Comparing Florida to Texas (property taxes, living, cost of living)

[BobTex]

WOW....what an interesting thread....read the whole thing (almost). I'm not a native.....almost as I moved here when I was 2 and have only left for a few years for Tn. and Me.. I'll say welcome to y'all that are thinkin' about comin' here to make Texas your home. Try to improve us and make Texas even better (yeah, I know it'll be hard).

To Jillian, who wondered about Beaumont loosing population I have some answers. 2 reasons off the top of my head .. #1. Beaumont is tied directly to oil (search: Lucas / Spindletop gusher and oilfield)and from the 80's until just recently the energy bidness has been in a slump. Should be getting better soon. #2 and the main reason is people are moving to the burbs and further out. I live 50 miles out and commute in 14 days a month to work. I don't think Hurricane Rita had anything to do with population changes but it is really too soon to tell. Also having lived in the area since 1956 ,off and on, there has never been anything even remotely similar to the havoc that Rita caused. Whew......it took shook me up quite a bit as it did all our local communities but the whole area is slowly getting back together.

Texas is the bomb......y'all enjoy!!!!!

Bob

[Tabby]

Hi everyone!

I just finished reading this looooong thread! Very interesting, as Bob just mentioned.

Lany, glad you're back and enjoying life in Texas again! I wonder about some of the others, if they ever made it here or not? Most of what was posted here is right on. I can't remember everything that was posted so if I repeat what's been said already, bear with me! I just want to add another enthusiastic voice in case anyone else comes along.

I've mostly lived in Arlington and Grand Prairie, the two biggest cities in the middle of Dallas and Fort Worth. In fact, we live smack dab in the middle, just inside the Tarrant County line. Ten minutes east or west brings us to the outskirts of either city. Anyway, yes, it's hot and humid here and gradually starts getting cool toward the end of Oct. But I don't think the humidity is always so bad, I lived in Houston for a summer several years ago and that was just plain awful. But a big blessing of the modern age is air conditioning and it's everywhere you go here! Sure we have the threat of hail and tornadoes in the spring and summer but I'd prefer that to an earthquake or a hurricane. In the winter it's usually 50's to 60's with the occasional 70's thrown in. Maybe once or twice a winter we'll get a few days of freezing weather and/or a little dusting of snow. Ice storms once or twice also.

Yes, there are the rather large bugs but a good pest control regime can keep them under control. Inside, at any rate!

Someone mentioned Whole Foods, which originated in Austin. There are several here as well as a couple of Central Markets, one of which is in Fort Worth but you gotta get there early cuz it's always packed! Lots of farmer's markets, the biggest of which is in Dallas.

The southern portions of Dallas and it's suburbs are more prone to crime as well as small pockets in Fort Worth but most of the suburbs to the north and east of Dallas, the newer ones to the very far north and northwest of Fort Worth, and the new developments in south Grand Prairie, south Arlington and Mansfield are growing and pretty nice places to live. The further west and north of Fort Worth you go the geography gets flatter with shorter trees and wide open land. Dallas and further east and south is more gently rolling hills and taller trees, more vegetation.

Be prepared for the traffic, though, there's quite a bit of it although there are new highways and freeways currently under construction.

The shopping is fantastic, the restaurants are fantastic, the people are fantastic, Texas is fantastic! Maybe a little higher property tax than in some states but no state income tax and a whole lot more house for your money.

If you're friendly, you'll fit right in - if any of y'all still deciding actually make the move, best of luck!

[Cami]

;Hi, Just wanted to say that I have also been following this entire thread and it has been quite interesting. I am also a Southern California Native seriously thinking of relocating to the Dallas area sooooon. I am still in the process of learning about the different parts of Dallas and the outskirts. Originally, I had visited South Grand Prairie this past June and admired the nice location. However, when I arrived back in California, I started doing my homework on various parts of Dallas and came across some interesting facts. I pulled current cencus reports in regards to population, crime rate, schools, median income etc. I came across Plano, (very beautiful area) and Mc Kinney which has an interesting area call Stonebridge Ranch which seems to offer lakes, a manmade beach, shops, dining, grocery stores etc. I am curious about the Mc Kinney area itself. It's funny, right as I thought I could narrow my choices, America's Most Wanted came on about two murders in Mc Kinney Tx. One of which just occured just one week ago. I live in a thriving area where home prices have gone through the roof and the traffic is just awful. I love California, but I an looking for a change. I am looking for a very nice area that is beautiful, upbeat and has a lot to offer. Could you please advise.

