pros and cons of living in benicia, ca pros and cons of living in benicia, ca

If you want to eat out while living in the city, then be prepared to pay much more than what the average American spends for the privilege. Manage Settings Benicia is in Solano County. You might even say that socialization doesnt really happen unless you bring your dog along. However, it is a great middle ground for a road trip. All the advantages of Benicia at Vallejo housing prices. The median sale price is $407,500, which is lower than neighboring state of California. It really shows when you are out around town. There are plenty of opportunities for you to create a startup in this environment as well. it seems that everyone who lives here knows how special this place is and wants to take care of it. 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. 4. We just made new friends sitting on the sidewalk, sipping an adult beverage with our dogs at our feet. The public schools in Benicia are highly rated. Benicia is known to be family friendly as more than 76% of the population has already tied the knot. 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. The weather is always nice enough in San Francisco to get outside, so youll see people enjoying the outdoors through hiking and cycling. Property values. We arevery attached to living within the Bay Area, hence we would love to get your recommendation. People from Benicia drive to Pleasant Hill BART if they're going to take BART. The homeless population has gotten completely out of control and is scary at this point. Home appreciation rates are a good way to generate tax-free equity on a long term basis. It might also be worth noting that 63% of residents also have children under the age of 18. 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. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. The town puts on wonderful holiday celebrations and the entire town comes out to celebrate. Is buying and building a home in Smith River, Ca any better when it comes to the cons you stated. It's much more of a state of mind than Pinole! 3. Living in Benicia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. 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. 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-). 2. Housing prices everywhere are just off the charts! Theres so much of the state that is not La San Francisco San Diego. Then, if your bus is going through Chinatown, expect a lengthy delay. 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? You can walk to the local park, but everything else is about 1.5 miles away. There are tons of community events, it is very safe, has that small-town feeling and is still affordable. 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. When you move to California, one thing will become clear very quickly California is proof that climate change is real. About half of the buses also require that you step down into the steps to get the back door to open. Select any title to view the full question and replies. Although not Napa or Sonoma, this is a historic town surrounded by the bay with a small-town feel and very family oriented. Wow, the houses dont even look like they should be worth that much. Hi there,We are very excited and sad to be moving from our home in the Colorado Mountains to the Bay Area. We're moving to the north bay area in couple of months. It also feels much less crowded here than it does everywhere else. If you have any question, you can email me as well. Our kids are 15, 13, 11 and 8, so high school, middle and elementary. Thanks again I really appreciate it. The community often has little events that are great for meeting new people. We live next to Benicia, but technically are zip coded as Vallejo. Average temperatures vary by city, but by and large, you can expect highs around 69F in the winter and 80-85F in the summer. Benicia is a suburb of Vallejo with a population of 27,191. From the striking sunny coastline of Southern California to the towering cliffs of Big Sur, youll be privy to every natural wonder in between. 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. I take my daughter to a lot of activities in Benicia. It might be worthwhile to consider commuting if you can manage the traffic situation in the city. 5. In just two years, the population reached 25,000 people. - The Weather Northern California is home to a lot of wonderful weather. Could u please share your views about moving to Texas? It is a wonderful small town.Good schools. You are welcome to email me if you have any questions. 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. Especially a young woman. You can get to the Fairfield store from Benicia without getting on busy highways. Unfortunately, my pay will only be just over 6 figures and everything I am reading in post sounds like I might be living in a tent. In some areas the traffic isnt bad especially if you dont live in a big city. Benicia, CA is a seaside town that people think of when they think "getaway vacation". 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. 1. I don't think I could ever find a more lovely town. Suburbs with the Best Public Schools in California, Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in California, Places with the Best Public Schools in California. There are two Macy's stores near Benicia - one in Concord (about 15 miles away) and the other in Fairfield (also about 15 miles away.) Neither town is great for commuting to Oakland. My husband and I were starting to plan a move there at one point when we thought he'd be working in Sacramento; alas, that didn't come to fruition, but we were geared up and excited for Davis - you might want to check it out. 2. 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. The town gets two big thumbs up from me!!! 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. At present, California is the worst state in the country for fire dangers. Immigrationgeez. Cost of Living in Benicia, California Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Happy in Benicia, We are considering a move to Benicia with our two small children. I live in Benicia. You have people working in Silicon Valley making six figures, but living out of their vehicle because they cant find a place they can afford. In total, more than 72% of the population is classified as married and 67% have kids. There is a wonderful library and community pool and lots more. 