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. 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. And these are just prices for flights! While there is a progressive faction in town, there is also a strong uh less progressive group. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. 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 want to live where the boys can have a little freedom with stuff to do but not in a big city. Assuming that Redding meets all of your requirements, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Redding. 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). We lived in Benicia for 10 yrs and we made the big mistake of moving away from it. A con. 9. Dont base your schedule on what it tells you. Im looking for input on areas that have nice high schools(safe). There is a lot of activities that you can do in the city. It is a wonderful small town.Good schools. Hear what they say to your face then listen closely what they say behind your back. Everyone loves it; its pristine coastline, picturesque vineyards, wineries, and snow-clad Sierra Nevada Range which maintains its warm weather perfectly. Benicia is a little gem that gets overlooked because of the nearby refineries. There are many additional borrowing options available. 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). 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. 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. Here we have the 13 pros that we and the people in the video think are the best traits of living in Colombia. 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. Thank you! 8. California has the largest network of public schools of any US state, but you know what else? Again, some people are bothered by this and some are not. I like it a lot and it is definitely walkable and has a lot of charming small businesses on 1st street. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. 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. Los Angeles is considered one of the best food cities in America. Because of the citys location near fault lines, there is always the lingering threat of the Big One that exists in residents minds. Apparently, there hasn't been a day below freezing since 1985.
10 Pros and Cons of Living in Nevada - Redfin Im terrified. The 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco was estimated to be 7.9 8.25 with extreme shaking. You can get to the Fairfield store from Benicia without getting on busy highways. Well done, well said and bravo for being honest. Looking for a light filled home close to hiking/walking trails. Not too cold either. 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. The Davis Farmers' Market has been named the best in the country, and for good reason. Also, I am not aware of any arts scene in Pinole, though of course I could be wrong. Thanks. Even if you want a studio apartment, youre going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. Our budget is around $2200 a month.
Pros and Cons: What It's Like Living in Palm Springs - California The downtown area is pretty flat, so it is perfect for strolling around or bicycling. Benicia is a suburb of Vallejo with a population of 27,191.
Overall, most people seem to be okay with living in Chico. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Here are 5 benefits of living in California. These were helpful. I think it is considered a ''safe'' town, and it is convenient to the Vallejo Ferry or casual carpool for commuting into the city. Weather In Colombia. Benicia is a small, family-friendly town and we have lots of fun downtown activities for families and teens. We really like the look of homes in downtown Martinez and our commute to Richmond on the 4. Even stores like Walgreens sell produce in the city. 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. 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. 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. The train goes along the Bay Shore, looking out at the Golden Gate. Several businesses allow them as well, even if they are not a service animal. 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. The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. California has an astounding state income tax of up to 13.3%, which makes the tax burned of living in California one of the worst in America. Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. Sign up for a yoga class on the beach and see what all the hype is about. He arranges charts, rehearses and plays shows(mostly Cabaret and standards). Fees that Niche receives for ads do not affect the terms you may be offered by the lender you choose. For me, it would depend on what kind of town I want to live in, schools, etc. Im guessing youve never live on your own. If you live downtown, you can walk to everything without a car. If you're looking for a broker, the woman we worked with, Brenda Turner-Adams, was awesome. 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. One of the reasons why people are consistently attracted to the idea of living in San Francisco is because of its emphasis on diversity. It seems we can afford Benicia, Martinez and parts of Concord. As another poster mentioned, with either Benicia or Martinez you would have to drive to Pleasant Hill Bart. In total, more than 72% of the population is classified as married and 67% have kids. San Francisco was named one of the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world in 2019. My 'husband' and I want to move to either Benicia or Pinole. Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone, Kid friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay. Does anyone have any negative or positive experiences with the above, especially the refinery. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. The discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots is painstakingly clear on the streets and practically impossible to avoid while living in California. All three of the major cities in California clock in as some of the most expensive cities in the entire country. But if you choose to live in a city further inland, you can expect blazing hot summers. We have a Trader Joe's, Sprouts, Peet's etc. I agree with some of your assessments. The cost of living in Nevada is also lower than in many other states. Ideal places in Sonoma County to move with a toddler, Looking to relocate/Schools & Commute in Hercules, Concord, Martinez. The housing market in San Francisco is pricing everyone out. Wefeel close to everything but also far away, if that makes any sense. He called the area Yerba Buena, and it became a popular destination for Americans in the 1840s. Benicia is a small town on the carquinez strait bordering Vallejo. 5. If youre in the film industry you probably already know that Los Angeles is the place to be. It only takes one missed stop to figure that issue out. Thank you so much for your replies, we will explore Davis and also Napa . 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. Moving back and priced out of Alameda - West CC or Solano County? A waterfront City of 28,000, Benicia is known for its small-town charm, history, and high quality of life. Using data from crime, cost of living, weather, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages. Or is there a bus? 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. The best areas in Redding and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Benicia or Martinez for commute to Oakland? Waisting paycheck to move to Cali. California is a beautiful state California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and it's not hard to see why. This makes me sad as a returning native of 6 years.
