We also have friends in Roseville who absolutely love its family-friendliness and easy light rail commute into downtown Sac. Benicia's schools are arguably better. Im 25 now and I guess I can say that its not the easiest for me to make new connections. People from Martinez drive, at least as far as my acquaintance goes. So Im thinking of relocating to California, myself. This is a city that is often said to be a "love it or hate it" type . Specialties: 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments in San Ramon, CA Welcome to Muirlands at Windemere Apartments! Yes, Florida is much cheaper than California because the cost of living is just 1% higher than the national average. 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). My Aunts house I have been staying over for a while costs over $950,000 and its a middle class house. Benicia is a small, family-friendly town and we have lots of fun downtown activities for families and teens. Fees that Niche receives for ads do not affect the terms you may be offered by the lender you choose. I dont know who can afford homes anymore. We are looking for any feedback, both positive and/or negative, in regards to the community, schools, neighborhoods, and refinery. Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. 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. Regardless, I hope you find it helpful. The whole bus will start yelling at you too, so maybe dont be the first one out until you get used to the situation. 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. I work for Macys and am scared to death to drive out there (foolish I Know) . You will always find people out with their pets during the day, enjoying the sunny weather in the city when it arrives. At least you wont be shoveling snow by the foot like people to the north are during the winter months from the same storms. Benicia fan. Strong and Growing Arts and Culture There is plenty of culture, art, and science to explore in San Diego, especially at Balboa Park. 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? I mean, its no coincidence that California has more national parks than any other state and draws millions of visitors annually. It would be fair to say that the Bay to Breakers festival is more like a second Halloween for adults to enjoy. Good luck with your search! Admittedly, most of California has a Mediterranean climate with pleasant humid-free summers, especially cities that line the coast. When you can make ends meet, you will find that this city is one of the most magical places to be on the planet. I hate to burst your bubble, but lets look at the numbers. Another really fun event is the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Carrie. If we take a look at the data, we can find out why. One of the reasons why the housing market and rental costs are so high in San Francisco is because the economy is strong, diverse, and consistent. Traffic inside of the city it difficult to manage at almost any time of day including the overnight hours. JOJ, Re: affordable housing Benicia is a little gem that gets overlooked because of the nearby refineries. You can also find affordable rentals around the state in popular cities like Henderson, where a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,700. I think the town has more of what you're looking for. Continue with Recommended Cookies. My friend who lives in Benicia says she would not make that decision again. These were helpful. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Redding are simply unattainable. He called the area Yerba Buena, and it became a popular destination for Americans in the 1840s. The core downtown area is kinda cute, but Benicia's got it beat by a landslide. Many young professionals live in Benicia and residents tend to have moderate political views. 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. The schools are well-rated. All three of the major cities in California clock in as some of the most expensive cities in the entire country. Taxes are high in San Francisco, but this disadvantage applies to the entire state of California. I had that experience originally being from wine country area. People there either take the 80 express bus to SF, or drive to Del Norte BART, park there, and BART into SF from there. Pinole has a Peet's, In n Out, and a Trader Joe's. 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. Suburb Population 27,191 JOJ, We live in Benicia and really like it. I have worked for both cities but not lived in either. All Rights Reserved. The median household income in California is among the best in the nation at $77,000 (as of June 2019). There are also several celebrations that you can only find in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and Bay to Breakers. Los Angeles and San Francisco are international hubs with awesome dining options, but many of the smaller cities have restaurants worth writing home about too. You can embrace your creativity when living in San Francisco. Hi! Get approval in minutes. According to the most recent Census, 72% of Benicia residents are White, 12% Asian and 6% Black. 6. Also fairly close to a Macys without having to get on any major highways. I think it is considered a ''safe'' town, and it is convenient to the Vallejo Ferry or casual carpool for commuting into the city. At this point, anyone living in California knows that wildfires are inevitable during the summer and we actually plan around them. Personally, I would not want to live in so isolated a place as Benicia, but I know plenty of people who love it. I would strongly recommend Benicia if you guys were looking for a traditional affluent suburban experience with traditional schools, but it doesn't sound like that is what you want. 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. Can you give me some advice? 