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Besides using the resources here on CD, anyone have suggestions for solid sources of info on different state governments? I'm looking for things like the political temperature and tone, tax situation, recreation, costs of things like automobile registration, etc. Although I'm looking for 'one stop shopping' type resources, I realize that's probably not realistic.
In the past I've been able to get 'relocation guides' from different states, but that was quite awhile ago.
This morning, I will be calling different state organizations (for some of the states I've identified as potential places to relocate) to see if any still offer these packets.
Appreciate any suggestions. You can PM me if you prefer.
I have. Often times it's like going down a rabbit hole, though, and you have to go to multiple sites within (or outside) the state site for specific info. Those relocation packages used to have almost everything in one small booklet. SC I believe has one online but not place to request a hard copy (which I guess I undertstand). I think NC does too.
Not sure if this is the sort of thing you're looking for, but it's worth a shot.
Here is a report that compares the fiscal health of each of the 50 state governments. Top 5: Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Tennessee. Bottom 5: Hawaii, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut, New Jersey.
And here is a report that compares the personal and economic freedom that results from the laws and policies enacted in each of the 50 states. Top 5: New Hampshire, Florida, South Dakota, Nevada, Arizona. Bottom 5: Oregon, New Jersey, California, Hawaii, New York.
Cost of living varies widely within a state as does access to healthcare and where there are shortages of physicians. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/charts/5. This is a bit misleading since while an area might have all the specialists - like where I live - it can take four months to see some specialists like neurologists; three months for a neurosurgeon.
Homeowner's insurance varies widely. https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/h...urance/states/https://www.valuepenguin.com/average...ners-insurance AL and FL are almost twice that of VA. For retirement, those taxes on SS, pensions vary widely. Also, real estate taxes. For example, in VA, local govt.'s have a great deal of flexibility in giving seniors real estate tax breaks. Some are very generous, others are also, but not as much. But how is someone going to find this out other than by going to each county's website?
Not sure if this is the sort of thing you're looking for, but it's worth a shot.
Here is a report that compares the fiscal health of each of the 50 state governments. Top 5: Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Tennessee. Bottom 5: Hawaii, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut, New Jersey.
And here is a report that compares the personal and economic freedom that results from the laws and policies enacted in each of the 50 states. Top 5: New Hampshire, Florida, South Dakota, Nevada, Arizona. Bottom 5: Oregon, New Jersey, California, Hawaii, New York.
Cost of living varies widely within a state as does access to healthcare and where there are shortages of physicians. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/charts/5. This is a bit misleading since while an area might have all the specialists - like where I live - it can take four months to see some specialists like neurologists; three months for a neurosurgeon.
Homeowner's insurance varies widely. https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/h...urance/states/https://www.valuepenguin.com/average...ners-insurance AL and FL are almost twice that of VA. For retirement, those taxes on SS, pensions vary widely. Also, real estate taxes. For example, in VA, local govt.'s have a great deal of flexibility in giving seniors real estate tax breaks. Some are very generous, others are also, but not as much. But how is someone going to find this out other than by going to each county's website?
This is fantastic, too!!! Thank you Webster.
There are so many variables between the states. I do realize that I will need to examine each state individually. I would just prefer to do it by having "paper" rather than transcribing from online resources. I guess either way, I am going to have to do side by side comparison.
Some variables are state, others county, so your point is taken. Thank you.
I've got work to do!
You can search things like whether U-turns are legal, how much taxes fund 911 services, or whether a state requires genetic testing for breast cancer.
I highly second the Tax Foundation resources. Some states have a reputation for high property taxes, but rarely do people look at things like fuel tax or sales tax on food. Tax foundation breaks it down--a lot of states are not as advantageous as they may seem.
Last edited by MarianRavenwood; 03-14-2024 at 06:58 PM..
This is fantastic, too!!! Thank you Webster.
There are so many variables between the states. I do realize that I will need to examine each state individually. I would just prefer to do it by having "paper" rather than transcribing from online resources. I guess either way, I am going to have to do side by side comparison.
Some variables are state, others county, so your point is taken. Thank you.
I've got work to do!
Not meaning to offend you, but I hope my state is not doling out paper packets on a regular basis. Just the cost of printing, storing, handling, mailing and, most importantly, keeping them up-to-date would make absolutely no sense in this digital age.
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