The road tripping opportunities are endless, you can spend days at the beach or peruse a plethora of museums or attend world-class events. If we take a look at the data, we can find out why. At present, California is the worst state in the country for fire dangers. Apparently, there hasn't been a day below freezing since 1985. A reasonable cost of living, good schools, family-friendly activities, and decent weather are the major draws to the city. We'd also love to hear about neighborhoods. Is buying and building a home in Smith River, Ca any better when it comes to the cons you stated. While this is still lower than California's cost of living, it's high enough to be expensive for most people. People in the city take this issue very seriously. 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. Thanks again, really appreciate it . Private studio with shared pool - 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 IDR. Making the effort to think through all possible pros and cons of a given course of. A Benicia public option is bus to Vallejo Transit Center from Benicia. One thing I do miss about Berkeley/Oakland/Albany are the amazing restaurants, but my kids are little so we rarely go out anyway. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Benicia ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (A), weather (B+), education (B-) and employment (B). Its hard to enjoy everything the state has to offer if you arent bringing in a considerable annual income. 2. Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. Please. 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. She developedasthma after moving there. What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Chico, CA? Im terrified. Living in Redding can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. Pinole is not too far from the Rodeo refinery although I don't recall ever smelling it. 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. 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 landscape is as diverse as it gets and changes drastically from north to south. Vallejo has a bad rap about crime; Benicia has a large oil refinery in town, with the environmental concerns that entails; you'd want to research each of those issues extensively, as well as your school options, before committing. We really like the look of homes in downtown Martinez and our commute to Richmond on the 4. I also have found from talking to my artsy friends who grew up in Benicia that they felt fairly isolated as teenagers because they were just that little bit too far from Berkeley/San Francisco and most teen activities were focused around sports. Redding has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. 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. William Richardson, an Englishman, is considered the founder of the city, which he established in 1835. Pinole has easy access to the rest of the Bay Area but much more limited bay access. San Diego: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment clocks in at a steep $2,400 and the median home price is currently $765,000 (and rising annually). We're moving to the north bay area in couple of months. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. I take my daughter to a lot of activities in Benicia. Benicia has lots of open space, a state park on the water, and plenty of places to hike. Based on violent and property crime rates. The housing market in San Francisco is pricing everyone out. There is no doubt that living in San Francisco is expense. Unlike wills, trusts require that you give up direct ownership of that property. Hear what they say to your face then listen closely what they say behind your back. Fairfield is probably 20 minutes away and Vacaville is about 30 minutes away. You'll have access to amenities like an extensive trail system . Happy in Benicia, We are considering a move to Benicia with our two small children. Pros of Living in Australia One of the many benefits of living in Australia is its healthcare. Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. You dont even need to make a drive to a national park if youre not feeling up to it because youll still be privy to incredible nature that surrounds most cities in California, this is a nature enthusiasts dream. Fuel is also expensive, averaging $4.20 per gallon in May 2019, making it the most expensive place to fill up in the country. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. People are very interested in each other and generally extremely friendly. You might even say that socialization doesnt really happen unless you bring your dog along. Living In. Therfore just to visit weekend ok but not to live in Cali. Pros and cons Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster 19 Pros and Cons of Living in San Antonio, Texas, 17 Pros and Cons of Living in Sarasota, Florida, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. 30 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK 1. There are plenty of opportunities for you to create a startup in this environment as well. Non-Latino Caucasians represent 37.2% of the population. The town is very laid back, so the police officers seem to jump on any violation where they can. Property values. Lucky for me, California is home to 12 international airports (including LAX, the second largest airport in America). 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 have worked for both cities but not lived in either. Dont trust Google for your public transportation schedules. Here are 5 benefits of living in California. One of the reasons why people are consistently attracted to the idea of living in San Francisco is because of its emphasis on diversity. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon. 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. 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. For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month. There are lots of job opportunities available in San Francisco. California is not the place you want to come to without knowing anybody. 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 can easily join a fitness class, a sports league, or some other favorite activity to start making friends when living in San Francisco. Well done, well said and bravo for being honest. Or is there a bus? Colombia is a beautiful country and has much to offer. Despite devastating fires and earthquakes in its early history, the people rebuilt the city to make it the wonderful place it is today. 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. pragmatic theory of truth pros and cons 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.) California would have the fifth-largest economy in the world if the state were an independent nation. Pros and Cons of living in Barcelona - 10 best and worst things Since most everyone moving to California arrives with a car, you can expect nightmarish traffic to become part of your daily life in California. There is more access to healthier food choices, including the presence of several farmers markets throughout the city. 5. Have you ever consider Benicia??? 