15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in SAN DIEGO, California Sacramento is underrated as a city---it's really on the upswing as people migrate their to escape the prices in the Bay. More Education Best Places to Live in Benicia Rankings View All San Francisco was named one of the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world in 2019. San Francisco is renowned for its cultural diversity. We are from a small city in south florida. You can find work with Netflix, Google, Facebook, Apple, Tesla, and others if you have the correct skill set. All Rights Reserved. In addition to the high sales and income taxes, California also has the highest gas prices in the country too. 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. #3. Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Redding on a regular basis. Could u please share your views about moving to Texas? 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. Have you looked at Benicia? It's much more of a state of mind than Pinole! It only takes one missed stop to figure that issue out. Im glad Im not the only one feeling this. Have you ever consider Benicia? 19 Pros and Cons of Living in San Antonio, Texas, 17 Pros and Cons of Living in Sarasota, Florida, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. San Francisco is one of the best dog-friendly cities in the United States. Pinole Valley is safe, family-friendly, and diverse. I have worked for both cities but not lived in either. We lived in California in the past two other times, once in Lompoc and other in Monterey. As another poster mentioned, with either Benicia or Martinez you would have to drive to Pleasant Hill Bart. I have friends in Benicia who say the schools are good, but I have not checked that out as a fact. I have 2 young sons and we absolutely love it here! I hope you found this post helpful. Benicia, California . In San Francisco alone, tech accounts for 20.5% of all jobs, with the largest employers being Facebook, Netflix, Google, Yahoo, Apple and Tesla. I 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! My biggest concern is the social aspect. Pros and cons of living in Oceanside, California The hipsters tend to stay in the Mission district, and then youll find the blue collar folks down by the Marina. 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. 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. 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. The majority of Redding residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. I am sure things have changes since I left permanently in 1996 but Sacramento has so many suburbs so there maybe a neighborhood that is similar to Berkeley? While knowing about the availability of Disney parks is useful, it would not be my reason for moving across the country to pay high taxes. Then, if your bus is going through Chinatown, expect a lengthy delay. I'm considering a move to Benicia in the next few months. 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. 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. And even in mid-winter, the temperature during the day averages 16C / 61F. it seems that everyone who lives here knows how special this place is and wants to take care of it. 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax: Should You Move to Nova Scotia The best areas in Benicia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. 20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in California - EMBRACE SOMEPLACE So Im thinking of relocating to California, myself. It might be a city of transplants, but no one really cares about that here. Personally, I would not want to live in so isolated a place as Benicia, but I know plenty of people who love it. Yet another thing to be mindful of while living in California are the constant droughts. 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. 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. But because of it's smaller size and little room for growth, it doesn't have some of the more popular stores like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, nor does it have much recreation, like bowling or a theater, so it's a bit inconvenient to have to go to Vallejo or across the bridge for some of those things. Many young professionals live in Benicia and residents tend to have moderate political views. 10 Pros And Cons Of Living In California To get us rolling. 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. 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. The median household income in California is among the best in the nation at $77,000 (as of June 2019). Since most everyone moving to California arrives with a car, you can expect nightmarish traffic to become part of your daily life in California. If your teens are at all interested in sports, Benicia would be a great place for them! There are two NFL teams in the region as well. 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. Very valuable information. The Pros and Cons of Revocable Living Trusts - The Balance Not others. If you are moving to the area with your family, then Noe Valley tends to be the place where you end up. Pros and Cons of Living in California The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $12,383. Heres the stats on traffic for the three most populous cities in California: Los Angeles horrendous traffic is known the world over and the proof is in the pudding. We are very excited. Con: Difficulty with access what if i am moving to cali for a decent paying tech job ? There's even a bounce house for the kids! In Benicia there are a lot of parks. I will likely take BART. Windemere has all the desired conveniences-including shopping, dining, freeways and BART. I grew up in Sacramento actaully Elk Grove before all those houses were built. 