. 35 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK: Should You - Nina Out and About Benicia has a refinery and on occasion you can smell it. Strong and Growing Arts and Culture There is plenty of culture, art, and science to explore in San Diego, especially at Balboa Park. It can be a challenge to get used to the weather in San Francisco. How safe is benicia? Explained by FAQ Blog JL. I think it is considered a ''safe'' town, and it is convenient to the Vallejo Ferry or casual carpool for commuting into the city. 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Canada! - Girl With The Passport We currently live in LA and are pre-retirement. It might also be worth noting that 63% of residents also have children under the age of 18. Public transportation in San Francisco covers the entire city. SCHOOLS Benicia public schools spend $8,132 per student. Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. The Inland Empire has an economy larger than the entire state of Kansas or the country of Hungary. Pro: The NHS Means (Mostly) Free Healthcare Con: But It's Super Slow Pro: Cheap Airlines Mean More Travel Con: But Expensive Visas Mean Less Accessibility Pro: Easy Access to Europe Con: Brexit and Politics Pro: Snow is Nothing Compared to Canada Con: The Weather is Miserable Pro: Adorable Cottage Homes 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. 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. Pinole is not too far from the Rodeo refinery although I don't recall ever smelling it. The cost of housing is "cheaper " compared to some bay area locations. #3. It doesn't feel very diverse and it doesn't really feel like it's part of the Bay Area proper. Just an FYI that Amtrak runs from Martinez to Jack London Sq in Oakland - so that might be another option. We have a Trader Joe's, Sprouts, Peet's etc. 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. In fact, California usually ranks as the worst 10-states for public education. It is very much a small town. Knowing if your home will appreciate on a long term or even a short term basis should be factored into your decision making. Windemere has all the desired conveniences-including shopping, dining, freeways and BART. Then spend time in the bay area on weekends. Have you considered Benicia? Crime is crazy and cut backs on law enforcement has made it worse. Although you'll want to leave early in the day to avoid traffic issues, the central location means a day trip can help you to avoid lodging expenses. Can you share your insights? We live next to Benicia, but technically are zip coded as Vallejo. San Francisco was named one of the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world in 2019. Redding has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. Or is there a bus? And these are just prices for flights! People in the city take this issue very seriously. 7. The Pros and Cons of Revocable Living Trusts - The Balance You are welcome to email me if you have any questions. From the amazing landscapes to the diversity, to the warmth of the people and the low cost of living. - The Weather Northern California is home to a lot of wonderful weather. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of living in Wisconsin before moving there. I worked in Benicia for 5 years (commuting from Berkeley), and spent time in Vallejo for work purposes during that job. 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. Please. Moving to California means leaving behind bitter winters and freezing temperatures, which greatly improves my quality of life. Hands down, one of my favorite things about living in California is the diversity of the people. Im guessing youve never live on your own. 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". Have you ever consider Benicia??? 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. The train goes along the Bay Shore, looking out at the Golden Gate. Im terrified. Let me know if you have any questions or comments below, its always a pleasure to hear from you! Benicia is a little gem that gets overlooked because of the nearby refineries. These are the pros and cons of living in San Francisco today that are worth considering. 1. Disadvantages of a Living Trust Funding a Trust Is Expensive . And 5 reasons not to live in California. We are also less than 20mins away from Napa. San Diego alone is home to more than 7,000 restaurants, and the Hispanic cuisine is considered the best in the country thanks to the citys close proximity to Mexico. The community often has little events that are great for meeting new people. If you have a dog that is coming with you to San Francisco, then both of you are in for a fantastic time. But back to CA- cost of housing is the biggest drawback for me. Fantastic schools, a good community, and much more affordable than the Bay Area. Neither town is great for commuting to Oakland. If youre considering moving to California and settling further from the coast, understand that the average summer temperature exceed 95F and 100F+ days are not uncommon. It only takes one missed stop to figure that issue out. I like your negative points. In Redding, the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 18.8% lower than the California average. Are you thinking about moving to California? House very expensive old features. Select any title to view the full question and replies. Well I live in Placerville California and Ive lived in Yosemite and weed and a lot of different places and let me tell you that not all parts of the state have mild Winters or constant sunshine or High cost of living or poor performing public schools. Several businesses allow them as well, even if they are not a service animal. 