6. I was orig from CA. Please. The Amicalola Falls are among the biggest, and they are a popular attraction for Georgia residents to check out and enjoy. We have a cute little downtown with a great library and community pool, awesome parks and playgrounds, good schools, a great Farmers market every Thursday on the main drag, a neat artist community, and wonderful people in general. Every neighborhood has a couple of dog parks that offer an expansive area for leash-free running. 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. 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. While this is still lower than California's cost of living, it's high enough to be expensive for most people. There is a lot of activities that you can do in the city. Happy in Benicia, We are considering a move to Benicia with our two small children. 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. Never noticed till gone for awhile, but a lot of the kindness and friendliness is a phoney act. I will likely take BART. The North Bay is really a great place to live. California would have the fifth-largest economy in the world if the state were an independent nation. it seems that everyone who lives here knows how special this place is and wants to take care of it. Thanks. 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. We have a Trader Joe's, Sprouts, Peet's etc. Over 80% of the city was destroyed at the time, 3,000 people were killed, and 250,000 were left homeless. A great and safe community with a lots of parks. I believe you have given an honest look at what to expect when moving to California. 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. Pinole has easy access to the rest of the Bay Area but much more limited bay access. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. 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. Too many people; California being one of the most populated cities makes people scramble for the limited space in the area. 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. 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. I spent some time there when we lived in the East Bay because there's a Chuck E. Cheese there that my kids liked, plus there was a Catholic shop downtown that I frequented on occasion. And the school are highly rated. Colombia is a beautiful country and has much to offer. San Francisco is one of the best dog-friendly cities in the United States. As you look at each state you will see some common themes. I was born and raised in the Monterey Bay area and forced by parents to move away. 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. Find a loan that's right for you. It also is the place of events, like town parades that seem to come straight out of the movies! This could be due to factors like a faster pace of life . 2. The perks of living in San Francisco are almost endless. . Benicia is a nice little town, and the Carquinez Strait is really lovely. 4. We are also less than 20mins away from Napa. 20 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax, Canada Pro: It's One of the Most Beautiful Places Nova Scotia is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada. It has such a strong community feeling, between the residents, police and fire teams, business owners, etc. If you cant afford being here, even with a job offer, then maybe another destination is the right choice to make. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It can be a challenge to get used to the weather in San Francisco. Some places in Florida have been ranked 8% lower to 18% higher in cost compared to the average American city. The public schools in Benicia are highly rated. Thanks again, really appreciate it . Its also home to some of the worst performing schools in the country. Benicia has an overall crime rate of 14 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. There are about 23.6 students per teacher in Benicia. Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. you did not mention is the California Government. I would also love any information you can give about that in relation to California. It also feels much less crowded here than it does everywhere else. However, a high crime rate, high cost for shelter, and lagging economy might be a problem. In Redding, the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 18.8% lower than the California average. Good luck on your move! The cost of living in San Francisco is equally high. Again, some people are bothered by this and some are not. Thanks again I really appreciate it. 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. Dont trust Google for your public transportation schedules. The homeless population has gotten completely out of control and is scary at this point. 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. Not as familiar with the central county high schools. A con. Average temperatures vary by city, but by and large, you can expect highs around 69F in the winter and 80-85F in the summer. Here we have the 13 pros that we and the people in the video think are the best traits of living in Colombia. Theres so much of the state that is not La San Francisco San Diego. There may be a few flaws to living in Davis. The best ride of all is the ferry from Mare Island Channel but it only goes to Alameda and by way of SF. If you dont have a car, public transportation is the breeding ground for all the above. 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. Rental rates. With a livability score of 62/100, Redding is ranked #21,245 in the United States and #856 in California. 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. P.S. 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. You really arent a true resident of the city until youve seen someone walking down the street naked. 