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. Also, yoga culture is huge in San Diego. However, it can be a little too hot for some. You'll have access to amenities like an extensive trail system . Year after year, Los Angeles is ranked one of the 10 most congested cities in the country, with an estimated 103 hours a year spent in traffic for the average commuter. Commute from Benicia to SF is a two-bridge commute. One thing you quickly learn after moving to California is that you will never go hungry. Theres so much of the state that is not La San Francisco San Diego. The economy in San Francisco keeps humming along. One thing I do miss about Berkeley/Oakland/Albany are the amazing restaurants, but my kids are little so we rarely go out anyway. At present, California is the worst state in the country for fire dangers. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Benicia: Benicia State Capitol and Historical Park, Benicia State Recreation Area, and Benicia Historical Museum. There is a local park that the locals are hoping the state does not close. And these are just prices for flights! From the amazing landscapes to the diversity, to the warmth of the people and the low cost of living. Especially a young woman. 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. 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. The landscape is as diverse as it gets and changes drastically from north to south. Our budget is around $2200 a month. Your not my dream state. 4. When making a big move. There is very little police protection. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Redding ranks well for amenities (A+) and weather (B). California is home to nine national parks, which means it has more national parks than any other state in America, including Alaska! Just an FYI that Amtrak runs from Martinez to Jack London Sq in Oakland - so that might be another option. California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and its not hard to see why. Any information would be greatly appreciated! 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. Sign up for a yoga class on the beach and see what all the hype is about. Fantastic schools, a good community, and much more affordable than the Bay Area. When James Marshall discovered gold in the area, a surge of people came to make their fortune. A cost of living index above 100 means Benicia, California is more expensive. Thank you. 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. It doesn't feel very diverse and it doesn't really feel like it's part of the Bay Area proper. You can also catch the NBA, NHL, and MLS when living in the city. The discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots is painstakingly clear on the streets and practically impossible to avoid while living in California. There is a very active moms club with about 130 members. Gas is also usually $1-$2 more a gallon than most other states. 7. People there either take the 80 express bus to SF, or drive to Del Norte BART, park there, and BART into SF from there. Pros and Cons: What It's Like Living in Palm Springs - California Thats when the name of the city changed for the full-time population of about 800 people. The weather is tolerable year-round and allows you to enjoy the great outdoors or regardless of the season save for summer, but well cover that shortly. Benicia's schools are arguably better. ), and of course the accommodation itself. The community often has little events that are great for meeting new people. Despite devastating fires and earthquakes in its early history, the people rebuilt the city to make it the wonderful place it is today. 6. SCHOOLS Benicia public schools spend $8,132 per student. A second silver rush in 1859 helped to keep the city active, and then the transcontinental railroad provided a direct connection with the rest of the country. This may be the most honest review of anything (period) Ive ever read on the internet. People are very interested in each other and generally extremely friendly. Permanent residents can receive medical for free or at extremely low costs. Costumes are a way of life in San Francisco. Taxes too high. If people are looking for a place to go that has a lot to do, Benicia is not the place to go. 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 Its also home to some of the worst performing schools in the country. Fuel is also expensive, averaging $4.20 per gallon in May 2019, making it the most expensive place to fill up in the country. Living In Redding, CA - AreaVibes When youre used to the hotter, dryer climates in the southern part of the state, then living in this city can feel downright chilly. - The Weather Northern California is home to a lot of wonderful weather. You cant beat the weather and people who live here love it. We live next to Benicia, but technically are zip coded as Vallejo. The perks of living in San Francisco are almost endless. The public schools in Benicia are highly rated. Kathy, Re: considering a move to Sacramento In addition to being a great spot in the state of Georgia, it is also a great spot in the United States. is it still impossible to buy a house ? 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. Many young professionals live in Benicia and residents tend to have moderate political views. Dont base your schedule on what it tells you. 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. 