Regardless of where in California you live, youre never further than a days drive from an epic national park and some of the best hiking trails in the country. Fees that Niche receives for ads do not affect the terms you may be offered by the lender you choose. 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. Perhaps one of my favorite things about living in California is the constant sunshine. Assuming that Redding meets all of your requirements, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Redding. But back to CA- cost of housing is the biggest drawback for me. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. You cant beat the weather and people who live here love it. Pinole has a Peet's, In n Out, and a Trader Joe's. Neighborhood define you in San Francisco. 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! On a less positive note, Benicia does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F) and housing (D). I'd suggest spending a full day in each. Windemere has all the desired conveniences-including shopping, dining, freeways and BART. We live next to Benicia, but technically are zip coded as Vallejo. My goal is to be part of a pretty active community in a walkable charming old seaport town. At this point, anyone living in California knows that wildfires are inevitable during the summer and we actually plan around them. We just made new friends sitting on the sidewalk, sipping an adult beverage with our dogs at our feet. The cost of living in California is 49.9% above the national average, which means you have to earn significantly higher here. I totally agree with you I have lived in many places (states) myself I currently reside in California for the past 17 years and everything you say is totally true Plus there ever increasing earthquakes in the sea level is rising It is sad to see the homeless living here and there but Ive also heard of some of them breaking in some of these empty houses (people are being kicked out they could not pay the extreme increase for the rent) I live in Acampo but I have to drive to Stockton for a client and his neighbor finally got his home back from the homeless it was taken from him for years His neighbor was wanting to move and get out of California and his house was left vacant so they took over and he cant do nothing about it, Thanks for the honest information. Or is there a bus? There is plenty of fog that rolls through the city as well. 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. I know that not everyone will agree with this sentiment, but I find the people in California to be kind. Expensive energy costs; the cost of gasoline and electricity is very high in California compared to other states. it seems that everyone who lives here knows how special this place is and wants to take care of it. 25 Pros and Cons of Living in San Diego There are many positive aspects of residing in San Diego including these that are worth mentioning: 1. 2. 10 Pros And Cons Of Living In California To get us rolling. I honestly cant recall the last summer where imminent wildfire danger didnt stress me out. This time however we will be moving due to a civilian job to Ventura. People don't care about each other. We moved to Benicia 2 1/2 years ago from Los Angeles. 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! 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. Home appreciation rates are a good way to generate tax-free equity on a long term basis. I love the East Bay especially Berkeley. The core downtown area is kinda cute, but Benicia's got it beat by a landslide. Also fairly close to a Macys without having to get on any major highways. Solano County overall is less liberal than the rest of the Bay Area. I dont know who can afford homes anymore. you did not mention is the California Government. If you are trying to get somewhere during rush hour, then you need to avoid all of the highways at all costs. We are from a small city in south florida. 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. 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. Our kids are 15, 13, 11 and 8, so high school, middle and elementary. When James Marshall discovered gold in the area, a surge of people came to make their fortune. 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 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. Redding has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. 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. San Francisco is one of the best dog-friendly cities in the United States. 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). beautiful parks and the social activities in town are always wonderful. Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. 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. 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. So Im thinking of relocating to California, myself. MUNI is the public transportation system in San Francisco where you can hop onto a bus to get around the city. 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. You can also catch the NBA, NHL, and MLS when living in the city. 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. Median real estate prices in Redding come in at $232,000, which is 43.3% lower than the California average. If you have any question, you can email me as well. Crime is crazy and cut backs on law enforcement has made it worse. Year after year, Los Angeles is ranked one of the 10 most congested cities in the country, with an estimated 103 hours a year spent in traffic for the average commuter. In addition to the high sales and income taxes, California also has the highest gas prices in the country too. It's a great location; pretty much 30-40 mins from Oakland, SF, Napa And with the "new" bridge, only 20 mins to downtown Walnut Creek. 