8. If your teens are at all interested in sports, Benicia would be a great place for them! Right now not for something specific like work or study, I just really need the change. I find, though, that it is a great place for us empty nesters, too. 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. Everyone loves it; its pristine coastline, picturesque vineyards, wineries, and snow-clad Sierra Nevada Range which maintains its warm weather perfectly. Living In. When weighing the pros and cons of living in Dallas, the pros greatly outweigh the cons. The best ride of all is the ferry from Mare Island Channel but it only goes to Alameda and by way of SF. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Redding ranks well for amenities (A+) and weather (B). Fitness is a priority in San Francisco. it seems that everyone who lives here knows how special this place is and wants to take care of it. Sorry Cali. Not others. The best areas in Benicia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. You really arent a true resident of the city until youve seen someone walking down the street naked. There are tons of community events, it is very safe, has that small-town feeling and is still affordable. You can also find affordable rentals around the state in popular cities like Henderson, where a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,700. If you have any question, you can email me as well. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! We just made new friends sitting on the sidewalk, sipping an adult beverage with our dogs at our feet. Hope this helps! Thanks to its temperate climate, it is also one of the best walking communities in the United States. Even stores like Walgreens sell produce in the city. 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. happy empty nesters. 10 Pros And Cons Of Living In California To get us rolling. Housing prices are comical (well, they would be if they werent reality). Good luck on your move! It might be worthwhile to consider commuting if you can manage the traffic situation in the city. 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. The downtown is indeed walkable and quite charming, and right by the water. Both cities are relatively well-run, as these things go; I'd give Pinole the administrative edge. Your not my dream state. Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone, Kid friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay. At the beginning of 2021, the median home price was around $382,000. Living in Bali: The Costs, Pros and Cons - Omnivagant Like do people carpool from Benicia to BART? My biggest concern is the social aspect. All she said is true. Sure, come visit for awhile. 2. Climate. Assuming that Benicia meets all of your requirements, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Benicia. Please keep in mind that this is a personal list, not everyone will feel the same way. Costco is close by, and plenty of Starbucks. I work for Macys and am scared to death to drive out there (foolish I Know) . Taxes are high in San Francisco, but this disadvantage applies to the entire state of California. It's affortable and close to Easy Bay. My husband & I moved to Benicia with our 13-year-old son more than 33 years ago. Living in the city: Pros and cons - Common Monica, My family is hoping to buy a home soon. 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. 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. 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. 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. What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Davis, CA? However, a high crime rate, high cost for shelter, and lagging economy might be a problem. 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. Vallejo or Benecia for commuting to Sacramento? There are clearly many advantages of living in the city. There is a lot of activities that you can do in the city. Benicia ca - The Pros and Cons of Benicia California, Moving to Benicia ca. For me, it would depend on what kind of town I want to live in, schools, etc. As a budget traveler and travel blogger, this is definitely the number one plus for living in Europe. If so, make sure to site a proper source otherwise you are not adding value to the conversation and everyones time is precious. Very valuable information. 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. I'm wondering if being in Martinez would actually save that much time compared with Benicia. I worked a few years in downtown Benicia commuting from Berkeley this combo. That means it has more influence than the United Kingdom, which has 26 million more people contributing to the GDP. This makes me sad as a returning native of 6 years. Yet, if people are looking for a vacation spot that is relaxing and welcoming, Benicia is it. 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. Overall, Valero is the economic engine of town - largest employer, taxpayer, etc. I live in Benicia. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Living in Redding, CA Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. We also have friends in Roseville who absolutely love its family-friendliness and easy light rail commute into downtown Sac. