The median home cost in Benicia is Real Estate: $763,400. 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. Don't drive 29 miles/hr in a 25 mile zone, 'cause the cops will ticket you immediately. Others involve nothing more than the persons birthday suit. Checking rates won't affect your credit score. If I need Berkeley or SF fix, we just drive down and can be on the Bay Bridge in 20mins with no traffic. But moving here is a bad idea. That means it has more influence than the United Kingdom, which has 26 million more people contributing to the GDP. Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Benicia: Benicia State Capitol and Historical Park, Benicia State Recreation Area, and Benicia Historical Museum. Or is there a bus? And even in mid-winter, the temperature during the day averages 16C / 61F. 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. It also feels much less crowded here than it does everywhere else. 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. Expensive energy costs; the cost of gasoline and electricity is very high in California compared to other states. Theres only one word of caution: not every landlord permits pets, so youll want to ask in advance before bringing your pup along for this adventure. JOJ, We live in Benicia and really like it. The housing market in San Francisco is pricing everyone out. 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. All Rights Reserved. Moving to California means leaving behind bitter winters and freezing temperatures, which greatly improves my quality of life. Not too cold either. I want to live where the boys can have a little freedom with stuff to do but not in a big city. Colombia is a beautiful country and has much to offer. Our main worries are the refinery, convicts and sound from the Amtrak/freight trains. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 2c. It's affortable and close to Easy Bay. The community often has little events that are great for meeting new people. Unless you live in a high-elevation area, youll seldom see snow and can count on sunshine even in the dead of winter. They both have advantages of amazing views from many neighborhoods. I have worked for both cities but not lived in either. 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. Many young professionals live in Benicia and residents tend to have moderate political views. There are so many transplants here that its hard to pin down what a real Californian is these days so anyone can pass for one. Hands down, one of my favorite things about living in California is the diversity of the people. Looking for a light filled home close to hiking/walking trails. 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. 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). The Amicalola Falls are among the biggest, and they are a popular attraction for Georgia residents to check out and enjoy. In fact, Los Angeles is the second most diverse cities in the country, second only to New York City. One of the reasons why it is feasible to get around San Francisco without a vehicle is because many of the employers in the Bay Area offer free shuttle services that you can use to get to work. We'd also love to hear about neighborhoods. Benicia is a small, family-friendly town and we have lots of fun downtown activities for families and teens. Instead, it's normally transferred, or "retitled," into the trust. 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. Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. 5. As you look at each state you will see some common themes. Housing prices everywhere are just off the charts! The price of most rentals is very reasonable and the houses are very nice. Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Redding on a regular basis. Compared to the United States average, Benicia ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The crime rate is high; 20.3%, 3 times (in 100,000 people) more than the entire US itself. Property values. You are going to need some cash to make things happen if you want to start living here. The North Bay is really a great place to live. Since most everyone moving to California arrives with a car, you can expect nightmarish traffic to become part of your daily life in California. This could be due to factors like a faster pace of life . 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. An added bonus is that the town is located right on the water so you can see the ships go by, etc. Benicia has an overall crime rate of 14 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. Yes, Florida is much cheaper than California because the cost of living is just 1% higher than the national average. For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Benicia are simply unattainable. In some areas the traffic isnt bad especially if you dont live in a big city. 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. While this is still lower than California's cost of living, it's high enough to be expensive for most people. Are people dying by the hands of the government in California or did I miss something? I couldnt agree more! At present, California is the worst state in the country for fire dangers. Benicia is one of the the best places to raise a family in the Bay Area right now. If you choose the back part of Pinole Valley, you get to send your daughter to Ellerhorst, which is a very good school. Suburb Population 27,191 Benicia is a nice little town, and the Carquinez Strait is really lovely. You can walk to the local park, but everything else is about 1.5 miles away. The public schools in Benicia are highly rated. All three of Californias major cities rank as being some of the most diverse in America. Home appreciation rates are a good way to generate tax-free equity on a long term basis. Benicia has a refinery and on occasion you can smell it. California is a pay to play state, theres no way around it. Thank you. It only takes one missed stop to figure that issue out. To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below. 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. 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. There is a lot of activities that you can do in the city. Commute from Benicia to SF is a two-bridge commute. Sales tax is the highest in the nation. If youre planning on moving to California, heres a quick recap of the pros and cons of living in California. My husband is a professional musician (piano player) who makes his living playing for famous(and not so famous) singers. California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and its not hard to see why. I suggest that you try looking at Davis. Both times we were military and received housing allowance. These were helpful. Also, yoga culture is huge in San Diego. 2. I worked in Benicia for 5 years (commuting from Berkeley), and spent time in Vallejo for work purposes during that job. 3. The community is warm and friendly, the schools are very good, there are many (!) But which state is best to stay for a loner like me who has zero support from any angle. It seems we can afford Benicia, Martinez and parts of Concord. 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! 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. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon. 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. It really is a beautiful hidden gem in the Bay Area and I feel lucky to live here! It has excellent schools - all but one are California Distinguished Schools and are actually in the top nationwide. 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. I think the town has more of what you're looking for. Regardless, I hope you find it helpful. One thing I do miss about Berkeley/Oakland/Albany are the amazing restaurants, but my kids are little so we rarely go out anyway. The core downtown area is kinda cute, but Benicia's got it beat by a landslide. Happy in Benicia, We are considering a move to Benicia with our two small children. 