And Last, to Lany:
You go girl. You finally did it. I must admit, you are so right about the the drivers in Texas. My husband and I had the same experiences while we were there in Texas in June. "Oh my God"! I will confirm, the people are very friendly there. I want to hear more about your experiences thus far. How did you make up your mind about what part of Dallas you finally settled into? My biggest problem is going to be missing the area I live in, my friends and family. I don't know anyone there, but hopefully I will meet some nice people when I get there.

I want to hear back from everybody. Take Care..

Cami

Originally Posted by Tabby

Hi everyone!

I just finished reading this looooong thread! Very interesting, as Bob just mentioned.

Lany, glad you're back and enjoying life in Texas again! I wonder about some of the others, if they ever made it here or not? Most of what was posted here is right on. I can't remember everything that was posted so if I repeat what's been said already, bear with me! I just want to add another enthusiastic voice in case anyone else comes along.

I've mostly lived in Arlington and Grand Prairie, the two biggest cities in the middle of Dallas and Fort Worth. In fact, we live smack dab in the middle, just inside the Tarrant County line. Ten minutes east or west brings us to the outskirts of either city. Anyway, yes, it's hot and humid here and gradually starts getting cool toward the end of Oct. But I don't think the humidity is always so bad, I lived in Houston for a summer several years ago and that was just plain awful. But a big blessing of the modern age is air conditioning and it's everywhere you go here! Sure we have the threat of hail and tornadoes in the spring and summer but I'd prefer that to an earthquake or a hurricane. In the winter it's usually 50's to 60's with the occasional 70's thrown in. Maybe once or twice a winter we'll get a few days of freezing weather and/or a little dusting of snow. Ice storms once or twice also.

Yes, there are the rather large bugs but a good pest control regime can keep them under control. Inside, at any rate!

Someone mentioned Whole Foods, which originated in Austin. There are several here as well as a couple of Central Markets, one of which is in Fort Worth but you gotta get there early cuz it's always packed! Lots of farmer's markets, the biggest of which is in Dallas.

The southern portions of Dallas and it's suburbs are more prone to crime as well as small pockets in Fort Worth but most of the suburbs to the north and east of Dallas, the newer ones to the very far north and northwest of Fort Worth, and the new developments in south Grand Prairie, south Arlington and Mansfield are growing and pretty nice places to live. The further west and north of Fort Worth you go the geography gets flatter with shorter trees and wide open land. Dallas and further east and south is more gently rolling hills and taller trees, more vegetation.

Be prepared for the traffic, though, there's quite a bit of it although there are new highways and freeways currently under construction.

The shopping is fantastic, the restaurants are fantastic, the people are fantastic, Texas is fantastic! Maybe a little higher property tax than in some states but no state income tax and a whole lot more house for your money.

If you're friendly, you'll fit right in - if any of y'all still deciding actually make the move, best of luck!

[stargazer]

Hey Cami,
I live in Mckinney and just want to tell you not to be afraid to move to Mckinney if you find the perfect place. McKinney is a big suburb with 100,000 people. As far as crime goes, it is much better to live here than on the south side where we lived. I have known many people living in Grand Prairie and Southwest area who have been broken into but saved by the fact their alarms scared them away( my inlaws being one of them). So theft is more prevelant that way.
As far as the murders. The 4 that were murdered 3 years ago, I did not live here at the time, happened on a different part of Mckinney than where you would be interested in. McKinney is a huge area and the area the murders took place were in East McKinney, Stonebridge is west and is very vast. I believe some of Stonebridge and some areas of Mckinney go to Frisco ISD and to Prosper ISD too. McKinney is very diverse and it being a town, there will always be good parts of town and some that aren't. I see posters quite a bit asking for help in the case. We pray alot and hope they will find the people who did such a diobolical thing.

