[blakesq]

HI All,

For the last 5 or more years, we have been thinking of moving South, mainly because we believe we can buy a bigger house for less money. But lately, I have been thinking, we not just stay in CT, and try to buy a bigger and newer house (our house was built around 1947). , instead of moving my business, and basically starting over in FL, TX, NC, SC, or the GA coast.

Also, maybe we can get a good deal if we buy a house in pre-forclosure or forclosed? Of course, some of the states I mentioned don't have a State Income Tax.

So, just curious what the rest of the posters think, is it worth it to move South just for a bigger and newer house?

[jp03]

Originally Posted by blakesq

HI All,

For the last 5 or more years, we have been thinking of moving South, mainly because we believe we can buy a bigger house for less money. But lately, I have been thinking, we not just stay in CT, and try to buy a bigger and newer house (our house was built around 1947). , instead of moving my business, and basically starting over in FL, TX, NC, SC, or the GA coast.

Also, maybe we can get a good deal if we buy a house in pre-forclosure or forclosed? Of course, some of the states I mentioned don't have a State Income Tax.

So, just curious what the rest of the posters think, is it worth it to move South just for a bigger and newer house?

Moved south 5 years ago...hated it. Moved back. Its definitely cheaper down there but....

[KFC_Or_Bust]

I moved from CT to TX in May and couldn't be happier.

[Tetto]

You're an attorney, right? If you're an IP guy, this region is a good place to be for aero or med device. Research Triangle (NC) would hold many opportunities for an IP guy with med devices. It's a tough choice, but if you have the type of experience/expertise that can be portable, i might just move south...

[Stylo]

I seem to remember you living in Milford? Yes, it's quite a bit more expensive, but you will be hard pressed to find as good of a place to live down south with as high wages and strong economy - though some great places do exist. Maybe consider a cheaper place in CT? Eastern shoreline? Lower CT River valley?

[GraniteStater]

Agreed on the Research Triangle suggestion. Wake County has a very high quality of life with high educational attainment, solid job growth, higher incomes, etc with a lower cost of living. The downside is it has a LOT of growth.

[blakesq]

thanks for the replies. one issue is my wife wants to be near the ocean. thus, we would/not move to Raleigh, but would consider Wilmington, NC. some towns we are considering are: charleston, Wilmington, NC, Sarasota, Savannah, and Austin. or stay here in Milford.

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by blakesq

Move South, or work harder?

How about move North and breath better?

Homes, money, and work are not as important to me as health. And we all know the air is cleaner in North Country. I think you have to ask yourself 2 things...

1. Will work always be available here to support the lifestyle
2. Do you like it here enough to work harder

If the answer is yes to both, then I say stay. If there's a No in there, then I say move.

[itscolduphere]

Originally Posted by blakesq

is it worth it to move South just for a bigger and newer house?

No.

[willow wind]

Austin is a not near the water. In fact, it's about the same distance to the water as Raleigh-Durham or Charlotte. Charleston is very expensive. To live in a good area of Charleston itself, you may not be able to get the home you want. Sarasota doesn't have the level of economic growth of the Research Triangle. Unless you're geared to the hospital/ health industry, jobs prospects may not be great.

A lot is going to depend on what you're looking for a in a home. If you're in, say a raised ranch, etc. in Milford now , in the under $ 300,000 price range, it's going to be hard to make the step toward a larger colonial. Going out toward Clinton, Old Saybrook, etc, won't get you that newer colonial unless you get over $ 350,00-$375,000. You could find in the exact $ 300,000 range out toward Montville in eastern CT. But would you want to move out that way?

Yes, you could try looking at foreclosures and short sales, but then again, no one is giving away $ 450,000 colonials, that are newer and in great condition for $ 250,000. Doesn't hurt to try though.

Moving south in many instances will get you that bigger, newer home, but for job reasons, you've got to go where the jobs are growing, where you can find a secure job and where income is going to make it worthwhile. You might get a bigger home, but if you've got to carry the same amount of mortgage on 50-75% of a CT salary, then what are you gaining ? You'll save on property tax, but food, clothing, insurances are not going to be much different. The move South needs to be income dependent and that may be to places that are not on the water.

Tough decisions. I can see why it's taking you years to decide. Good luck