Ive never found it easy to get from Point A to Point B using public transportation, which is why I wouldnt even consider moving to California without a car (with the exception of San Francisco). plus a bunch of chains and a handful of mom and pops. - The Weather Northern California is home to a lot of wonderful weather. So if you plan on raising a family while living in California, account for the cost of private school as well because the public schools leave much to be desired. 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. If youre planning on relocating and making this area your permanent home, its nice to know that there is an ample amount of amenities and things to do within walking distance or a short drive. The year over year appreciation rates in Redding were 4.4%, and the 5 year appreciation rates came in at 6.4%. Have you ever consider Benicia??? There is a direct transfer point to BART in Richmond. recommendations? Have you ever consider Benicia? Thanks to its temperate climate, it is also one of the best walking communities in the United States. 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. Are you thinking about moving to California? #5. Our main worries are the refinery, convicts and sound from the Amtrak/freight trains. Both times we were military and received housing allowance. 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. Wefeel close to everything but also far away, if that makes any sense. You are going to need some cash to make things happen if you want to start living here. Based on the housing stock, population density, and the proximity of amenities of the area. Benicia, CA - Niche 1. 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. 2. Perhaps one of my favorite things about living in California is the constant sunshine. 6. The bridge commute isn't that bad, depending on timing. 2. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Benicia are simply unattainable. My husband works in Sacramento, and we want to move a bit closer to his work. I have worked for both cities but not lived in either. Benicia is known to be family friendly as more than 76% of the population has already tied the knot. Windemere has all the desired conveniences-including shopping, dining, freeways and BART. Niche may be compensated by the third party lenders and others who place ads on the website. 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. Taxes are high in San Francisco, but this disadvantage applies to the entire state of California. Again, some people are bothered by this and some are not. Benicia is no more than 10 minutes from Vallejo. However, it is a great middle ground for a road trip. Redding has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. You can also make it to Napa Valley in about an hour when heading to the north. Costco is close by, and plenty of Starbucks. If you make more than $1 million per year, then theres a 1% surtax to pay as well. As a budget traveler and travel blogger, this is definitely the number one plus for living in Europe. About Benicia. Ideal places in Sonoma County to move with a toddler, Looking to relocate/Schools & Commute in Hercules, Concord, Martinez. Pinole Valley is safe, family-friendly, and diverse. Not each of them applies to every state. Although its gotten more expensive (like everywhere else) this last year, its still affordable compared to other nice parts of the Bay Area. Continue with Recommended Cookies. People tend to drive faster and with more aggression, so youll need to turn up your defensive driving skills a notch. The North Bay is really a great place to live. These are the pros and cons of living in San Francisco today that are worth considering. 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. All three of the major cities in California clock in as some of the most expensive cities in the entire country. Just an FYI that Amtrak runs from Martinez to Jack London Sq in Oakland - so that might be another option. (Doesnt seem like it to me, but Im open to learning). Thank you! In the past year, appreciation rates for homes in the Benicia area were 5.8% and 5 year appreciation rates were 10.7%. But moving here is a bad idea. Benicia is a suburb of Vallejo with a population of 27,191. Overall, most people seem to be okay with living in Chico. Several apartment complexes and condos offer these areas as well. 8. Great parks. Did you ever live in any other state for any amount of time? But which state is best to stay for a loner like me who has zero support from any angle. That means youll want to bring a jacket and an umbrella whenever you head out. Some costumes in the city are elaborate. Moving to California means leaving behind bitter winters and freezing temperatures, which greatly improves my quality of life. I can highly recommend Pinole. 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.. Pros and cons of living in Wisconsin: Bottom line. It is very much a small town. The town puts on wonderful holiday celebrations and the entire town comes out to celebrate. Our kids are 15, 13, 11 and 8, so high school, middle and elementary. The income tax rate is one of the highest in the country at 12.3%, even though that rate only applies to taxable income above $572,000. 3. 8. Theres so much of the state that is not La San Francisco San Diego. It is small, everyone knows everyone, which has pluses and minuses, but it also provides a hometown feel that many places in California do not. But back to CA- cost of housing is the biggest drawback for me. Pros and Cons of living in Benicia, California Apparently, there hasn't been a day below freezing since 1985. In Benicia there are a lot of parks. Low crime. I honestly cant recall the last summer where imminent wildfire danger didnt stress me out. 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. Dont trust Google for your public transportation schedules. Get some big dogs and move to Benicia! Crime is crazy and cut backs on law enforcement has made it worse. There is plenty of fog that rolls through the city as well. 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. The community often has little events that are great for meeting new people. Thanks. Sign up for a yoga class on the beach and see what all the hype is about. You have to drive to Concord or Fairfield for a Trader Joes, and the closest Whole Foods is in Napa or Walnut Creek. 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. Benicia or Martinez for commute to Oakland? Pros and cons of living in Oceanside, California Benicia is a little gem that gets overlooked because of the nearby refineries. Benicia is one of the the best places to raise a family in the Bay Area right now. Moving back and priced out of Alameda - West CC or Solano County? Benicia is in Solano County. House very expensive old features. 