I couldnt agree more! 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. California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and its not hard to see why. 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. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Benicia are simply unattainable. If you're looking for a broker, the woman we worked with, Brenda Turner-Adams, was awesome. California is home to nine national parks, which means it has more national parks than any other state in America, including Alaska! Purchasing your new home can come with many financial benefits, some of which are more lucrative than others. it seems that everyone who lives here knows how special this place is and wants to take care of it. Benicia is looking like where we might land. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $12,383. We lived there for 10 years and I actually miss it tremendously. Benicia has lots of open space, a state park on the water, and plenty of places to hike. If your teens are at all interested in sports, Benicia would be a great place for them! If you want to rent in San Francisco, then you can expect to pay a lot for that option too. The 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco was estimated to be 7.9 8.25 with extreme shaking. In Benicia there are a lot of parks. Benicia or Martinez for commute to Oakland? If you live downtown, you can walk to everything without a car. Get approval in minutes. Many young professionals live in Benicia and residents tend to have moderate political views. Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone, Kid friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay. JOJ, Re: affordable housing It might also be worth noting that 63% of residents also have children under the age of 18. 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). Then you have the 7.25% state sales tax, which becomes 8.5% in San Francisco. Overall, Valero is the economic engine of town - largest employer, taxpayer, etc. 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 can also find affordable rentals around the state in popular cities like Henderson, where a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,700. If so, youll be joining many other Californians in the most populous state in the country. Strong and Growing Arts and Culture There is plenty of culture, art, and science to explore in San Diego, especially at Balboa Park. Also does anyone know of resources for commuters from Benicia? Taxes too high. 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. There is a high level of self-expression that you can find in San Francisco, and it can be a lot of fun to embrace that culture. You'll have access to amenities like an extensive trail system . 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. In San Francisco alone, tech accounts for 20.5% of all jobs, with the largest employers being Facebook, Netflix, Google, Yahoo, Apple and Tesla. happy empty nesters. It's only fitting to consider the pros and cons of this popular decision-making tool: The Pros Rigor. 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. Over 80% of the city was destroyed at the time, 3,000 people were killed, and 250,000 were left homeless. There are also several celebrations that you can only find in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and Bay to Breakers. Can you give me some advice? Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Its becoming a state for the independently wealthy, LARGE salary earners, and just people who were lucky enough to have already lived there for generations. 14 Pros of Living in Vancouver, BC PRO: YVR is a fantastic airport Pro: Amazing schooling Pro: Shopping haven Pro: It's home to Stanley Park Pro: You'll always find food trucks Pro: Plenty of fun sporting events Pro: You don't need to know French Pro: The nightlife Pro: Relatively moderate weather Pro: Easy access to nature It doesn't feel very diverse and it doesn't really feel like it's part of the Bay Area proper. And the school are highly rated. 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. Benicia has a violent crime rate of 99 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Redding are simply unattainable. Theres only one word of caution: not every landlord permits pets, so youll want to ask in advance before bringing your pup along for this adventure. A lot of people don't even know Benicia exists, but it was the state capital in the 1850's so has some interesting history. Also fairly close to a Macys without having to get on any major highways. I live in Benicia. The downtown is indeed walkable and quite charming, and right by the water. Youll notice that there is a different flow to the traffic as well. The discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots is painstakingly clear on the streets and practically impossible to avoid while living in California. Im terrified. The city has a population of 27,780 people. This may be the most honest review of anything (period) Ive ever read on the internet. The train goes along the Bay Shore, looking out at the Golden Gate. Our (only) son went off to OSU (Oregon)3 years ago. Immigrationgeez. An amount below 100 means Benicia is cheaper than the US average. Thats when the name of the city changed for the full-time population of about 800 people. 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. 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. 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. So youre moving to California with the intention of buying a home? I believe you have given an honest look at what to expect when moving to California. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. Don't drive 29 miles/hr in a 25 mile zone, 'cause the cops will ticket you immediately. 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. The housing market in San Francisco is pricing everyone out. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Pros and cons of living in Wisconsin: Bottom line. The Pros And Cons Of Living In Each State. Even stores like Walgreens sell produce in the city. She developedasthma after moving there. Pros of Living in Australia One of the many benefits of living in Australia is its healthcare. 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. It seems we can afford Benicia, Martinez and parts of Concord. Sure, come visit for awhile. Get some big dogs and move to Benicia! Alongside million dollar homes, youll find tent cities and folks living in doorways and streets. Wow, the houses dont even look like they should be worth that much. Yes, Florida is much cheaper than California because the cost of living is just 1% higher than the national average. Hi there. Overall, most people seem to be okay with living in Chico. Im 25 now and I guess I can say that its not the easiest for me to make new connections. Even having a sourdough bread bowl filled with chowder while enjoying a view of Alcatraz makes for a memorable day. As a budget traveler and travel blogger, this is definitely the number one plus for living in Europe. Well done, well said and bravo for being honest. In fact, California usually ranks as the worst 10-states for public education. I worked a few years in downtown Benicia commuting from Berkeley this combo. Tax ID:46-4347971, About BPN Contact BPN Credits Terms of Use, Connecting Bay Area families online since 1993, Daycares & Preschools with Current Openings, Parent Classes, Workshops & Groups with Openings, Advice about Classes, Camps, Groups, & Tutors. Its hard to enjoy everything the state has to offer if you arent bringing in a considerable annual income. There is no way I can be a home owner in this day and age. Benicia is a suburb of Vallejo with a population of 27,191. 