beautiful parks and the social activities in town are always wonderful. I like it a lot and it is definitely walkable and has a lot of charming small businesses on 1st street. In the past year, appreciation rates for homes in the Benicia area were 5.8% and 5 year appreciation rates were 10.7%. 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. We looked at a lot of houses in Benicia. 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. 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). 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. . 3. One more thing, I thought of living there in a roommates apartment. California has an astounding state income tax of up to 13.3%, which makes the tax burned of living in California one of the worst in America. Pros and Cons of living in Benicia, California pros and cons plural noun 1 : arguments for and against often + of Congress weighed the pros and cons of the new tax plan. You'll have access to amenities like an extensive trail system . I travel often for work, so access to airports is a strong consideration when moving to a new city. Living in Benicia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. We actaully have a daughter who goes to a school in North Berkeley so I drive down everyday. The best areas in Benicia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. That said, groceries, utilities, public transport and even alcohol are all reasonably priced compared to the prices in most Western countries. I know most folks like to hate on airports, but I must admit I have a pretty easy time flying into and out of California. Don't drive 29 miles/hr in a 25 mile zone, 'cause the cops will ticket you immediately. It seems we can afford Benicia, Martinez and parts of Concord. It all sounds like fun to move but when youre actually far from your old surrondings and family then it can be pretty frightening at the least. If you have a dog that is coming with you to San Francisco, then both of you are in for a fantastic time. 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! 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. 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. 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. Without any friends or family waiting for me there. Living in Dallas: Pros and Cons to Consider | Landing Average temperatures vary by city, but by and large, you can expect highs around 69F in the winter and 80-85F in the summer. If you are trying to get somewhere during rush hour, then you need to avoid all of the highways at all costs. 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. The 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco was estimated to be 7.9 8.25 with extreme shaking. I don't think I could ever find a more lovely town. Living in California is a tale of extremes extreme wealth and extreme poverty. You displayed the positive of moving to California and the negative alike. Can you tell us about the schools? Compare today's top mortgage and refinancing providers. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! Thank you! 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. Thank you! The Lifestyle is Very Laid-Back Shorts, sunglasses, and sandals is the non-official uniform or "California look" of the Palm Springs lifestyle. 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. The downtown main street is popular with visitors and residents walking their dogs. 1. Alongside million dollar homes, youll find tent cities and folks living in doorways and streets. But which state is best to stay for a loner like me who has zero support from any angle. This goes hand-in-hand with the constant sunshine, but California has some of the mildest winters in the country. 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. Pros and Cons of living in Barcelona - 10 best and worst things The Pros and Cons of Living in the Mountains - Moving.com It only takes one missed stop to figure that issue out. Another really fun event is the Tree Lighting Ceremony. 4. Property values in both places took a major dive during the recession. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions. 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 About half of the buses also require that you step down into the steps to get the back door to open. Benicia ca - The Pros and Cons of Benicia California, Moving to Benicia ca. The economy in San Francisco keeps humming along. The Pros and Cons of Pros-and-Cons Lists - Harvard Business Review Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and the overall sense of community. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Benicia are simply unattainable. Also fairly close to a Macys without having to get on any major highways. A cost of living index above 100 means Benicia, California is more expensive. Benicia, CA is a seaside town that people think of when they think "getaway vacation". Which city would you recommend social wise? 30 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK 1. If you are moving to the area with your family, then Noe Valley tends to be the place where you end up. 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 employment boom thanks to Silicon Valley and the other high-tech industries in the area makes it one of the most robust economies in the country right now. 2. My biggest concern is the social aspect. How safe is benicia? Explained by FAQ Blog If you want to rent in San Francisco, then you can expect to pay a lot for that option too. 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. And it's one of the most underrated, which means it's not as full of tourists as other places, like Montreal and Vancouver. The cost of living in Nevada is also lower than in many other states. Low crime. (Doesnt seem like it to me, but Im open to learning). it seems that everyone who lives here knows how special this place is and wants to take care of it. Costco is close by, and plenty of Starbucks. Hope this helps! I want to live where the boys can have a little freedom with stuff to do but not in a big city. Windemere has all the desired conveniences-including shopping, dining, freeways and BART. 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. P.S. 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 William Richardson, an Englishman, is considered the founder of the city, which he established in 1835. The housing market in San Francisco is pricing everyone out. #5. Especially a young woman. Traffic and homeless is not something to fun to see they are in need of help but no one can. We are also less than 20mins away from Napa. This may be the most honest review of anything (period) Ive ever read on the internet. I am sure things have changes since I left permanently in 1996 but Sacramento has so many suburbs so there maybe a neighborhood that is similar to Berkeley? Benicia is a nice little town, and the Carquinez Strait is really lovely. Posted on February 27, 2023 by laguardia airport food terminal c Solano County overall is less liberal than the rest of the Bay Area. Select any tags that apply to this area. 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. vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. Wildfires have been engulfing the west coast in record numbers over the past few years and California has definitely been hit the hardest. There's even a bounce house for the kids! Benicia, California . Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. She treated us super well and drove us around to give us a feel of the entire town. California has the largest network of public schools of any US state, but you know what else? In addition to the high sales and income taxes, California also has the highest gas prices in the country too. Hmm. Benicia has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #160 in California and #4,047 in the USA. 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. Our kids are 15, 13, 11 and 8, so high school, middle and elementary. The cost of living in California is 49.9% above the national average, which means you have to earn significantly higher here. 