Pros and cons of living in Oceanside, California Unless you live in a high-elevation area, youll seldom see snow and can count on sunshine even in the dead of winter. 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. 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. Fantastic schools, a good community, and much more affordable than the Bay Area. People from Benicia drive to Pleasant Hill BART if they're going to take BART. 1. Heres a real-life example: A close friend of mine works for Patagonia and jokes that suits are all but banned from the company. Benicia has a violent crime rate of 99 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average. From the amazing landscapes to the diversity, to the warmth of the people and the low cost of living. 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.
Living in Puerto Rico - Pros Cons and Cost of Living - WTS To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. Good Stuff. The pros and cons of living in San Francisco will always look at the cost first. Sacramento is underrated as a city---it's really on the upswing as people migrate their to escape the prices in the Bay. I hate to burst your bubble, but lets look at the numbers. San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living . Never noticed till gone for awhile, but a lot of the kindness and friendliness is a phoney act. 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. Alongside million dollar homes, youll find tent cities and folks living in doorways and streets. The North Bay is really a great place to live. My husband works in Sacramento, and we want to move a bit closer to his work. Benicia CA Real Estate & Homes For Sale 27 Agent listings 1 Other listing Sort: Homes for You 565 Lori Dr APT 5, Benicia, CA 94510 WARRING & ASSOCIATES $349,000 1 bd 1 ba 641 sqft - Condo for sale 424 Greenbrier Ct, Benicia, CA 94510 KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY-EAST BA $695,000 3 bds 2 ba 1,566 sqft - House for sale Loading.
Living In Benicia, CA - AreaVibes Another really fun event is the Tree Lighting Ceremony. That places it just one spot behind Los Angeles and one spot ahead of Switzerland yes, the country. I dont see this improving anytime soon so when you move to California youll need to learn how to better conserve water. #5. In just two years, the population reached 25,000 people. We are very excited. Davis makes the most sense. Im glad Im not the only one feeling this. Compare today's top mortgage and refinancing providers. Most restaurants tailor their menus to healthy eating instead of huge portions of high-carb foods. 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. With a livability score of 62/100, Redding is ranked #21,245 in the United States and #856 in California. Get some big dogs and move to Benicia! She developedasthma after moving there. People there either take the 80 express bus to SF, or drive to Del Norte BART, park there, and BART into SF from there. It might be worthwhile to consider commuting if you can manage the traffic situation in the city. At the beginning of 2021, the median home price was around $382,000. Prices differ largely based on where in town accommodation is located, if all the bills are included (wifi, electricity, water, etc. There is a wonderful library and community pool and lots more. The median household income in California is among the best in the nation at $77,000 (as of June 2019). House very expensive old features. 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). Although the high school has a strong arts program, overall the district spends a lot of time and emphasison test prep and there is significant homework starting in Kindergarten. Hands down, one of my favorite things about living in California is the diversity of the people. 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. 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. Since most everyone moving to California arrives with a car, you can expect nightmarish traffic to become part of your daily life in California. Manage Settings . There are two Macy's stores near Benicia - one in Concord (about 15 miles away) and the other in Fairfield (also about 15 miles away.) It is a family oriented community with many kid-friendly events (family movie night in the park once a month in summer, children's art festival in the park, street fairs, parades, farmer's market on thursday nights, swimming pool, classes and camps through the parks and recreation department, good library events). Can you share your insights? If you do, we have the highest gas prices in the nation, along with the high insurance costs that are required by law (as it should be) or you cant register your vehicle. My husband is a professional musician (piano player) who makes his living playing for famous(and not so famous) singers. Our (only) son went off to OSU (Oregon)3 years ago. Benicia has a refinery and on occasion you can smell it. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. 30 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK 1. is it still impossible to buy a house ? I worked a few years in downtown Benicia commuting from Berkeley this combo. Everyone gathers at the green field at the end of 1st Street and watches the fire works. The road tripping opportunities are endless, you can spend days at the beach or peruse a plethora of museums or attend world-class events. Thanks again, really appreciate it . 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. Many employers offer free shuttles and other transportation services. Hard to complain about that! 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 is in Solano County. Those are awful places to live with skewed statistics on crime and things because it isnt a total picture of this great state. There are two NFL teams in the region as well.
