The median household income in California is among the best in the nation at $77,000 (as of June 2019). There are tons of community events, it is very safe, has that small-town feeling and is still affordable. If you have any question, you can email me as well. The perks of living in San Francisco are almost endless. As another poster mentioned, with either Benicia or Martinez you would have to drive to Pleasant Hill Bart. This makes me sad as a returning native of 6 years. The discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots is painstakingly clear on the streets and practically impossible to avoid while living in California. An average meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is about $80, which is double the cost of what the national average is in the United States. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions. I would also love any information you can give about that in relation to California. Private studio with shared pool - 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 IDR. 9. Re: Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone All the advantages of Benicia at Vallejo housing prices. A great and safe community with a lots of parks. An added bonus is that the town is located right on the water so you can see the ships go by, etc. 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. Manage Settings Cons of living in Nevada 1. Your property taxes are going to be higher if you own too since the property values are skyrocketing in the city. You can also make it to Napa Valley in about an hour when heading to the north. More Education Best Places to Live in Benicia Rankings View All Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You expressed some of the cons which I forgot about, such as income tax and of course the homelessness. The Economic Life Puerto Rico is more about social life than economics. Purchasing your new home can come with many financial benefits, some of which are more lucrative than others. Whenever I visit other cities, Im constantly met with enjoy your visit, but dont move here which stopped being funny in 2010. Actually sales tax was less there than the state Im in now (Louisiana)- so was car insurance. The BART is a little bit of a hike, but doable. Benicia, CA is a seaside town that people think of when they think "getaway vacation". 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. House very expensive old features. If there is anything else you like to know please email me at aware1967 [at] yahoo.com. 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. The Pros And Cons Of Living In Each State. My goal is to be part of a pretty active community in a walkable charming old seaport town. Kelly, Hmm, well, I worked in Benicia for many years and was never seriously tempted to live there. Select any title to view the full question and replies. Benicia is a small, family-friendly town and we have lots of fun downtown activities for families and teens. San Francisco is one of the best dog-friendly cities in the United States. It might also be worth noting that 63% of residents also have children under the age of 18. Non-Latino Caucasians represent 37.2% of the population. Well done, well said and bravo for being honest. While this is still lower than California's cost of living, it's high enough to be expensive for most people. highest homeless populations in the country, most expensive cities in America for home buyers, 7 EPIC Places to Visit in Death Valley (With 4-Wheel Drive), 20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Tucson (Locals Advice), 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Los Angeles, California. Everyone gathers at the green field at the end of 1st Street and watches the fire works. 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. 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 Weather Northern California is home to a lot of wonderful weather. Dylyn, Berkeley Parents Network, founded in 1993,isbased in Berkeley, California andis a 501(c)(3) nonprofit online network for parents in the San Francisco Bay Area. 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. 2. In Oceanside, the cost of living is 43.8% higher than the national average. Hi there Thanks a lot for that, it was very informative and helpful. Property values in both places took a major dive during the recession. You displayed the positive of moving to California and the negative alike. The weather is always nice enough in San Francisco to get outside, so youll see people enjoying the outdoors through hiking and cycling. Right now not for something specific like work or study, I just really need the change. Even if you want a studio apartment, you're going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. For me, it would depend on what kind of town I want to live in, schools, etc. The price of most rentals is very reasonable and the houses are very nice. In San Francisco alone, tech accounts for 20.5% of all jobs, with the largest employers being Facebook, Netflix, Google, Yahoo, Apple and Tesla. Benicia fan. Even if you cook every meal at home, youll need to budget at least $420 per person, which is over $100 more than the national average. Hear what they say to your face then listen closely what they say behind your back. I am a teacher in an adjacentschool district and know many, many teachers who work for Benicia Unified. 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. People don't care about each other. Wow, the houses dont even look like they should be worth that much. We live in Benicia, and moved here for the great schools. One more thing, I thought of living there in a roommates apartment. I need to move out of here. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The crime rate is high; 20.3%, 3 times (in 100,000 people) more than the entire US itself. Admittedly, most of California has a Mediterranean climate with pleasant humid-free summers, especially cities that line the coast. 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. There are many additional borrowing options available. Again, some people are bothered by this and some are not. If you are checking out out the area, don't skip Glen Cove, which is next to Benicia. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. Yes, Florida is much cheaper than California because the cost of living is just 1% higher than the national average. But it could be different on some days; I'm not sure. 9. My hubby will be working in vallejo. I take my daughter to a lot of activities in Benicia. 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. If you cant afford being here, even with a job offer, then maybe another destination is the right choice to make. It doesn't feel very diverse and it doesn't really feel like it's part of the Bay Area proper. It's affortable and close to Easy Bay. Waisting paycheck to move to Cali. happy empty nesters. Amy, Re: Kid friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay Benicia may be a bit too far North for you, but it is an amazing little treasure. People from Martinez drive, at least as far as my acquaintance goes. 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's only fitting to consider the pros and cons of this popular decision-making tool: The Pros Rigor. It is very much a small town. 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. 2. Home appreciation rates are a good way to generate tax-free equity on a long term 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. The downtown area is pretty flat, so it is perfect for strolling around or bicycling. 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. She developedasthma after moving there. And 5 reasons not to live in California. Despite devastating fires and earthquakes in its early history, the people rebuilt the city to make it the wonderful place it is today. Happy in Benicia, We are considering a move to Benicia with our two small children. Sorry Cali. I have worked for both cities but not lived in either. In fact, California usually ranks as the worst 10-states for public education. We also have friends in Roseville who absolutely love its family-friendliness and easy light rail commute into downtown Sac. 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. And it's one of the most underrated, which means it's not as full of tourists as other places, like Montreal and Vancouver. 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. 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. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon. 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. Living in California is a tale of extremes extreme wealth and extreme poverty. The community is warm and friendly, the schools are very good, there are many (!) vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. 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. These are the pros and cons of living in San Francisco today that are worth considering. Benicia or Martinez for commute to Oakland? 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. It really is a beautiful hidden gem in the Bay Area and I feel lucky to live here! Fourth of July is one such day. We looked at a lot of houses in Benicia. 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. You have to drive to Concord or Fairfield for a Trader Joes, and the closest Whole Foods is in Napa or Walnut Creek. 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. Although its gotten more expensive (like everywhere else) this last year, its still affordable compared to other nice parts of the Bay Area. 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. Benicia is very family oriented with lots of parks and a weekly farmers market that has a petting zoo with pony rides. Hi I'm a mom with two teen boys. Several businesses allow them as well, even if they are not a service animal. Calculated annually per 100,000 residents. 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). It also feels much less crowded here than it does everywhere else. The Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States. Fantastic schools, a good community, and much more affordable than the Bay Area. I think the town has more of what you're looking for. Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Redding on a regular basis. Yeah Im somewhere in a similar predicament. You may want to check it out. The Lifestyle is Very Laid-Back Shorts, sunglasses, and sandals is the non-official uniform or "California look" of the Palm Springs lifestyle. Wefeel close to everything but also far away, if that makes any sense. There are also several celebrations that you can only find in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and Bay to Breakers. But if you lived walking distance to downtown you would not see them. A waterfront City of 28,000, Benicia is known for its small-town charm, history, and high quality of life. 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. Benicia ca - The Pros and Cons of Benicia California, Moving to Benicia ca. We're hoping for diversity, for a whole approachthat is not hyper focused on testing (art, music, theater valued as well as academics), and not huge amounts of homework every night. All three of Californias major cities rank as being some of the most diverse in America. I'm wondering if being in Martinez would actually save that much time compared with Benicia. The public schools in Benicia are highly rated. Carrie. A wonderful place to raise a family! However, each is still a "good" 45 minute drive w/o traffic to Sacramento (I had to go to Sac many times from Benicia), and a solid 30-minutes (off commute) to Berkeley, and each one has its own "feel". Property values. And the school are highly rated. - CON: Expensive non-essentials In moving around so much, Ive had an opportunity to experience living in California through various large cities and Ive definitely learned a lot about what life in California is like. The Inland Empire has an economy larger than the entire state of Kansas or the country of Hungary. Not sure which area would be best. Specialties: 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments in San Ramon, CA Welcome to Muirlands at Windemere Apartments! Although I have never lived there, I have visited Davis a lot, and suspect that on a daily basis, it's more like Berkeley/Oakland/Albany than either Benicia or Vallejo. Regrettably for Redding, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F), cost of living (F), education (F), employment (D) and housing (D-). They also have a thriving and vibrant small- town arts scene. Then, if your bus is going through Chinatown, expect a lengthy delay. Your not my dream state. You are going to need some cash to make things happen if you want to start living here. And almost anywhere in the city, you can see the water. The landscape is as diverse as it gets and changes drastically from north to south. The state is overcrowded. 