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 However, it is very much an island mentality, insular/small community, and you have to cross a bridge at $5/pop to get to the Bay Area. I would love feedback. Median real estate prices in Redding come in at $232,000, which is 43.3% lower than the California average. is it still impossible to buy a house ? It continues to be one of the worst and deadliest earthquakes in U.S. history. The state has a fairly relaxed vibe to it, people seem to move at a slower pace. Prices were lower there, but she believes theair quality from the refinery has affected their health and that of others she knows in the community. That places it just one spot behind Los Angeles and one spot ahead of Switzerland yes, the country. Well I live in Placerville California and Ive lived in Yosemite and weed and a lot of different places and let me tell you that not all parts of the state have mild Winters or constant sunshine or High cost of living or poor performing public schools. I hate to burst your bubble, but lets look at the numbers. Wefeel close to everything but also far away, if that makes any sense. 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. Not as familiar with the central county high schools. Benicia is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. My biggest concern is the social aspect. 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. Compare today's top mortgage and refinancing providers. Human trafficking is ramped. 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. Find a loan that's right for you. At the beginning of 2021, the median home price was around $382,000. 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. Does anyone have any negative or positive experiences with the above, especially the refinery. The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. Again, some people are bothered by this and some are not. Hear what they say to your face then listen closely what they say behind your back. San Francisco is renowned for its cultural diversity. While there is a progressive faction in town, there is also a strong uh less progressive group. It would be fair to say that the Bay to Breakers festival is more like a second Halloween for adults to enjoy. We have two children under 2. You can find plenty of small shops, museums, and points of interest that will captivate your attention. Both times we were military and received housing allowance. Monica, My family is hoping to buy a home soon. 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. Fourth of July is one such day. We lived in California in the past two other times, once in Lompoc and other in Monterey. Several businesses allow them as well, even if they are not a service animal. Our main worries are the refinery, convicts and sound from the Amtrak/freight trains. However, a high crime rate, high cost for shelter, and lagging economy might be a problem. Some of the top places you can visit by hopping into your car include Napa and Sonoma, Yosemite, Muir Woods, Lassen National Park, Reno and Tahoe, or Apple Hill. Not too cold either. My aunt lives in Sacramento and I refuse to visit her in summer because I just cant deal with the oppressing heat. The cost of housing is "cheaper " compared to some bay area locations. I want to live where the boys can have a little freedom with stuff to do but not in a big city. Knowing if your home will appreciate on a long term or even a short term basis should be factored into your decision making. 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. Benicia cost of living is 158.3 100=National Average AVERAGE RENT BY BEDROOM SIZE Youll notice that there is a different flow to the traffic as well. Another really fun event is the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The downtown is indeed walkable and quite charming, and right by the water. 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 Here we have the 13 pros that we and the people in the video think are the best traits of living in Colombia. The crime rate is high; 20.3%, 3 times (in 100,000 people) more than the entire US itself. When James Marshall discovered gold in the area, a surge of people came to make their fortune. The claims of 60% will go to taxes are ludicrous- yes taxes are high, but not to the point of bankrupting you. 3. It is very much a small town. 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? The cost of living in South Korea varies depending on the city one lives in. 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. Come to our farmers market and check out the town- every Thursday from 4-8. Mountain living is ideal for people who appreciate peace, quiet, and the chance to inhabit their own little slice of mostly untouched nature. 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. but not great in my opinion restaurants, and there are only local stores such as Raley's or Safeway. Regardless, I hope you find it helpful. Assuming that Redding meets all of your requirements, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Redding. Hands down, one of my favorite things about living in California is the diversity of the people. You will need to deal with the tax situation when living in San Francisco. 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. 4. 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). California would have the fifth-largest economy in the world if the state were an independent nation. Can you give me some advice? Continue with Recommended Cookies. Admittedly, most of California has a Mediterranean climate with pleasant humid-free summers, especially cities that line the coast. We considered buying in Benicia around this time last year. Based on the housing stock, population density, and the proximity of amenities of the area. 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. There's even a bounce house for the kids! The downtown main street is popular with visitors and residents walking their dogs. Spacious new 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartment homes offer high-quality kitchen appliances, private patios or balconies and plentiful storage. This goes hand-in-hand with the relaxed vibe. 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. California is a pay to play state, theres no way around it. This goes hand-in-hand with the constant sunshine, but California has some of the mildest winters in the country. I need to move out of here. If there is anything else you like to know please email me at aware1967 [at] yahoo.com. Please. I would suggest one of you nail down your job first and pick the area to buy in second, because if you end up working in Oakland, that's a more reasonable commute from all those communities. You will always find people out with their pets during the day, enjoying the sunny weather in the city when it arrives. There are many additional borrowing options available. 