taxes and such (Evansville, Columbus, Seymour: house, job market, buy)

[Judy J.]

I am a single mom with three kids and we're thinking about moving to the Evansville area from Arizona. I want a safe place with good schools and malls and movie theatres and pizza delivery. Also, does anyone know about the property taxes? You can buy a nice house for a good price but will the taxes kill? We don't have personal property taxes here, what's that like?

[rrah]

This link should help you understand taxes in Indiana. We don't have personal property taxes here as I understand the term. We do have state income tax.

Indiana Department of Revenue - Tax Types/Various Rates (broken link)

As to whether the property taxes would kill....that's a matter up for debate. My feeling is no.

[rrah]

One additional thought, I wouldn't recommend moving there without a job lined up.

[Jay_F]

Judy,

Have you considered areas more toward Columbus, Seymour, South of Indy?

These areas still seem to have growing factory work for both blue and white collar workers, taxes are reasonable, housing inexpensive, very safe for the most part, and everything you mention w/o having to be in a larger metro area. We do have personal property tax if you own a vehicle, and you pay a sliding rate by assessed value and age. This rate was halved a few years back, much to the delight of many.

Here is a link to the Columbus area, and you may find it appealing and everything you are looking for:

Columbus, Indiana Convention and Visitors Bureau

Good luck!

[Judy J.]

Thanks for the info. Isn't it a lot colder in those areas? I'm getting the impression that jobs are hard to find, true? I found some beautiful properties outside of Evansville (St. Joseph and a few others), do you (or anyone) know what the job market is like down there?

[Jay_F]

That area may have slightly milder winters, and I'm pretty sure summers will be a bit hotter overall. I have read of some pretty big snow storms hitting that area too.

It seems job openings are increasing in the areas I mention, and the new Honda plant opening soon is a VERY big deal for this area. I can not offer any insight into the job market around Evansville, but do wish you the best of luck wherever you do finally settle.

Good luck!