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. 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. With prices like this, theres no denying that living in California isnt even in the same timezone as affordable. 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. 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 In Benicia there are a lot of parks. There is a wonderful library and community pool and lots more. Also, yoga culture is huge in San Diego. If I need Berkeley or SF fix, we just drive down and can be on the Bay Bridge in 20mins with no traffic. Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. Benicia is a very sleepy town with a little bid of Santa Cruz feel to it. When weighing the pros and cons of living in Dallas, the pros greatly outweigh the cons. I have 2 young sons and we absolutely love it here! Traffic and homeless is not something to fun to see they are in need of help but no one can. Sure, come visit for awhile. The hills can wear out your legs if youre not used to them, but taking advantage of the weather and the natural beauty of the community makes for a wonderful experience. It might be worthwhile to consider commuting if you can manage the traffic situation in the city. If youre planning on moving to California, heres a quick recap of the pros and cons of living in California. Con: Difficulty with access California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and its not hard to see why. Private studio with shared pool - 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 IDR. It might be a city of transplants, but no one really cares about that here. In just two years, the population reached 25,000 people. When I worked there, the people I knew who commuted to SF typically drove to Pleasant Hill BART, parked there, and took BART from there. I think it is considered a ''safe'' town, and it is convenient to the Vallejo Ferry or casual carpool for commuting into the city. Several businesses allow them as well, even if they are not a service animal. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Actually sales tax was less there than the state Im in now (Louisiana)- so was car insurance. A cost of living index above 100 means Benicia, California is more expensive. Benicia is one of the the best places to raise a family in the Bay Area right now. Pinole has easy access to the rest of the Bay Area but much more limited bay access. My husband & I moved to Benicia with our 13-year-old son more than 33 years ago. William Richardson, an Englishman, is considered the founder of the city, which he established in 1835. Moving to California means leaving behind bitter winters and freezing temperatures, which greatly improves my quality of life. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! If so, youll be joining many other Californians in the most populous state in the country. Im terrified. There are a lot of gorgeous aspects of San Francisco to love, but the issues the city has with heroin and meth are quite problematic. Official Website of the City of Benicia, California. (Doesnt seem like it to me, but Im open to learning). Pros of Living in Australia One of the many benefits of living in Australia is its healthcare. You are a short drive from some of the best places in California. Most points in downtown Martinez are (for those without mobility limitations) within walking distance of the Amtrak station. Suburb Population 27,191 Theres so much of the state that is not La San Francisco San Diego. Most restaurants tailor their menus to healthy eating instead of huge portions of high-carb foods. You may want to check it out. Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. Because of the citys location near fault lines, there is always the lingering threat of the Big One that exists in residents minds. Costumes are a way of life in San Francisco. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Benicia are simply unattainable. vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. The cost of housing is "cheaper " compared to some bay area locations. Im 25 now and I guess I can say that its not the easiest for me to make new connections. Niche may be compensated by the third party lenders and others who place ads on the website. 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. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text. 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? Even if you want a studio apartment, you're going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. One thing I do miss about Berkeley/Oakland/Albany are the amazing restaurants, but my kids are little so we rarely go out anyway. Average temperatures vary by city, but by and large, you can expect highs around 69F in the winter and 80-85F in the summer. Even having a sourdough bread bowl filled with chowder while enjoying a view of Alcatraz makes for a memorable day. My aunt lives in Sacramento and I refuse to visit her in summer because I just cant deal with the oppressing heat. Those are awful places to live with skewed statistics on crime and things because it isnt a total picture of this great state. There is no way I can be a home owner in this day and age. 5. Our main worries are the refinery, convicts and sound from the Amtrak/freight trains. You have access to cabs, bicycles, scooters, buses, trollies, and light rail so that you can access almost any part of the city. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. A reasonable cost of living, good schools, family-friendly activities, and decent weather are the major draws to the city. The landscape is as diverse as it gets and changes drastically from north to south. That being said, Benicia has O.K. I am a teacher in an adjacentschool district and know many, many teachers who work for Benicia Unified. 