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 a great middle ground for a road trip. People don't care about each other. you did not mention is the California Government. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions. 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. According to the most recent Census, 72% of Benicia residents are White, 12% Asian and 6% Black. Living In. The traffic in San Francisco is legendarily terrible. Carrie. If you have a dog that is coming with you to San Francisco, then both of you are in for a fantastic time. In just two years, the population reached 25,000 people. Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. Hello and welcome to the Bay! An increase in your homes value can be a good way to generate tax-free equity that can create long term financial security. 3. At this point, anyone living in California knows that wildfires are inevitable during the summer and we actually plan around them. 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 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 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. Benicia is a nice little town, and the Carquinez Strait is really lovely. We are also less than 20mins away from Napa. Thanks. There's even a bounce house for the kids! I take my daughter to a lot of activities in Benicia. And even in mid-winter, the temperature during the day averages 16C / 61F. 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. People tend to drive faster and with more aggression, so youll need to turn up your defensive driving skills a notch. Ive been living with roommates for a few years now, Btw, it will be relevant only in about a year and a halfe, I have to finish my degree here first, but I still want to wrap my head around it and I would love to get your input. The economy in San Francisco keeps humming along. With a livability score of 62/100, Redding is ranked #21,245 in the United States and #856 in California. I grew up in Sacramento actaully Elk Grove before all those houses were built. We have two children under 2. There are tons of community events, it is very safe, has that small-town feeling and is still affordable. You do seem honest. Therfore just to visit weekend ok but not to live in Cali. 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. My 'husband' and I want to move to either Benicia or Pinole. 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. Not sure which area would be best. Davis makes the most sense. The Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States. If you are moving to the area with your family, then Noe Valley tends to be the place where you end up. Since most everyone moving to California arrives with a car, you can expect nightmarish traffic to become part of your daily life in California. Our kids are 15, 13, 11 and 8, so high school, middle and elementary. The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. A wonderful place to raise a family! About half of the buses also require that you step down into the steps to get the back door to open. In Redding, the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 18.8% lower than the California average. Benicia fan. We'd also love to hear about neighborhoods. The Economic Life Puerto Rico is more about social life than economics. Dictionary Entries Near pros and cons prosaist pros and cons Prosarthri See More Nearby Entries Cite this Entry Style 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. 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? 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. 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 people are looking for a place to go that has a lot to do, Benicia is not the place to go. I am a teacher in an adjacentschool district and know many, many teachers who work for Benicia Unified. Benicia is one of the the best places to raise a family in the Bay Area right now. One more thing, I thought of living there in a roommates apartment. There are about 23.6 students per teacher in Benicia. (Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland; excellent conversation starters in their own right). There are plenty of activities to enjoy when living in San Francisco. 30 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK 1. Select any tags that apply to this area. Im looking for input on areas that have nice high schools(safe). I recall a particularly bad stretch where residents were asked to save shower water to water plants. The median home cost in Benicia is Real Estate: $763,400. Benicia has a refinery and on occasion you can smell it. 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. We actaully have a daughter who goes to a school in North Berkeley so I drive down everyday. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of . However, a high crime rate, high cost for shelter, and lagging economy might be a problem. One thing you quickly learn after moving to California is that you will never go hungry. Thanks. It really shows when you are out around town. Benicia is by far more attractive with a larger historic district downtown and more view corridors of the bay. 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. Heres a real-life example: A close friend of mine works for Patagonia and jokes that suits are all but banned from the company. We lived in Benicia for 10 yrs and we made the big mistake of moving away from it. I think it is considered a ''safe'' town, and it is convenient to the Vallejo Ferry or casual carpool for commuting into the city. Additionally, Barcelona enjoys a bit more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year - about average for the south of Europe. The Capitol Corridor trains run several times each day, although the latest one to Oakland leaves Martinez at about 10:30 p.m. 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). Suburbs with the Best Public Schools in California, Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in California, Places with the Best Public Schools in California. You might even say that socialization doesnt really happen unless you bring your dog along. Sacramento is underrated as a city---it's really on the upswing as people migrate their to escape the prices in the Bay. Benicia is in Solano County. Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. Based on the housing stock, population density, and the proximity of amenities of the area. If there is anything else you like to know please email me at aware1967 [at] yahoo.com. Without any friends or family waiting for me there. A reasonable cost of living, good schools, family-friendly activities, and decent weather are the major draws to the city. 8. You displayed the positive of moving to California and the negative alike. Youve really saved me Was planning on moving to California to work and study without help from no one But from tonehe look of things I think I wont be able to. Dylyn, Berkeley Parents Network, founded in 1993,isbased in Berkeley, California andis a 501(c)(3) nonprofit online network for parents in the San Francisco Bay Area. 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. Costumes are a way of life in San Francisco. Median real estate prices in Redding come in at $232,000, which is 43.3% lower than the California average. 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. When making a big move. Benicia, CA is a seaside town that people think of when they think "getaway vacation". 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. 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 Human trafficking is ramped. 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.