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. 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). Antioch reminds me of Elk Grove now. 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. I like your negative points. So youre moving to California with the intention of buying a home? 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. We are looking for any feedback, both positive and/or negative, in regards to the community, schools, neighborhoods, and refinery. And the scenery is amazingly beautiful! Strong and Growing Arts and Culture There is plenty of culture, art, and science to explore in San Diego, especially at Balboa Park. Many employers offer free shuttles and other transportation services. I know some folks who live in Benicia and have spent a good bit of time there. This disadvantage can theoretically apply to anyone living along the western coast of the United States, but there are more tremors in San Francisco that you can feel when compared to other locations. It was a film for San Francisco City Sights where I discussed the pros and cons of that Organization. The city has a population of 27,780 people. (Yikes!!) Sorry Cali. Hi! 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. Best Places to Live in Benicia, California California has the largest network of public schools of any US state, but you know what else? My friend who lives in Benicia says she would not make that decision again. It has excellent schools - all but one are California Distinguished Schools and are actually in the top nationwide. If you are trying to get somewhere during rush hour, then you need to avoid all of the highways at all costs. 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. If you want to save some cash by ditching the vehicle, then San Francisco has you covered with its public transportation system. Youre never too far from the mountains, beach, desert or forests, which is one of the biggest reasons my parents moved to California to raise a family. I not ready to drop off the vine yet, but I want a lifestyle change. Costumes are a way of life in San Francisco. 2c. We absolutely love this community!! I only was able to buy a house the 2nd time due to moving there during the recession- the same house I bought for $210 in 08 now would go for around $400K- it was only 1,200 sq ft. Id like to move back, but my salary of just over 100K just really wont cut it most anywhere- at least to buy a descent house that isnt a 500K shack! 24+ Pros And Cons Of Living In California (You Must Know) Enter California, a state that averages 260+ days of sunshine per year. 5. (Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland; excellent conversation starters in their own right). It can be a challenge to get used to the weather in San Francisco. If you work in tech or film, theres no better place to live than California. Pros of Living in Australia One of the many benefits of living in Australia is its healthcare. Living in Redding can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. Well, maybe Nevada City! Thank you so much for your replies, we will explore Davis and also Napa . The landscape is as diverse as it gets and changes drastically from north to south. While there is a progressive faction in town, there is also a strong uh less progressive group. Actually sales tax was less there than the state Im in now (Louisiana)- so was car insurance. 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. According to the most recent Census, 72% of Benicia residents are White, 12% Asian and 6% Black. 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 know most folks like to hate on airports, but I must admit I have a pretty easy time flying into and out of California. Pinole is not too far from the Rodeo refinery although I don't recall ever smelling it. If you have any question, you can email me as well. You may want to check it out. There are many additional borrowing options available. The cost of living in San Francisco is equally high. I'm wondering if being in Martinez would actually save that much time compared with Benicia. Our budget is around $2200 a month. Rental rates. The culture is also backwards in the South, things you thought were fashionable as a given- be it clothing, music, even lingo- often dont even exist there. San Francisco is renowned for its cultural diversity. As for life in California? In fact, most of my friends and neighbors in LA were part-time actors who spent most of their free time looking for gigs. 25 Pros And Cons Of Living In San Diego (Updated 2023) - Home Mindset Fourth of July is one such day. You will find two active Major League Baseball teams in the Bay Area for you to catch a game. I have worked for both cities but not lived in either. If you're not into surfing, no worries, there's plenty of other activities to choose from, like biking, hiking, fishing, snorkeling and much more. There is a wonderful library and community pool and lots more. 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. Everything from fashion to film and tech is covered pretty well in California, so you honestly wont have much a reason to be bored. I appreciate any info/input you have. Benicia fan. The best ride of all is the ferry from Mare Island Channel but it only goes to Alameda and by way of SF. We have a cute little downtown with a great library and community pool, awesome parks and playgrounds, good schools, a great Farmers market every Thursday on the main drag, a neat artist community, and wonderful people in general. 7. 5. Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. What's the crime rate in Benicia California? The core downtown area is kinda cute, but Benicia's got it beat by a landslide. In total, more than 72% of the population is classified as married and 67% have kids. My 'husband' and I want to move to either Benicia or Pinole. An added bonus is that the town is located right on the water so you can see the ships go by, etc. Public transportation in San Francisco covers the entire city. 4. Today Id like to share my list of the honest pros and cons of living in California. 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. It's much more of a state of mind than Pinole! 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. The crime rate is high; 20.3%, 3 times (in 100,000 people) more than the entire US itself. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. If you have advice on Napa, please post ! Prices differ largely based on where in town accommodation is located, if all the bills are included (wifi, electricity, water, etc. There are two NFL teams in the region as well. Sales tax is the highest in the nation. We looked at a lot of houses in Benicia. The downtown main street is popular with visitors and residents walking their dogs. Not others. Spacious new 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartment homes offer high-quality kitchen appliances, private patios or balconies and plentiful storage. 