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. Every neighborhood has a couple of dog parks that offer an expansive area for leash-free running. The traffic in San Francisco is legendarily terrible. The pros and cons of living in San Francisco will always look at the cost first. If you do get the urge to take a day trip, then you can head over to Yosemite, enjoy the sunshine on the peninsula, or take the four-hour drive (with good traffic) to Lake Tahoe for world-class skiing. Overall, Valero is the economic engine of town - largest employer, taxpayer, etc. 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. Wildfires have been engulfing the west coast in record numbers over the past few years and California has definitely been hit the hardest. But if you lived walking distance to downtown you would not see them. Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone, Kid friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay. Unless you live in a high-elevation area, youll seldom see snow and can count on sunshine even in the dead of winter. Then you have the 7.25% state sales tax, which becomes 8.5% in San Francisco. I would also love any information you can give about that in relation to California. At this point, anyone living in California knows that wildfires are inevitable during the summer and we actually plan around them. 10. If your teens are at all interested in sports, Benicia would be a great place for them! Feel free to contact me if you have more questions. 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. An increase in your homes value can be a good way to generate tax-free equity that can create long term financial security. JOJ, We live in Benicia and really like it. 5. California is a beautiful state California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and it's not hard to see why. Chose Glen Cove over Benicia, Re: Safe, family--oriented neighborhood? And these are just prices for flights! Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. It's affortable and close to Easy Bay. The best areas in Benicia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. I honestly cant recall the last summer where imminent wildfire danger didnt stress me out. 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. I dont know who can afford homes anymore. Taxes are high in San Francisco, but this disadvantage applies to the entire state of California. There are clearly many advantages of living in the city. We lived in Benicia for 10 yrs and we made the big mistake of moving away from it. 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. Dont trust Google for your public transportation schedules. 1. There is no doubt that living in San Francisco is expense. Or is there a bus? Everyone is welcome, no matter what your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status happens to be. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! Kelly, Hmm, well, I worked in Benicia for many years and was never seriously tempted to live there. Weather In Colombia. 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. 1. The refineries are all ''down wind'' and don't really have any impact on your quality of life. It doesn't feel very diverse and it doesn't really feel like it's part of the Bay Area proper. 9. recommendations? Over 80% of the city was destroyed at the time, 3,000 people were killed, and 250,000 were left homeless. These were helpful. With prices like this, theres no denying that living in California isnt even in the same timezone as affordable. Just my opinion. 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. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Redding: Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and Sacramento River Trail. People in the city take this issue very seriously. Benicia or Martinez for commute to Oakland? 7. To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below. Property values in both places took a major dive during the recession. While this is still lower than California's cost of living, it's high enough to be expensive for most people. Have you looked at Benicia? 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. Right now not for something specific like work or study, I just really need the change. A waterfront City of 28,000, Benicia is known for its small-town charm, history, and high quality of life. JOJ, Re: affordable housing Most points in downtown Martinez are (for those without mobility limitations) within walking distance of the Amtrak station. Get some big dogs and move to Benicia! You have access to cabs, bicycles, scooters, buses, trollies, and light rail so that you can access almost any part of the city. Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living. The Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States. Living in California is a tale of extremes extreme wealth and extreme poverty. Everyone loves it; its pristine coastline, picturesque vineyards, wineries, and snow-clad Sierra Nevada Range which maintains its warm weather perfectly. Living in Redding can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. 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. I did a year-long stint in New York City and the harsh winter made leaving an easy choice. 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. Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. That means it has more influence than the United Kingdom, which has 26 million more people contributing to the GDP. P.S. We just moved there from Oakland in February and absolutely love it! No longer do you need to be stuck in long-term lease agreements. Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Redding on a regular basis. Our oldest grandson (who is 20 years old) graduated from Benicia High School and is doing extremely well in college. 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. As for life in California? what if i am moving to cali for a decent paying tech job ? The weather is tolerable year-round and allows you to enjoy the great outdoors or regardless of the season save for summer, but well cover that shortly. Low crime. Benicia is a little gem that gets overlooked because of the nearby refineries.