Since most everyone moving to California arrives with a car, you can expect nightmarish traffic to become part of your daily life in California. We will be renting. 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. Feel free to email me! MUNI is the public transportation system in San Francisco where you can hop onto a bus to get around the city. Very valuable information. And it's one of the most underrated, which means it's not as full of tourists as other places, like Montreal and Vancouver. The United States would annex California in 1846, with the USS Portsmouth sailing into San Francisco Bay to raise the American flag. 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. 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. Your property taxes are going to be higher if you own too since the property values are skyrocketing in the city. Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. This may be the most honest review of anything (period) Ive ever read on the internet. My friend who lives in Benicia says she would not make that decision again. 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. Compare today's top mortgage and refinancing providers. We are looking for any feedback, both positive and/or negative, in regards to the community, schools, neighborhoods, and refinery. Is buying and building a home in Smith River, Ca any better when it comes to the cons you stated. Many employers offer free shuttles and other transportation services. There is more access to healthier food choices, including the presence of several farmers markets throughout the city. Those are awful places to live with skewed statistics on crime and things because it isnt a total picture of this great state. Living in Benicia offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. 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. 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. Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. 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. Overall, most people seem to be okay with living in Chico. Youll discover that not only is it one of the best sports-related metro areas in the country, but San Francisco offers several cultural options as well. I can highly recommend Pinole. Then you have the 7.25% state sales tax, which becomes 8.5% in San Francisco. When you do need to travel somewhere, using an Uber or Lyft is still affordable. 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. P.S. Dont base your schedule on what it tells you. The median household income in California is among the best in the nation at $77,000 (as of June 2019). Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Redding on a regular basis. Fuel is also expensive, averaging $4.20 per gallon in May 2019, making it the most expensive place to fill up in the country. 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. P.S. And 5 reasons not to live in California. Here we have the 13 pros that we and the people in the video think are the best traits of living in Colombia. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Pinole is not too far from the Rodeo refinery although I don't recall ever smelling it. Despite devastating fires and earthquakes in its early history, the people rebuilt the city to make it the wonderful place it is today. 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. I travel often for work, so access to airports is a strong consideration when moving to a new city. The traffic in San Francisco is legendarily terrible. I can't really think of anything negative. Even having a sourdough bread bowl filled with chowder while enjoying a view of Alcatraz makes for a memorable day. You have to drive to Concord or Fairfield for a Trader Joes, and the closest Whole Foods is in Napa or Walnut Creek. 4. All this to say, unless youre working in a high-paying field, you may find the cost of living in California unrealistic, especially if youre moving to California from a small city. Con: Difficulty with access San Francisco is renowned for its cultural diversity. 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. 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. Making the effort to think through all possible pros and cons of a given course of. 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). Traffic and homeless is not something to fun to see they are in need of help but no one can. 7. The whole bus will start yelling at you too, so maybe dont be the first one out until you get used to the situation. So Im thinking of relocating to California, myself. The train goes along the Bay Shore, looking out at the Golden Gate. But which state is best to stay for a loner like me who has zero support from any angle. JL. It's a great location; pretty much 30-40 mins from Oakland, SF, Napa And with the "new" bridge, only 20 mins to downtown Walnut Creek. There is a neighborhood for everyone here, and most people can integrate into almost any living situation. Can you share your insights? 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. (Doesnt seem like it to me, but Im open to learning). Come to our farmers market and check out the town- every Thursday from 4-8. The BART is a little bit of a hike, but doable. One feature that Martinez has that Benicia does not have is a direct connection on Amtrak from Jack London Square (or West Berkeley). I have worked for both cities but not lived in either. Some places in Florida have been ranked 8% lower to 18% higher in cost compared to the average American city. 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 worked in Benicia for 5 years (commuting from Berkeley), and spent time in Vallejo for work purposes during that job. Copyright © 2023 Embrace Someplace | Privacy Policy | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. 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. While this is still lower than California's cost of living, it's high enough to be expensive for most people. No longer do you need to be stuck in long-term lease agreements. Taxes are high in San Francisco, but this disadvantage applies to the entire state of 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. 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. Rent too high. Our main worries are the refinery, convicts and sound from the Amtrak/freight trains. And seeing as Canadians are enjoying increased income, they'll have more to spend at your new business - easily making this one of the best pros and cons of living in Canada. 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. So youre moving to California with the intention of buying a home? Wildfires have been engulfing the west coast in record numbers over the past few years and California has definitely been hit the hardest. I'm considering a move to Benicia in the next few months. Does anyone have any negative or positive experiences with the above, especially the refinery. There is always the threat of an earthquake to consider in the 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. If you choose the back part of Pinole Valley, you get to send your daughter to Ellerhorst, which is a very good school. 