[Swimmom32]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

As I've said, NC is more of the same that I had in FL but with other problems. That's why we avoided it when we left during the boom. I could see that area turning into Florida North and to a great degree, it did.

Hip your absolutely right. I can tell you the area we lived in, in NC well it was a Mini Florida and mini NY funny thing for us it was worse there than here at least that is our opinion....but none the less you hit the nail right on the head

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by Swimmom32

Hip your absolutely right. I can tell you the area we lived in, in NC well it was a Mini Florida and mini NY funny thing for us it was worse there than here at least that is our opinion....but none the less you hit the nail right on the head

I can see it being worse in a few ways. One that stands out is that there are probably far more people native to the state per capita and in density than in Florida. And I mean families that go back for a century or two, at least. That makes for far more tension. The bulk of the enormous influx of transplants infiltrated the area not that long ago.

Northerners have been coming to Florida for generations and are a huge presence in Florida, especially along the coasts. It's something that the people of the state have become accustomed to. There are far less issues between the two groups, especially the more south you get.

The other thing I don't like about North Carolina is its tax burden.

I wouldn't have minded being closer to the ocean - and I have a huge love affair with the Atlantic - but along with that comes a dew point that I rather not deal with.

But I just didn't ever want to deal with a transient society, again. And although there are locals, they seem to be so peeved off by the invasion that it feels quite unpleasant.

Just my observation. I'm sure others may feel completely different.

[Gatornation]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

I can see it being worse in a few ways. One that stands out is that there are probably far more people native to the state per capita and in density than in Florida. And I mean families that go back for a century or two, at least. That makes for far more tension. The bulk of the enormous influx of transplants infiltrated the area not that long ago.

Northerners have been coming to Florida for generations and are a huge presence in Florida, especially along the coasts. It's something that the people of the state have become accustomed to. There are far less issues between the two groups, especially the more south you get.

The other thing I don't like about North Carolina is its tax burden.

I wouldn't have minded being closer to the ocean - and I have a huge love affair with the Atlantic - but along with that comes a dew point that I rather not deal with.

But I just didn't ever want to deal with a transient society, again. And although there are locals, they seem to be so peeved off by the invasion that it feels quite unpleasant.

Just my observation. I'm sure others may feel completely different.

Florida just gets you another way instead of state income tax. The property tax was much lower in NC compared to FL.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by Gatornation

Florida just gets you another way instead of state income tax. The property tax was much lower in NC compared to FL.

I said "tax burden" and not "income tax."

North Carolina's tax burden is 16th in the country. Florida's is 31st. Frankly, NC will gets you with hidden taxes all day long and twice on Sunday. And I don't feel there is that much bang for the buck.

The Tax Foundation - State and Local Tax Burdens: All States, One Year, 1977 - 2009

[StreetSmarts]

No kidding, we feel absolutely financially strapped here in NC. In FL, with less money coming in (working a lot less), we had more money. I dont know how it happened. But we were just fine in FL and here we are in the red at the end of each month.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

I said "tax burden" and not "income tax."

North Carolina's tax burden is 16th in the country. Florida's is 31st. Frankly, NC will gets you with hidden taxes all day long and twice on Sunday. And I don't feel there is that much bang for the buck.

The Tax Foundation - State and Local Tax Burdens: All States, One Year, 1977 - 2009

In my limited experience with NC I felt the same. It seemed to be a very expensive state for those who live there, without the bang for the buck. And groceries, at least in the Asheville area, were way more expensive than here - the prices at Ingles just took my breath away - they made Publix look cheap! Of course, that might just be Asheville because of being somewhat isolated in WNC but still. We actually live very very well, here in Sarasota, which is supposedly an "expensive" city, but really isn't. And other than homeowner's insurance, I don't find Florida living to be expensive at all.

I do think Tennessee is a better (and cheaper) alternative for those wanting a change from the north or Florida, it's where I would look if we wanted a vacation place again. (sorry, hik, hope I don't start a stampede now! )

But for now, we're happy right here, just love being near the Gulf Coast too darn much!

[Swimmom32]

We didnt necessarily find NC expensive our expenses weren't as high there as here however I agree with the Tax Burden...We had to pay property tax on our Cars...our property tax for our home was very very reasonable however we were in the county and well had no services so what are you paying for? there were other things however Groceries were definitely higher there than here...and it was very boring there as well!! Just my 2 Cents

[Spring Hillian]

Does NC have an income tax?

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by Spring Hillian

Does NC have an income tax?

Yep.

[MartinEden99]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

Yep.

And its comparable to NY. As is the sales tax if I'm not mistaken (believe its 8% where NY is 8.5% when you add state+county).