1. Benicia is no more than 10 minutes from Vallejo. Colombia is a beautiful country and has much to offer. Just an FYI that Amtrak runs from Martinez to Jack London Sq in Oakland - so that might be another option. I live in Benicia. beautiful parks and the social activities in town are always wonderful. There are two NFL teams in the region as well. ), and of course the accommodation itself. From the striking sunny coastline of Southern California to the towering cliffs of Big Sur, youll be privy to every natural wonder in between. I had that experience originally being from wine country area. Living in PR means, you will be living in lines for everything as well. As another poster mentioned, with either Benicia or Martinez you would have to drive to Pleasant Hill Bart. . The cost of living in California is 49.9% above the national average, which means you have to earn significantly higher here. Select any tags that apply to this area. 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. The BART is a little bit of a hike, but doable. Not as familiar with the central county high schools. Im glad Im not the only one feeling this. Ive lived in Sacramento twice- fun times, but you never have much money to spare. If you want to rent in San Francisco, then you can expect to pay a lot for that option too. Several businesses allow them as well, even if they are not a service animal. The best areas in Benicia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. We are looking for any feedback, both positive and/or negative, in regards to the community, schools, neighborhoods, and refinery. Youll have a plethora of Micheline-Star restaurants and phenomenal cheap eats to choose from. There is very little police protection. And the scenery is amazingly beautiful! The refineries are all ''down wind'' and don't really have any impact on your quality of life. There are lots of job opportunities available in San Francisco. Thank you. 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. 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. Can you share your insights? 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. Neither town is great for commuting to Oakland. Since Im being honest, Id like to point out that wildfires will become a part of your daily vocabulary while living in California. An amount below 100 means Benicia is cheaper than the US average. Hi I'm a mom with two teen boys. Even stores like Walgreens sell produce in the city. This goes hand-in-hand with the constant sunshine, but California has some of the mildest winters in the country. I love the East Bay especially Berkeley. One feature that Martinez has that Benicia does not have is a direct connection on Amtrak from Jack London Square (or West Berkeley). At this point, anyone living in California knows that wildfires are inevitable during the summer and we actually plan around them. Perhaps the most notable benefit could be the appreciation of your new home. I not ready to drop off the vine yet, but I want a lifestyle change. Im guessing youve never live on your own. Don't drive 29 miles/hr in a 25 mile zone, 'cause the cops will ticket you immediately. BART to downtown Oakland. If you have any question, you can email me as well. We absolutely love this community!! But back to CA- cost of housing is the biggest drawback for me. I think Hercules High is pretty strong (that is my school district). The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is the city is $3,108 per month. California would have the fifth-largest economy in the world if the state were an independent nation. If you live downtown, you can walk to everything without a car. Average temperatures vary by city, but by and large, you can expect highs around 69F in the winter and 80-85F in the summer. Disadvantages of a Living Trust Funding a Trust Is Expensive . Not sure which area would be best. 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. The pros and cons of living in San Francisco will always look at the cost first. Have you looked at Benicia? Chose Glen Cove over Benicia, Re: Safe, family--oriented neighborhood? Given that and the increased time and cost, I'm wondering if I should consider Martinez instead although I really wanted to be in Benicia. I am a teacher in an adjacentschool district and know many, many teachers who work for Benicia Unified. You can get to the Fairfield store from Benicia without getting on busy highways. There is plenty of fog that rolls through the city as well. The weather is always nice enough in San Francisco to get outside, so youll see people enjoying the outdoors through hiking and cycling. Benicia is a very sleepy town with a little bid of Santa Cruz feel to it. Also does anyone know of resources for commuters from Benicia? Pros of Living in Palm Springs The desert resort city of Palm Springs is the axis point of affordable California living and full-scale luxury amenities. Your property taxes are going to be higher if you own too since the property values are skyrocketing in the city. Most expats find that living in South Korea is an efficient way to save money. 1. Im a California native and have lived in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco over the past ten years. 2 : good points and bad points Each technology has its pros and cons. There are tons of community events, it is very safe, has that small-town feeling and is still affordable. Benicia is known to be family friendly as more than 76% of the population has already tied the knot. Fees that Niche receives for ads do not affect the terms you may be offered by the lender you choose. There are clearly many advantages of living in the city. Most restaurants tailor their menus to healthy eating instead of huge portions of high-carb foods. We live next to Benicia, but technically are zip coded as Vallejo. 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. Benicia is in Solano County. One of the reasons why the housing market and rental costs are so high in San Francisco is because the economy is strong, diverse, and consistent. 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. Living in Benicia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. A second silver rush in 1859 helped to keep the city active, and then the transcontinental railroad provided a direct connection with the rest of the country. It also feels much less crowded here than it does everywhere else. Even if you want a studio apartment, youre going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. I grew up in Sacramento actaully Elk Grove before all those houses were built. In the past year, appreciation rates for homes in the Benicia area were 5.8% and 5 year appreciation rates were 10.7%. Everyone is welcome, no matter what your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status happens to be. 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. 