When making a big move. I memorized a script. There are clearly many advantages of living in the city. There is no way I can be a home owner in this day and age. You can get to the Fairfield store from Benicia without getting on busy highways. #5. We have two children under 2. The city has a population of 27,780 people. 7. Dont base your schedule on what it tells you. 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). Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. There are two NFL teams in the region as well. My biggest concern is the social aspect. Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Redding on a regular basis. Thanks. The town puts on wonderful holiday celebrations and the entire town comes out to celebrate. You are welcome to email me if you have any questions. 5. People tend to drive faster and with more aggression, so youll need to turn up your defensive driving skills a notch. You are going to need some cash to make things happen if you want to start living here. I'm wondering if being in Martinez would actually save that much time compared with Benicia. Unlike wills, trusts require that you give up direct ownership of that property. Home appreciation the last 10 years has been 6.1%. We absolutely love this community!! 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). Those are awful places to live with skewed statistics on crime and things because it isnt a total picture of this great state. I take my daughter to a lot of activities in Benicia. I'd suggest spending a full day in each. 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. Perhaps one of my favorite things about living in California is the constant sunshine. Benicia is a very sleepy town with a little bid of Santa Cruz feel to it. If your teens are at all interested in sports, Benicia would be a great place for them! All Rights Reserved. Fitness is a priority in San Francisco. Its hard to enjoy everything the state has to offer if you arent bringing in a considerable annual income. There are tons of community events, it is very safe, has that small-town feeling and is still affordable. 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. Savannah Savannah is one of the most popular cities in Georgia. 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. I worked in Benicia for 5 years (commuting from Berkeley), and spent time in Vallejo for work purposes during that job. That said, groceries, utilities, public transport and even alcohol are all reasonably priced compared to the prices in most Western countries. Yet, if people are looking for a vacation spot that is relaxing and welcoming, Benicia is it. Benicia has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #160 in California and #4,047 in the USA. Unless you live in a high-elevation area, youll seldom see snow and can count on sunshine even in the dead of winter. 1. Yeah Im somewhere in a similar predicament. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. You displayed the positive of moving to California and the negative alike. That places it just one spot behind Los Angeles and one spot ahead of Switzerland yes, the country. House very expensive old features. 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. The median sale price is $407,500, which is lower than neighboring state of California. 2. I have great news, you should be able to stave off boredom while living in California because theres never a shortage of fun things to do! Both times we were military and received housing allowance. I'm considering a move to Benicia in the next few months. Our initial concern about this town is that there is a refinery , but it hasn't bothered us at all since we've been here (about 6 months). I hate to burst your bubble, but lets look at the numbers. Overall, Valero is the economic engine of town - largest employer, taxpayer, etc. happy empty nesters. Living in California is a tale of extremes extreme wealth and extreme poverty. Half Moon Bay is only thirty minutes to the east of the city. Get approval in minutes. When James Marshall discovered gold in the area, a surge of people came to make their fortune. 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. Not others. Benicia is a small town on the carquinez strait bordering Vallejo. Benicia has a violent crime rate of 99 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average. Theres so much of the state that is not La San Francisco San Diego. Im terrified. 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. A reasonable cost of living, good schools, family-friendly activities, and decent weather are the major draws to the city. Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. Benicia is no more than 10 minutes from Vallejo. Santa Rosa is at least an hour's drive from Vallejo. thank you Hmm. Hello and welcome to the Bay! I think it is considered a ''safe'' town, and it is convenient to the Vallejo Ferry or casual carpool for commuting into the city. The price of most rentals is very reasonable and the houses are very nice. Very valuable information. I suggest that you try looking at Davis. Expensive energy costs; the cost of gasoline and electricity is very high in California compared to other states. Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. In total, more than 72% of the population is classified as married and 67% have kids. what if i am moving to cali for a decent paying tech job ? Even if you want a studio apartment, you're going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. Have you ever consider Benicia??? A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon. Our budget is around $2200 a month. It is very safe and family oriented. However, it is a great middle ground for a road trip. We were looking for a family friendly community with good schools in the area and we stumbled upon Benicia. Although its gotten more expensive (like everywhere else) this last year, its still affordable compared to other nice parts of the Bay Area. Con: Difficulty with access There are plenty of activities to enjoy when living in San Francisco. 