Property Taxes, Homeowners Insurance (Mobile, Robertsdale: house, income, jobs)

[7spider]

Looking to move from the Atlanta area in about a year. Does anyone know if there would be a big difference in taxes and insurance in Robertsdale, Loxley Alabama, compared to Milton, Pace area of Florida. Thinking about a house price around $180,000. Any thoughts and comparisson of these areas would be appreciated.

[FlourChild]

My understanding is that Alabama has some of the lowest property taxes around. Sales taxes, eh, not so good, but I do know that our property tax QUADRUPLED when we moved from Alabama to Georgia, and it's not like Georgia's soil is studded with gold nuggets or anything.

[southernnaturelover]

Property taxes will be double in Florida compared to Alabama. In Alabama your taxes may seem high the first year, but beginning the second year you can file for homestead exemption (if a full time home) which will lower them greatly. As for the homeowners insurance, the only two counties that have high insurance is Baldwin and Mobile counties. If you're going to look into Loxley, try to find a home a little north of I-10, and you will have less problems with insurance. I-10 seems to be the "cut-off" line for many insurance companies.

[Keeper]

Your property taxes will be nothing compared to FL.. My home in FL taxes were $1800.00 a year in 05, my home in AL was $165.00. I was able to get homestead the first year, but even if you don't it won't be that much more.

[7spider]

Thanks for the information. Alabama it is!

[southernnaturelover]

My property taxes were around $450, but I know quiet a few people just a few miles down the road (on the FL side) that paid $1500+ for the same type of land and home. BUT, will you be working? If you live and work in Florida you won't have to pay state income tax.

[7spider]

We'll be living mostly off a csrs retirement pension of about 40K, paying cash for a house and probably will work at least part-time. I know we'll have to pay state tax for working in Alabama, but I think the big difference in property tax, might be more of a burdon when we get older and fully retired. Overall just have a better feeling about Alabama, am I wrong.

[Guntersville Boomer]

I am not exactly sure how it works but, the retirement comparison web site of states says age 65 and older are exempt from property taxes in Al. Maybe someone on here can comment on what they had to do to get this exemption when they turned 65?

[Keeper]

Be sure to check if your pension is taxable. I paid state income tax on mine last year and then found out that it was excempt. There is a long list of employers that are exempt and they are not all government type jobs.

I will find that info about over 65. I don't remember right at the moment where I saw it.

[Keeper]

Marshall County

Homestead Exemption I is for persons under age 65 and applies to state and county property taxes. The amount is $4,000 for the state tax and $2,000 for county taxes.

Homestead Exemption II is for persons over age 65, or who are blind or totally disabled, whose adjusted gross income is less than $12,000 annually. The exemption is for all state taxes and county taxes up to $5,000 in assessed value.

Homestead Exemption III is for persons over age 65 or blind or totally disabled. This exemption is from all property rates if their taxable income is less than $7,500.