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's schools are arguably better. It has excellent schools - all but one are California Distinguished Schools and are actually in the top nationwide. Another really fun event is the Tree Lighting Ceremony. 7. Everyone is welcome, no matter what your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status happens to be. Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living. 2. Spacious new 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartment homes offer high-quality kitchen appliances, private patios or balconies and plentiful storage. The perks of living in San Francisco are almost endless. Right now not for something specific like work or study, I just really need the change. People are very interested in each other and generally extremely friendly. 8. It really is a beautiful hidden gem in the Bay Area and I feel lucky to live here! For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month. Select any title to view the full question and replies. 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. While knowing about the availability of Disney parks is useful, it would not be my reason for moving across the country to pay high taxes. is it still impossible to buy a house ? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. You can get to the Fairfield store from Benicia without getting on busy highways. Though it is a suburb of Vallejo, it is significantly different. 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. Calculated annually per 100,000 residents. In fact, most of my friends and neighbors in LA were part-time actors who spent most of their free time looking for gigs. Select any tags that apply to this area. California is a car-centric state and you will absolutely need to have a car while living in California because things are spread far apart. And 5 reasons not to live in California. I think the town has more of what you're looking for. Home appreciation the last 10 years has been 6.1%. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon. 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 there is a progressive faction in town, there is also a strong uh less progressive group. Wefeel close to everything but also far away, if that makes any sense. It's also fairly diverse (each person has their own definition of diverse, but as one point of evidence there are 35 different languages spoken at my child's public elementary school in Davis). Specialties: 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments in San Ramon, CA Welcome to Muirlands at Windemere Apartments! Benicia cost of living is 158.3 100=National Average AVERAGE RENT BY BEDROOM SIZE Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I hate to burst your bubble, but lets look at the numbers. I agree with some of your assessments. Others involve nothing more than the persons birthday suit. Neither town is great for commuting to Oakland. There is a significant issue with homeless and drug addiction in the city. But if you choose to live in a city further inland, you can expect blazing hot summers. 9. Im looking for input on areas that have nice high schools(safe). There are tons of community events, it is very safe, has that small-town feeling and is still affordable. That said, groceries, utilities, public transport and even alcohol are all reasonably priced compared to the prices in most Western countries. 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. Select any tags that apply to this area. Parking is a significant problem as well. Regardless, I hope you find it helpful. They also have a thriving and vibrant small- town arts scene. It would be fair to say that the city residents have a love-hate relationship with this service and most days, its more of the latter. If you choose the back part of Pinole Valley, you get to send your daughter to Ellerhorst, which is a very good school. At the beginning of 2021, the median home price was around $382,000. 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. plus a bunch of chains and a handful of mom and pops. Making the effort to think through all possible pros and cons of a given course of. 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. You will also find some amazing mountains and wonderful outdoor activities. Again, some people are bothered by this and some are not. Knowing if your home will appreciate on a long term or even a short term basis should be factored into your decision making. I grew up in Sacramento actaully Elk Grove before all those houses were built. If people are looking for a place to go that has a lot to do, Benicia is not the place to go. 3. Colombia is a beautiful country and has much to offer. There are lots of job opportunities available in San Francisco. My friend who lives in Benicia says she would not make that decision again. 2. Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. One thing you quickly learn after moving to California is that you will never go hungry. We are also less than 20mins away from Napa. . I was born and raised in the East Bay. Yet, if people are looking for a vacation spot that is relaxing and welcoming, Benicia is it. I know some folks who live in Benicia and have spent a good bit of time there. Pinole Valley is safe, family-friendly, and diverse. Many young professionals live in Benicia and residents tend to have moderate political views. I hope you found this post helpful. To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below. 