Head North to Benicia

Benicia is in the San Francisco Bay area in northern California, 35 miles north of San Francisco. Benicia is a great place to call home and raise a family with its low crime rate, good public school system, solid community, and reasonable cost of living, especially compared to the surrounding areas. Yowza. The San Francisco Chronicle even named it one of the most desirable places to raise a family!

Before searching for your new place in Benicia check out our apartment guide for tips and tricks on finding the perfect place for you. Visit the super duper Local Talk section to get an inside look at life in this coastal town. Are you wondering about the easiest way to commute to your job in Berkeley? Or maybe you want to know where the most family-friendly areas are located. No problem. Just use our “Ask a Question” feature and a local expert will answer any questions you may have.

Rent for Less in Benicia

Benicia rental rates are not too bad considering its amazing location. You’re certain to find the best deal around using our apartment guide. Are you looking for a place with a lot of space for you and “Debbie” your beloved pup? Or maybe you need something with several bathrooms for your growing family? Whatever it is, our apartment finder will help you find the place for you. Check out the popular listings above to get an idea of the average cost of a rental here. Ready to find out more about this lovely town? Say “Benicia” a few more times (it rolls so nicely off the lips) and read on. "

The Splendid Life of a Benicia-ite

Residents get to enjoy many perks including that amazing beautiful northern California weather. Just the thought of it conjures up images of a collective “Ahhhh.” The town is divided into four areas: East Side, West Side, Southampton, and the Industrial Park.

Making History

Factoid: Benicia was the capital of California for a whole 13 months. This was California’s third capitol building where the state legislature canoodled (okay, not literally) from 1853 to 1854. It is the only pre-Sacramento capitol building still standing. The building has been restored and done up with furniture and tchotchkes from back in the day. Here you can see original desks furnished with items you will not see at IKEA: a candlestick, a 19th century newspaper, a quill pen, and a top hat. If only life at a desk were as simple now. Sigh. Where is that pesky top hat?

Festivities, Fun, and More Fun

Benicia is family oriented with plenty of festivals, activities, and events to get everyone excited and loving life. They have a Farmers Market in the summer where residents can sniff out fresh fare, listen to music, and feel healthy. Some of the local events include “First Fridays on First,” “Arts in the Park,” “Torchlight Parade and Dance,” “Christmas at the Clocktower,” and the “Holy Ghost Parade.”

Ponder your existence or ogle wildlife at the Benicia State Recreation Area. Right next to downtown, this wild place covers 720 acres of marsh, hillsides, and beaches along the Carquinez Strait. The Southampton Bay Wetland Natural Preserve makes up most of the park. If you keep your eyes and ears open, and your mouth shut, you might see coyote, otters, muskrats, beavers, or even spot an endangered northern salt marsh harvest mouse. If you don’t like looking at nature and have the urge to just move, take advantage of the 2.5 miles of road and bike paths here. Hike, bike, walk, or skate your way on through. Picnic areas are also available for those who just want to sit down and eat.

In addition to fantastic apartments, you’ll also find an active sailing community with several events and competitions in the summer. Check out the Benicia Yacht Club for info. They also host non-boating like events like a lobster and clam bake. Yum. Who needs sailing when you can eat at a bake?

The city boasts an internationally recognized artist community. The Benicia Arsenal serves as living and work spaces for artists and artisans. The Arsenal is on the National Registry of Historic Places and includes other historic landmarks like The Clock Tower, the Camel Barn, and the Jefferson Street Mansion.

Find your apartment and join about 28,000 other residents. With all that Benicia has to offer, you are sure to love calling this sweet, northern California town home.