[joshtpa]

No, it is not just demographics. Sure they play a part, but 2 people that are both 30 and single may have complete different interests. So demographics make up just a small part of it.

[gnatty8]

Originally Posted by superk

Hopefully, your Atlanta salary will be upgraded a bit to bring it in line with the same position in CT.

Hehe, therein lies the rub. The salary will be essentially identical ($125K) and the bonus, about 1/2 my bonus here in Atlanta. I was willing to make the move essentially to escape the congestion that is metro Atlanta, but it sounds like our standard of living would get walloped, when one takes into account taxes, utilities, housing costs etc. We used to live in NH, and love New England, but the area just costs so darn much to live in, its hard to ever move back and maintain one's standard of living! We will continue doing some research into surrounding areas, but sounds like we would be better off taking our higher disposable income here in Atlanta and buy a weekend property in the north Georgia mountains to keep our sanity and escape traffic! Thanks to everybody who answered.

[JayCT]

gnatty8 - There are cost calculators that could help you determine a comparable salary in Conecticut to your current salary in Atlanta. I have used the CCN-Money.com, It would be interesting to see how it compares. I find it hard to believe that the new company would think you would move to a more expensive area for the same salary. I do know there are people that accept less just ot improve thei quality of life. Good luck, Jay

[HeadedWest]

I find it hard to believe that the new company would think you would move to a more expensive area for the same salary.

In my work life (and I'm nearing retirement) I have lived all over the US. It has been my personal experience that pay rates do not in general scale up to high cost of living areas. Even when there is a difference, it is less than the increase in the cost of living.

[joshtpa]

That is very true. Most companies do NOT scale up depending on cost of living. Sure salaries are higher in certain areas, but it is not a guarantee that pay goes up as cost of living goes up.

[gnatty8]

This company already made me an offer above the "posted" salary range for the position. They will not outright index my salary. I used some of those cost of living websites, but got wildly varying answers including one that put the cost of living in the Hartford MSA as below that of Atlanta, which I find hard to believe. The numbers range from slightly below Atlanta to 25% above! In any case, the housing equation appears to be well above 25%, potentially as much as 50% or more. With a family of four used to space, it can be hard going to a 3BR, 1 BA house with 1,500 square feet!

[glxyman21]

I believe your state income tax will be lower here in CT. But housing will be more expensive as will property tax (houses, automobile, boats, etc). But like you said, traffic will be less and you will have better schools. You can weigh the options or maybe look into buying a forclosed property?

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by glxyman21

Berlin and Kensington are all in the town of Berlin, just a different zip code, but same schools, police, tax rates, etc. Berlin, Glastonbury and Southington are more upscale towns. Your dollar could stretch a bit further in Plainville, Middletown, Newington and Portland. If you are looking for a house near 3000 square feet for $250,000 it most likely won't happen in the Hartford/New Haven counties. what is your budget.

Kensington's ZIP code is 06037. Berlin, which originally didn't have a ZIP code, uses 06037 as well.

Outside of Fairfield County, higher-end towns average $200 per square foot. A 2,400-square foot Colonial in Avon, Farmington, Glastonbury, Cheshire, or Middlebury currently sells for $480,000. Near high-end towns get about 90 - 95 percent of that.

Lower-end towns, and I apologize for that reference, like Waterbury, get over $100 per square foot.

I don't believe that you will find a 3,000-square foot house for $250,000 even in the eastern counties (Tolland, Windham, or New London) of Connecticut.

[gnatty8]

Originally Posted by Rich Lee

I don't believe that you will find a 3,000-square foot house for $250,000 even in the eastern counties (Tolland, Windham, or New London) of Connecticut.

Let me restate my problem. I am not looking for a 3,000 SF house for $250,000. Even a 2,000 SF house for $300,000 would be nice, but that does not even seem possible. Maybe I mispoke, but I am surprised at how little one gets for the money. Again, I was just shocked at pulling houses in the $250,000 to $300,000 price range and seeing 1,500 SF and 3 BR. I can afford more, but that is not my dilemma. My dilemma is more, is it worth it?

From what I have been hearing, with a job based in Berlin, I can probably find more in Middletown, Kensington, and Southington, while still having good schools, and a commute under 20 minutes one way. Anybody have any other suggestions?

[skytrekker]

Rich Lee is correct on the eastern counties of CT
A new home with 3000 square feet in eastern CT will start at about 375K
Middletown I feel is your best bet- where you can buy a nice home at around 2000 square feet for 300K.
Eastern CT Tolland county- as I alluded to above will be the cheapest- with a NEW 1800-2000 sq foot home starting at 289K.