Possible relocation to Indiana (Indianapolis, Bloomington: best town, sales, real estate)

[redrudy]

Any suggestions for a good area near the Crane Naval Weapons Station?? My husband may be transferring there and I want to make sure that it's a good move for our family.

[domergurl]

Bloomington would be the closest and best town. rrah would be a great resource!

[rrah]

rrah checking in.

Yes, lots of the people that work at Crane live in Bloomington and Monroe County. As a matter of fact about 1/4 of the people in my little neighborhood work there. I live in the southern part of the county. It's about 35 minutes from here. Probably a similar distance from the west side of Bloomington. One man I know that works there and lives on the southeast side of Bloomington commutes about 45 minutes. Bloomfield is a bit closer to Crane, but is considerably smaller and doesn't really have as much to offer in terms of shopping, restaurants, culture, etc. Some Crane workers live in Bedford and Lawrence County. Again, not as much to offer, I think, as Bloomington. I also strongly believe the schools in Bloomington are superior if you have children. There's just more money and with the presence of Indiana University, (lots of highly educated people) we demand a lot from our schools.

If you have specific questions, feel free to ask. I'll do my best to answer.

[redrudy]

I do have 3 children so schools are very important to me. How are the housing costs there? I currently live in Central New York and taxes are really high here, how about in Indiana? It sounds as if there are alot of cultural activities also. Any good realtors or websites I can visit to get more information??

Thanks for your help!!

[sweetana3]

My in laws live about 45 minutes north of Albany and their small town taxes are a killer. They pay around $3000 for a house assessed at $50,000. We pay less in RE taxes for a house we paid 5 times more for in Indianapolis.

You will like the cost of living. Now along with that are fewer supportive services for families and the elderly, etc. That is one of the reasons that we do not make more effort to move elderly relatives here.

I think our sales and income taxes are less also.

I like Bloomington due to the presence of Indiana University. Lots of interesting things for the kids to do and people to get to know in a lot of professions.

[rrah]

Real estate taxes in Indiana vary. Each county, and township within the county, establishes a tax rate. Those living inside city limits also pay more due to city services like trash pick-up, parks, etc. Currently the tax situation in IN is very controversial and under political scrutiny. There's a long, legal history that brought us to this point. I won't bore you with the details. Generally in Monroe County real estate taxes are about 1-1.5% of market value. It can be less though. In addition there is a state income tax. I believe it's 3% of the final declared income on the federal return but am not sure. That's what the accountant is for Sales tax is roughly 6% on non food items.

[Seaharbour]

rrah...

know anything bout Terre Haute Taxes???

[rrah]

seaharbour--In general, Vigo County (Terre Haute) follows the same guidelines as the rest of the state: each county and township establishes a tax rate. I did a quick google search for the rates in Vigo but can only find them from a couple of years ago.

This link might help.

Vigo County, Indiana: Document Center

The county government now uses a GIS system to make tax amounts available to the public. Every homeowner in the state is eligible for a variety of property tax exemptions. The two most common are the homestead credit and the mortgage exemption. From what I can tell Harrison Township is the most expensive.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

[Seaharbour]

YOU were very helpful! I appreciate it!