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. One thing you quickly learn after moving to California is that you will never go hungry. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. Thanks again, really appreciate it . Im terrified. Or is there a bus? Mountain living is ideal for people who appreciate peace, quiet, and the chance to inhabit their own little slice of mostly untouched nature. Benicia is right on the water, so there are many small beaches to stroll along, and there is a long pier that is a popular place to walk down. In total, more than 72% of the population is classified as married and 67% have kids. There is a lot of activities that you can do in the city. What's the crime rate in Benicia California? Assuming that Redding meets all of your requirements, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Redding. Taxes too high. See, I can't say enough good things about it. 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.. Vallejo or Benecia for commuting to Sacramento? The year over year appreciation rates in Redding were 4.4%, and the 5 year appreciation rates came in at 6.4%. Pros and cons of living in Wisconsin: Bottom line. My husband & I moved to Benicia with our 13-year-old son more than 33 years ago. Davis makes the most sense. At least you wont be shoveling snow by the foot like people to the north are during the winter months from the same storms. My biggest concern is the social aspect. We just made new friends sitting on the sidewalk, sipping an adult beverage with our dogs at our feet. When making a big move. If you live downtown, you can walk to everything without a car. 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). I like your negative points. It has such a strong community feeling, between the residents, police and fire teams, business owners, etc. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of living in Wisconsin before moving there. One feature that Martinez has that Benicia does not have is a direct connection on Amtrak from Jack London Square (or West Berkeley). According to the most recent Census, 72% of Benicia residents are White, 12% Asian and 6% Black. The United States would annex California in 1846, with the USS Portsmouth sailing into San Francisco Bay to raise the American flag. The town gets two big thumbs up from me!!! Much of the homework appears to be driven by parent demand for "rigorous" academics, so that even the teachers I know who recognize the dubious value of homework in elementary feel compelled to issue substantial homework packets. Thank you for helping me decide. 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. But these are the things most people are looking for. Living in Benicia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. 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. You can get to the Fairfield store from Benicia without getting on busy highways. it seems that everyone who lives here knows how special this place is and wants to take care of it. Unfortunately, my pay will only be just over 6 figures and everything I am reading in post sounds like I might be living in a tent. Can you give me some advice? is it still impossible to buy a house ? 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. Neither town is great for commuting to Oakland. 14 Pros of Living in Vancouver, BC PRO: YVR is a fantastic airport Pro: Amazing schooling Pro: Shopping haven Pro: It's home to Stanley Park Pro: You'll always find food trucks Pro: Plenty of fun sporting events Pro: You don't need to know French Pro: The nightlife Pro: Relatively moderate weather Pro: Easy access to nature The schools are well-rated. You are welcome to email me if you have any questions. If you are moving to the area with your family, then Noe Valley tends to be the place where you end up. 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. Based on the housing stock, population density, and the proximity of amenities of the area. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California 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. 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 First Street is completely blocked off and it is filled with people in the holiday spirit. We are very excited. Ive never done anything like this before. Thank you! From the amazing landscapes to the diversity, to the warmth of the people and the low cost of living. 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). There is always the threat of an earthquake to consider in the city. Im 25 now and I guess I can say that its not the easiest for me to make new connections. Perhaps the most notable benefit could be the appreciation of your new home. 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. 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. we love it here! For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month. But which state is best to stay for a loner like me who has zero support from any angle. 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. And the scenery is amazingly beautiful! Median real estate prices in Redding come in at $232,000, which is 43.3% lower than the California average. Benicia is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. Costco is close by, and plenty of Starbucks. We are looking in Novato, Petaluma, Santa Rosa or Fairfield/Vacaville, Concord areas. There are about 23.6 students per teacher in Benicia. 7. 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. Benicia is a suburb of Vallejo with a population of 27,191. A couple of them are atypical learners/creative types. beautiful parks and the social activities in town are always wonderful. Explore the dramatic desert in the Mojave, the granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park, the towering trees in Redwood National Park or the rolling hills of Napa Valley and youll see what all the fuss is about.