In the past year, appreciation rates for homes in the Benicia area were 5.8% and 5 year appreciation rates were 10.7%. Living in Benicia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. 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. Ideal places in Sonoma County to move with a toddler, Looking to relocate/Schools & Commute in Hercules, Concord, Martinez. This goes hand-in-hand with the relaxed vibe. 5. Like do people carpool from Benicia to BART? Not too cold either. We just made new friends sitting on the sidewalk, sipping an adult beverage with our dogs at our feet. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is the city is $3,108 per month. SCHOOLS Benicia public schools spend $8,132 per student. 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. Benicia has lots of open space, a state park on the water, and plenty of places to hike. 10. Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We lived in California in the past two other times, once in Lompoc and other in Monterey. Vallejo or Benecia for commuting to Sacramento? But it could be different on some days; I'm not sure. 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. Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone, Kid friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay. Most restaurants tailor their menus to healthy eating instead of huge portions of high-carb foods. Too many people; California being one of the most populated cities makes people scramble for the limited space in the area. I think Hercules High is pretty strong (that is my school district). If you are checking out out the area, don't skip Glen Cove, which is next to Benicia. There are plenty of activities to enjoy when living in San Francisco. If you have advice on Napa, please post ! Yes, Florida is much cheaper than California because the cost of living is just 1% higher than the national average. When James Marshall discovered gold in the area, a surge of people came to make their fortune. You can relax at Baker Beach with your family and friends, enjoy one of the eccentric dive bars along the coast, or take a tour of the Museum of Modern Art. The housing market in San Francisco is pricing everyone out. 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 The public schools in Benicia are highly rated. Another interesting fact is that San Francisco is one of the few large metro areas where Latinos are the majority ethnicity, with 39.1% of the population coming from this background. People from Martinez drive, at least as far as my acquaintance goes. The BART is a little bit of a hike, but doable. Quality schools. If your teens are at all interested in sports, Benicia would be a great place for them! I honestly cant recall the last summer where imminent wildfire danger didnt stress me out. Here we have the 13 pros that we and the people in the video think are the best traits of living in Colombia. In fact, Los Angeles is the second most diverse cities in the country, second only to New York City. Though it is a suburb of Vallejo, it is significantly different. - CON: Expensive non-essentials Median real estate prices in Redding come in at $232,000, which is 43.3% lower than the California average. Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. Employment opportunities. Ill be the first to admit I dont know what the right solution for homelessness is, but I want to be transparent about it for anyone considering moving to California because you will notice it on a daily basis. Mountain living is ideal for people who appreciate peace, quiet, and the chance to inhabit their own little slice of mostly untouched nature. Several apartment complexes and condos offer these areas as well. The bridge commute isn't that bad, depending on timing. One thing you quickly learn after moving to California is that you will never go hungry. I highly recommend Benicia. Although not Napa or Sonoma, this is a historic town surrounded by the bay with a small-town feel and very family oriented. Pinole has a Peet's, In n Out, and a Trader Joe's. The city has a population of 27,780 people. I would strongly recommend Benicia if you guys were looking for a traditional affluent suburban experience with traditional schools, but it doesn't sound like that is what you want. Sign up for a yoga class on the beach and see what all the hype is about. There are many additional borrowing options available. Youll notice that there is a different flow to the traffic as well. Waisting paycheck to move to Cali. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. But back to CA- cost of housing is the biggest drawback for me. San Diego: On average, vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. Dictionary Entries Near pros and cons prosaist pros and cons Prosarthri See More Nearby Entries Cite this Entry Style Yet, if people are looking for a vacation spot that is relaxing and welcoming, Benicia is it. Private studio with shared pool - 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 IDR. I suggest that you try looking at Davis. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Redding are simply unattainable. Our (only) son went off to OSU (Oregon)3 years ago. Obviously there are always going to be exceptions to the rule, but by and large, I feel welcomed in California in a way I dont feel welcome elsewhere. vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. If you decide to start living here, then youll want to make sure that there is an emergency kit available for immediate access. 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. The 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco was estimated to be 7.9 8.25 with extreme shaking. If so, make sure to site a proper source otherwise you are not adding value to the conversation and everyones time is precious. Great parks. Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. The Capitol Corridor trains run several times each day, although the latest one to Oakland leaves Martinez at about 10:30 p.m. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! And seeing as Canadians are enjoying increased income, they'll have more to spend at your new business - easily making this one of the best pros and cons of living in Canada. Non-Latino Caucasians represent 37.2% of the population. 9. Low crime. The train goes along the Bay Shore, looking out at the Golden Gate. The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. 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. This makes me sad as a returning native of 6 years. There is a direct transfer point to BART in Richmond. The hipsters tend to stay in the Mission district, and then youll find the blue collar folks down by the Marina. 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. It has wonderful parks, a great community, very good public schools and the town itself is just a gem. Find a loan that's right for you. One of the reasons why people are consistently attracted to the idea of living in San Francisco is because of its emphasis on diversity. 1. 1. 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. Another really fun event is the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Ive lived in Sacramento twice- fun times, but you never have much money to spare. Posted on February 27, 2023 by laguardia airport food terminal c My husband is a professional musician (piano player) who makes his living playing for famous(and not so famous) singers. Los Angeles is considered one of the best food cities in America. All she said is true. The year over year appreciation rates in Redding were 4.4%, and the 5 year appreciation rates came in at 6.4%. Well, maybe Nevada City! A reasonable cost of living, good schools, family-friendly activities, and decent weather are the major draws to the city. When you can make ends meet, you will find that this city is one of the most magical places to be on the planet. And almost anywhere in the city, you can see the water. In San Francisco alone, tech accounts for 20.5% of all jobs, with the largest employers being Facebook, Netflix, Google, Yahoo, Apple and Tesla. I hope you found this post helpful. People don't care about each other. California has the largest network of public schools of any US state, but you know what else? 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. A waterfront City of 28,000, Benicia is known for its small-town charm, history, and high quality of life. you did not mention is the California Government. From the amazing landscapes to the diversity, to the warmth of the people and the low cost of living. When you look at the city, San Francisco and the Bay Area has the 19th-largest domestic economy in the world. San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living . And these are just prices for flights! 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. You do seem honest. You expressed some of the cons which I forgot about, such as income tax and of course the homelessness. Whenever I visit other cities, Im constantly met with enjoy your visit, but dont move here which stopped being funny in 2010. I think you are priced out of El Cerrito if you want to keep it under $700k, but should be able to get something nice in Pinole ifyou move quickly when you see a house you like. Gas is also usually $1-$2 more a gallon than most other states. You will also find some amazing mountains and wonderful outdoor activities. For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month. Con: Difficulty with access There are unique offerings in each area, with a lot of pros and cons to consider with each one, but there are also stereotypes that youll want to consider. 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. Property values. We also have friends in Roseville who absolutely love its family-friendliness and easy light rail commute into downtown Sac. We have a Trader Joe's, Sprouts, Peet's etc. Everyone is welcome, no matter what your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status happens to be. Half Moon Bay is only thirty minutes to the east of the city. 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. Again, some people are bothered by this and some are not. But moving here is a bad idea. In regards to smells or whatever from the oil refinery, we were probably there about a half dozen times for several hours each time, and we never smelled anything. Yet another thing to be mindful of while living in California are the constant droughts. Colombia is a beautiful country and has much to offer. highest homeless populations in the country, most expensive cities in America for home buyers, 7 EPIC Places to Visit in Death Valley (With 4-Wheel Drive), 20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Tucson (Locals Advice), 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Los Angeles, California. The cost of living in South Korea varies depending on the city one lives in. The median sale price is $407,500, which is lower than neighboring state of California. Friendly people. It is a wonderful small town.Good schools. She treated us super well and drove us around to give us a feel of the entire town. Needless to say, the houses cost a lot less in Roseville! The Lifestyle is Very Laid-Back Shorts, sunglasses, and sandals is the non-official uniform or "California look" of the Palm Springs lifestyle. Commute from Benicia to SF is a two-bridge commute. Actually sales tax was less there than the state Im in now (Louisiana)- so was car insurance. I know that not everyone will agree with this sentiment, but I find the people in California to be kind. Hands down, one of my favorite things about living in California is the diversity of the people. We arevery attached to living within the Bay Area, hence we would love to get your recommendation. Regardless, I hope you find it helpful. 