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). Right now not for something specific like work or study, I just really need the change. 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. Looking for a light filled home close to hiking/walking trails. Ive lived in Sacramento twice- fun times, but you never have much money to spare. Median real estate prices in Redding come in at $232,000, which is 43.3% lower than the California average. Winnford M. Dela Torre, BSN, RN - Registered Nurse - U.S. Department of I grew up in Sacramento actaully Elk Grove before all those houses were built. 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. It's a fantastic place to raise your kids! Hi there,We are very excited and sad to be moving from our home in the Colorado Mountains to the Bay Area. When making a big move. Some places in Florida have been ranked 8% lower to 18% higher in cost compared to the average American city. 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. 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. 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. Since most everyone moving to California arrives with a car, you can expect nightmarish traffic to become part of your daily life in California. We lived there for 10 years and I actually miss it tremendously. The pros and cons of living in San Francisco will always look at the cost first. I find, though, that it is a great place for us empty nesters, too. Benicia is in Solano County. Select any title to view the full question and replies. 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. Strong and Growing Arts and Culture There is plenty of culture, art, and science to explore in San Diego, especially at Balboa Park. Living In. Very valuable information. 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. 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. A wonderful place to raise a family! We live in Benicia, and moved here for the great schools. But since there are many children in that town I never minded that they were agressive. MUNI is the public transportation system in San Francisco where you can hop onto a bus to get around the city. 10 Pros And Cons Of Living In California To get us rolling. More Education Best Places to Live in Benicia Rankings View All I'm considering a move to Benicia in the next few months. Like do people carpool from Benicia to BART? Monica, My family is hoping to buy a home soon. Pros and Cons of Living in Each State - Dividends Diversify Are you thinking about moving to California? We considered buying in Benicia around this time last year. Benicia is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. Many young professionals live in Benicia and residents tend to have moderate political views. I was orig from CA. The income tax rate is one of the highest in the country at 12.3%, even though that rate only applies to taxable income above $572,000. 7. Living in Redding, CA Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. There is a significant issue with homeless and drug addiction in the city. As you look at each state you will see some common themes. JOJ, We live in Benicia and really like it. People don't care about each other. I dont see this improving anytime soon so when you move to California youll need to learn how to better conserve water. The Capitol Corridor trains run several times each day, although the latest one to Oakland leaves Martinez at about 10:30 p.m. With prices like this, theres no denying that living in California isnt even in the same timezone as affordable. The community is warm and friendly, the schools are very good, there are many (!) Great parks. 10. The discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots is painstakingly clear on the streets and practically impossible to avoid while living in California. It would be fair to say that the Bay to Breakers festival is more like a second Halloween for adults to enjoy. Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. 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. I appreciate any info/input you have. You cant beat the weather and people who live here love it. 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. There is a very active moms club with about 130 members. I agree with some of your assessments. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Redding are simply unattainable. 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. I was born and raised in the Monterey Bay area and forced by parents to move away. Also, yoga culture is huge in San Diego. Have you ever consider Benicia??? 24+ Pros And Cons Of Living In California (You Must Know) Characterized by the quintessential beaches, surging tides, the iconic Hollywood, palms trees, the Golden Gate Bridge, and so many more California is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable states in the United States of America. Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. When weighing the pros and cons of living in Dallas, the pros greatly outweigh the cons. Our budget is around $2200 a month. ), and of course the accommodation itself. Based on violent and property crime rates. The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. The community often has little events that are great for meeting new people. It really is a beautiful hidden gem in the Bay Area and I feel lucky to live here! I am a teacher in an adjacentschool district and know many, many teachers who work for Benicia Unified. Whenever I visit other cities, Im constantly met with enjoy your visit, but dont move here which stopped being funny in 2010. The hipsters tend to stay in the Mission district, and then youll find the blue collar folks down by the Marina. Dont base your schedule on what it tells you. Thanks to its temperate climate, it is also one of the best walking communities in the United States. Benicia, CA - Niche Pinole Valley is safe, family-friendly, and diverse. Muirlands at Windemere - San Ramon, CA - Yelp There are many additional borrowing options available. I would crack up when the ''water view'' was looking at the refinery, but there are plenty of houses that do have a real water view. 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. Others involve nothing more than the persons birthday suit. If you work in tech or film, theres no better place to live than California. I will likely take BART. Since you don't need to deal with the commute into SF (which can be horrendous, from what I've heard), the only downside I can think of is that you can see the oil refinery 'stacks' from some parts of the town (the neighborhoods above the freeway), and that kind of mars some of the scenery. Im a California native and have lived in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco over the past ten years. My husband & I moved to Benicia with our 13-year-old son more than 33 years ago. What Are some Pros and Cons of Living in Northern California Our oldest grandson (who is 20 years old) graduated from Benicia High School and is doing extremely well in college. Benicia is a small town on the carquinez strait bordering Vallejo. The weather is always nice enough in San Francisco to get outside, so youll see people enjoying the outdoors through hiking and cycling. If people are looking for a place to go that has a lot to do, Benicia is not the place to go. I hope you found this post helpful. San Francisco is renowned for its cultural diversity. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. 8. People tend to drive faster and with more aggression, so youll need to turn up your defensive driving skills a notch. 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. And almost anywhere in the city, you can see the water. There is a nice little downtown area, and a lot of activities sponsored by the park and recreation (you can check out their brochure on-line). Hear what they say to your face then listen closely what they say behind your back. And the scenery is amazingly beautiful!