Specialized Housing Counselors, Articles P

People are very interested in each other and generally extremely friendly. Everyone loves it; its pristine coastline, picturesque vineyards, wineries, and snow-clad Sierra Nevada Range which maintains its warm weather perfectly. Then spend time in the bay area on weekends. The bridge commute isn't that bad, depending on timing. Because of the citys location near fault lines, there is always the lingering threat of the Big One that exists in residents minds. 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. There are unique offerings in each area, with a lot of pros and cons to consider with each one, but there are also stereotypes that youll want to consider. 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. You are going to need some cash to make things happen if you want to start living here. Even though there was a lag in growth for the first time in forever in 2018, the rental market in San Francisco is insane and the housing market isnt any better. Youll notice that there is a different flow to the traffic as well. 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. On a less positive note, Benicia does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F) and housing (D). 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. However, a high crime rate, high cost for shelter, and lagging economy might be a problem. Im glad Im not the only one feeling this. 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. It is very safe and family oriented. That said, groceries, utilities, public transport and even alcohol are all reasonably priced compared to the prices in most Western countries. There are many additional borrowing options available. Dictionary Entries Near pros and cons prosaist pros and cons Prosarthri See More Nearby Entries Cite this Entry Style We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Climate. Vallejo has a bad rap about crime; Benicia has a large oil refinery in town, with the environmental concerns that entails; you'd want to research each of those issues extensively, as well as your school options, before committing. Have you ever consider Benicia??? Especially a young woman. The community often has little events that are great for meeting new people. Redding has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. Im looking for input on areas that have nice high schools(safe). Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. As another poster mentioned, with either Benicia or Martinez you would have to drive to Pleasant Hill Bart. So Im thinking of relocating to California, myself. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text. I have friends in Benicia who say the schools are good, but I have not checked that out as a fact. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of . There is a very active moms club with about 130 members. Expensive energy costs; the cost of gasoline and electricity is very high in California compared to other states. Youll have a plethora of Micheline-Star restaurants and phenomenal cheap eats to choose from. No longer do you need to be stuck in long-term lease agreements. These are the pros and cons of living in San Francisco today that are worth considering. And the school are highly rated. If we take a look at the data, we can find out why. There are tons of community events, it is very safe, has that small-town feeling and is still affordable. 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. The whole bus will start yelling at you too, so maybe dont be the first one out until you get used to the situation. A Travel Website About Portland and Oregon. 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. This time however we will be moving due to a civilian job to Ventura. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Benicia is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is the city is $3,108 per month. 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. The train goes along the Bay Shore, looking out at the Golden Gate. Compare today's top mortgage and refinancing providers. One of the reasons why it is feasible to get around San Francisco without a vehicle is because many of the employers in the Bay Area offer free shuttle services that you can use to get to work. 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. Wow, the houses dont even look like they should be worth that much. Good luck with your search! Your not my dream state. I have worked for both cities but not lived in either. If you make more than $1 million per year, then theres a 1% surtax to pay as well. Hi there. 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. If I had to guess, Id probably say its not realistic unless you have a hefty savings account. Knowing if your home will appreciate on a long term or even a short term basis should be factored into your decision making. I'm considering a move to Benicia in the next few months. The cost of living in California is 49.9% above the national average, which means you have to earn significantly higher here. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Benicia are simply unattainable. Hello and welcome to the Bay! 1. Yeah Im somewhere in a similar predicament. Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Redding on a regular basis. Whether you head down to enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge, go across to see the redwoods, stay on the piers, or enjoy the unique culture, some people find that they can fill up their free time without ever going somewhere. I want to live where the boys can have a little freedom with stuff to do but not in a big city. San Francisco is renowned for its cultural diversity. Pinole is OK. 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. 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. Theres so much of the state that is not La San Francisco San Diego. Can you share your insights? Benicia is looking like where we might land. Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. Even having a sourdough bread bowl filled with chowder while enjoying a view of Alcatraz makes for a memorable day. California is home to nine national parks, which means it has more national parks than any other state in America, including Alaska! Personally, I would not want to live in so isolated a place as Benicia, but I know plenty of people who love it. My husband is a professional musician (piano player) who makes his living playing for famous(and not so famous) singers. Mountain living is ideal for people who appreciate peace, quiet, and the chance to inhabit their own little slice of mostly untouched nature. In just two years, the population reached 25,000 people. Too many people; California being one of the most populated cities makes people scramble for the limited space in the area. Not too cold either. 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. If you want to save some cash by ditching the vehicle, then San Francisco has you covered with its public transportation system. All she said is true. 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. 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. Cons of living in Nevada 1. That means it has more influence than the United Kingdom, which has 26 million more people contributing to the GDP. Not as familiar with the central county high schools. 