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. Actually sales tax was less there than the state Im in now (Louisiana)- so was car insurance. Our kids are 15, 13, 11 and 8, so high school, middle and elementary. Ive never done anything like this before. Overall, most people seem to be okay with living in Chico. vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. Based on the proximity of local amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, librairies, etc., Benicia has received a higher than average score for its local amenities. This makes me sad as a returning native of 6 years. 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. There is a neighborhood for everyone here, and most people can integrate into almost any living situation. 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. 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. I can't really think of anything negative. Niche may be compensated by the third party lenders and others who place ads on the website. With a livability score of 62/100, Redding is ranked #21,245 in the United States and #856 in California. It has such a strong community feeling, between the residents, police and fire teams, business owners, etc. We looked at a lot of houses in Benicia. Hi I'm a mom with two teen boys. 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. Every neighborhood has a couple of dog parks that offer an expansive area for leash-free running. Los Angeles is considered one of the best food cities in America. There is plenty of fog that rolls through the city as well. There is a significant homeless population in the city as well, especially in the core, where youre going to find a higher crime rate, unsanitary conditions at times, and encounters with people who are desperate for a fix, down on their luck, or struggling with their mental health. Thats when the name of the city changed for the full-time population of about 800 people. From the striking sunny coastline of Southern California to the towering cliffs of Big Sur, youll be privy to every natural wonder in between. All the advantages of Benicia at Vallejo housing prices. The public schools in Benicia are highly rated. We will be renting. I live in Benicia. The landscape is as diverse as it gets and changes drastically from north to south. 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. Colombia is a beautiful country and has much to offer. This goes hand-in-hand with the relaxed vibe. There are many additional borrowing options available. I recall a particularly bad stretch where residents were asked to save shower water to water plants. Redding has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. 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 Lifestyle is Very Laid-Back Shorts, sunglasses, and sandals is the non-official uniform or "California look" of the Palm Springs lifestyle. In addition to being a great spot in the state of Georgia, it is also a great spot in the United States. (Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland; excellent conversation starters in their own right). 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. In Oceanside, the cost of living is 43.8% higher than the national average. Making the effort to think through all possible pros and cons of a given course of. Any time you add a bridge to the equation, it gets dicey, so in general I'd say Martinez is better than Benicia strictly from the commute perspective. I travel often for work, so access to airports is a strong consideration when moving to a new city. More Education Best Places to Live in Benicia Rankings View All Living in Redding can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. 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. But which state is best to stay for a loner like me who has zero support from any angle. About half of the buses also require that you step down into the steps to get the back door to open. I have friends in Benicia who say the schools are good, but I have not checked that out as a fact. Benicia is a small, family-friendly town and we have lots of fun downtown activities for families and teens. If you work in tech or film, theres no better place to live than California. Ive lived in Sacramento twice- fun times, but you never have much money to spare. Pinole is OK. This city and its surrounding suburbs are a great place to live, and with the help of Landing, your move can be stress-free and on your terms. You have access to cabs, bicycles, scooters, buses, trollies, and light rail so that you can access almost any part of the city. So Im thinking of relocating to California, myself. One thing I do miss about Berkeley/Oakland/Albany are the amazing restaurants, but my kids are little so we rarely go out anyway. I hope you found this post helpful. Please keep in mind that this is a personal list, not everyone will feel the same way. 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. We just moved there from Oakland in February and absolutely love it! If you have advice on Napa, please post ! Despite devastating fires and earthquakes in its early history, the people rebuilt the city to make it the wonderful place it is today. Compare today's top mortgage and refinancing providers. The downtown area is pretty flat, so it is perfect for strolling around or bicycling. I not ready to drop off the vine yet, but I want a lifestyle change. 6. 1. It was a film for San Francisco City Sights where I discussed the pros and cons of that Organization. At this point, anyone living in California knows that wildfires are inevitable during the summer and we actually plan around them. 3. Rent is ridiculous and taxes will take up to 60% of your income. MUNI is the public transportation system in San Francisco where you can hop onto a bus to get around the city. You cant beat the weather and people who live here love it. Several businesses allow them as well, even if they are not a service animal. 