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). Are you thinking about moving to California? Benicia or Martinez for commute to Oakland? 6. I recall a particularly bad stretch where residents were asked to save shower water to water plants. There are many additional borrowing options available. If you have advice on Napa, please post ! Good luck on your move! There are also several celebrations that you can only find in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and Bay to Breakers. Yet, if people are looking for a vacation spot that is relaxing and welcoming, Benicia is it. Ive never done anything like this before. Benicia is looking like where we might land. Benicia is in Solano County. Climate. 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. It's only fitting to consider the pros and cons of this popular decision-making tool: The Pros Rigor. People will generally move to the US for better education or well-paying jobs. #5. 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. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. 4. If you prefer to look for a condo as a way to save some money, then the average cost of that option is $1.25 million. 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. Kathy, Re: considering a move to Sacramento In addition to being a great spot in the state of Georgia, it is also a great spot in the United States. 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. Apparently, there hasn't been a day below freezing since 1985. Access to the beach Yet another thing to be mindful of while living in California are the constant droughts. The town gets two big thumbs up from me!!! 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! Wefeel close to everything but also far away, if that makes any sense. Have you ever consider Benicia??? We moved to Benicia 2 1/2 years ago from Los Angeles. I'd suggest spending a full day in each. we love it here! Perhaps one of my favorite things about living in California is the constant sunshine. Could u please share your views about moving to Texas? You expressed some of the cons which I forgot about, such as income tax and of course the homelessness. In San Francisco alone, tech accounts for 20.5% of all jobs, with the largest employers being Facebook, Netflix, Google, Yahoo, Apple and Tesla. You will need to deal with the tax situation when living in San Francisco. Also occasionally you can smell the refinery - some people are bothered by this, some are not. Lucky for me, California is home to 12 international airports (including LAX, the second largest airport in America). When you look at the city, San Francisco and the Bay Area has the 19th-largest domestic economy in the world. 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. 80 bus from VTC to Del Norte BART. Half Moon Bay is only thirty minutes to the east of the city. There is more access to healthier food choices, including the presence of several farmers markets throughout the city. Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. If you want to rent in San Francisco, then you can expect to pay a lot for that option too. I hope you found this post helpful. 7. 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. We absolutely love this community!! Hello and welcome to the Bay! More Education Best Places to Live in Benicia Rankings View All Hope this helps! Im glad Im not the only one feeling this. 2 : good points and bad points Each technology has its pros and cons. Posted on February 27, 2023 by laguardia airport food terminal c 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. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! Thanks for your candor. The weather is always nice enough in San Francisco to get outside, so youll see people enjoying the outdoors through hiking and cycling. Additionally, Barcelona enjoys a bit more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year - about average for the south of Europe. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. I recently moved from Berkeley to Benicia because, like you, we needed more space and couldn't afford more space in Berkeley. They also have a thriving and vibrant small- town arts scene. 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? 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. Then you have the 7.25% state sales tax, which becomes 8.5% in San Francisco. Benicia is a very sleepy town with a little bid of Santa Cruz feel to it. I know that not everyone will agree with this sentiment, but I find the people in California to be kind. The downtown area is pretty flat, so it is perfect for strolling around or bicycling. Right now not for something specific like work or study, I just really need the change. You really arent a true resident of the city until youve seen someone walking down the street naked. According to the most recent Census, 72% of Benicia residents are White, 12% Asian and 6% Black. Therfore just to visit weekend ok but not to live in Cali. #3. Pinole is not too far from the Rodeo refinery although I don't recall ever smelling it. Thats when the name of the city changed for the full-time population of about 800 people. There are plenty of opportunities for you to create a startup in this environment as well. Windemere has all the desired conveniences-including shopping, dining, freeways and BART. If we take a look at the data, we can find out why. Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Another vote for the Amtrak Capitol from Martinez to Oakland. There are plenty of activities to enjoy when living in San Francisco. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Specialties: 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments in San Ramon, CA Welcome to Muirlands at Windemere Apartments! Fantastic schools, a good community, and much more affordable than the Bay Area. I would suggest one of you nail down your job first and pick the area to buy in second, because if you end up working in Oakland, that's a more reasonable commute from all those communities. However, high salaries are offset by a high cost of living. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations. Another really fun event is the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Which city would you recommend social wise? It might be worthwhile to consider commuting if you can manage the traffic situation in the city. It would be fair to say that the city residents have a love-hate relationship with this service and most days, its more of the latter. He called the area Yerba Buena, and it became a popular destination for Americans in the 1840s. When you can make ends meet, you will find that this city is one of the most magical places to be on the planet. We are looking in Novato, Petaluma, Santa Rosa or Fairfield/Vacaville, Concord areas. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text. Let me know if you have any questions or comments below, its always a pleasure to hear from you! Fairfield is probably 20 minutes away and Vacaville is about 30 minutes away. Niche is not a lender and does not endorse the products of these advertisers. You have people working in Silicon Valley making six figures, but living out of their vehicle because they cant find a place they can afford. Crime is crazy and cut backs on law enforcement has made it worse. Again, some people are bothered by this and some are not. Have you looked at Benicia? At least you wont be shoveling snow by the foot like people to the north are during the winter months from the same storms. Home appreciation the last 10 years has been 6.1%. 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. The hipsters tend to stay in the Mission district, and then youll find the blue collar folks down by the Marina. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Redding ranks well for amenities (A+) and weather (B).