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. Specialties: 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments in San Ramon, CA Welcome to Muirlands at Windemere Apartments! If you dont have a car, public transportation is the breeding ground for all the above. Even when your goal is to get over to Oakland or down to San Jose, youre going to need to budget plenty of extra time to reach your destination. Apparently, there hasn't been a day below freezing since 1985. 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. 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. Our oldest grandson (who is 20 years old) graduated from Benicia High School and is doing extremely well in college. When James Marshall discovered gold in the area, a surge of people came to make their fortune. Even if you want a studio apartment, you're going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. is it still impossible to buy a house ? 25 Pros and Cons of Living in San Diego There are many positive aspects of residing in San Diego including these that are worth mentioning: 1. Very valuable information. Did Californias policies drastically change in the last 10 years? 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. You wont earn as much and may need to commute because of it, but you can typically come out ahead with the jobs here compared to what you can find in California or the rest of the country. 1. (Yikes!!) There are plenty of opportunities for you to create a startup in this environment as well. 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. You are going to need some cash to make things happen if you want to start living here. Then you have the 7.25% state sales tax, which becomes 8.5% in San Francisco. Property values. The 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco was estimated to be 7.9 8.25 with extreme shaking. However, each is still a "good" 45 minute drive w/o traffic to Sacramento (I had to go to Sac many times from Benicia), and a solid 30-minutes (off commute) to Berkeley, and each one has its own "feel". Benicia, California . It's affortable and close to Easy Bay. A cost of living index above 100 means Benicia, California is more expensive. 10 Pros And Cons Of Living In California To get us rolling. Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. - The Weather Northern California is home to a lot of wonderful weather. Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The claims of 60% will go to taxes are ludicrous- yes taxes are high, but not to the point of bankrupting you. Benicia is in Solano County. Traffic inside of the city it difficult to manage at almost any time of day including the overnight hours. I will likely take BART. Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. The city has a population of 27,780 people. recommendations? Hands down, one of my favorite things about living in California is the diversity of the people. So youre moving to California with the intention of buying a home? Personally, I would not want to live in so isolated a place as Benicia, but I know plenty of people who love it. I know some folks who live in Benicia and have spent a good bit of time there. I couldnt agree more! Fuel is also expensive, averaging $4.20 per gallon in May 2019, making it the most expensive place to fill up in the country. Alongside million dollar homes, youll find tent cities and folks living in doorways and streets. Never noticed till gone for awhile, but a lot of the kindness and friendliness is a phoney act. The bridge commute isn't that bad, depending on timing. Any information would be greatly appreciated! I recently moved from Berkeley to Benicia because, like you, we needed more space and couldn't afford more space in Berkeley. And these are just prices for flights! MUNI is the public transportation system in San Francisco where you can hop onto a bus to get around the city. In Redding, the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 18.8% lower than the California average. Thank you for helping me decide. Feel free to email me! The Inland Empire has an economy larger than the entire state of Kansas or the country of Hungary. I dont see this improving anytime soon so when you move to California youll need to learn how to better conserve water. The year over year appreciation rates in Redding were 4.4%, and the 5 year appreciation rates came in at 6.4%. Thanks again, really appreciate it . 3. You can embrace your creativity when living in San Francisco. Benicia has a violent crime rate of 99 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average. 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. Your not my dream state. Fourth of July is one such day. Mountain living is ideal for people who appreciate peace, quiet, and the chance to inhabit their own little slice of mostly untouched nature. The core downtown area is kinda cute, but Benicia's got it beat by a landslide. 4. Sorry Cali. Waisting paycheck to move to Cali. If helpful, below is a chart that show the effective California state income tax depending on your income bracket. For me, it would depend on what kind of town I want to live in, schools, etc. William Richardson, an Englishman, is considered the founder of the city, which he established in 1835. 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. At present, California is the worst state in the country for fire dangers. House very expensive old features. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. It's much more of a state of mind than Pinole! 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. There may be a few flaws to living in Davis. 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. Additionally, Barcelona enjoys a bit more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year - about average for the south of Europe. Non-Latino Caucasians represent 37.2% of the population. The United States would annex California in 1846, with the USS Portsmouth sailing into San Francisco Bay to raise the American flag. 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 Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. (Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland; excellent conversation starters in their own right). A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon. 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. Can you tell us about the schools? 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. Ive never done anything like this before. Admittedly, most of California has a Mediterranean climate with pleasant humid-free summers, especially cities that line the coast. 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. Enter California, a state that averages 260+ days of sunshine per year. You can find work with Netflix, Google, Facebook, Apple, Tesla, and others if you have the correct skill set. Though it is a suburb of Vallejo, it is significantly different. 