We are looking for any feedback, both positive and/or negative, in regards to the community, schools, neighborhoods, and refinery. 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. Many young professionals live in Benicia and residents tend to have moderate political views. It has excellent schools - all but one are California Distinguished Schools and are actually in the top nationwide. It really is a beautiful hidden gem in the Bay Area and I feel lucky to live here! In fact, California usually ranks as the worst 10-states for public education. 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. 1. 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. While there is a progressive faction in town, there is also a strong uh less progressive group. I was born and raised in the East Bay. I highly recommend Benicia. Both times we were military and received housing allowance. Traffic inside of the city it difficult to manage at almost any time of day including the overnight hours. I had that experience originally being from wine country area. Alongside million dollar homes, youll find tent cities and folks living in doorways and streets. Good Stuff. It is very much a small town. Does anyone have any negative or positive experiences with the above, especially the refinery. Also, yoga culture is huge in San Diego. Yet another perk of living in California is seldom feeling rushed. We're moving to the north bay area in couple of months. I was born and raised in the Monterey Bay area and forced by parents to move away. When weighing the pros and cons of living in Dallas, the pros greatly outweigh the cons. Most points in downtown Martinez are (for those without mobility limitations) within walking distance of the Amtrak station. 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. California is home to nine national parks, which means it has more national parks than any other state in America, including Alaska! Otherwise I personally would prefer not to be commuting to SF from Benicia or Martinez because of lack of transit options. An added bonus is that the town is located right on the water so you can see the ships go by, etc. Perhaps one of my favorite things about living in California is the constant sunshine. happy empty nesters. 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. Benicians consider that Martinez is somewhat similar in a lot of ways to Benicia (although my understanding is that their refinery has much less capacity); Concord obviously is a much larger town (really a small city) and harder to generalize, but don't underestimate the value of proximity to BART. An amount below 100 means Benicia is cheaper than the US average. I'd suggest spending a full day in each. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 2. I have friends in Benicia who say the schools are good, but I have not checked that out as a fact. There is very little police protection. Youll have a plethora of Micheline-Star restaurants and phenomenal cheap eats to choose from. You can easily join a fitness class, a sports league, or some other favorite activity to start making friends when living in San Francisco. My husband is a professional musician (piano player) who makes his living playing for famous(and not so famous) singers. And the scenery is amazingly beautiful! Every neighborhood has a couple of dog parks that offer an expansive area for leash-free running. My aunt lives in Sacramento and I refuse to visit her in summer because I just cant deal with the oppressing heat. The cost of living in San Francisco is equally high. Thanks again, really appreciate it . The weather is tolerable year-round and allows you to enjoy the great outdoors or regardless of the season save for summer, but well cover that shortly. Instead, it's normally transferred, or "retitled," into the trust. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. The town is very laid back, so the police officers seem to jump on any violation where they can. Fees that Niche receives for ads do not affect the terms you may be offered by the lender you choose. Property values in both places took a major dive during the recession. It can be a challenge to get used to the weather in San Francisco. The Lifestyle is Very Laid-Back Shorts, sunglasses, and sandals is the non-official uniform or "California look" of the Palm Springs lifestyle. Dont trust Google for your public transportation schedules. 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. Suburb Population 27,191 Pros of Living in California: The Amazing Weather That Always Brings a Smile to Your Face: There is no one I can find who complains about California's weather. You might even say that socialization doesnt really happen unless you bring your dog along. Posted on February 27, 2023 by laguardia airport food terminal c Find a loan that's right for you. 2. House very expensive old features. You'll have access to amenities like an extensive trail system . Benicia, California . 5. Get approval in minutes. It's much more of a state of mind than Pinole! Fourth of July is one such day. Youll notice that there is a different flow to the traffic as well. 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. Benicia is looking like where we might land. Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. Knowing if your home will appreciate on a long term or even a short term basis should be factored into your decision making. If there is anything else you like to know please email me at aware1967 [at] yahoo.com. The traffic in San Francisco is legendarily terrible. San Francisco is renowned for its cultural diversity. A wonderful place to raise a family! Living in California is a tale of extremes extreme wealth and extreme poverty. . Living in Benicia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. The culture is also backwards in the South, things you thought were fashionable as a given- be it clothing, music, even lingo- often dont even exist there. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. If helpful, below is a chart that show the effective California state income tax depending on your income bracket. This is a city that is often said to be a "love it or hate it" type . 8. The BART is a little bit of a hike, but doable. If you are trying to get somewhere during rush hour, then you need to avoid all of the highways at all costs. Hear what they say to your face then listen closely what they say behind your back. Well, maybe Nevada City! One of the reasons why people are consistently attracted to the idea of living in San Francisco is because of its emphasis on diversity. Which city would you recommend social wise? Carrie. 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. The downtown area is pretty flat, so it is perfect for strolling around or bicycling. Others involve nothing more than the persons birthday suit. In fact, most of my friends and neighbors in LA were part-time actors who spent most of their free time looking for gigs. We moved to Benicia 2 1/2 years ago from Los Angeles. (Yikes!!) If youre used to a temperate coastal climate, then the weather in San Francisco may not seem like much of a disadvantage. I have 2 young sons and we absolutely love it here! The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. Although its gotten more expensive (like everywhere else) this last year, its still affordable compared to other nice parts of the Bay Area. P.S. 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. 