Taxes and Utilities Madison vs. Huntsville-Hampton Cove (Black: for sale, insurance)

[Mistybader]

I have heard water is really expensive in Madison. How does the taxes, other utilities and insurance payments measure up?

Thanks,
Misty

[DvlsAdvc8]

Helpful info: Madison County Property Tax Facts

[Charles]

Here are the utility rates for Hampton Cove:

Huntsville Utilities Rates



Madison Water Rates

http://www.madisonwaterboard.org/docs/RATE%20RESOLUTION%20WWB-118-09%20Rate%20Resolution%20Corrected%2004-23-09.pdf (broken link)

[Mawoods]

Don't know what the rates are but seems to me since we have lived in the city of Madison and now in the Little Cove area (city limits) that water is cheaper over here. Even watering everyday it is cheaper. Could be my imagination though.

[julilg]

Unless you live in the country and have to spend thousands of dollars to get utilites services to reach your property, or are unemployed or have similar drastic circumstances, I've never understood why so many people ask about utility prices.

We have virtually no control over the rates, so what may be less today, could be raised tomorrow by the council or utility board. Would anyone actually move back because utility rates changed? If a decision to move is based on say a $20 to even $50 per month difference in utility costs, wouldn't that mean they're trying to get more house than their budget can handle? I can't imagine anyone who is able to buy in Madison or Hampton Cove in the first place would have difficulty paying a few more dollars for utilities. If it's truly a budget issue, most if us have probably a dozen or more minor adjustments we can make to cover a few more $'s for utilities, such as eating out once less each month. I suggest people assess their priorties to find where they'll be happiest on a day to day basis; schools, commute to work, etc. and if it happens to cost a few dollars more to be happier - isn't it worth it?

[Charles]

Originally Posted by julilg

I've never understood why so many people ask about utility prices.

Would anyone actually move back because utility rates changed? If a decision to move is based on say a $20 to even $50 per month difference in utility costs,

Pretty much the same thing on taxes, liberal vs conservative, even (to a lesser degree) weather. The differences aren't really that extreme. People on the CA forums are writing they want to leave the state because of high taxes. I write back that the extra taxes they pay probably aren't in the top five reasons of why they really want to leave, but it is rather the more significant stuff (high housing costs, jobs, traffic, challenging effort to find good school districts, etc.)

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by julilg

Unless you live in the country and have to spend thousands of dollars to get utilites services to reach your property, or are unemployed or have similar drastic circumstances, I've never understood why so many people ask about utility prices.

I guess people are comparing everything (taxes, utility, etc.) when chosing neighborhoods. But I agree with you that I don't think utility differences will be that big of a decision factor. Personally, it's school district, ease of commute, and general area quality of live are bigger factors than the difference in utility rate.

It is important to point out, for out-of-state relocation, that utility bill here can run as much as $300+ per month and is a significant part of your monthly budget, considering it can be 25% of your monthly mortgage! Buying an energy-efficient house can save a couple of hundred $ on your monthly bill and that is greater than any difference in city utility rates.

For example, when I was considering moving here my future boss 'brag' about how inexpensive electricity cost here is because of the TVA. I asked how much is his electric bill per month, he said $250~$400 during winter & summer, less in the spring & fall. I then informed him that in California I typically pay $35 per month for electric plus another $25~$30 for gas (for heat & cooking). So much for his justification for low-balling initial salary offer

[julilg]

Originally Posted by HB2HSV

I guess people are comparing everything (taxes, utility, etc.) when chosing neighborhoods. But I agree with you that I don't think utility differences will be that big of a decision factor. Personally, it's school district, ease of commute, and general area quality of live are bigger factors than the difference in utility rate.

It is important to point out, for out-of-state relocation, that utility bill here can run as much as $300+ per month and is a significant part of your monthly budget, considering it can be 25% of your monthly mortgage! Buying an energy-efficient house can save a couple of hundred $ on your monthly bill and that is greater than any difference in city utility rates.

For example, when I was considering moving here my future boss 'brag' about how inexpensive electricity cost here is because of the TVA. I asked how much is his electric bill per month, he said $250~$400 during winter & summer, less in the spring & fall. I then informed him that in California I typically pay $35 per month for electric plus another $25~$30 for gas (for heat & cooking). So much for his justification for low-balling initial salary offer

It is wise to consider all potential expenses/savings before making a move, particularly one which is likely to have signficant differences, such as out-of-state relos. The emphasis on utility comparisons around here, even just from one house to another in the same neighborhood, baffles me. I've seen homes for sale proudly advertising recent utility bills - Hello? Maybe they don't use the AC/heat as much as the next owner will. Advertising energy efficient features makes far more sense to me.

TVA electricity per unit is less than most of the nation. However, in CA's moderate climate I didn't use as much so my utility bills are higher here, but not by near as much as my mortgage pymt is lower.

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by julilg

in CA's moderate climate I didn't use as much so my utility bills are higher here, but not by near as much as my mortgage pymt is lower.

That's probably because you're one of those that bought a "cheap house" that has your fancy neighbors worry about their declinging property values!

[disclaimer: before anyone bash me for bad taste (again), this is my continuing poking fun at a related thread on Hampton Cove Area - Breland Building smaller homes]

[Mawoods]

Just a thought about utility bills. I understand your point but sometimes as a buyer one might want to just see what ballpark figure it is for budgeting.purposes. Of course there are all sort of variables that need to be considered! I just want to see if the house is energy eficient as much as possible.