2 : good points and bad points Each technology has its pros and cons. While this is still lower than California's cost of living, it's high enough to be expensive for most people. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. As another poster mentioned, with either Benicia or Martinez you would have to drive to Pleasant Hill Bart. Disadvantages of a Living Trust Funding a Trust Is Expensive . Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. Even having a sourdough bread bowl filled with chowder while enjoying a view of Alcatraz makes for a memorable day. 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. Human trafficking is ramped. Los Angeles is considered one of the best food cities in America. Pros and Cons of Living in Each State - Dividends Diversify Fantastic schools, a good community, and much more affordable than the Bay Area. We are very excited. Benicia has lots of open space, a state park on the water, and plenty of places to hike. I spent some time there when we lived in the East Bay because there's a Chuck E. Cheese there that my kids liked, plus there was a Catholic shop downtown that I frequented on occasion. Canada is Beautiful Let's face it - Canada is one of the most Instagrammable (read, stunningly beautiful) places in the world. Home appreciation the last 10 years has been 6.1%. One of the reasons why people are consistently attracted to the idea of living in San Francisco is because of its emphasis on diversity. Did Californias policies drastically change in the last 10 years? The Capitol Corridor trains run several times each day, although the latest one to Oakland leaves Martinez at about 10:30 p.m. It might also be worth noting that 63% of residents also have children under the age of 18. I am sure things have changes since I left permanently in 1996 but Sacramento has so many suburbs so there maybe a neighborhood that is similar to Berkeley? The Davis Farmers' Market has been named the best in the country, and for good reason. When youre used to the hotter, dryer climates in the southern part of the state, then living in this city can feel downright chilly. Well done, well said and bravo for being honest. Like do people carpool from Benicia to BART? Not as familiar with the central county high schools. 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. 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 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. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. Thank you! There is more access to healthier food choices, including the presence of several farmers markets throughout the city. pros and cons plural noun 1 : arguments for and against often + of Congress weighed the pros and cons of the new tax plan. Hmm. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations. In fact, California usually ranks as the worst 10-states for public education. Sure, come visit for awhile. San Diego: On average, vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. A couple of them are atypical learners/creative types. You are a short drive from some of the best places in California. Fees that Niche receives for ads do not affect the terms you may be offered by the lender you choose. It's a fantastic place to raise your kids! There are plenty of activities to enjoy when living in San Francisco. 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. Since Im being honest, Id like to point out that wildfires will become a part of your daily vocabulary while living in California. Employment opportunities. Yet another thing to be mindful of while living in California are the constant droughts. If I had to guess, Id probably say its not realistic unless you have a hefty savings account. California would have the fifth-largest economy in the world if the state were an independent nation. Most of the people we know here in Pinolego into the city or Oakland/Berkeley pretty regularly, whereas most of the people we know in Benicia don't really seem to like to cross the bridge. Pinole has easy access to the rest of the Bay Area but much more limited bay access. 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. The homeless population has gotten completely out of control and is scary at this point. 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. 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. 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. I'm considering a move to Benicia in the next few months. Benicia's schools are arguably better. Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone, Kid friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay. Happy in Benicia, We are considering a move to Benicia with our two small children. Home appreciation rates are a good way to generate tax-free equity on a long term basis. Waisting paycheck to move to Cali. A waterfront City of 28,000, Benicia is known for its small-town charm, history, and high quality of life. It really shows when you are out around town. Most points in downtown Martinez are (for those without mobility limitations) within walking distance of the Amtrak station. 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). Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Redding on a regular basis. we love it here! If you do get the urge to take a day trip, then you can head over to Yosemite, enjoy the sunshine on the peninsula, or take the four-hour drive (with good traffic) to Lake Tahoe for world-class skiing. There may be a few flaws to living in Davis. 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. Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Taxes too high. The claims of 60% will go to taxes are ludicrous- yes taxes are high, but not to the point of bankrupting you. My husband & I moved to Benicia with our 13-year-old son more than 33 years ago. The cost of living in California is 49.9% above the national average, which means you have to earn significantly higher here. The Pros and Cons of Pros-and-Cons Lists - Harvard Business Review You will also find some amazing mountains and wonderful outdoor activities. In fact, Los Angeles is the second most diverse cities in the country, second only to New York City. Santa Rosa is at least an hour's drive from Vallejo. 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. From the amazing landscapes to the diversity, to the warmth of the people and the low cost of living.
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