BENICIA

Benicia CA Homes For Sale

Benicia, California

Benicia is a waterside city in Solano County, California, United States. It was the first city in California to be founded by Anglo-Americans, and served as the state capitol for nearly thirteen months from 1853 to 1854. The city is located in the San Francisco Bay Area along the north bank of the Carquinez Strait. Benicia is just east of Vallejo and across the strait from Martinez. Elizabeth Patterson has served as Mayor of Benicia since 2007.

A breathtaking view of the Carquinez Straits Bridge and waterfront plays an important role in Benicia's considerable charm, along with its quaint small-town atmosphere, thriving 300-berth marina, treasure-filled antique shops, art studios, and eclectic shopping. Downtown Benicia is rich in California's history with over 30 historical points of interest. Strolling along downtown's First Street amidst beautifully maintained 19th century and Victorian style buildings is a favorite among visitors and residents alike. Take a walking tour of our historic neighborhoods and notice the Victorian-inspired homes and western architectural examples that date back to the 1850's, while enjoying the selection of comfortable cafes and fine dining opportunities.

Neighborhoods in Benicia

Benicia can be divided into four areas: the East Side (east of First Street), the West Side (west of First Street), Southampton (the newer suburban neighborhoods north of highway 780), and the industrial park. Most of the town's older homes are on the east and west sides. Southampton contains primarily single family housing developments and condominiums, most of which were built between 1970 and 2000. The East Side includes the Benicia Arsenal, a former United States Army armory, which was bought by the city and is now used for a variety of purposes, most notably as live-work spaces for artists. The Arsenal is home to several historic (ca. 1860) landmark buildings such as The Clock Tower, the Camel Barn, and the Jefferson Street Mansion. The industrial park lies to the northeast of the residential areas of the city, and includes the Valero oil refinery. The Benicia State Recreation Area is on the far west edge of the city.

Benicia Home Improvement Resources

Perhaps you’re not quite ready to sell your home, but need to make a few crucial updates in order to Make your home market ready. Or maybe you need to make improvements before moving in to your newly purchased home. Everything from kitchen and bath remodels, additions, or full cosmetic overhaul, no project is too big or too small.

Benicia Real Estate Agents

We have knowledgeable real estate agents ready and waiting to help you buy or sell the perfect home in Benicia. Each of our associates is a host of valuable information about the city and all that it has to offer.

Benicia Zip Codes

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Benicia Highlights

  • Average sale price is $427,287
  • Population: 27,308
  • Excellent blend of commercial and residential
    real estate available

Benicia Nearby Cities

Benicia is in the southern tip of Solano County, located near major city hubs and smaller urban cores, alike.


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Benicia School Information

Benicia is home to many schools, from elementary to adult schools, both public and private. No matter where you live in Benicia, great education is just around the corner.

PUBLIC ELEMENTARY (4 SCHOOLS)

Joe Henderson Elementary School
Grades: K-5
650 Hastings Dr.
Benicia, CA 94510

Mary Farmer Elementary School
Grades: K-5
901 Military Way
Benicia, CA 94510

Matthew Turner Elementary School
Grades: K-5
540 Rose Dr.
Benicia, CA 94510

Robert Semple Elementary School
Grades: K-5
2015 E Third St.
Benicia, CA 94510

 

PUBLIC MIDDLE (2 SCHOOLS)

Benicia Middle School
Grades: 6-8
1100 Southampton Rd.
Benicia, CA 94510 2

Community Day School
Grades: 7-12
426 East K St
Benicia, CA 94510 N/A

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PUBLIC HIGH (3 SCHOOLS)

Benicia High School
Grades: 9-12
1101 Military Way
Benicia, CA 94510 4

Community Day School
Grades: 7-12
426 East K St.
Benicia, CA 94510 4

Liberty High School
Grades: 9-12
350 East K St.
Benicia, CA 94510 N/A

Catholic (1 SCHOOL)

St. Dominic
Grades: K-8
935 East 5th St.
Benicia, CA 94510 N/A

Benicia In Depth

Location

Benicia is a waterside city in Solano County, California, United States. It served as the state capital for nearly thirteen months from 1853 to 1854. The city is located in the San Francisco Bay Area along the north bank of the Carquinez Strait, east of Vallejo and across the strait from Martinez.

History

The City of Benicia was founded on May 19, 1847, by Dr. Robert Semple, Thomas O. Larkin, and Comandante General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, on land sold to them by General Vallejo in December 1846. It was named for the General's wife, Francisca Benicia Carillo de Vallejo. The General intended that the city be named "Francisca" after his wife, but this name was dropped when the former city of "Yerba Buena" changed its name to "San Francisco". So Sra. Vallejo's second given name was used instead. In his memoirs, William Tecumseh Sherman contended that Benicia was "the best natural site for a commercial city" in the region.

Benicia was the third site selected to serve as the California state capital, and its newly constructed city hall was California's capitol from February 11, 1853, to February 25, 1854. Soon after the legislature was moved to the courthouse in Sacramento, which has remained the state capital ever since. The restored capitol is part of the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, and is the only building remaining of the state's early capitols, which were in San Jose and Vallejo. Benicia was also the county seat of Solano County until 1858, when that was moved to Fairfield.

