician (piano player) who makes his living playing for famous(and not so famous) singers. The Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States. Disadvantages of a Living Trust Funding a Trust Is Expensive . If you are moving to the area with your family, then Noe Valley tends to be the place where you end up. Benicia is a little gem that gets overlooked because of the nearby refineries. Immigrationgeez. 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. If you have a dog that is coming with you to San Francisco, then both of you are in for a fantastic time. What Are some Pros and Cons of Living in Northern California Benicia is known to be family friendly as more than 76% of the population has already tied the knot. Benicia has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #160 in California and #4,047 in the USA. Rent is ridiculous and taxes will take up to 60% of your income. . The downtown main street is popular with visitors and residents walking their dogs. 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. There are clearly many advantages of living in the city. Benicia is a suburb of Vallejo with a population of 27,191. In fact, most of my friends and neighbors in LA were part-time actors who spent most of their free time looking for gigs. Benicia has lots of open space, a state park on the water, and plenty of places to hike. 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. The median home cost in Benicia is Real Estate: $763,400. Santa Rosa is at least an hour's drive from Vallejo. I have 2 young sons and we absolutely love it here! A second silver rush in 1859 helped to keep the city active, and then the transcontinental railroad provided a direct connection with the rest of the country. Sales tax is the highest in the nation. Re: Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone The price of most rentals is very reasonable and the houses are very nice. We are very excited. Purchasing your new home can come with many financial benefits, some of which are more lucrative than others. The schools are well-rated. Alongside million dollar homes, youll find tent cities and folks living in doorways and streets. Not each of them applies to every state. About half of the buses also require that you step down into the steps to get the back door to open. It is a family oriented community with many kid-friendly events (family movie night in the park once a month in summer, children's art festival in the park, street fairs, parades, farmer's market on thursday nights, swimming pool, classes and camps through the parks and recreation department, good library events). Thank you! 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. is it still impossible to buy a house ? So youre moving to California with the intention of buying a home? If you make more than $1 million per year, then theres a 1% surtax to pay as well. Low crime. You do seem honest. I hate to burst your bubble, but lets look at the numbers. Did you ever live in any other state for any amount of time? 30 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK 1. I'd suggest spending a full day in each. That being said, Benicia has O.K. All she said is true. Although technically anyone can live anywhere and find a reasonable level of acceptance, youll want to research the different neighborhoods in San Francisco to see where your comfort zone is going to be. It only takes one missed stop to figure that issue out. A cost of living index above 100 means Benicia, California is more expensive. The whole bus will start yelling at you too, so maybe dont be the first one out until you get used to the situation. One thing you quickly learn after moving to California is that you will never go hungry. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $12,383. Have you ever consider Benicia? I like it a lot and it is definitely walkable and has a lot of charming small businesses on 1st street. While there is a progressive faction in town, there is also a strong uh less progressive group. Living In California Vs Florida: Pros And Cons In 2023 - Budget Travel Buff Feel free to email me! I agree with some of your assessments. I couldnt agree more! In regards to smells or whatever from the oil refinery, we were probably there about a half dozen times for several hours each time, and we never smelled anything. First Street is completely blocked off and it is filled with people in the holiday spirit. Living in Benicia - Benicia, California California is not the place you want to come to without knowing anybody. Canada is Beautiful Let's face it - Canada is one of the most Instagrammable (read, stunningly beautiful) places in the world. People from Martinez drive, at least as far as my acquaintance goes. Then spend time in the bay area on weekends. 2. The cost of housing is "cheaper " compared to some bay area locations. That means youll want to bring a jacket and an umbrella whenever you head out. My husband works in Sacramento, and we want to move a bit closer to his work. Pros and Cons of living in Benicia, California To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below. Gas is also usually $1-$2 more a gallon than most other states. But these are the things most people are looking for. I had that experience originally being from wine country area.