2c. But these are the things most people are looking for. This goes hand-in-hand with the constant sunshine, but California has some of the mildest winters in the country. You may want to check it out. The landscape is as diverse as it gets and changes drastically from north to south. There is a direct transfer point to BART in Richmond. You'll have access to amenities like an extensive trail system . I appreciate any info/input you have. Public transportation in San Francisco covers the entire city. If youre planning on moving to California, heres a quick recap of the pros and cons of living in California. 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. Regardless, I hope you find it helpful. Home appreciation the last 10 years has been 6.1%. 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. Redding has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Knowing if your home will appreciate on a long term or even a short term basis should be factored into your decision making. 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. It seems we can afford Benicia, Martinez and parts of Concord. We have a Trader Joe's, Sprouts, Peet's etc. In some areas the traffic isnt bad especially if you dont live in a big city. 2. The median home cost in Benicia is Real Estate: $763,400. Its also home to some of the worst performing schools in the country. 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. The town is very laid back, so the police officers seem to jump on any violation where they can. By 1900, that figure had doubled again. 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. It's definitely cheaper than Berkeley, safe, quiet, but with a great ''old town'' downtown. Theres so much of the state that is not La San Francisco San Diego. We lived there for 10 years and I actually miss it tremendously. Benicia is by far more attractive with a larger historic district downtown and more view corridors of the bay. Benicia fan. beautiful parks and the social activities in town are always wonderful. Neither town is great for commuting to Oakland. I dont see this improving anytime soon so when you move to California youll need to learn how to better conserve water. 10. Benicia is a nice little town, and the Carquinez Strait is really lovely. There may be a few flaws to living in Davis. I worked a few years in downtown Benicia commuting from Berkeley this combo. The schools are well-rated. Everyone gathers at the green field at the end of 1st Street and watches the fire works. Savannah Savannah is one of the most popular cities in Georgia. 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. JOJ, Re: affordable housing You might even say that socialization doesnt really happen unless you bring your dog along. 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. 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. I live in Benicia. Can you give me some advice? I don't think I could ever find a more lovely town. As for life in California? When weighing the pros and cons of living in Dallas, the pros greatly outweigh the cons. She treated us super well and drove us around to give us a feel of the entire town. The cost of living in California is 49.9% above the national average, which means you have to earn significantly higher here. Wefeel close to everything but also far away, if that makes any sense. People tend to drive faster and with more aggression, so youll need to turn up your defensive driving skills a notch. Benicia is a small, family-friendly town and we have lots of fun downtown activities for families and teens. Re: Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone 6. 8. Also does anyone know of resources for commuters from Benicia? From the amazing landscapes to the diversity, to the warmth of the people and the low cost of living. Waisting paycheck to move to Cali. A commute of around 45 min from Valejo is ok. Also can you reccomend any good rental agents? Hello and welcome to the Bay! Benicia is a little gem that gets overlooked because of the nearby refineries. It might be worthwhile to consider commuting if you can manage the traffic situation in the city. Have you looked at Benicia? I couldnt agree more! The bridge commute isn't that bad, depending on timing. If so, make sure to site a proper source otherwise you are not adding value to the conversation and everyones time is precious. People will generally move to the US for better education or well-paying jobs. Based on the housing stock, population density, and the proximity of amenities of the area. You cant beat the weather and people who live here love it. A cost of living index above 100 means Benicia, California is more expensive. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Benicia ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (A), weather (B+), education (B-) and employment (B). 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. 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.. You can also make it to Napa Valley in about an hour when heading to the north. Antioch reminds me of Elk Grove now. Cons of living in Nevada 1. What's the crime rate in Benicia California? 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. Hear what they say to your face then listen closely what they say behind your back. 9. According to the most recent Census, 72% of Benicia residents are White, 12% Asian and 6% Black. We also have friends in Roseville who absolutely love its family-friendliness and easy light rail commute into downtown Sac. Everyone loves it; its pristine coastline, picturesque vineyards, wineries, and snow-clad Sierra Nevada Range which maintains its warm weather perfectly. You will also find some amazing mountains and wonderful outdoor activities. 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. 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. California has the largest network of public schools of any US state, but you know what else? We live in Benicia, and moved here for the great schools. Thank you so much for your replies, we will explore Davis and also Napa . Here are some of the more popular things to do in Redding: Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and Sacramento River Trail. The 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco was estimated to be 7.9 8.25 with extreme shaking. In fact, most of my friends and neighbors in LA were part-time actors who spent most of their free time looking for gigs. you did not mention is the California Government. San Francisco was named one of the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world in 2019. 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. Although not Napa or Sonoma, this is a historic town surrounded by the bay with a small-town feel and very family oriented. Benicia's schools are arguably better. Hi I'm a mom with two teen boys. You can also find affordable rentals around the state in popular cities like Henderson, where a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,700. 2. There is a lot of activities that you can do in the city. There is no way I can be a home owner in this day and age. Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. - The Weather Northern California is home to a lot of wonderful weather. Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. Benicia has a refinery and on occasion you can smell it. If you want to save some cash by ditching the vehicle, then San Francisco has you covered with its public transportation system. 