8. Those are awful places to live with skewed statistics on crime and things because it isnt a total picture of this great state. #5. Strong and Growing Arts and Culture There is plenty of culture, art, and science to explore in San Diego, especially at Balboa Park. Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. Living in Redding can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. A lot of people don't even know Benicia exists, but it was the state capital in the 1850's so has some interesting history. However, it can be a little too hot for some. Are you thinking about moving to California? Others involve nothing more than the persons birthday suit. In fact, California usually ranks as the worst 10-states for public education. Thanks to its temperate climate, it is also one of the best walking communities in the United States. 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. Let me know if you have any questions or comments below, its always a pleasure to hear from you! Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. We will be renting. Long days, regardless of mode of travel. Perhaps one of my favorite things about living in California is the constant sunshine. 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 will find two active Major League Baseball teams in the Bay Area for you to catch a game. Both cities are relatively well-run, as these things go; I'd give Pinole the administrative edge. You can also find affordable rentals around the state in popular cities like Henderson, where a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,700. All Rights Reserved. JL. Between the lovely Mediterranean climate, the colorful architecture and the breathtaking nature, it seems that Californians take work-life balance seriously and we are all better for it. I appreciate any info/input you have. Many young professionals live in Benicia and residents tend to have moderate political views. The downtown is indeed walkable and quite charming, and right by the water. Access to the beach The Capitol Corridor trains run several times each day, although the latest one to Oakland leaves Martinez at about 10:30 p.m. I find, though, that it is a great place for us empty nesters, too. 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). 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). The country supports a universal system, and expats can expect to receive high-quality care while living here. Sure, come visit for awhile. Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. People will generally move to the US for better education or well-paying jobs. 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 traffic in San Francisco is legendarily terrible. The Lifestyle is Very Laid-Back Shorts, sunglasses, and sandals is the non-official uniform or "California look" of the Palm Springs lifestyle. We are also less than 20mins away from Napa. Have you considered Benicia? 2c. 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. Select any tags that apply to this area. Not others. People are very interested in each other and generally extremely friendly. I totally agree with you I have lived in many places (states) myself I currently reside in California for the past 17 years and everything you say is totally true Plus there ever increasing earthquakes in the sea level is rising It is sad to see the homeless living here and there but Ive also heard of some of them breaking in some of these empty houses (people are being kicked out they could not pay the extreme increase for the rent) I live in Acampo but I have to drive to Stockton for a client and his neighbor finally got his home back from the homeless it was taken from him for years His neighbor was wanting to move and get out of California and his house was left vacant so they took over and he cant do nothing about it, Thanks for the honest information. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Hear what they say to your face then listen closely what they say behind your back. For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month. My hubby will be working in vallejo. Actually sales tax was less there than the state Im in now (Louisiana)- so was car insurance. Benicia is right on the water, so there are many small beaches to stroll along, and there is a long pier that is a popular place to walk down. We currently live in LA and are pre-retirement. And 5 reasons not to live in California. Sign up for a yoga class on the beach and see what all the hype is about. Living in California is a tale of extremes extreme wealth and extreme poverty. The pros of living in Davis include its tight-knit community, its proximity to several major California cities, and its commitment to education. Since most everyone moving to California arrives with a car, you can expect nightmarish traffic to become part of your daily life in California. It might be a city of transplants, but no one really cares about that here. Rent is ridiculous and taxes will take up to 60% of your income. Our (only) son went off to OSU (Oregon)3 years ago. 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. And almost anywhere in the city, you can see the water. It can be a challenge to get used to the weather in San Francisco. JOJ, Re: affordable housing Thank you! As a budget traveler and travel blogger, this is definitely the number one plus for living in Europe. The town puts on wonderful holiday celebrations and the entire town comes out to celebrate. I think you would be much happier in Benicia; from what I know of Pinole, it is not what you seem to be looking for. Are people dying by the hands of the government in California or did I miss something? Several apartment complexes and condos offer these areas as well. 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. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of . About Benicia. Im 25 now and I guess I can say that its not the easiest for me to make new connections. In fact, Los Angeles is the second most diverse cities in the country, second only to New York City. 3. 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. Have you ever consider Benicia??? My husband is a professional musician (piano player) who makes his living playing for famous(and not so famous) singers. In fact, most of my friends and neighbors in LA were part-time actors who spent most of their free time looking for gigs. Some places in Florida have been ranked 8% lower to 18% higher in cost compared to the average American city. If you choose the back part of Pinole Valley, you get to send your daughter to Ellerhorst, which is a very good school. Also fairly close to a Macys without having to get on any major highways. Climate. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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. Well done, well said and bravo for being honest. 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. 4. Wefeel close to everything but also far away, if that makes any sense.
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