As for the realtor who was killed, that is still unsolved and no one knows but there are somethings that seem to add up to me. I believe that she was murdered by someone that knew her very well and not just a random act of violence, someone who wanted to see her dead. The only thing taken was her Rolex watch. Why wasn't her credit cards taken or anything in her purse? There have been people close to her cleared so far or at least it has been told to the public. I am guessing they are keeping an eye on a few people who knew her. I won't comment openly on who I think who could have done it but I do have my suspicions.

Stonebridge is very lovely, they have some beautiful homes that way and the shopping is wonderful. Please don't be detoured by that. Come and see yourself and see how huge it is as well. It is best to see the makeup of a town anyways. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

[stargazer]

Oh too, just reread the thread, I mean by being diverse in a positive way.

Lots of people here from different back grounds and from out of state who come here seeking a better life and very happy for choosing this town.

The east side, there has been alot of emphasis on renovating that side and alot of historic builidngs and downtown have been renovated. I love downtown Mckinney and go there quite a bit. Lots of antique shops, art and decorator studios and upscale restaurants.

As far the murders of the 4 go, I know the check cash place is on the east side off of University however don't know where the lady lived. I though see it as premedtated as well with the intention of robbing the place due to the fact that the business is a business dealing with money.

[momof2dfw]

Stargazer posted:
"As for the realtor who was killed, that is still unsolved and no one knows but there are somethings that seem to add up to me. I believe that she was murdered by someone that knew her very well and not just a random act of violence, someone who wanted to see her dead. The only thing taken was her Rolex watch. Why wasn't her credit cards taken or anything in her purse? There have been people close to her cleared so far or at least it has been told to the public. I am guessing they are keeping an eye on a few people who knew her. I won't comment openly on who I think who could have done it but I do have my suspicions. "
----------------------------------------

That woman was living fast and loose if you ask me, just from what has been written in the paper, in the news and from what my sis who lives in McKinney has heard. If what my sis and I suspect is the case, it would have happened no matter where she worked or lived.

So don't let this crime paint a bad picture on any area.

[Spookmeister]

Florida = Vacation.

Texas = Life.

[stargazer]

You are so right about it could have happened anywhere. Truly it was someone she knew who had a score to settle with her. No one just follows someone into a home like that and stabs them 26 times and just take a rolex watch and nothing more. What is baffling is why no one saw the person who did it come out. No one going up and down that street. The homes are so close together. It would seem like someone saw something.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by stargazer

What is baffling is why no one saw the person who did it come out. No one going up and down that street. The homes are so close together. It would seem like someone saw something.

This is a problem in alot of areas. While the homes may be close together and people may be "out", they are not always paying attention. That is the clincher. This is a new development so there may not be the neighbors that are all chummy w/ each other and recognize strange cars and/or people going to and fro. Everyone "minding their own business" is not always a good thing. Plus this being a new development there are always going to be "strangers" going to and fro just checking things out. Plus a lot of people that want to live in some areas have to work all the time to pay for it so that does not mean they are always around. Just a few weeks ago they had a report that crime in Plano during the day has increased dramatically. The report stated that a majority of homeowners are not home during the day because they are at work. It stated that most criminals prefer to break into homes in areas they are very familiar with but this is something different. The criminals are traveling TO Plano because they know that the majority of homes are empty during the day and their are not many "nosy neighbors" (ala Alice Kravetz) around monitoring the activities of the neighborhood during the day.

It will be interesting to see what happens in this case. Apparently she just purchased that Rolex the day before and no one knew about it.

[jkwend3543]

Thinking About Relocating To Texas (gulf Coast Side). Any Areas Nicer Than Other? Towns? However.have Child With Special Needs...autism. So I Need To Relocate To An Area Where I Can Find Services For Him. Any Suggestions?