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. Traffic inside of the city it difficult to manage at almost any time of day including the overnight hours. There are plenty of opportunities for you to create a startup in this environment as well. Living in the city: Pros and cons - Common I mean, its no coincidence that California has more national parks than any other state and draws millions of visitors annually. House very expensive old features. You have to drive to Concord or Fairfield for a Trader Joes, and the closest Whole Foods is in Napa or Walnut Creek. William Richardson, an Englishman, is considered the founder of the city, which he established in 1835. P.S. (Yikes!!) Benicia has a refinery and on occasion you can smell it. Assuming that Redding meets all of your requirements, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Redding. Non-Latino Caucasians represent 37.2% of the population. But back to CA- cost of housing is the biggest drawback for me. Pros and cons Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster But moving here is a bad idea. Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. A wonderful place to raise a family! 24+ Pros And Cons Of Living In California (You Must Know) Crime is crazy and cut backs on law enforcement has made it worse. 6. Though it is a suburb of Vallejo, it is significantly different. I think you would be much happier in Benicia; from what I know of Pinole, it is not what you seem to be looking for. 5. But it could be different on some days; I'm not sure. Wefeel close to everything but also far away, if that makes any sense. Hope this helps! He called the area Yerba Buena, and it became a popular destination for Americans in the 1840s. Instead, it's normally transferred, or "retitled," into the trust. Pros and Cons of Moving to South Korea | Expat Arrivals 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. There is a significant homeless population in the city as well, especially in the core, where youre going to find a higher crime rate, unsanitary conditions at times, and encounters with people who are desperate for a fix, down on their luck, or struggling with their mental health. People don't care about each other. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is the city is $3,108 per month. There are many additional borrowing options available. The public schools in Benicia are highly rated. Living in Australia: What You Need to Know Before You Move - InterNations 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. 3. Hi! If you do, we have the highest gas prices in the nation, along with the high insurance costs that are required by law (as it should be) or you cant register your vehicle. 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. Even if you want a studio apartment, youre going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. There is a lot of activities that you can do in the city. Thanks. My hubby will be working in vallejo. I hate to burst your bubble, but lets look at the numbers. Good luck with your search! 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. 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). Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. In Benicia there are a lot of parks. Pros of Living in Australia One of the many benefits of living in Australia is its healthcare. If you make more than $1 million per year, then theres a 1% surtax to pay as well. The downtown is indeed walkable and quite charming, and right by the water. There is no way I can be a home owner in this day and age. Benicia is one of the the best places to raise a family in the Bay Area right now. Those with a degree in Bachelor of Engineering earn $103,528 on average and Ph.D. holders make an average of $115,087. Perhaps the most notable benefit could be the appreciation of your new home. ben suarez bread / joseph wiley kim burrell / pragmatic theory of truth pros and cons. A great and safe community with a lots of parks. The community is warm and friendly, the schools are very good, there are many (!) If you work in tech or film, theres no better place to live than California. Specialties: 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments in San Ramon, CA Welcome to Muirlands at Windemere Apartments! 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. People in the city take this issue very seriously. I am a teacher in an adjacentschool district and know many, many teachers who work for Benicia Unified. I need to move out of here. Most restaurants tailor their menus to healthy eating instead of huge portions of high-carb foods. Good luck on your move! This will be a big change for us. San Diego: On average, vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. I can highly recommend Pinole. Traffic and homeless is not something to fun to see they are in need of help but no one can. The Economic Life Puerto Rico is more about social life than economics. 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. 8. It all sounds like fun to move but when youre actually far from your old surrondings and family then it can be pretty frightening at the least. The cost of housing is "cheaper " compared to some bay area locations. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Benicia has lots of open space, a state park on the water, and plenty of places to hike. Not too cold either. Neighborhood define you in San Francisco. I highly recommend Benicia. For me, it would depend on what kind of town I want to live in, schools, etc. There are about 23.6 students per teacher in Benicia. Benicia or Martinez for commute to Oakland? All she said is true. One feature that Martinez has that Benicia does not have is a direct connection on Amtrak from Jack London Square (or West Berkeley). 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. Purchasing your new home can come with many financial benefits, some of which are more lucrative than others. Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. Some places in Florida have been ranked 8% lower to 18% higher in cost compared to the average American city.