[BlueyedCat]

Also something else I forgot to mention. We took a huge paycut when we came to TN from CA. That is something else to consider. When you factor that in, it's not cheaper here in TN. The cost of living is something to consider between the two areas. Arkansas is cheaper from what my relatives told me.

[strumpeace]

Originally Posted by BlueyedCat

I would suggest Arkansas in a heartbeat. I moved to Nashville a year and a half ago. It's like it's in it's own little world. TN doesn't have State income tax but the Sales tax makes up for it. It's not as cheap here as one would think. Where we are we pay 9.25% sales tax and ANOTHER 7.75% tax on Food. We moved from California and our Vehicle Ins/Health Ins went up when we moved to TN. With the way people drive here now can understand why.

It's pretty clear that you have no first-hand knowledge of Arkansas.

The additional 'food tax' that you mentioned in Nashville is on prepared food, meaning it's what some folks refer to as a 'hamburger tax'. There's also a tax on mixed drinks in Nashville, iirc.

Guess what? Some cities in Arkansas have all of that, too.

Regarding auto insurance -- I moved from TN to AR, and my rate nearly doubled when I did. My co-worker's did, as well.

It sounds as if you really don't like Nashville, and that's perfectly fine. Different strokes, you know. But you have no direct knowledge of or experience in Arkansas, so your recommendation to the OP to choose Arkansas is based not on fact, but on your bias against Nashville.

To the OP -- Visit both places, and recognize that there are many differences at the micro levels (cities, neighborhoods, even blocks) that will and should affect your decision. Best of luck to you.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by strumpeace

It's pretty clear that you have no first-hand knowledge of Arkansas.

The additional 'food tax' that you mentioned in Nashville is on prepared food, meaning it's what some folks refer to as a 'hamburger tax'. There's also a tax on mixed drinks in Nashville, iirc.

Guess what? Some cities in Arkansas have all of that, too.

Regarding auto insurance -- I moved from TN to AR, and my rate nearly doubled when I did. My co-worker's did, as well.

It sounds as if you really don't like Nashville, and that's perfectly fine. Different strokes, you know. But you have no direct knowledge of or experience in Arkansas, so your recommendation to the OP to choose Arkansas is based not on fact, but on your bias against Nashville.

To the OP -- Visit both places, and recognize that there are many differences at the micro levels (cities, neighborhoods, even blocks) that will and should affect your decision. Best of luck to you.

Your car insurance doubled? Wow, ours went down from living in NM or Texas. I don't know what you drive or what you pay, we pay just under $700 a year for two cars, one with and one without colision, one is 10 years old, the other 5. I don't know the sales tax on food in TN but it is dropping yearly here in AR.

You may be right, she doesn't care for TN but I think many would say, from your postings in the past you don't care for AR. She is giving an opinion, which is what most of us are doing.

Yes, I agree anyone thinking of re-locating should visit, I am sure the OP intends on doing just that..

Nita

[BlueyedCat]

Originally Posted by strumpeace

It's pretty clear that you have no first-hand knowledge of Arkansas.

The additional 'food tax' that you mentioned in Nashville is on prepared food, meaning it's what some folks refer to as a 'hamburger tax'. There's also a tax on mixed drinks in Nashville, iirc.

Guess what? Some cities in Arkansas have all of that, too.

Regarding auto insurance -- I moved from TN to AR, and my rate nearly doubled when I did. My co-worker's did, as well.

It sounds as if you really don't like Nashville, and that's perfectly fine. Different strokes, you know. But you have no direct knowledge of or experience in Arkansas, so your recommendation to the OP to choose Arkansas is based not on fact, but on your bias against Nashville.

To the OP -- Visit both places, and recognize that there are many differences at the micro levels (cities, neighborhoods, even blocks) that will and should affect your decision. Best of luck to you.

No, TN taxes ALL food. The Prepared Food as you mentioned above gets taxed at 9.25%. ALL other food is taxed at 7.75%.

Yes different strokes for different Folks. I do have some knowledge of Arkansas. My Uncle and his extended family live there. I have visited many times thru my lifetime. Love the Buffalo River and rafting down it. Love the sincerity of the folks that live there. I could go on and on.