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Redding: Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and Sacramento River Trail. That said, groceries, utilities, public transport and even alcohol are all reasonably priced compared to the prices in most Western countries. I want to live where the boys can have a little freedom with stuff to do but not in a big city. Benicia is a small, family-friendly town and we have lots of fun downtown activities for families and teens. Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. 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). That places it just one spot behind Los Angeles and one spot ahead of Switzerland yes, the country. Have you looked at Benicia? There is a high level of self-expression that you can find in San Francisco, and it can be a lot of fun to embrace that culture. Human trafficking is ramped. Pinole Valley is safe, family-friendly, and diverse. (Yikes!!) Im looking for input on areas that have nice high schools(safe). I only was able to buy a house the 2nd time due to moving there during the recession- the same house I bought for $210 in 08 now would go for around $400K- it was only 1,200 sq ft. Id like to move back, but my salary of just over 100K just really wont cut it most anywhere- at least to buy a descent house that isnt a 500K shack! There is a very active moms club with about 130 members. If you choose the back part of Pinole Valley, you get to send your daughter to Ellerhorst, which is a very good school. I will likely take BART. . For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month. Suburb Population 27,191 Pros and cons of living in Wisconsin: Bottom line. 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. California is a beautiful state California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and it's not hard to see why. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in California Right Now Carrie. We live in Benicia, and moved here for the great schools. Long days, regardless of mode of travel. 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. I suggest that you try looking at Davis. Ive never done anything like this before. Immigrationgeez. Winnford M. Dela Torre, BSN, RN - Registered Nurse - U.S. Department of But if you choose to live in a city further inland, you can expect blazing hot summers. 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. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is the city is $3,108 per month. One of the reasons why the housing market and rental costs are so high in San Francisco is because the economy is strong, diverse, and consistent. Canada is Beautiful Let's face it - Canada is one of the most Instagrammable (read, stunningly beautiful) places in the world. Those with a degree in Bachelor of Engineering earn $103,528 on average and Ph.D. holders make an average of $115,087. Thats when the name of the city changed for the full-time population of about 800 people. The cost of living in San Francisco is equally high. There is no doubt that living in San Francisco is expense. We were looking for a family friendly community with good schools in the area and we stumbled upon Benicia. 3. The median home cost in Benicia is Real Estate: $763,400. First Street is completely blocked off and it is filled with people in the holiday spirit. The North Bay is really a great place to live. Most restaurants tailor their menus to healthy eating instead of huge portions of high-carb foods. Especially a young woman. Cost of Living in Benicia, California - Best Places On a less positive note, Benicia does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F) and housing (D). Alongside million dollar homes, youll find tent cities and folks living in doorways and streets. One of the reasons why people are consistently attracted to the idea of living in San Francisco is because of its emphasis on diversity. Traffic and homeless is not something to fun to see they are in need of help but no one can. Residents - Benicia, California Pinole has a Peet's, In n Out, and a Trader Joe's. Pros and Cons: What It's Like Living in Palm Springs - California - CON: Expensive non-essentials I was born and raised in the Monterey Bay area and forced by parents to move away. Could u please share your views about moving to Texas? 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. 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. California is home to nine national parks, which means it has more national parks than any other state in America, including Alaska! 21 Pros and Cons of Living in Sacramento, California - Vittana The cost of living in Nevada is also lower than in many other states. Lucky for me, California is home to 12 international airports (including LAX, the second largest airport in America). Posted on February 27, 2023 by laguardia airport food terminal c 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. I have worked for both cities but not lived in either. Many young professionals live in Benicia and residents tend to have moderate political views. 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. 5. San Francisco is renowned for its cultural diversity. ), and of course the accommodation itself. Unless you live in a high-elevation area, youll seldom see snow and can count on sunshine even in the dead of winter.