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. All Rights Reserved. We just moved there from Oakland in February and absolutely love it! Does anyone have any negative or positive experiences with the above, especially the refinery. Thank you! 2. I grew up in Sacramento actaully Elk Grove before all those houses were built. You will find two active Major League Baseball teams in the Bay Area for you to catch a game. We live in Benicia, and moved here for the great schools. You are going to need some cash to make things happen if you want to start living here. It's only fitting to consider the pros and cons of this popular decision-making tool: The Pros Rigor. We're moving to the north bay area in couple of months. If you have any question, you can email me as well. There is a lot of activities that you can do in the city. Are you thinking about moving to California? P.S. Benicia has a refinery and on occasion you can smell it. I know some folks who live in Benicia and have spent a good bit of time there. Access to the beach In just two years, the population reached 25,000 people. 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. My 'husband' and I want to move to either Benicia or Pinole. My goal is to be part of a pretty active community in a walkable charming old seaport town. There may be a few flaws to living in Davis. In fact, California usually ranks as the worst 10-states for public education. The schools are well-rated. We looked at a lot of houses in Benicia. San Francisco was named one of the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world in 2019. Don't drive 29 miles/hr in a 25 mile zone, 'cause the cops will ticket you immediately. There is a neighborhood for everyone here, and most people can integrate into almost any living situation. Im a California native and have lived in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco over the past ten years. Ive never done anything like this before. The median home cost in Benicia is Real Estate: $763,400. Right now not for something specific like work or study, I just really need the change. The state has a fairly relaxed vibe to it, people seem to move at a slower pace. At least you wont be shoveling snow by the foot like people to the north are during the winter months from the same storms. Thanks. 8. Then you have the 7.25% state sales tax, which becomes 8.5% in San Francisco. You might even say that socialization doesnt really happen unless you bring your dog along. Benicia is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. It's affortable and close to Easy Bay. All three of the major cities in California clock in as some of the most expensive cities in the entire country. 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. Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. When you move to California, one thing will become clear very quickly California is proof that climate change is real. Fourth of July is one such day. Even if you want a studio apartment, youre going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. It's much more of a state of mind than Pinole! You can also find affordable rentals around the state in popular cities like Henderson, where a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,700. Based on the housing stock, population density, and the proximity of amenities of the area. 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. I did a year-long stint in New York City and the harsh winter made leaving an easy choice. 6. Please keep in mind that this is a personal list, not everyone will feel the same way. Everyone gathers at the green field at the end of 1st Street and watches the fire works. Benicia has a violent crime rate of 99 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average. 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. And it's one of the most underrated, which means it's not as full of tourists as other places, like Montreal and Vancouver. Please. I recall a particularly bad stretch where residents were asked to save shower water to water plants. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Benicia are simply unattainable. Assuming that Benicia meets all of your requirements, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Benicia. This goes hand-in-hand with the constant sunshine, but California has some of the mildest winters in the country. Could u please share your views about moving to Texas? Because of the citys location near fault lines, there is always the lingering threat of the Big One that exists in residents minds. We are very excited. The crime rate is high; 20.3%, 3 times (in 100,000 people) more than the entire US itself. 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. Wildfires have been engulfing the west coast in record numbers over the past few years and California has definitely been hit the hardest. 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. Pros of Living in Australia One of the many benefits of living in Australia is its healthcare. We absolutely love this community!! Moving to California means leaving behind bitter winters and freezing temperatures, which greatly improves my quality of life. I would love feedback. A con. Benicia or Martinez for commute to Oakland? It might also be worth noting that 63% of residents also have children under the age of 18. Costumes are a way of life in San Francisco. 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. Housing prices are comical (well, they would be if they werent reality). The economy across the entire Bay Area is on fire right now. 