SUGARLAND TX. vs GAINESVILLE GA. (to rent, crime, house)

[REMICADE]

Hi everyone, new to the forum, researching info. On best places to relocate. Retired, middle class(?) somewhat active seniors. Narrowed dn. To the phoenix area (first choice), houston,tx. Area (sugarland) and atlanta, ga. Area. Cost of living, tax structure, medical centers, crime ratings and friendly people. Need more info on gainesville area. Thanks.

[TakeAhike]

Gainesville, GA>>>
City of Gainesville

It is close to Lake Lanier and about 11/2 hrs from Atlanta.

A previous thread>>>
http://www.city-data.com/forum/georg...inesville.html

[Zel Ya]

[quote=TakeAhike;5158294]Gainesville, GA>>>
City of Gainesville

"It is close to Lake Lanier and about 11/2 hrs from Atlanta."



Yes, it is close to Lake Lanier and about 1 1/2 hours from the Georgia Department of Revenue.

If you move to Gainesville you may love Gainesville, but you will certainly love the Georgia Department of Revenue. What's not to love?

As of 2008 the first $35,000, or so, of income is tax-free if you are 62 years of age or older.

In addition, most Georgia counties offer a senior citizen school tax exemption which can lower property taxes 75 percent if your income is below a certain amount. I think the amount of income may vary a bit, but it may be as high as $75,000.

For example, if you own a $250,000 house in certain Georgia counties, and your income is below say $75,000, your property taxes are in the neighborhood of $800 a year.

How long these senior citizen tax breaks will continue is open for debate. The state is broke due to a bad economy and the senior citizen tax breaks.

My knowledge of Gainesville is somewhat limited. It's a very nice town but undergoing big demographic changes; that's my understanding.

Lake Lanier, usually a big attraction for its scenic beauty and water recreation, is at historic low levels.

[REMICADE]

Thanks zel ya and takeahike. Still looking at at. Area, don't like big crowded cities but want access to good medical. Decided to rent, first, get a feel for the area and people. What kinda changes are occuring in gainsville? Thanks.

[erinbearin]

The Houston Medical Center is world class, but after living for 3 years in Pearland, I am ready to leave the area. Sugarland is prettier than Pearland (it has more mature trees), but either way you cut it, there's a lot of traffic (and people). After experiencing Hurricane Ike and the impact on this area, all of the coastal areas (beaches) down near Galveston, Kemah, Surfside, etc are really bad right now.
Being a FL transplant, I also really think that it's more hot and humid here in this area (compared to GA).
My g'ma lives in Sun City, AZ and it's so hot and dry there that you just don't go out at all during the summer (no Hurricanes though!). The landscape in Phoenix is really pretty, and there's quite a bit to do.
I personally would pick Gainesville, GA. You are close to Atlanta (and it's traffic), plus you can make day trips to Savannah, Charleston, etc.
Actually, I would go back to Florida in a heartbeat... I bet you could get a great deal on a home there, plus no state income taxes. Sarasota is gorgeous with top notch beaches and lots to do. The economy is tanking right now, but it has always been a retirement haven...Did I mention how beautiful the beaches are????

[stephanie Hernandez]

Gainesville, Ga is an incredible place to live. I have a great Community just minutes fom Historic Downtown Gainesville and a wonderful hospital.

[lilmusket]

I don't think you can make "day trips" to Savannah and Charleston from Gainesville. You are talking about a 5 hour plus drive each way...could definately be a weekend getaway though.
Just one note if you are thinking of moving to Gainesville, you may want to start learning spanish.

[atlantagreg30127]

Since this involves several cities you are considering, it's best in the General U.S. category - so moving.