Demographics

There are currently approximately 27,300 people living in the city of Benicia. The population density was 2112 people per square mile. The racial makeup of Benicia was 19,568 (72.5%) White, 1,510 (5.6%) African American, 135 (0.5%) Native American, 2,989 (11.1%) Asian, 102 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 895 (3.3%) from other races, and 1,798 (6.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3,248 persons (12.0%).

Weather

Cool breezes off the Carquinez Strait keep the weather near perfect with an average temperature of 69 degrees. Our moderate Mediterranean weather produces dry, warm summers and mild falls and winters. The warmest month of the year is July, with an average maximum temperature of 87.40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is December, with an average high temperature of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The annual average precipitation at Benicia is 19.58 inches. The wettest month of the year is January, with an average rainfall of 4.25 inches.

Attractions

Benicia has a plenty to offer including a farmers' market on Thursday evenings during the summer months April through October. Other events and attractions include Arts Benicia, the Torchlight Parade over July 4th weekend, Arts in the Park, an Annual summer art celebration in Benicia City Park. Picnic in the Park & Fireworks also July 4th, and the Benicia Peddler's Fair.

Love Sailing? Benicia is an active sailing community. In addition to individual sailing out of the Benicia Marina, there are several organized events and competitions. During the summer months, there is a yacht racing competition on Thursday evenings sponsored by the Benicia Yacht Club. The Yacht Club co-sponsors the annual Jazz Cup regatta with the South Beach Yacht Club, and also sponsors a Youth Sailing Program that offers extensive training.

Benicia offers plenty of opportunities for activities that require water, such as kayaking and fishing, but also for other forms of outdoor recreation that benefit from the beautiful, beside-the-water setting. Benicia State Recreation Area: The area includes 438 acres of land with 2½ miles of paths set aside for cyclists, runners, walkers, equestrians and roller skaters. The trails roll through the marshy, grassy hillsides and rocky beaches along the narrowest portion of the Carquinez Strait. Dillon's Point is a favorite fishing spot. The State Recreation Area is also home to the Forrest Deaner Native Plant Garden sponsored by the California Native Plant Society.
Bay Ridge Trail: A walk along this trail follows the Carquinez Strait waterfront through Benicia and Vallejo. Enjoy breezes and occasional fog as you watch the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers funnel into San Francisco Bay. This route travels mostly level trails, including sidewalks, paved and unpaved trails and paths.
Matthew Turner Park: Located at West 12th Street, this park is suitable for fishing, picnicking and launching kayaks and canoes.
Benicia Point Pier: This is a great place to drop a line and see what's biting. For more details about where to go fishing, visit Benicia Bait and Tackle.
West Ninth Street Boat Launch: This is a public launch operated by the City of Benicia at the West Ninth Street Park, located at West Ninth and K streets. In addition to the two public boat launches, there are three kayak and canoe put-ins along the waterfront that provide easy access to a day of fun on the Carquinez Strait.

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Military

Neighboring Fairfield is home to the Travis Air Force Base, which is under the operational control of the Air Mobility Command. It is located just 3 miles east of the main business district in Fairfield. The 60th Air Mobility Wing is the largest wing in the Air Force’s AMC command, and is the host unit at Travis AFB. Travis AFB handles more cargo and passengers through its airport than any other military terminal in the nation. The base has had a major impact on the Solano County community, as many military families and veterans have chosen to make the county their permanent home. It is also the largest employer in the entire county and greatly helps the area’s overall economic stability.

Neighborhoods

The town can be divided into four areas: the East Side (east of First Street), the West Side (west of First Street), Southampton (the newer suburban neighborhoods north of highway 780), and the industrial park. Most of the town's older homes are on the east and west sides. Southampton contains primarily single family housing developments and condominiums, most of which were built between 1970 and 2000. The East Side includes the Benicia Arsenal, a former United States Army armory, which was bought by the city and is now used for a variety of purposes, most notably as live-work spaces for artists. The Arsenal is home to several historic (ca. 1860) landmark buildings such as The Clock Tower, the Camel Barn, and the Jefferson Street Mansion. The industrial park lies to the northeast of the residential areas of the city, and includes the Valero Oil Refinery. The Benicia State Recreation Area is on the far west edge of the city.

Education

There are numerous schools located throughout the city for children to attend. Benicia is served by the Benicia Unified School District. Benicia Unified School District has an enrollment of over 4,900 in 10 schools. There are also parochial schools, pre-schools, and day care centers in the area. Over 30 colleges and universities within the Bay Area and Central Valley are within easy commuting distance from Benicia.

Real Estate

There is a wide range of homes available to buy or rent in Benicia. The median sales price is approximately $432,500. A majority of the available homes are single-family homes, built during the mid-late 20th century. Benicia’s strategic location, extensive transportation networks, readily available and value-priced properties, and proximity to Northern California's attractions all make it a prime location to live.