The NorthEast / Solano and Yolo Communities and Housing
Benicia
Once the state capital, the charming, historic town of Benicia overlooks the Carquinez Strait, the shipping lane linking the inland ports of Sacramento and Stockton with the San Francisco Bay. It is also an ideal place for fishing and boating with its newly constructed 300-berth marina. Benicia ranks offers amenities such as downtown, located on First Street, which includes restaurants and shops selling gifts and collectibles. Housing includes Victorian and Colonial styles — some with great views. Industrial activities in Benicia include natural gas production, steel fabrication, warehousing and distribution, precision engineering and machining, wine packaging and bottling, automobile preparation and biomedical produce manufacturing.
Davis
Located south of the state capital is the small town of Davis, which often is referred to as the "bicycle capital," with more than 45,000 bicycles — more bicycles per capita than any other city in the United States. The Davis campus of the University of California hosts lectures and musical events that emphasize education at all levels. Additionally, the community and university's commitment to alternative energy, recycling programs and transportation sources have been recognized internationally. Yet nowhere is the diversity of Davis more apparent than in the types of housing available throughout the community-definitely an eclectic feel, with old and new homes and various styles. Besides being a college town, Davis is quite family friendly with many activities and opportunities for children. Academic scores are some of the highest in the state.
Dixon
About five miles west of Davis on U.S. Interstate 80, amid fields and farms that stretch for miles in all directions, is the quiet farming community of Dixon. Complacent about growth until recently, Dixon has heeded the economic wakeup call that is sweeping Solano County. City residents have voiced their desire for slow growth, but land prices, which are less than the rest of the county, make this small community desirable.
Fairfield
With a foot in both the bay and delta regions and another in the coastal range, Fairfield has grown from its agricultural roots into a dynamic city, maintaining a balance of residential, commercial and industrial development. Two public golf courses and several wineries bring some Napa charm to the county. Fairfield is pleasing: streets and parks clean, graffiti is scarce; the downtown is emerging. From the hill neighborhoods, there are views of Mt. Diablo and Suisun Bay.
Vacaville
Although incorporated as a city over 100 years ago, Vacaville is a "new" town that is committed to economic development, while retaining its small town appeal. New homes, apartments and townhouses are going up on the outskirts, along with neighborhood shopping centers. Vacaville is taking steps to preserve the character of the historic downtown district as it maintains a strong economy.
Vallejo
Located on the San Pablo Bay at the mouth of the Carquinez Strait and Napa River, Vallejo used to be known as a military town famous for building submarines at the Mare Island Naval Base. Now, Vallejo has a thriving art scene, and its close proximity to both San Francisco and Oakland makes commuting to either place easy. Ferry travel from Vallejo to San Francisco makes a commute convenient and interesting.
Mare Island is currently being re-developed into a large business park and charming housing area. New housing developments along the Carquinez Strait are desirable, and affordable, with residents being a mixture of middle and working class families.