[JayCT]

You shouldn't make a decision on moving solely based on how much home you can buy and what the taxes are. There is much more to consider including quality of living and career goals. Yes, it is expensive here. This part of Connecticut is one of the most expensive in the country. There is a reason it is so expensive and that is because so many people want to live there. I do think though that you would need more that $180 to compensate for the cost difference. Maybe more like $200k. Jay

[CTGirlNoMore]

Please don't think I'm being rude with my above post. I just know when I look to move, the COL calculator tells me what I NEED to make to live there, but I always have to question WILL I make that much. Know what I mean? You never know unless you are guaranteed that salary before you move.

[Rich Cabeza]

One more thing. The liquor stores aren't open today. Why? Because yesterday was the 4th? It's so over-regulated here it's like living in Europe.

[CTGirlNoMore]

Originally Posted by Rich Cabeza

One more thing. The liquor stores aren't open today. Why? Because yesterday was the 4th? It's so over-regulated here it's like living in Europe.

Ugh! Tell me about it!

[mlassoff]

Apparently none of y'all have ever lived in Texas if you're telling the OP to stay put because the liquor stores here aren't open on state holidays...

I lived in Texas close to 17 years. A nice place to live, yes. A lot of (substandard, poor quality) housing for your money. However, in my opinion, it's a cultural wasteland.

Like sports? Hope you like football. It's the only sport that gets any attention in Texas. Like the arts? Nothing compares to the NY/Boston area. Even CT has a burgeoning arts scene that is more impressive than even Texas' largest cities. Like to take a day trip? In Texas, prepare to spend the whole day in the car to get some place mediocre.

Do you like your kids schooled in ideas like critical though? Better stay away from Texas. Do you believe in separation of church and state? Texas is not for you. Are you against banning books? Perhaps you should look in to Texas school district's policies on the subject. Do you think it's rude to ask someone what church they go to 2 minutes after meeting? It's going to happen in Texas.

Look, Texas is fine. But you very much get what you pay for. I know many live down in Texas and love it. But nothing beats the opportunities for recreation, education, travel and creativity that we have here. Proximity to two of Earth's most dynamic and exciting cities, a high standard of living and education makes Connecticut a very nice place to live.

If you want to leave due to vehicular taxes and when liquor stores are open that's your prerogative. However the Texas boards are filled with people complaining too...

I love it here. Too bad you don't too.

[tinman1412]

Yes, I'll be making at least $180K if I decide to move. I looked briefly at homes for sale and you cannot get anything decent for under 500K. I don't want 1/2 my paycheck to go into mortgage payments. Yes the opportunity may be great but the tradeoffs are not in favor at the moment, unless I can make closer to $300K a year, it will be difficult to replicate what I have in Texas.

Originally Posted by CTGirlNoMore

But WILL the OP be making $180k? He said the COL calculator says he would HAVE TO make $180K.

[JViello]

Originally Posted by tinman1412

Yes, I'll be making at least $180K if I decide to move. I looked briefly at homes for sale and you cannot get anything decent for under 500K. I don't want 1/2 my paycheck to go into mortgage payments. Yes the opportunity may be great but the tradeoffs are not in favor at the moment, unless I can make closer to $300K a year, it will be difficult to replicate what I have in Texas.

Here is the bottom line. If you are moving here just for an extra 30K a year asking if it will be worth it? No. You are making a boatload of cash and well above the average where you live...but only slightly above average for FFC.

If you are interested in a different way of life, much better in some ways and not so much in others? I.E. Experience seasons, NYC, Boston and all the rest that makes New England what it is...Yes, I think you can do just fine here on 180K.

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by JViello

Here is the bottom line. If you are moving here just for an extra 30K a year asking if it will be worth it? No. You are making a boatload of cash and well above the average where you live...but only slightly above average for FFC.

If you are interested in a different way of life, much better in some ways and not so much in others? I.E. Experience seasons, NYC, Boston and all the rest that makes New England what it is...Yes, I think you can do just fine here on 180K.

Great post... Hits the nail on the head. It is a different way of life... Not everything is superior... You won't have a bigger home, etc., bu there are many positive trade offs.

[ctcoldplay11]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

Apparently none of y'all have ever lived in Texas if you're telling the OP to stay put because the liquor stores here aren't open on state holidays...

I lived in Texas close to 17 years. A nice place to live, yes. A lot of (substandard, poor quality) housing for your money. However, in my opinion, it's a cultural wasteland.

Like sports? Hope you like football. It's the only sport that gets any attention in Texas. Like the arts? Nothing compares to the NY/Boston area. Even CT has a burgeoning arts scene that is more impressive than even Texas' largest cities. Like to take a day trip? In Texas, prepare to spend the whole day in the car to get some place mediocre.

Do you like your kids schooled in ideas like critical though? Better stay away from Texas. Do you believe in separation of church and state? Texas is not for you. Are you against banning books? Perhaps you should look in to Texas school district's policies on the subject. Do you think it's rude to ask someone what church they go to 2 minutes after meeting? It's going to happen in Texas.

Look, Texas is fine. But you very much get what you pay for. I know many live down in Texas and love it. But nothing beats the opportunities for recreation, education, travel and creativity that we have here. Proximity to two of Earth's most dynamic and exciting cities, a high standard of living and education makes Connecticut a very nice place to live.

If you want to leave due to vehicular taxes and when liquor stores are open that's your prerogative. However the Texas boards are filled with people complaining too...

I love it here. Too bad you don't too.

Great post mlassoff!

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

Do you like your kids schooled in ideas like critical though? Better stay away from Texas.

The only difference on this dimension in CT versus TX is that in CT the indoctrination runs the opposite direction.

Critical thought? That's not politically correct.