Yes; Nashville has left a bad taste in my mouth. Some might like it. I am just trying to give the OP a heads up on a few things here. Yes; from my opinion. All the OP has to do is go thru the threads on the Nashville forum and DM individuals so that they can be totally truthful with them. The truth at times gets deleted so everything is sugarcoated here. TN would be great for individuals wanting to retire and live 40 miles outside of town. But when you work on a daily basis and have to live close enough to work; then you pay hefty taxes. Also on the property tax. Here when you own a home; you pay property taxes on what they feel your home is worth at the time they redo the tax rate. So you never know when your property tax will go up. I have read several threads here in the last few month's of individuals property tax going up without anyone looking at their property. Also them stating that there is no way in this economy/housing crisis that someone would pay for what they valued their homes for. Also from what I've read and heard; Arkansas Real Estate is so much cheaper than Nashville. Unless like I said; you live 50 miles outside of town.

Do I hate TN. No. There are some nice things about TN. It's nice to visit but a completely different story to live here.

I wish the OP poster all the best. I would suggest you take your time and study EVERYTHING each state has to offer. And to also rent at least a year before purchasing to make sure you are going to like the areas you choose.

[strumpeace]

Originally Posted by nmnita

Your car insurance doubled? Wow, ours went down from living in NM or Texas. I don't know what you drive or what you pay, we pay just under $700 a year for two cars, one with and one without colision, one is 10 years old, the other 5. I don't know the sales tax on food in TN but it is dropping yearly here in AR.

You may be right, she doesn't care for TN but I think many would say, from your postings in the past you don't care for AR. She is giving an opinion, which is what most of us are doing.

Yes, I agree anyone thinking of re-locating should visit, I am sure the OP intends on doing just that..

Nita

As usual, you get in the middle of something that you know nothing about and that has nothing to do with you.

As far as your ridiculous 'you don't care for AR' line -- I don't know how much more ridiculous you can get. Have you read my back-and-forth exchanges with the folks who hate AR and LR in particular? If you would spend as much time reading and comprehending as you do pontificating, you might learn something.

My opinion on the matter, btw, is an informed opinion. I've lived many years in both states and in multiple places in both states. There's a difference between an informed opinion (like mine) and an uninformed one (like yours). Take time to discern the difference.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by strumpeace

As usual, you get in the middle of something that you know nothing about and that has nothing to do with you.

As far as your ridiculous 'you don't care for AR' line -- I don't know how much more ridiculous you can get. Have you read my back-and-forth exchanges with the folks who hate AR and LR in particular? If you would spend as much time reading and comprehending as you do pontificating, you might learn something.

My opinion on the matter, btw, is an informed opinion. I've lived many years in both states and in multiple places in both states. There's a difference between an informed opinion (like mine) and an uninformed one (like yours). Take time to discern the difference.

Have read many more negatives than positives from you but I don't think that is the point: I made 3 comments on that post, tell me where I got into a subject I know nothing about: 1-she is giving an opinion, isn't that acceptable? 2-I mentioned our car insurance is lower here than anyplace we have lived, I am surprised to hear you mention how much higher it is here: is there something about that you find fault with? 3-I made the same comment you did about visiting prior to re-location, anyone would know that is the best way to judge an area.

NIta

[Rose53]

I live in Bella Vista, Arkansas - it is very beautiful, however, it is very expensive to live here. Water rates are higher than other areas, any late fees are a higher rate. If you buy a house dues are 24.00 per month, not bad, if you decide on a townhome, in addition to the 24.00 you will also pay 55.00 a month. They do the mowing and weedeating and that is about it. You have to pay for everything if you use the anemities, even though you pay for your ID card - 30.00. Cost of living is more expensive, definately. The police and fire was turned over to the city, however, dues have not decreased, infact, prices went up. Be careful, some houses are still on septic systems, some septic systems are rusted out, and there may be a fee to connect to the sewer system. I must admit, it is a beautiful place to visit, but to live here is not worth the money. The other choice would be Bentonville, which is south of Bella Vista, only about 5 minutes away and would be much more cheaper to live. Also, Hiwasse borders on Bella Vista and is really beautiful!!! Country like, but you are still close to shopping and all.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Rose53

