Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living. The median household income in California is among the best in the nation at $77,000 (as of June 2019). 80 bus from VTC to Del Norte BART. Colombia is a beautiful country and has much to offer. While the state offers many benefits, such as natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and a low cost of living, there are also potential downsides, such as harsh winters and high property taxes. So youre moving to California with the intention of buying a home? I was born and raised in the East Bay. The cost of living in California is 49.9% above the national average, which means you have to earn significantly higher here. You'll have access to amenities like an extensive trail system . Wefeel close to everything but also far away, if that makes any sense. Perhaps one of my favorite things about living in California is the constant sunshine. If so, make sure to site a proper source otherwise you are not adding value to the conversation and everyones time is precious. Others involve nothing more than the persons birthday suit. You will always find people out with their pets during the day, enjoying the sunny weather in the city when it arrives. First Street is completely blocked off and it is filled with people in the holiday spirit. 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. Regardless of where in California you live, youre never further than a days drive from an epic national park and some of the best hiking trails in the country. If you're looking for a broker, the woman we worked with, Brenda Turner-Adams, was awesome. 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. Both cities are relatively well-run, as these things go; I'd give Pinole the administrative edge. It really shows when you are out around town. Have you looked at Benicia? 7. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. Taxes are high in San Francisco, but this disadvantage applies to the entire state of California. Whenever I visit other cities, Im constantly met with enjoy your visit, but dont move here which stopped being funny in 2010. Benicia is one of the the best places to raise a family in the Bay Area right now. Long days, regardless of mode of travel. My goal is to be part of a pretty active community in a walkable charming old seaport town. Fees that Niche receives for ads do not affect the terms you may be offered by the lender you choose. Get some big dogs and move to Benicia! Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. If you want to save some cash by ditching the vehicle, then San Francisco has you covered with its public transportation system. William Richardson, an Englishman, is considered the founder of the city, which he established in 1835. At least you wont be shoveling snow by the foot like people to the north are during the winter months from the same storms. 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. 2c. but not great in my opinion restaurants, and there are only local stores such as Raley's or Safeway. Pros and Cons of living in Barcelona - 10 best and worst things Hi there. Property values in both places took a major dive during the recession. Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. My aunt lives in Sacramento and I refuse to visit her in summer because I just cant deal with the oppressing heat. 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. With the new Benicia Bridge that opened late last year the commute to Contra Costa County is a breeze. The public schools in Benicia are highly rated. The refineries are all ''down wind'' and don't really have any impact on your quality of life. The best ride of all is the ferry from Mare Island Channel but it only goes to Alameda and by way of SF. Because of the citys location near fault lines, there is always the lingering threat of the Big One that exists in residents minds. And these are just prices for flights! Over 80% of the city was destroyed at the time, 3,000 people were killed, and 250,000 were left homeless. The traffic in San Francisco is legendarily terrible. We live in Benicia, and moved here for the great schools. Fourth of July is one such day. Although not Napa or Sonoma, this is a historic town surrounded by the bay with a small-town feel and very family oriented. You can also make it to Napa Valley in about an hour when heading to the north. Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. If you have advice on Napa, please post ! Ive never done anything like this before. 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. 30 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK 1. At present, California is the worst state in the country for fire dangers. If youre used to a temperate coastal climate, then the weather in San Francisco may not seem like much of a disadvantage. and a Pain It generally costs more time and money to set up and fund a revocable living trust than to simply write a willas much as three times more, at least initially. Happy in Benicia, We are considering a move to Benicia with our two small children. It might be worthwhile to consider commuting if you can manage the traffic situation in the city. The Davis Farmers' Market has been named the best in the country, and for good reason. This may be the most honest review of anything (period) Ive ever read on the internet. 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. Since most everyone moving to California arrives with a car, you can expect nightmarish traffic to become part of your daily life in California. You have access to cabs, bicycles, scooters, buses, trollies, and light rail so that you can access almost any part of the city. It was a film for San Francisco City Sights where I discussed the pros and cons of that Organization. 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). I not ready to drop off the vine yet, but I want a lifestyle change. 8. Fantastic schools, a good community, and much more affordable than the Bay Area. That being said, Benicia has O.K. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of . You are a short drive from some of the best places in California. Our oldest grandson (who is 20 years old) graduated from Benicia High School and is doing extremely well in college. However, it is a great middle ground for a road trip. The weather is tolerable year-round and allows you to enjoy the great outdoors or regardless of the season save for summer, but well cover that shortly. Good Stuff. 4. The taxes should be taken into strong consideration while researching if moving to California is right for you because they will greatly reduce your overall take home pay. Benicia has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #160 in California and #4,047 in the USA. We considered buying in Benicia around this time last year. Checking rates won't affect your credit score. Public transportation in San Francisco covers the entire city. 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. Pinole Valley is safe, family-friendly, and diverse. I couldnt agree more! 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Canada! - Girl With The Passport My biggest concern is the social aspect. It's affortable and close to Easy Bay. The state has a fairly relaxed vibe to it, people seem to move at a slower pace. Thanks again I really appreciate it. 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. In addition to being a great spot in the state of Georgia, it is also a great spot in the United States. The median price for a single-family home in the city was $1.65 million in May 2019. Prices were lower there, but she believes theair quality from the refinery has affected their health and that of others she knows in the community. Permanent residents can receive medical for free or at extremely low costs. The discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots is painstakingly clear on the streets and practically impossible to avoid while living in California. 