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. We lived there for 10 years and I actually miss it tremendously. Davis makes the most sense. Get approval in minutes. There are so many transplants here that its hard to pin down what a real Californian is these days so anyone can pass for one. It has wonderful parks, a great community, very good public schools and the town itself is just a gem. Its hard to enjoy everything the state has to offer if you arent bringing in a considerable annual income. Ive never done anything like this before. P.S. Property values. Rent too high. The hipsters tend to stay in the Mission district, and then youll find the blue collar folks down by the Marina. An average meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is about $80, which is double the cost of what the national average is in the United States. Over 80% of the city was destroyed at the time, 3,000 people were killed, and 250,000 were left homeless. 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). Although not Napa or Sonoma, this is a historic town surrounded by the bay with a small-town feel and very family oriented. Benicia is very family oriented with lots of parks and a weekly farmers market that has a petting zoo with pony rides. Access to the beach Hi there,We are very excited and sad to be moving from our home in the Colorado Mountains to the Bay Area. Re: Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone JOJ, Re: affordable housing Hi I'm a mom with two teen boys. Living in PR means, you will be living in lines for everything as well. There is a very active moms club with about 130 members. Could u please share your views about moving to Texas? Commute from Benicia to SF is a two-bridge commute. In fact, Los Angeles is the second most diverse cities in the country, second only to New York City. Thank you for helping me decide. It only takes one missed stop to figure that issue out. Posted on February 27, 2023 by laguardia airport food terminal c Overall, most people seem to be okay with living in Chico. The pros of living in Davis include its tight-knit community, its proximity to several major California cities, and its commitment to education. If you are checking out out the area, don't skip Glen Cove, which is next to Benicia. California is a beautiful state California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and it's not hard to see why. . If you are moving to the area with your family, then Noe Valley tends to be the place where you end up. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Too many people; California being one of the most populated cities makes people scramble for the limited space in the area. You can find plenty of small shops, museums, and points of interest that will captivate your attention. Well, maybe Nevada City! Im a California native and have lived in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco over the past ten years. Benicia has lots of open space, a state park on the water, and plenty of places to hike. There are plenty of activities to enjoy when living in San Francisco. San Francisco: A driver in San Francisco loses 97 hours a year to traffic, ensuring that yet another California city makes the list of top 10 cities with the worst traffic. The cost of living in South Korea varies depending on the city one lives in. Living in Redding can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. 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. This will be a big change for us. In Benicia there are a lot of parks. We have two children under 2. Our initial concern about this town is that there is a refinery , but it hasn't bothered us at all since we've been here (about 6 months). Heres a real-life example: A close friend of mine works for Patagonia and jokes that suits are all but banned from the company. 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. There's even a bounce house for the kids! We currently live in LA and are pre-retirement. 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. There is very little police protection. Purchasing your new home can come with many financial benefits, some of which are more lucrative than others. If you have advice on Napa, please post ! 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. If you want to save some cash by ditching the vehicle, then San Francisco has you covered with its public transportation system. One more thing, I thought of living there in a roommates apartment. When making a big move. Housing prices everywhere are just off the charts! My Aunts house I have been staying over for a while costs over $950,000 and its a middle class house. #5. 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. Not each of them applies to every state. Everyone gathers at the green field at the end of 1st Street and watches the fire works. An added bonus is that the town is located right on the water so you can see the ships go by, etc. 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. About Benicia. Needless to say, the houses cost a lot less in Roseville! Human trafficking is ramped. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. 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. Just my opinion. There is a neighborhood for everyone here, and most people can integrate into almost any living situation. Benicia is no more than 10 minutes from Vallejo. Then, if your bus is going through Chinatown, expect a lengthy delay. The median household income in California is among the best in the nation at $77,000 (as of June 2019). Cost of Living in Benicia, California Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. It is small, everyone knows everyone, which has pluses and minuses, but it also provides a hometown feel that many places in California do not. 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. 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. It's definitely cheaper than Berkeley, safe, quiet, but with a great ''old town'' downtown. 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. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. There is a direct transfer point to BART in Richmond. Overall, Valero is the economic engine of town - largest employer, taxpayer, etc.