I live in Bella Vista, Arkansas - it is very beautiful, however, it is very expensive to live here. Water rates are higher than other areas, any late fees are a higher rate. If you buy a house dues are 24.00 per month, not bad, if you decide on a townhome, in addition to the 24.00 you will also pay 55.00 a month. They do the mowing and weedeating and that is about it. You have to pay for everything if you use the anemities, even though you pay for your ID card - 30.00. Cost of living is more expensive, definately. The police and fire was turned over to the city, however, dues have not decreased, infact, prices went up. Be careful, some houses are still on septic systems, some septic systems are rusted out, and there may be a fee to connect to the sewer system. I must admit, it is a beautiful place to visit, but to live here is not worth the money. The other choice would be Bentonville, which is south of Bella Vista, only about 5 minutes away and would be much more cheaper to live. Also, Hiwasse borders on Bella Vista and is really beautiful!!! Country like, but you are still close to shopping and all.

Rose, we live in BV as well. Yes, the dues on a townhouse are $55 but that is nothing compared to some places in the country..We paid close to that 20 years ago in Va and we didn't even get lawn maintainance like here. the ID cards are $35 not $30. I just purchased one, but if you do not use most of the facilities there is no reason to have one. If you have been attending the POA meetings or paying attention you know the $24 POA dues will probably have to be raised as they are much lower than any similar Homeowners dues almost anywhere. HSV dues are $32.00 per month, our friends in NM are paying $40 and the golf fees are much higher as well as the cost of renting a boat.I agree, it seems like we pay for this and don't get that, but when I see things like ice removed within 24 hours after an ice storm or them mowing the grass on the sides of the roads, I am thankful to pay the $24.00 and we do get cheaper golf, swimming pool use and other things. I don't know anything about late fees cause we have never had to pay them. We try to make sure we pay on time. Usually late fees are high I guess, but apparently you know more about late fees here compared to outer places.

I will add one thing, have you priced real estate in areas of Bentonville comparable to BV? It is much higher!!!

Water rates, yes everyone complains, but in the past 10 years we have lived in 3 places, Texas, NM and now here. The water here is lower as well as the sewer rates. I have heard our water is higher than other parts of Benton County.

Whether it is worth living here depends on what you want. If you want a country setting, do not use the facilities, are just looking for a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, yes, places like Hiwasse, Gravette and even Tontitown are great, if you want to live in a planned community you do have to be willing to pay the cost. I guess it comes down to research before making a move.

Oh and to clarify one more thing, no, you do not or will not have to hook up to the sewer system. If you sell your home and there are sewers within 300 feet of your property, then you will need to be hooked up but normally the price is a nogotiating factor in the sale, it can be devided between the buyer and seller, or paid by one or the other. As for som of the septic tanks being rusted, yes, that is true, just like anything pipes do wear out and if this happens they have to be replaced. This goes for all pipes in all homes, it is called maintainace. If they are properly cared for and quality they should last many years.

Nita

[marmac]

Amazing!

The OP is trying to decide between AR and TN and nmnita keeps stating AR is cheaper than where she came from, but nmnita didn't come from TN so her comparrison is apples to oranges.

[DC at the Ridge]

Originally Posted by marmac

Amazing!

The OP is trying to decide between AR and TN and nmnita keeps stating AR is cheaper than where she came from, but nmnita didn't come from TN so her comparrison is apples to oranges.

I think nmnita was addressing Rose's post most recently, not the OP.

I've friends who used to live in the Nashville area and liked it very much. They moved to Arkansas to be closer to family, and they seem happy here as well. My understanding is that both areas are quite comparable in terms of climate and natural beauty and cost of living. NWA has done a very good job in developing retail and restaurant and other urban amenities. But it's still not as urban as the cities in Tennessee. Arkansas simply lags on urban development because it hasn't had the population to support such development. If that's a consideration of the OP, I think everyone concurs on that.