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. Unlike wills, trusts require that you give up direct ownership of that property. San Francisco was named one of the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world in 2019. Windemere has all the desired conveniences-including shopping, dining, freeways and BART. The country supports a universal system, and expats can expect to receive high-quality care while living here. P.S. 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. The town puts on wonderful holiday celebrations and the entire town comes out to celebrate. Not each of them applies to every state. In some areas the traffic isnt bad especially if you dont live in a big city. SCHOOLS Benicia public schools spend $8,132 per student. There are plenty of activities to enjoy when living in San Francisco. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Home appreciation the last 10 years has been 6.1%. Traffic and homeless is not something to fun to see they are in need of help but no one can. Living in PR means, you will be living in lines for everything as well. 1. The road tripping opportunities are endless, you can spend days at the beach or peruse a plethora of museums or attend world-class events. Thank you so much for your replies, we will explore Davis and also Napa . The downtown is indeed walkable and quite charming, and right by the water. I would strongly recommend Benicia if you guys were looking for a traditional affluent suburban experience with traditional schools, but it doesn't sound like that is what you want. Fuel is also expensive, averaging $4.20 per gallon in May 2019, making it the most expensive place to fill up in the country. Vallejo or Benecia for commuting to Sacramento? Benicia City Hall, 250 East L Street Benicia, CA 94510 Phone: (707) 746-4200, Open: Monday - Thursday from: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and alternating Fridays, Finance Department Open: Monday Thursday from: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and alternating Fridays, Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program, Objective Standards for Mixed Use and Multifamily Housing, Public Information Bank - Hazardous Materials. Friendly people. 2c. All Rights Reserved. That means youll want to bring a jacket and an umbrella whenever you head out. And it's one of the most underrated, which means it's not as full of tourists as other places, like Montreal and Vancouver. Dont base your schedule on what it tells you. Quality schools. 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. you did not mention is the California Government. MUNI is the public transportation system in San Francisco where you can hop onto a bus to get around the city. I think the town has more of what you're looking for. I like it a lot and it is definitely walkable and has a lot of charming small businesses on 1st street. Some places in Florida have been ranked 8% lower to 18% higher in cost compared to the average American city. You displayed the positive of moving to California and the negative alike. You cant beat the weather and people who live here love it. Re: Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. I don't think I could ever find a more lovely town. Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. Antioch reminds me of Elk Grove now. 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. I am a teacher in an adjacentschool district and know many, many teachers who work for Benicia Unified. Some costumes in the city are elaborate. You will need to deal with the tax situation when living in San Francisco. The refineries are all ''down wind'' and don't really have any impact on your quality of life. Even stores like Walgreens sell produce in the city. Rent is ridiculous and taxes will take up to 60% of your income. 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. The housing market in San Francisco is pricing everyone out. 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. But back to CA- cost of housing is the biggest drawback for me. we love it here! 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. Good luck on your move! If youre used to a temperate coastal climate, then the weather in San Francisco may not seem like much of a disadvantage. 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. 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. When youre used to the hotter, dryer climates in the southern part of the state, then living in this city can feel downright chilly. 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. While there is a progressive faction in town, there is also a strong uh less progressive group. Parking is a significant problem as well. California is a beautiful state California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and it's not hard to see why. Youve really saved me Was planning on moving to California to work and study without help from no one But from tonehe look of things I think I wont be able to. If youre planning on moving to California, heres a quick recap of the pros and cons of living in California. There is very little police protection. Even if you want a studio apartment, you're going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. The state has a fairly relaxed vibe to it, people seem to move at a slower pace. This could be due to factors like a faster pace of life . Are people dying by the hands of the government in California or did I miss something? Most restaurants tailor their menus to healthy eating instead of huge portions of high-carb foods. As you can imagine, theres definitely pockets of homogeneous areas and neighborhoods, but if you dont live in the ritzy part of town, youll find it easy to make friends with people from different backgrounds and walks of life. For comparison purposes, the average price in the United States for the same space is about $1,175 per month. 24+ Pros And Cons Of Living In California (You Must Know) Characterized by the quintessential beaches, surging tides, the iconic Hollywood, palms trees, the Golden Gate Bridge, and so many more California is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable states in the United States of America. Since most everyone moving to California arrives with a car, you can expect nightmarish traffic to become part of your daily life in California. Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. 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. Which city would you recommend social wise? That places it just one spot behind Los Angeles and one spot ahead of Switzerland yes, the country. Also does anyone know of resources for commuters from Benicia? Google Maps likes to tell you when the next bus will arrive, but it is rarely accurate. 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 direct transfer point to BART in Richmond. The homeless population has gotten completely out of control and is scary at this point. 4. Lucky for me, California is home to 12 international airports (including LAX, the second largest airport in America). Our oldest grandson (who is 20 years old) graduated from Benicia High School and is doing extremely well in college. If you decide to start living here, then youll want to make sure that there is an emergency kit available for immediate access. Get approval in minutes. It's much more of a state of mind than Pinole! The claims of 60% will go to taxes are ludicrous- yes taxes are high, but not to the point of bankrupting you. Benicia cost of living is 158.3 100=National Average AVERAGE RENT BY BEDROOM SIZE Let me know if you have any questions or comments below, its always a pleasure to hear from you! Good Stuff. 