I not ready to drop off the vine yet, but I want a lifestyle change. 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. Even if you want a studio apartment, youre going to be paying more than $2,000 per month to live in the city. Even when your goal is to get over to Oakland or down to San Jose, youre going to need to budget plenty of extra time to reach your destination. Im a California native and have lived in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco over the past ten years. Overall, Valero is the economic engine of town - largest employer, taxpayer, etc. A cost of living index above 100 means Benicia, California is more expensive. 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! Even stores like Walgreens sell produce in the city. Not sure which area would be best. If you have advice on Napa, please post ! Feel free to contact me if you have more questions. I highly recommend Benicia. Enter California, a state that averages 260+ days of sunshine per year. Traffic inside of the city it difficult to manage at almost any time of day including the overnight hours. 25 Pros and Cons of Living in San Diego There are many positive aspects of residing in San Diego including these that are worth mentioning: 1. Especially a young woman. Its also home to some of the worst performing schools in the country. Several businesses allow them as well, even if they are not a service animal. You will need to deal with the tax situation when living in San Francisco. The employment boom thanks to Silicon Valley and the other high-tech industries in the area makes it one of the most robust economies in the country right now. Home appreciation rates are a good way to generate tax-free equity on a long term basis. It really is a beautiful hidden gem in the Bay Area and I feel lucky to live here! Thats when the name of the city changed for the full-time population of about 800 people. If I need Berkeley or SF fix, we just drive down and can be on the Bay Bridge in 20mins with no traffic. Pinole has a Peet's, In n Out, and a Trader Joe's. Im looking for input on areas that have nice high schools(safe). 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. 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 The United States would annex California in 1846, with the USS Portsmouth sailing into San Francisco Bay to raise the American flag. People will generally move to the US for better education or well-paying jobs. Monica, My family is hoping to buy a home soon. Thank you for helping me decide. 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. 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. There is a significant issue with homeless and drug addiction in the city. There are also several celebrations that you can only find in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and Bay to Breakers. Disadvantages of a Living Trust Funding a Trust Is Expensive . Hear what they say to your face then listen closely what they say behind your back. Moving to California means leaving behind bitter winters and freezing temperatures, which greatly improves my quality of life. 1. Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Redding on a regular basis. 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. Assuming that Benicia meets all of your requirements, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Benicia. Manage Settings There are two Macy's stores near Benicia - one in Concord (about 15 miles away) and the other in Fairfield (also about 15 miles away.) Ive lived in Sacramento twice- fun times, but you never have much money to spare. As another poster mentioned, with either Benicia or Martinez you would have to drive to Pleasant Hill Bart. Can you give me some advice? I have 2 young sons and we absolutely love it here! 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. Although there are free parking options outside of the city center, the average monthly rate to keep your vehicle stored while you work comes to about $310 per month. There is a wonderful library and community pool and lots more. If there is anything else you like to know please email me at aware1967 [at] yahoo.com. Redding, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 91,320 inhabitants. 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. Wefeel close to everything but also far away, if that makes any sense. You can also find affordable rentals around the state in popular cities like Henderson, where a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,700. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and the overall sense of community. One thing I do miss about Berkeley/Oakland/Albany are the amazing restaurants, but my kids are little so we rarely go out anyway. Kelly, Hmm, well, I worked in Benicia for many years and was never seriously tempted to live there. 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. Property values in both places took a major dive during the recession. 3. I have worked for both cities but not lived in either. The homeless population has gotten completely out of control and is scary at this point. 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. but not great in my opinion restaurants, and there are only local stores such as Raley's or Safeway. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. 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. All Rights Reserved. There is a lot of activities that you can do in the city. Redding has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. I recently moved from Berkeley to Benicia because, like you, we needed more space and couldn't afford more space in Berkeley. So youre moving to California with the intention of buying a home? If your teens are at all interested in sports, Benicia would be a great place for them! 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. Fees that Niche receives for ads do not affect the terms you may be offered by the lender you choose. Spacious new 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartment homes offer high-quality kitchen appliances, private patios or balconies and plentiful storage. Average temperatures vary by city, but by and large, you can expect highs around 69F in the winter and 80-85F in the summer. Continue with Recommended Cookies. There is plenty of fog that rolls through the city as well. 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). The crime rate is high; 20.3%, 3 times (in 100,000 people) more than the entire US itself. . We just made new friends sitting on the sidewalk, sipping an adult beverage with our dogs at our feet. it seems that everyone who lives here knows how special this place is and wants to take care of it. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Benicia are simply unattainable. Regardless, I hope you find it helpful. Get some big dogs and move to Benicia! 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. Pros and cons of living in Wisconsin: Bottom line. Thanks. The state is overcrowded. Mountain living is ideal for people who appreciate peace, quiet, and the chance to inhabit their own little slice of mostly untouched nature. Just an FYI that Amtrak runs from Martinez to Jack London Sq in Oakland - so that might be another option. Since most everyone moving to California arrives with a car, you can expect nightmarish traffic to become part of your daily life in California. Sure, come visit for awhile. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! Dylyn, Berkeley Parents Network, founded in 1993,isbased in Berkeley, California andis a 501(c)(3) nonprofit online network for parents in the San Francisco Bay Area. My husband and I were starting to plan a move there at one point when we thought he'd be working in Sacramento; alas, that didn't come to fruition, but we were geared up and excited for Davis - you might want to check it out. Because of the citys location near fault lines, there is always the lingering threat of the Big One that exists in residents minds. The best areas in Benicia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. There is a local park that the locals are hoping the state does not close. If you want to rent in San Francisco, then you can expect to pay a lot for that option too. Though it is a suburb of Vallejo, it is significantly different. 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. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. MUNI is the public transportation system in San Francisco where you can hop onto a bus to get around the city. Admittedly, most of California has a Mediterranean climate with pleasant humid-free summers, especially cities that line the coast. Obviously there are always going to be exceptions to the rule, but by and large, I feel welcomed in California in a way I dont feel welcome elsewhere. - The Weather Northern California is home to a lot of wonderful weather. But back to CA- cost of housing is the biggest drawback for me. I work for Macys and am scared to death to drive out there (foolish I Know) . 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. We moved to Benicia 2 1/2 years ago from Los Angeles. The 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco was estimated to be 7.9 8.25 with extreme shaking. The city has a population of 27,780 people. I can't really think of anything negative. There are two NFL teams in the region as well. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Benicia is a small town on the carquinez strait bordering Vallejo. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of living in Wisconsin before moving there. P.S. Benicia, CA is a seaside town that people think of when they think "getaway vacation". Benicia is a very sleepy town with a little bid of Santa Cruz feel to it. It is very much a small town. House very expensive old features. I can highly recommend Pinole. 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? we love it 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. Good Stuff. Benicia or Martinez for commute to Oakland? Im guessing youve never live on your own. Too many people; California being one of the most populated cities makes people scramble for the limited space in the area. I know that not everyone will agree with this sentiment, but I find the people in California to be kind. 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. As someone that (briefly) considered moving to the Pacific Northwest, I cant even begin to fathom that challenge of living under a cloud most of the year. Moving to California means leaving behind bitter winters and freezing temperatures, which greatly improves my quality of life. You can get to the Fairfield store from Benicia without getting on busy highways. One thing you quickly learn after moving to California is that you will never go hungry. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Redding ranks well for amenities (A+) and weather (B). San Francisco is renowned for its cultural diversity. Some places in Florida have been ranked 8% lower to 18% higher in cost compared to the average American city. Additionally, Barcelona enjoys a bit more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year - about average for the south of Europe. The core downtown area is kinda cute, but Benicia's got it beat by a landslide. 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. If I had to guess, Id probably say its not realistic unless you have a hefty savings account. It doesn't feel very diverse and it doesn't really feel like it's part of the Bay Area proper. Hi there Thanks a lot for that, it was very informative and helpful. About Benicia. There is always the threat of an earthquake to consider in the city. I grew up in Sacramento actaully Elk Grove before all those houses were built. It would be fair to say that the Bay to Breakers festival is more like a second Halloween for adults to enjoy. The train goes along the Bay Shore, looking out at the Golden Gate. 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. The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. Benicia, California . Regardless of where in California you live, youre never further than a days drive from an epic national park and some of the best hiking trails in the country. Calculated annually per 100,000 residents. happy empty nesters. You might even say that socialization doesnt really happen unless you bring your dog along. I don't think I could ever find a more lovely town. Benicia is by far more attractive with a larger historic district downtown and more view corridors of the bay. Davis makes the most sense. You displayed the positive of moving to California and the negative alike. We live next to Benicia, but technically are zip coded as Vallejo. But it could be different on some days; I'm not sure. 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. The cost of living in San Francisco is equally high. The country supports a universal system, and expats can expect to receive high-quality care while living here. 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. The taxes should be taken into strong consideration while researching if moving to California is right for you because they will greatly reduce your overall take home pay. 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. Kathy, Re: considering a move to Sacramento I take my daughter to a lot of activities in Benicia. A reasonable cost of living, good schools, family-friendly activities, and decent weather are the major draws to the city. The North Bay is really a great place to live. Our (only) son went off to OSU (Oregon)3 years ago. Living In. Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. In Benicia there are a lot of parks. And 5 reasons not to live in California. We'd also love to hear about neighborhoods. San Diego: On average, vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. 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. When making a big move. You can also make it to Napa Valley in about an hour when heading to the north. Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. Overall, most people seem to be okay with living in Chico. My husband is a professional musician (piano player) who makes his living playing for famous(and not so famous) singers. You can also catch the NBA, NHL, and MLS when living in the city. In addition to being a great spot in the state of Georgia, it is also a great spot in the United States. vehicle trips take 60% longer during rush hour in San Diego. I am a teacher in an adjacentschool district and know many, many teachers who work for Benicia Unified. 7. 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. Otherwise I personally would prefer not to be commuting to SF from Benicia or Martinez because of lack of transit options. But these are the things most people are looking for. When James Marshall discovered gold in the area, a surge of people came to make their fortune. Regrettably for Redding, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F), cost of living (F), education (F), employment (D) and housing (D-). California is a beautiful state California is often considered the most beautiful state in the country and it's not hard to see why. To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below. Theres so much of the state that is not La San Francisco San Diego. Most expats find that living in South Korea is an efficient way to save money. Property values. Living in California is a tale of extremes extreme wealth and extreme poverty. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Redding: Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and Sacramento River Trail. - CON: Expensive non-essentials Carrie. Everything from fashion to film and tech is covered pretty well in California, so you honestly wont have much a reason to be bored. The Amicalola Falls are among the biggest, and they are a popular attraction for Georgia residents to check out and enjoy. The downtown is indeed walkable and quite charming, and right by the water. An amount below 100 means Benicia is cheaper than the US average. Does anyone have any negative or positive experiences with the above, especially the refinery. 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. Yet, if people are looking for a vacation spot that is relaxing and welcoming, Benicia is it. Access to the beach However, it is very much an island mentality, insular/small community, and you have to cross a bridge at $5/pop to get to the Bay Area. 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. 2. If you are checking out out the area, don't skip Glen Cove, which is next to Benicia. The pros of living in Davis include its tight-knit community, its proximity to several major California cities, and its commitment to education. Actually sales tax was less there than the state Im in now (Louisiana)- so was car insurance. Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. (Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland; excellent conversation starters in their own right). 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).
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