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. Hi there. The refineries are all ''down wind'' and don't really have any impact on your quality of life. Cost of Living in Benicia, California Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. Colombia is a beautiful country and has much to offer. I want to live where the boys can have a little freedom with stuff to do but not in a big city. If you dont have a car, public transportation is the breeding ground for all the above. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of living in Wisconsin before moving there. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Benicia are simply unattainable. 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. If you cant afford being here, even with a job offer, then maybe another destination is the right choice to make. 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. The housing market in San Francisco is pricing everyone out. plus a bunch of chains and a handful of mom and pops. People tend to drive faster and with more aggression, so youll need to turn up your defensive driving skills a notch. Also fairly close to a Macys without having to get on any major highways. 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.) Quality schools. Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. Santa Rosa is at least an hour's drive from Vallejo. If you want to rent in San Francisco, then you can expect to pay a lot for that option too. Benicia is by far more attractive with a larger historic district downtown and more view corridors of the bay. The town gets two big thumbs up from me!!! The pros and cons of living in San Francisco will always look at the cost first. Pinole Valley is safe, family-friendly, and diverse. Wow, the houses dont even look like they should be worth that much. You have to drive to Concord or Fairfield for a Trader Joes, and the closest Whole Foods is in Napa or Walnut Creek. Needless to say, the houses cost a lot less in Roseville! 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. Waisting paycheck to move to Cali. When making a big move. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Redding: Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and Sacramento River Trail. If you prefer to look for a condo as a way to save some money, then the average cost of that option is $1.25 million. And almost anywhere in the city, you can see the water. These are the pros and cons of living in San Francisco today that are worth considering. 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. Canada is Beautiful Let's face it - Canada is one of the most Instagrammable (read, stunningly beautiful) places in the world. Not others. beautiful parks and the social activities in town are always wonderful. 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. Can you share your insights? There are also several celebrations that you can only find in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and Bay to Breakers. Hi! You can also catch the NBA, NHL, and MLS when living in the city. We lived in California in the past two other times, once in Lompoc and other in Monterey. There is always the threat of an earthquake to consider in the city. Hello and welcome to the Bay! Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. JOJ, We live in Benicia and really like it. 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.. 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! Benicia is a very sleepy town with a little bid of Santa Cruz feel to it. All this to say, unless youre working in a high-paying field, you may find the cost of living in California unrealistic, especially if youre moving to California from a small city. However, it is very much an island mentality, insular/small community, and you have to cross a bridge at $5/pop to get to the Bay Area. It only takes one missed stop to figure that issue out. There is a direct transfer point to BART in Richmond. I did a year-long stint in New York City and the harsh winter made leaving an easy choice. 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? Fitness is a priority in San Francisco. Low crime. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. California is not the place you want to come to without knowing anybody. Everyone is welcome, no matter what your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status happens to be. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. I grew up in Sacramento actaully Elk Grove before all those houses were built. 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! Benicia is a suburb of Vallejo with a population of 27,191. Unless you live in a high-elevation area, youll seldom see snow and can count on sunshine even in the dead of winter. Could u please share your views about moving to Texas? 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. I think Hercules High is pretty strong (that is my school district). 9. 30 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK 1. Enter California, a state that averages 260+ days of sunshine per year. Redding has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. Overall, Valero is the economic engine of town - largest employer, taxpayer, etc. Niche may be compensated by the third party lenders and others who place ads on the website. P.S. The homeless population has gotten completely out of control and is scary at this point. Good luck with your search! Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. 1. 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. Its also home to some of the worst performing schools in the country. 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. If we take a look at the data, we can find out why. There is plenty of fog that rolls through the city as well. Hard to complain about that! 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. If you do get the urge to take a day trip, then you can head over to Yosemite, enjoy the sunshine on the peninsula, or take the four-hour drive (with good traffic) to Lake Tahoe for world-class skiing. So youre moving to California with the intention of buying a home? Assuming that Redding meets all of your requirements, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Redding. 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. You can find work with Netflix, Google, Facebook, Apple, Tesla, and others if you have the correct skill set. thank you Hmm. The schools are well-rated. 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. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! 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. All three of the major cities in California clock in as some of the most expensive cities in the entire country. Apparently, there hasn't been a day below freezing since 1985. 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. California has the largest network of public schools of any US state, but you know what else? If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Benicia, we'll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.5, which is 14.1% lower than the California average. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. If you make more than $1 million per year, then theres a 1% surtax to pay as well. Calculated annually per 100,000 residents. You expressed some of the cons which I forgot about, such as income tax and of course the homelessness. Using data from weather, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages. Taxes are high in San Francisco, but this disadvantage applies to the entire state of California. 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. You cant beat the weather and people who live here love it. 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. 