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. Living in California is a tale of extremes extreme wealth and extreme poverty. The train goes along the Bay Shore, looking out at the Golden Gate. If you have a dog that is coming with you to San Francisco, then both of you are in for a fantastic time. Not each of them applies to every state. And the school are highly rated. Rental rates. Niche is not a lender and does not endorse the products of these advertisers. But if you choose to live in a city further inland, you can expect blazing hot summers. 35 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK: Should You - Nina Out and About The community is warm and friendly, the schools are very good, there are many (!) 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. The best areas in Benicia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Thanks. For me, it would depend on what kind of town I want to live in, schools, etc. 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 public schools in Benicia are highly rated. 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. Our kids are 15, 13, 11 and 8, so high school, middle and elementary. Most expats find that living in South Korea is an efficient way to save money. 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. 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. One feature that Martinez has that Benicia does not have is a direct connection on Amtrak from Jack London Square (or West Berkeley). It is very much a small town. And even in mid-winter, the temperature during the day averages 16C / 61F. . Yet, if people are looking for a vacation spot that is relaxing and welcoming, Benicia is it. Benicia City Hall, 250 East L Street Benicia, CA 94510 Phone: (707) 746-4200, Open: Monday - Thursday from: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and alternating Fridays, Finance Department Open: Monday Thursday from: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and alternating Fridays, Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program, Objective Standards for Mixed Use and Multifamily Housing, Public Information Bank - Hazardous Materials. Even if you want a studio apartment, you're going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. Thank you! This will be a big change for us. I travel often for work, so access to airports is a strong consideration when moving to a new city. There are many additional borrowing options available. 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. 7. We were looking for a family friendly community with good schools in the area and we stumbled upon Benicia. Never noticed till gone for awhile, but a lot of the kindness and friendliness is a phoney act. I think Hercules High is pretty strong (that is my school district). However, a high crime rate, high cost for shelter, and lagging economy might be a problem. 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. Select any tags that apply to this area. 4. Benicia is by far more attractive with a larger historic district downtown and more view corridors of the bay. California has the largest network of public schools of any US state, but you know what else? I was born and raised in the East Bay. Is California A Good Place to Live? Pros and Cons of Living in There is a wonderful library and community pool and lots more. Costumes are a way of life in San Francisco. The traffic in San Francisco is legendarily terrible. Amy, Re: Kid friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay Benicia may be a bit too far North for you, but it is an amazing little treasure. I dont see this improving anytime soon so when you move to California youll need to learn how to better conserve water. This could be due to factors like a faster pace of life . Benicia is one of the the best places to raise a family in the Bay Area right now. I work for Macys and am scared to death to drive out there (foolish I Know) . Find a loan that's right for you. Heres a real-life example: A close friend of mine works for Patagonia and jokes that suits are all but banned from the company. People don't care about each other. Fourth of July is one such day. vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. Theres so much of the state that is not La San Francisco San Diego. I recently moved from Berkeley to Benicia because, like you, we needed more space and couldn't afford more space in Berkeley. First Street is completely blocked off and it is filled with people in the holiday spirit. Though it is a suburb of Vallejo, it is significantly different. Both cities are relatively well-run, as these things go; I'd give Pinole the administrative edge. 2. Los Angeles is considered one of the best food cities in America. Come to our farmers market and check out the town- every Thursday from 4-8. 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. A commute of around 45 min from Valejo is ok. Also can you reccomend any good rental agents? When youre used to the hotter, dryer climates in the southern part of the state, then living in this city can feel downright chilly. The hipsters tend to stay in the Mission district, and then youll find the blue collar folks down by the Marina. My husband is a professional musician (piano player) who makes his living playing for famous(and not so famous) singers. Everyone gathers at the green field at the end of 1st Street and watches the fire works. And if you're looking to be as remote as possible, there are plenty of opportunities to live in the mountains without any neighbors in eyesight. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is the city is $3,108 per month. Traffic and homeless is not something to fun to see they are in need of help but no one can. Sure, come visit for awhile. Living in the city: Pros and cons - Common I was born and raised in the Monterey Bay area and forced by parents to move away. 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax: Should You Move to Nova Scotia Benicia is no more than 10 minutes from Vallejo. 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. However, it is a great middle ground for a road trip. Benicia or Martinez for commute to Oakland? The cost of living in San Francisco is equally high. Knowing if your home will appreciate on a long term or even a short term basis should be factored into your decision making. Every neighborhood has a couple of dog parks that offer an expansive area for leash-free running. If you are moving to the area with your family, then Noe Valley tends to be the place where you end up. With a livability score of 62/100, Redding is ranked #21,245 in the United States and #856 in California. Over 80% of the city was destroyed at the time, 3,000 people were killed, and 250,000 were left homeless. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. I hate to burst your bubble, but lets look at the numbers. It doesn't feel very diverse and it doesn't really feel like it's part of the Bay Area proper. Pros of Living in California: The Amazing Weather That Always Brings a Smile to Your Face: There is no one I can find who complains about California's weather. Pros and cons of living in Wisconsin: Bottom line. Sales tax is the highest in the nation. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Redding: Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and Sacramento River Trail. The United States would annex California in 1846, with the USS Portsmouth sailing into San Francisco Bay to raise the American flag. All three of the major cities in California clock in as some of the most expensive cities in the entire country. Commute from Benicia to SF is a two-bridge commute. I need to move out of here. There is a local park that the locals are hoping the state does not close. Since Im being honest, Id like to point out that wildfires will become a part of your daily vocabulary while living in California. There is a neighborhood for everyone here, and most people can integrate into almost any living situation. Parking is a significant problem as well. If so, youll be joining many other Californians in the most populous state in the country. 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. Pinole has a Peet's, In n Out, and a Trader Joe's. Hi! Benicia, CA is a seaside town that people think of when they think "getaway vacation". 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. This is a city that is often said to be a "love it or hate it" type . One thing you quickly learn after moving to California is that you will never go hungry. So Im thinking of relocating to California, myself. Dont base your schedule on what it tells you. I know that not everyone will agree with this sentiment, but I find the people in California to be kind. Sorry Cali. The Pros and Cons of Revocable Living Trusts - The Balance 25 Pros And Cons Of Living In San Diego (Updated 2023) - Home Mindset I couldnt agree more! People from Benicia drive to Pleasant Hill BART if they're going to take BART. Gas is also usually $1-$2 more a gallon than most other states. 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. Pros And Cons Of Living In Colombia - How To Expat In addition to being a great spot in the state of Georgia, it is also a great spot in the United States. . That means youll want to bring a jacket and an umbrella whenever you head out. Our budget is around $2200 a month. Santa Rosa is at least an hour's drive from Vallejo. And it's one of the most underrated, which means it's not as full of tourists as other places, like Montreal and Vancouver. Kelly, Hmm, well, I worked in Benicia for many years and was never seriously tempted to live there. The pros and cons of living in San Francisco will always look at the cost first. You can get to the Fairfield store from Benicia without getting on busy highways. This time however we will be moving due to a civilian job to Ventura. We are looking for any feedback, both positive and/or negative, in regards to the community, schools, neighborhoods, and refinery. Good luck on your move! Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. Benicia is very family oriented with lots of parks and a weekly farmers market that has a petting zoo with pony rides. 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? #3. 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. Sacramento is underrated as a city---it's really on the upswing as people migrate their to escape the prices in the Bay. Moving to California means leaving behind bitter winters and freezing temperatures, which greatly improves my quality of life. 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. Although not Napa or Sonoma, this is a historic town surrounded by the bay with a small-town feel and very family oriented. As another poster mentioned, with either Benicia or Martinez you would have to drive to Pleasant Hill Bart. That means you can use the money that youd spend on your car payment, automotive insurance, and fuel to ease the burden of your rental costs in the city. Overall, most people seem to be okay with living in Chico. I know some folks who live in Benicia and have spent a good bit of time there. 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Canada! - Girl With The Passport But moving here is a bad idea. Did you ever live in any other state for any amount of time? If you arent involved in the high-tech sector, there are still excellent jobs in healthcare, hospitality, and indirect positions that contribute to the economy. Moving to California means leaving behind bitter winters and freezing temperatures, which greatly improves my quality of life. 10 Pros And Cons Of Living In California To get us rolling. Year after year, California tops the list as having the most devastating fires in the country and the trend seems to be getting worse nearly 12 million acres were burned in 2020 alone. Using data from weather, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages. 5. Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. Hi I'm a mom with two teen boys. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Redding are simply unattainable. The claims of 60% will go to taxes are ludicrous- yes taxes are high, but not to the point of bankrupting you. European settlers first started coming to San Francisco Bay in the early 19th century, but it wouldnt be until 1828 when Jedediah Smith crossed the Sierra Nevada Mountains that permanent settlements were considered in the area. Unless you live in a high-elevation area, youll seldom see snow and can count on sunshine even in the dead of winter. Pros and Cons of Living in California BART to downtown Oakland. Im glad Im not the only one feeling this. 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? 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. You can also make it to Napa Valley in about an hour when heading to the north. We are looking in Novato, Petaluma, Santa Rosa or Fairfield/Vacaville, Concord areas. The Davis Farmers' Market has been named the best in the country, and for good reason. I dont know who can afford homes anymore. Canada is Beautiful Let's face it - Canada is one of the most Instagrammable (read, stunningly beautiful) places in the world. Have you ever consider Benicia? #5. JOJ, We live in Benicia and really like it. You will find people in the city throughout the entire year where trying to figure out if that is what they usually wear or they are dressed up for a specific occasion. You can walk to the local park, but everything else is about 1.5 miles away. 9. Perhaps the most notable benefit could be the appreciation of your new home. It seems we can afford Benicia, Martinez and parts of Concord. Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. I grew up in Sacramento actaully Elk Grove before all those houses were built. Too many people; California being one of the most populated cities makes people scramble for the limited space in the area. According to the most recent Census, 72% of Benicia residents are White, 12% Asian and 6% Black. But these are the things most people are looking for. Compared to the United States average, Benicia ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! 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. In fact, most of my friends and neighbors in LA were part-time actors who spent most of their free time looking for gigs. Crime is crazy and cut backs on law enforcement has made it worse. Taxes are high in San Francisco, but this disadvantage applies to the entire state of California. It really is a beautiful hidden gem in the Bay Area and I feel lucky to live here! Living in Australia: What You Need to Know Before You Move - InterNations You can also catch the NBA, NHL, and MLS when living in the city. It is very safe and family oriented. We considered buying in Benicia around this time last year. Not too cold either. We are very excited. Half Moon Bay is only thirty minutes to the east of the city.