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. happy empty nesters. plus a bunch of chains and a handful of mom and pops. Niche may be compensated by the third party lenders and others who place ads on the website. I did a year-long stint in New York City and the harsh winter made leaving an easy choice. She developedasthma after moving there. 5. I grew up in Sacramento actaully Elk Grove before all those houses were built. There are many additional borrowing options available. The core downtown area is kinda cute, but Benicia's got it beat by a landslide. Never noticed till gone for awhile, but a lot of the kindness and friendliness is a phoney act. The year over year appreciation rates in Redding were 4.4%, and the 5 year appreciation rates came in at 6.4%. Thanks again, really appreciate it . Thanks to its temperate climate, it is also one of the best walking communities in the United States. Dont trust Google for your public transportation schedules. The cost of living in South Korea varies depending on the city one lives in. An increase in your homes value can be a good way to generate tax-free equity that can create long term financial security. 2. Therfore just to visit weekend ok but not to live in Cali. Ive never done anything like this before. This is a city that is often said to be a "love it or hate it" type . The best areas in Redding and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. But it could be different on some days; I'm not sure. Carrie. As a budget traveler and travel blogger, this is definitely the number one plus for living in Europe. 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 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. Admittedly, most of California has a Mediterranean climate with pleasant humid-free summers, especially cities that line the coast. I think Hercules High is pretty strong (that is my school district). Average temperatures vary by city, but by and large, you can expect highs around 69F in the winter and 80-85F in the summer. Year after year, California tops the list as having the most devastating fires in the country and the trend seems to be getting worse nearly 12 million acres were burned in 2020 alone. Fourth of July is one such day. There are also several celebrations that you can only find in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and Bay to Breakers. They both have advantages of amazing views from many neighborhoods. Im looking for input on areas that have nice high schools(safe). 7. The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. Select any title to view the full question and replies. Not each of them applies to every state. There is no doubt that living in San Francisco is expense. There's even a bounce house for the kids! Happy in Benicia, We are considering a move to Benicia with our two small children. If you are trying to get somewhere during rush hour, then you need to avoid all of the highways at all costs. Sales tax is the highest in the nation. Are people dying by the hands of the government in California or did I miss something? 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. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. 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). Several of the bars in the city will even let you bring your dog into the establishment if it isnt a busy night for them. 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. Im 25 now and I guess I can say that its not the easiest for me to make new connections. 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. 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. Benicia is no more than 10 minutes from Vallejo. 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. Chose Glen Cove over Benicia, Re: Safe, family--oriented neighborhood? People from Martinez drive, at least as far as my acquaintance goes. In fact, California usually ranks as the worst 10-states for public education. We'd also love to hear about neighborhoods. If you're looking for a broker, the woman we worked with, Brenda Turner-Adams, was awesome. I agree with some of your assessments. 9. Thats when the name of the city changed for the full-time population of about 800 people. Checking rates won't affect your credit score. Even if you want a studio apartment, youre going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. She's lived in Benicia for over 30 years, I think, so she is really knowledgeable about the area, and she never, ever pressured us. If I had to guess, Id probably say its not realistic unless you have a hefty savings account. I recall a particularly bad stretch where residents were asked to save shower water to water plants. Good Stuff. 1. 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? It is a wonderful small town.Good schools. 2. Climate. 3. It can be a challenge to get used to the weather in San Francisco. Non-Latino Caucasians represent 37.2% of the population. 1. We lived in Benicia for 10 yrs and we made the big mistake of moving away from it. 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. Benicia has lots of open space, a state park on the water, and plenty of places to hike. In Benicia there are a lot of parks. You can easily join a fitness class, a sports league, or some other favorite activity to start making friends when living in San Francisco. Also fairly close to a Macys without having to get on any major highways. Yet another perk of living in California is seldom feeling rushed. Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. Benicia is looking like where we might land. Benicia is in Solano County. When you move to California, one thing will become clear very quickly California is proof that climate change is real. It has wonderful parks, a great community, very good public schools and the town itself is just a gem. I had that experience originally being from wine country area. 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. Not others. Hi there. Thanks again I really appreciate it. 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. Good luck on your move! 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. ben suarez bread / joseph wiley kim burrell / pragmatic theory of truth pros and cons. We are looking in Novato, Petaluma, Santa Rosa or Fairfield/Vacaville, Concord areas. The homeless population has gotten completely out of control and is scary at this point. If we take a look at the data, we can find out why. Fees that Niche receives for ads do not affect the terms you may be offered by the lender you choose. Long days, regardless of mode of travel. Get approval in minutes. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is the city is $3,108 per month. This will be a big change for us. In San Francisco alone, tech accounts for 20.5% of all jobs, with the largest employers being Facebook, Netflix, Google, Yahoo, Apple and Tesla. Since Im being honest, Id like to point out that wildfires will become a part of your daily vocabulary while living in California. California is a car-centric state and you will absolutely need to have a car while living in California because things are spread far apart. I memorized a script. ), and of course the accommodation itself. 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. We're moving to the north bay area in couple of months. 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.
Wembley Nations League Tickets,
Why Do Cowboys Wear Starched Jeans,
Why Did Hans Leave Allo 'allo,
Articles P