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in SAN DIEGO, California 10 Pros And Cons Of Living In California To get us rolling. Although its gotten more expensive (like everywhere else) this last year, its still affordable compared to other nice parts of the Bay Area. Dont trust Google for your public transportation schedules. Average temperatures vary by city, but by and large, you can expect highs around 69F in the winter and 80-85F in the summer. The crime rate is high; 20.3%, 3 times (in 100,000 people) more than the entire US itself. you did not mention is the California Government. 6. 3. About Benicia. What's the crime rate in Benicia California? We have three grandsons (ages 12, 14, and 16) who are currently attending the Benicia schools and they are all doing well and the quality of their education is excellent. For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month. We looked at a lot of houses in Benicia. Thanks again, really appreciate it . If you dont have a car, public transportation is the breeding ground for all the above. Unlike wills, trusts require that you give up direct ownership of that property. 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. 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. What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Davis, CA? Benicia City Hall, 250 East L Street Benicia, CA 94510 Phone: (707) 746-4200 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? In total, more than 72% of the population is classified as married and 67% have kids. 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.. Those with a degree in Bachelor of Engineering earn $103,528 on average and Ph.D. holders make an average of $115,087. One more thing, I thought of living there in a roommates apartment. Vallejo or Benecia for commuting to Sacramento? 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. It's definitely cheaper than Berkeley, safe, quiet, but with a great ''old town'' downtown. 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). Low crime. California would have the fifth-largest economy in the world if the state were an independent nation. BART to downtown Oakland. My 'husband' and I want to move to either Benicia or Pinole. 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.) 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 cost of living is 158.3 100=National Average AVERAGE RENT BY BEDROOM SIZE Savannah Savannah is one of the most popular cities in Georgia. 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. If you work in tech or film, theres no better place to live than California. Muirlands at Windemere - San Ramon, CA - Yelp An increase in your homes value can be a good way to generate tax-free equity that can create long term financial security. If you are moving to the area with your family, then Noe Valley tends to be the place where you end up. Many employers offer free shuttles and other transportation services. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Benicia are simply unattainable. We are from a small city in south florida. The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. we love it here! There are many additional borrowing options available. Youll notice that there is a different flow to the traffic as well. 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. 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. San Francisco is one of the best dog-friendly cities in the United States. 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. 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). The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. Chose Glen Cove over Benicia, Re: Safe, family--oriented neighborhood? Everything from fashion to film and tech is covered pretty well in California, so you honestly wont have much a reason to be bored. Heres the stats on traffic for the three most populous cities in California: Los Angeles horrendous traffic is known the world over and the proof is in the pudding. When James Marshall discovered gold in the area, a surge of people came to make their fortune. Manage Settings The landscape is as diverse as it gets and changes drastically from north to south. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. In San Francisco alone, tech accounts for 20.5% of all jobs, with the largest employers being Facebook, Netflix, Google, Yahoo, Apple and Tesla. I hope you found this post helpful. 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. It's much more of a state of mind than Pinole! A Benicia public option is bus to Vallejo Transit Center from Benicia. It might be a city of transplants, but no one really cares about that here. It's 20 plus minutes to the Bay Bridge and 10 mins or so to Walnut Creek so it's not a bad commute and there is a ferry service into the city. 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. 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. California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and its not hard to see why. We live next to Benicia, but technically are zip coded as Vallejo. The whole bus will start yelling at you too, so maybe dont be the first one out until you get used to the situation. It really is a beautiful hidden gem in the Bay Area and I feel lucky to live here! California has some of the country's most beautiful beaches and with more than 800 miles of coastline you're going to have a lot to choose from. MUNI is the public transportation system in San Francisco where you can hop onto a bus to get around the city. 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 am a teacher in an adjacentschool district and know many, many teachers who work for Benicia Unified. Benicia fan. People don't care about each other. Despite devastating fires and earthquakes in its early history, the people rebuilt the city to make it the wonderful place it is today. Did you ever live in any other state for any amount of time? Winnford M. Dela Torre, BSN, RN - Registered Nurse - U.S. Department of Select any tags that apply to this area. However, there can be some health disadvantages. The Pros and Cons of Living in the Mountains - Moving.com A wonderful place to raise a family! 3. Living In California Vs Florida: Pros And Cons In 2023 - Budget Travel Buff 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. I love the East Bay especially Berkeley. What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Chico, CA? Living In Redding, CA - AreaVibes Kathy, Re: considering a move to Sacramento Official Website of the City of Benicia, California. However, it can be a little too hot for some. I worked a few years in downtown Benicia commuting from Berkeley this combo. Let me know if you have any questions or comments below, its always a pleasure to hear from you! Yet another thing to be mindful of while living in California are the constant droughts. A great and safe community with a lots of parks. Knowing that there are an abundance of amenities and things to do can ensure that you always have access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants and coffee shops. 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. The hipsters tend to stay in the Mission district, and then youll find the blue collar folks down by the Marina. The housing market in San Francisco is pricing everyone out. 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 believe you have given an honest look at what to expect when moving to California. Prices differ largely based on where in town accommodation is located, if all the bills are included (wifi, electricity, water, etc. Ill be the first to admit I dont know what the right solution for homelessness is, but I want to be transparent about it for anyone considering moving to California because you will notice it on a daily basis. 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.