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. Thank you. That places it just one spot behind Los Angeles and one spot ahead of Switzerland yes, the country. You can find work with Netflix, Google, Facebook, Apple, Tesla, and others if you have the correct skill set. All she said is true. The cost of housing is "cheaper " compared to some bay area locations. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Benicia: Benicia State Capitol and Historical Park, Benicia State Recreation Area, and Benicia Historical Museum. I grew up in Sacramento actaully Elk Grove before all those houses were built. If youre used to a temperate coastal climate, then the weather in San Francisco may not seem like much of a disadvantage. 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. Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. California is a beautiful state California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and it's not hard to see why. But since there are many children in that town I never minded that they were agressive. SCHOOLS Benicia public schools spend $8,132 per student. thank you Hmm. happy empty nesters. Regrettably for Redding, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F), cost of living (F), education (F), employment (D) and housing (D-). The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. Weather In Colombia. 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. Fantastic schools, a good community, and much more affordable than the Bay Area. Hard to complain about that! ), and of course the accommodation itself. We lived in California in the past two other times, once in Lompoc and other in Monterey. Those with a degree in Bachelor of Engineering earn $103,528 on average and Ph.D. holders make an average of $115,087. JL. The city has a population of 27,780 people. All the advantages of Benicia at Vallejo housing prices. 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. It has excellent schools - all but one are California Distinguished Schools and are actually in the top nationwide. Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. Neither town is great for commuting to Oakland. We have three grandsons (ages 12, 14, and 16) who are currently attending the Benicia schools and they are all doing well and the quality of their education is excellent. Davis makes the most sense. Rent is ridiculous and taxes will take up to 60% of your income. Los Angeles is considered one of the best food cities in America. 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. Expensive energy costs; the cost of gasoline and electricity is very high in California compared to other states. Since Im being honest, Id like to point out that wildfires will become a part of your daily vocabulary while living in California. 3. 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. Prices differ largely based on where in town accommodation is located, if all the bills are included (wifi, electricity, water, etc. Pros of Living in Australia One of the many benefits of living in Australia is its healthcare. Even stores like Walgreens sell produce in the city. Pleasant weather Abundant recreational options Easy access to fresh & healthy foods High quality of life Ample economic opportunity High cost of living Heavy tax burden Questionable governance You wont earn as much and may need to commute because of it, but you can typically come out ahead with the jobs here compared to what you can find in California or the rest of the country. Have you considered Benicia? #5. Long days, regardless of mode of travel. We considered buying in Benicia around this time last year. Benicia is in Solano County. 80 bus from VTC to Del Norte BART. Home appreciation rates are a good way to generate tax-free equity on a long term basis. Living in Benicia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Public transportation in San Francisco covers the entire city. Did you ever live in any other state for any amount of time? Not others. 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. 8. Redding has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. Ideal places in Sonoma County to move with a toddler, Looking to relocate/Schools & Commute in Hercules, Concord, Martinez. 4. I worked a few years in downtown Benicia commuting from Berkeley this combo. Benicia is no more than 10 minutes from Vallejo. In Benicia there are a lot of parks. Well done, well said and bravo for being honest. Have you looked at Benicia? Traffic and homeless is not something to fun to see they are in need of help but no one can. She developedasthma after moving there. If you are trying to get somewhere during rush hour, then you need to avoid all of the highways at all costs. - CON: Expensive non-essentials The refineries are all ''down wind'' and don't really have any impact on your quality of life. 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. Your property taxes are going to be higher if you own too since the property values are skyrocketing in the city. Youll have a plethora of Micheline-Star restaurants and phenomenal cheap eats to choose from. It was a film for San Francisco City Sights where I discussed the pros and cons of that Organization. You will also find some amazing mountains and wonderful outdoor activities. I can't really think of anything negative. 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. 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. Hi there,We are very excited and sad to be moving from our home in the Colorado Mountains to the Bay Area. Then spend time in the bay area on weekends. Obviously there are always going to be exceptions to the rule, but by and large, I feel welcomed in California in a way I dont feel welcome elsewhere. There is no doubt that living in San Francisco is expense. Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone, Kid friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay. Ive never done anything like this before. Also, yoga culture is huge in San Diego. Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. Sacramento is underrated as a city---it's really on the upswing as people migrate their to escape the prices in the Bay. The ease of travel and the incredibly low prices are only challenged by Southeast Asia, but even there it'll be more expensive because of the longer distances. I worked in Benicia for 5 years (commuting from Berkeley), and spent time in Vallejo for work purposes during that job. We will be renting. Well, maybe Nevada City! My husband works in Sacramento, and we want to move a bit closer to his work. 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. It is very safe and family oriented. Overall, Valero is the economic engine of town - largest employer, taxpayer, etc. Also does anyone know of resources for commuters from Benicia? Low crime. There is a direct transfer point to BART in Richmond. Even if you want a studio apartment, youre going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. 5. Wefeel close to everything but also far away, if that makes any sense. Feel free to email me! California is a pay to play state, theres no way around it. This disadvantage can theoretically apply to anyone living along the western coast of the United States, but there are more tremors in San Francisco that you can feel when compared to other locations. Dont base your schedule on what it tells you. Re: Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone Your not my dream state. I'd suggest spending a full day in each. plus a bunch of chains and a handful of mom and pops. The traffic in San Francisco is legendarily terrible. Most points in downtown Martinez are (for those without mobility limitations) within walking distance of the Amtrak station. Permanent residents can receive medical for free or at extremely low costs. 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. It's 20 plus minutes to the Bay Bridge and 10 mins or so to Walnut Creek so it's not a bad commute and there is a ferry service into the city. In some areas the traffic isnt bad especially if you dont live in a big city. 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). Benicia is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. We actaully have a daughter who goes to a school in North Berkeley so I drive down everyday. If I need Berkeley or SF fix, we just drive down and can be on the Bay Bridge in 20mins with no traffic. Benicia City Hall, 250 East L Street Benicia, CA 94510 Phone: (707) 746-4200 You can also catch the NBA, NHL, and MLS when living in the city. Cost of Living in Benicia, California Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. 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. pros and cons plural noun 1 : arguments for and against often + of Congress weighed the pros and cons of the new tax plan. See, I can't say enough good things about it. 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. Dictionary Entries Near pros and cons prosaist pros and cons Prosarthri See More Nearby Entries Cite this Entry Style You are welcome to email me if you have any questions. (Yikes!!) 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. In total, more than 72% of the population is classified as married and 67% have kids. San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living . Can you tell us about the schools? There is more access to healthier food choices, including the presence of several farmers markets throughout the city. We'd also love to hear about neighborhoods. A waterfront City of 28,000, Benicia is known for its small-town charm, history, and high quality of life. Benicia is in Solano County. Thanks. But which state is best to stay for a loner like me who has zero support from any angle. I would love feedback. Hope this helps! 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. Antioch reminds me of Elk Grove now. You are going to need some cash to make things happen if you want to start living here. And the scenery is amazingly beautiful! Everyone loves it; its pristine coastline, picturesque vineyards, wineries, and snow-clad Sierra Nevada Range which maintains its warm weather perfectly. I take my daughter to a lot of activities in Benicia. Also, I am not aware of any arts scene in Pinole, though of course I could be wrong. Solano County overall is less liberal than the rest of the Bay Area. In fact, most of my friends and neighbors in LA were part-time actors who spent most of their free time looking for gigs. The Economic Life Puerto Rico is more about social life than economics. There is very little police protection. California is not the place you want to come to without knowing anybody. One of the reasons why it is feasible to get around San Francisco without a vehicle is because many of the employers in the Bay Area offer free shuttle services that you can use to get to work. It doesn't feel very diverse and it doesn't really feel like it's part of the Bay Area proper. The 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco was estimated to be 7.9 8.25 with extreme shaking. 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. Benicia has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #160 in California and #4,047 in the USA. 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. Benicia has a violent crime rate of 99 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average. Several businesses allow them as well, even if they are not a service animal. More Education Best Places to Live in Benicia Rankings View All Non-Latino Caucasians represent 37.2% of the population. The town puts on wonderful holiday celebrations and the entire town comes out to celebrate. The town gets two big thumbs up from me!!! For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month.