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. California is a pay to play state, theres no way around it. 4. If youre planning on moving to California, heres a quick recap of the pros and cons of living in California. First Street is completely blocked off and it is filled with people in the holiday spirit. See, I can't say enough good things about it. She developedasthma after moving there. You can also find affordable rentals around the state in popular cities like Henderson, where a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,700. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. 2. Are you thinking about moving to California? My aunt lives in Sacramento and I refuse to visit her in summer because I just cant deal with the oppressing heat. The core downtown area is kinda cute, but Benicia's got it beat by a landslide. JL. Although there are free parking options outside of the city center, the average monthly rate to keep your vehicle stored while you work comes to about $310 per month. Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. 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. William Richardson, an Englishman, is considered the founder of the city, which he established in 1835. There are lots of job opportunities available in San Francisco. Some places in Florida have been ranked 8% lower to 18% higher in cost compared to the average American city. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of living in Wisconsin before moving there. You will need to deal with the tax situation when living in San Francisco. Mountain living is ideal for people who appreciate peace, quiet, and the chance to inhabit their own little slice of mostly untouched nature. You can embrace your creativity when living in San Francisco. If you're looking for a broker, the woman we worked with, Brenda Turner-Adams, was awesome. We are from a small city in south florida. 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. What's the crime rate in Benicia California? Gas is also usually $1-$2 more a gallon than most other states. California is home to nine national parks, which means it has more national parks than any other state in America, including Alaska! Neither town is great for commuting to Oakland. Rental rates. 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. Median real estate prices in Redding come in at $232,000, which is 43.3% lower than the California average. Benicia, CA is a seaside town that people think of when they think "getaway vacation". Suburbs with the Best Public Schools in California, Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in California, Places with the Best Public Schools in California. Benicia is a nice little town, and the Carquinez Strait is really lovely. Several apartment complexes and condos offer these areas as well. Thanks again I really appreciate it. We live in Benicia, and moved here for the great schools. The schools are well-rated. In Benicia there are a lot of parks. If you decide to start living here, then youll want to make sure that there is an emergency kit available for immediate access. All she said is true. Like do people carpool from Benicia to 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. . At the beginning of 2021, the median home price was around $382,000. The state is overcrowded. 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. According to the most recent Census, 72% of Benicia residents are White, 12% Asian and 6% Black. Like wills, living trusts (formally known as revocable trusts) list the people who will receive your property after you die, leaving you free to manage it while you're alive. Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. Commute from Benicia to SF is a two-bridge commute. Have you looked at Benicia? My husband is a professional musician (piano player) who makes his living playing for famous(and not so famous) singers. 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. 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. There are also several celebrations that you can only find in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and Bay to Breakers. 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). 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. If I had to guess, Id probably say its not realistic unless you have a hefty savings account. 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. We lived in California in the past two other times, once in Lompoc and other in Monterey. There is very little police protection. Needless to say, the houses cost a lot less in Roseville! I did a year-long stint in New York City and the harsh winter made leaving an easy choice. Living in PR means, you will be living in lines for everything as well. Davis makes the most sense. I need to move out of here. The median home cost in Benicia is Real Estate: $763,400. Cost of Living in Benicia, California Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. Get some big dogs and move to Benicia! Fuel is also expensive, averaging $4.20 per gallon in May 2019, making it the most expensive place to fill up in the country. California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and its not hard to see why. Pros of Living in Australia One of the many benefits of living in Australia is its healthcare. San Diego: On average, vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. I mean, its no coincidence that California has more national parks than any other state and draws millions of visitors annually. The year over year appreciation rates in Redding were 4.4%, and the 5 year appreciation rates came in at 6.4%. People there either take the 80 express bus to SF, or drive to Del Norte BART, park there, and BART into SF from there. One of the reasons why people are consistently attracted to the idea of living in San Francisco is because of its emphasis on diversity. California has the largest network of public schools of any US state, but you know what else? And even in mid-winter, the temperature during the day averages 16C / 61F.