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. Colombia is a beautiful country and has much to offer. These were helpful. I worked a few years in downtown Benicia commuting from Berkeley this combo. 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. Also, yoga culture is huge in San Diego. Continue with Recommended Cookies. You can find work with Netflix, Google, Facebook, Apple, Tesla, and others if you have the correct skill set. There is no way I can be a home owner in this day and age. In Benicia there are a lot of parks. 10. It has such a strong community feeling, between the residents, police and fire teams, business owners, etc. Additionally, Barcelona enjoys a bit more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year - about average for the south of Europe. Have you ever consider Benicia? Benicia has lots of open space, a state park on the water, and plenty of places to hike. Have you considered Benicia? I would crack up when the ''water view'' was looking at the refinery, but there are plenty of houses that do have a real water view. . And 5 reasons not to live in California. Checking rates won't affect your credit score. Since Im being honest, Id like to point out that wildfires will become a part of your daily vocabulary while living in California. About half of the buses also require that you step down into the steps to get the back door to open. Living in Redding, CA Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. It also feels much less crowded here than it does everywhere else. California would have the fifth-largest economy in the world if the state were an independent nation. She treated us super well and drove us around to give us a feel of the entire town. A Benicia public option is bus to Vallejo Transit Center from Benicia. Our budget is around $2200 a 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. But which state is best to stay for a loner like me who has zero support from any angle. 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. 1. Moving to a cheaper area now that kids are gone, Kid friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay. If you dont have a car, public transportation is the breeding ground for all the above. Yes, Florida is much cheaper than California because the cost of living is just 1% higher than the national average. 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. Benicia is very family oriented with lots of parks and a weekly farmers market that has a petting zoo with pony rides. Never noticed till gone for awhile, but a lot of the kindness and friendliness is a phoney act. The median home price for Benicia homes is $475,500, which is 16.2% higher than the California average. Taxes too high. My friend who lives in Benicia says she would not make that decision again. If helpful, below is a chart that show the effective California state income tax depending on your income bracket. Prices differ largely based on where in town accommodation is located, if all the bills are included (wifi, electricity, water, etc. I totally agree with you I have lived in many places (states) myself I currently reside in California for the past 17 years and everything you say is totally true Plus there ever increasing earthquakes in the sea level is rising It is sad to see the homeless living here and there but Ive also heard of some of them breaking in some of these empty houses (people are being kicked out they could not pay the extreme increase for the rent) I live in Acampo but I have to drive to Stockton for a client and his neighbor finally got his home back from the homeless it was taken from him for years His neighbor was wanting to move and get out of California and his house was left vacant so they took over and he cant do nothing about it, Thanks for the honest information. I would also love any information you can give about that in relation to California. If you are moving to the area with your family, then Noe Valley tends to be the place where you end up. Neither town is great for commuting to Oakland. I hate to burst your bubble, but lets look at the numbers. There are a lot of gorgeous aspects of San Francisco to love, but the issues the city has with heroin and meth are quite problematic. Just an FYI that Amtrak runs from Martinez to Jack London Sq in Oakland - so that might be another option. They both have advantages of amazing views from many neighborhoods. JL. If there is anything else you like to know please email me at aware1967 [at] yahoo.com. Pros and cons of living in Wisconsin: Bottom line. In fact, most of my friends and neighbors in LA were part-time actors who spent most of their free time looking for gigs. Can you tell us about the schools? One feature that Martinez has that Benicia does not have is a direct connection on Amtrak from Jack London Square (or West Berkeley). In Benicia there are a lot of parks. It would be fair to say that the city residents have a love-hate relationship with this service and most days, its more of the latter. It only takes one missed stop to figure that issue out. Monica, My family is hoping to buy a home soon. I need to move out of here. If you do get the urge to take a day trip, then you can head over to Yosemite, enjoy the sunshine on the peninsula, or take the four-hour drive (with good traffic) to Lake Tahoe for world-class skiing. Alongside million dollar homes, youll find tent cities and folks living in doorways and streets. 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. That being said, Benicia has O.K. 8. If you have a dog that is coming with you to San Francisco, then both of you are in for a fantastic time. If you are trying to get somewhere during rush hour, then you need to avoid all of the highways at all costs. Im a California native and have lived in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco over the past ten years. When making a big move. Benicia is a nice little town, and the Carquinez Strait is really lovely. 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. Sorry Cali. There are also several celebrations that you can only find in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and Bay to Breakers. We also have friends in Roseville who absolutely love its family-friendliness and easy light rail commute into downtown Sac. Rent too high. My Aunts house I have been staying over for a while costs over $950,000 and its a middle class house. Otherwise I personally would prefer not to be commuting to SF from Benicia or Martinez because of lack of transit options. Everyone is welcome, no matter what your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status happens to be. Suburbs with the Best Public Schools in California, Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in California, Places with the Best Public Schools in 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. A couple of them are atypical learners/creative types. They also have a thriving and vibrant small- town arts scene. As you look at each state you will see some common themes.