Living in Bali: The Costs, Pros and Cons - Omnivagant Spacious new 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartment homes offer high-quality kitchen appliances, private patios or balconies and plentiful storage. There are tons of community events, it is very safe, has that small-town feeling and is still affordable. If you want to save some cash by ditching the vehicle, then San Francisco has you covered with its public transportation system. You can find work with Netflix, Google, Facebook, Apple, Tesla, and others if you have the correct skill set. What's the crime rate in Benicia California? Thank you. Most points in downtown Martinez are (for those without mobility limitations) within walking distance of the Amtrak station. 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. 2. The town puts on wonderful holiday celebrations and the entire town comes out to celebrate. 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. There is more access to healthier food choices, including the presence of several farmers markets throughout the city. Can you tell us about the schools? Moving to California means leaving behind bitter winters and freezing temperatures, which greatly improves my quality of life. Perhaps the most notable benefit could be the appreciation of your new home. Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Our oldest grandson (who is 20 years old) graduated from Benicia High School and is doing extremely well in college. There are a lot of gorgeous aspects of San Francisco to love, but the issues the city has with heroin and meth are quite problematic. Employment opportunities. I love the East Bay especially Berkeley. If helpful, below is a chart that show the effective California state income tax depending on your income bracket. We are looking for any feedback, both positive and/or negative, in regards to the community, schools, neighborhoods, and refinery. 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. Benicia is a nice little town, and the Carquinez Strait is really lovely. what if i am moving to cali for a decent paying tech job ? . Happy in Benicia, We are considering a move to Benicia with our two small children. 3. Unlike wills, trusts require that you give up direct ownership of that property. I suggest that you try looking at Davis. Its becoming a state for the independently wealthy, LARGE salary earners, and just people who were lucky enough to have already lived there for generations. 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. 10. 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. Pinole has easy access to the rest of the Bay Area but much more limited bay access. Housing prices are comical (well, they would be if they werent reality). It has such a strong community feeling, between the residents, police and fire teams, business owners, etc. And even in mid-winter, the temperature during the day averages 16C / 61F. Our kids are 15, 13, 11 and 8, so high school, middle and elementary. You are welcome to email me if you have any questions. This is a city that is often said to be a "love it or hate it" type . Benicia City Hall, 250 East L Street Benicia, CA 94510 Phone: (707) 746-4200, Open: Monday - Thursday from: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and alternating Fridays, Finance Department Open: Monday Thursday from: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and alternating Fridays, Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program, Objective Standards for Mixed Use and Multifamily Housing, Public Information Bank - Hazardous Materials. By the 1870s, the first cable cars began to operate, providing a public transportation option for a city that reached a population of 150,000 people. 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. Benicia, California . 3. The crime rate is high; 20.3%, 3 times (in 100,000 people) more than the entire US itself. 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.
25 Pros And Cons Of Living In San Diego (Updated 2023) - Home Mindset Benicia is in Solano County. The Pros And Cons Of Living In Each State. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Select any tags that apply to this area. Pinole is OK. Whether youre moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Benicia could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to look. When James Marshall discovered gold in the area, a surge of people came to make their fortune. As someone that (briefly) considered moving to the Pacific Northwest, I cant even begin to fathom that challenge of living under a cloud most of the year. If we take a look at the data, we can find out why. Too many people; California being one of the most populated cities makes people scramble for the limited space in the area. I originally thought I could work primarily from home, but now it appears I will have to go into the office in downtown Oakland several times a week.
Pros and Cons of Living in California We are from a small city in south florida. With prices like this, theres no denying that living in California isnt even in the same timezone as affordable. Without any friends or family waiting for me there. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is the city is $3,108 per month.
15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in SAN DIEGO, California 20 Pros And Cons Of Living In Vancouver, BC Canada - Nina Out and About vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. Living in Redding can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. Fourth of July is one such day. 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. At present, California is the worst state in the country for fire dangers. Our main worries are the refinery, convicts and sound from the Amtrak/freight trains. William Richardson, an Englishman, is considered the founder of the city, which he established in 1835. If youre planning on moving to California, heres a quick recap of the pros and cons of living in California. 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. There is always the threat of an earthquake to consider in the city. 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. 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. Hi there,We are very excited and sad to be moving from our home in the Colorado Mountains to the Bay Area. An amount below 100 means Benicia is cheaper than the US average. 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. Los Angeles: With median home prices averaging $756,000 and one-bedroom apartments going for $2,370 per month, Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities in America for home buyers. Compared to the United States average, Benicia ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! I'm considering a move to Benicia in the next few months. I was born and raised in the Monterey Bay area and forced by parents to move away. It was a film for San Francisco City Sights where I discussed the pros and cons of that Organization. I have 2 young sons and we absolutely love it here! Dont trust Google for your public transportation schedules. Benicia is by far more attractive with a larger historic district downtown and more view corridors of the bay. It can be a challenge to get used to the weather in San Francisco. Crime is crazy and cut backs on law enforcement has made it worse.
The Pros and Cons of Revocable Living Trusts - The Balance We just moved there from Oakland in February and absolutely love it! 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. 1. Enter California, a state that averages 260+ days of sunshine per year. 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.
10 Pros and Cons of Living in Wisconsin - Redfin Median real estate prices in Redding come in at $232,000, which is 43.3% lower than the California average. I think the town has more of what you're looking for. And it's one of the most underrated, which means it's not as full of tourists as other places, like Montreal and Vancouver. Benicians consider that Martinez is somewhat similar in a lot of ways to Benicia (although my understanding is that their refinery has much less capacity); Concord obviously is a much larger town (really a small city) and harder to generalize, but don't underestimate the value of proximity to BART.