Western New York (Buffalo: land , resident, people)

[CAugust]

Originally Posted by Coasters

The so called affordability is an illusion. Add the real estate tax into the monthly mortgage payment and its equivalent to a price at least $50,000 higher. Real estate agents never bring this up. Add in another couple hundred for heat and utilities and then factor in the fact that you will never build much equity.
Eventually this all comes to the bottom line and the population shrinks. In the upscale suburbs R.E. taxs of $12,000/year are the norm. If you are a professional or an executive ,that house on the lake will cost you $25,000+/year in taxes and you may well lose money on it.
I totally disagree that taxes buy good things for the area residents. The state is in financial collapse and the schools statewide rate very mediocre.
Other states do much better on way less money. New Yorkers are taking a bath, while people in other places can grow their net worth as they pay off their homes.
It is a shame because it is a remarkably nice place to live. The people need to go after the media and the legislature . Google Jay Gallagher and read his articles. I think he is now at an Albany newspaper.
Nothing will happen unless New Yorkers stop talking about how good it is to pay excessive taxes and get real.

I agree with you about one thing, the taxes are high. I dont pay $12,000 in taxes but am in the burbs and do pay much higher in the city, and what do I get? Cleaner parks, more affordable programs for my children, MUCH better schooling and some other kudos.

As far as losing value with a home directly on the lake? i dont think that will ever ever happen. Some of those homes rent for 6k a month in the summer time - holy toledo!! and some even higher..but as you said, most are executive homes and are well taken care of and lived in year round.

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by homeward bound

1

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excellent post! props to you!

[iloveupstateny]

Originally Posted by shibainu

1 state/local taxes
2. Economy- declining for over 10 years
3. Earn income- average wage is lower and if you are educated NYS is the lowest paid for people that have college degrees
4. Public policies- They hurt the area more than help.

For number 3, where did you find that statement re: lowest paid for people with degrees or was it a general opinion.

[zanna vaida]

All Real Estate is local. Western New York is an affordable place to own a home. There's do much to choose from and to do here. Sure, there's more responsiblitities with it, but it's better than renting. It give peace of mind to come home, leave a car in a garage without worrying about a parking ticket, and get into your own space where everything inside and out can be changed when and how you wanted. It's a great investment. You don't to buy a big house right away. Start small -- grow big. Feel comfortable. What do you think?

[oktaren]

Because we are part of new york state. Most of the taxes people pay get pushed off to NYC, etc and we are left with high taxes and not much to show for it.

But, its extremely affordable, good jobs aren't that hard to find and its a great and safe place to live.

[zanna vaida]

Thank you, Oktaren for support.
I enjoy Western New York because the Lake Erie and Sother Tier reminds me of Karpatian mountains and the Black Sea in Ukraine where I grew up. Not to mention the Niagara-Falls -the world's attraction. There's so much to do here all year along.

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by zanna vaida

Thank you, Oktaren for support.
I enjoy Western New York because the Lake Erie and Sother Tier reminds me of Karpatian mountains and the Black Sea in Ukraine where I grew up. Not to mention the Niagara-Falls -the world's attraction. There's so much to do here all year along.

I absolutely agree! I live in Scottsdale, AZ right now and I will be dividing my time between several states soon (I will be living in Coral Gables in 5 months!) and WNY is STILL my favorite place to live. I lived in Pittsburgh, PA for a few months and thought it would be similar to Buffalo, but I found out that the people there are all hicks.
Moderator cut: inappropriate...we (and everyone we knew there) absolutely HATED it!
Buffalo with the lakes, culture and the PEOPLE make it WORTH living in!

[zanna vaida]

Location says it all: lakes, country, skiing resorts, easy eccess to highways and skyways, affordable housing, Canada, people and diverse festivals, Niagara-Falls, beaches, we got them all. What else do you want?

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by zanna vaida

Location says it all: lakes, country, skiing resorts, easy eccess to highways and skyways, affordable housing, Canada, people and diverse festivals, Niagara-Falls, beaches, we got them all. What else do you want?

Why Buffalo should fight back This short video is one reason why so many people will always love Buffalo. I'll start a new thread to post more.

[zanna vaida]

Thank you, Londonbarcelona for the great video.
Way to go. Some people can't see the green grass in front of their noses. The land is beatiful.