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. I don't think I could ever find a more lovely town. Many employers offer free shuttles and other transportation services. I want to live where the boys can have a little freedom with stuff to do but not in a big city. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The community is warm and friendly, the schools are very good, there are many (!) 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 Disadvantages of a Living Trust Funding a Trust Is Expensive . Im glad Im not the only one feeling this. Taxes are high in San Francisco, but this disadvantage applies to the entire state of California. Taxes too high. California is a pay to play state, theres no way around it. 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. Benicia is no more than 10 minutes from Vallejo. Manage Settings The United States would annex California in 1846, with the USS Portsmouth sailing into San Francisco Bay to raise the American flag. Hard to complain about that! There are lots of job opportunities available in San Francisco. 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.) Purchasing your new home can come with many financial benefits, some of which are more lucrative than others. 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. Carrie. Have you ever consider Benicia? Despite devastating fires and earthquakes in its early history, the people rebuilt the city to make it the wonderful place it is today. I had that experience originally being from wine country area. 8. Thanks to its temperate climate, it is also one of the best walking communities in the United States. If you dont have a car, public transportation is the breeding ground for all the above. 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. We live next to Benicia, but technically are zip coded as Vallejo. Hmm. Niche is not a lender and does not endorse the products of these advertisers. Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. Re: Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone Some costumes in the city are elaborate. thank you Hmm. Benicia has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #160 in California and #4,047 in the USA. I recently moved from Berkeley to Benicia because, like you, we needed more space and couldn't afford more space in Berkeley. Also fairly close to a Macys without having to get on any major highways. The Inland Empire has an economy larger than the entire state of Kansas or the country of Hungary. 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. Over 80% of the city was destroyed at the time, 3,000 people were killed, and 250,000 were left homeless. A waterfront City of 28,000, Benicia is known for its small-town charm, history, and high quality of life. Dont base your schedule on what it tells you. If you choose the back part of Pinole Valley, you get to send your daughter to Ellerhorst, which is a very good school. Neighborhood define you in San Francisco. 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. Redding has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. It has such a strong community feeling, between the residents, police and fire teams, business owners, etc. Heres the stats on traffic for the three most populous cities in California: Los Angeles horrendous traffic is known the world over and the proof is in the pudding. A couple of them are atypical learners/creative types. For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Redding: Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and Sacramento River Trail. 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. We currently live in LA and are pre-retirement. Select any tags that apply to this area. 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 dont see this improving anytime soon so when you move to California youll need to learn how to better conserve water. 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? Some may even offer excursions to other parts of the peninsula and the bay so that you can get out and about on your weekend. ben suarez bread / joseph wiley kim burrell / pragmatic theory of truth pros and cons. 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. This may be the most honest review of anything (period) Ive ever read on the internet. Suburb Population 27,191 However, a high crime rate, high cost for shelter, and lagging economy might be a problem. Fitness is a priority in San Francisco. 7. P.S. 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. I'm considering a move to Benicia in the next few months. If you are trying to get somewhere during rush hour, then you need to avoid all of the highways at all costs. 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. A great and safe community with a lots of parks. 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. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of . Weather In Colombia. 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. It only takes one missed stop to figure that issue out. The Pros And Cons Of Living In Each State. Pros and cons of living in Wisconsin: Bottom line. We are also less than 20mins away from Napa. Suburbs with the Best Public Schools in California, Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in California, Places with the Best Public Schools in California. 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. When making a big move. At present, California is the worst state in the country for fire dangers. 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. I mean, its no coincidence that California has more national parks than any other state and draws millions of visitors annually. 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. The downtown area is pretty flat, so it is perfect for strolling around or bicycling.