3. You are welcome to email me if you have any questions. Mountain living is ideal for people who appreciate peace, quiet, and the chance to inhabit their own little slice of mostly untouched nature. It also is the place of events, like town parades that seem to come straight out of the movies! In San Francisco alone, tech accounts for 20.5% of all jobs, with the largest employers being Facebook, Netflix, Google, Yahoo, Apple and Tesla. That places it just one spot behind Los Angeles and one spot ahead of Switzerland yes, the country. One thing you quickly learn after moving to California is that you will never go hungry. Without any friends or family waiting for me there. 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. What's the crime rate in Benicia California? JL. Select any tags that apply to this area. For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month. Living in Redding, CA Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. Housing prices everywhere are just off the charts! 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. 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. Based on the housing stock, population density, and the proximity of amenities of the area. The Pros And Cons Of Living In Each State. Benicia ca - The Pros and Cons of Benicia California, Moving to Benicia ca. However, each is still a "good" 45 minute drive w/o traffic to Sacramento (I had to go to Sac many times from Benicia), and a solid 30-minutes (off commute) to Berkeley, and each one has its own "feel". It doesn't feel very diverse and it doesn't really feel like it's part of the Bay Area proper. So if you plan on raising a family while living in California, account for the cost of private school as well because the public schools leave much to be desired. Please keep in mind that this is a personal list, not everyone will feel the same way. 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. I have worked for both cities but not lived in either. Everything from fashion to film and tech is covered pretty well in California, so you honestly wont have much a reason to be bored. All she said is true. Niche is not a lender and does not endorse the products of these advertisers. I need to move out of here. 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. Also, I am not aware of any arts scene in Pinole, though of course I could be wrong. 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. If you have any question, you can email me as well. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. . I appreciate any info/input you have. 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'm wondering if being in Martinez would actually save that much time compared with Benicia. Even stores like Walgreens sell produce in the city. Unlike wills, trusts require that you give up direct ownership of that property. San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living . The best areas in Redding and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. MUNI is the public transportation system in San Francisco where you can hop onto a bus to get around the city. Additionally, Barcelona enjoys a bit more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year - about average for the south of Europe. There is no doubt that living in San Francisco is expense. More Education Best Places to Live in Benicia Rankings View All Have you ever consider Benicia? A con. The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. You can also find affordable rentals around the state in popular cities like Henderson, where a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,700. it seems that everyone who lives here knows how special this place is and wants to take care of it. Benicia has lots of open space, a state park on the water, and plenty of places to hike. 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). The train goes along the Bay Shore, looking out at the Golden Gate. But if you choose to live in a city further inland, you can expect blazing hot summers. 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. Rental rates. In just two years, the population reached 25,000 people. The weather is always nice enough in San Francisco to get outside, so youll see people enjoying the outdoors through hiking and cycling. I don't think I could ever find a more lovely town. Some of the top places you can visit by hopping into your car include Napa and Sonoma, Yosemite, Muir Woods, Lassen National Park, Reno and Tahoe, or Apple Hill. I know that not everyone will agree with this sentiment, but I find the people in California to be kind. 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. We live next to Benicia, but technically are zip coded as Vallejo. It would be fair to say that the Bay to Breakers festival is more like a second Halloween for adults to enjoy. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text. And 5 reasons not to live in California. It has wonderful parks, a great community, very good public schools and the town itself is just a gem. Don't drive 29 miles/hr in a 25 mile zone, 'cause the cops will ticket you immediately. Since most everyone moving to California arrives with a car, you can expect nightmarish traffic to become part of your daily life in California. Have you looked at Benicia? Thanks. Given that and the increased time and cost, I'm wondering if I should consider Martinez instead although I really wanted to be in Benicia. Again, some people are bothered by this and some are not. It really shows when you are out around town. Kathy, Re: considering a move to Sacramento I believe you have given an honest look at what to expect when moving to California. My husband & I moved to Benicia with our 13-year-old son more than 33 years ago. 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. Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. Rent too high. I work for Macys and am scared to death to drive out there (foolish I Know) . Thanks again I really appreciate it. 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. Benicia has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #160 in California and #4,047 in the USA. Regardless, I hope you find it helpful. 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. There is an 'island mentality' I noticed; 'crossing the bridge' to the rest of the Bay Area just feels like a big deal to a Benician. The downtown is indeed walkable and quite charming, and right by the water. Even if you want a studio apartment, you're going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. We considered buying in Benicia around this time last year. Making the effort to think through all possible pros and cons of a given course of. Are people dying by the hands of the government in California or did I miss something? Assuming that Benicia meets all of your requirements, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Benicia. Our oldest grandson (who is 20 years old) graduated from Benicia High School and is doing extremely well in college. 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). The economy in San Francisco keeps humming along. Immigrationgeez. From the amazing landscapes to the diversity, to the warmth of the people and the low cost of living. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions. Or is there a bus? We have two children under 2. All three of Californias major cities rank as being some of the most diverse in America. 8. At present, California is the worst state in the country for fire dangers. Well done, well said and bravo for being honest. Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Redding on a regular basis.