re: billboard about leaving for myrtle beach on turnpike (Hoboken: lease, homeowners insurance)

[Rapture]

I did move to that area and the taxes are a lot lower and the weather is a lot better. I don't live in Myrtle Beach but one town over and pay $560 a year for property tax and have over an acre lot. Most people I know in MB with a 2000 sq ft house pay around $1000. I miss NJ and would probably move back because of friends, NYC and it will always be home but I refuse to struggle just to pay taxes. Someone mentioned redneck MB but honestly most of the people that live in MB are from somewhere else. Mostly NJ, NY, CT, OH and MA. Maybe 5% off the people I have met here are from here. As far as Seaside Heights comments, there is a small section of the area that similiar to that but this county is huge and the majority is nothing like that. The first trip I took to MB when I was looking at houses, I was turned off because it was different than what I'm used to and I didn't know where I was going. The several trips after that opened my eyes to how many nice areas there are and how a lot of the towns are similiar to NJ but with nicer trees. (and a lot more bugs) I'd say that's my biggest complaint here besides the pizza thing. I love pizza but not enough to pay $10,000 a year in taxes instead of $540. I'll have pizza shipped to me if I want it that bad. : )

[RUBIES77]

DELAWARE next door to NJ has been emphasizing how low their taxes are, and the many benefits of living there. I do not know much about it, but have been to Dover and Wilmington. Any comments?

[back2jersey]

Originally Posted by Rapture

I did move to that area and the taxes are a lot lower and the weather is a lot better. I don't live in Myrtle Beach but one town over and pay $560 a year for property tax and have over an acre lot. Most people I know in MB with a 2000 sq ft house pay around $1000.

I'm not trying to play devil's advocate here but I have an entirely different picture of living in Myrtle Beach than this. I live within the city limits of Myrtle Beach and while on the surface it sounds wonderful to pay roughly $1,000 in property taxes, there are a lot of other expenses that go along with that. For example, I pay personal property tax on my vehicles and my motorhome. That adds up to about another $1,000. I also pay HOA dues on my house for the sub-division I live in. Most of the newer homes are in HOA's and those fees add up quickly but they do keep the communities looking very nice. Often times the HOA'S add on special assessments during the year for certain things although my particular sub-division hasn't. They have to be paid - period. No two ways about it and you really have no control over those costs. I did experieince that with the condos I owned and they were unexpected expenses in addition to the monthly dues and much larger. HOA's can do that. Anyway, those are two expenses right there (vehicle taxes and HOA fees) that we didn't have in NJ and are rarely factored in when people hear about the 'low taxes' in Myrtle Beach. I also just got my bills for all my insurance and got sticker shock because of the hefty increases this year with the mandatory wind pool. We have homeowner's insurance, wind & hail insurance (hurricane insurance) and flood insurance. You must have flood if you have wind & hail now even if you're not in flood. I also have to get everything updated and will calling my agent on Monday to do that because it's reflecting the values from when I had my house built in '98 and is not enough coverage now. That will mean a hefty increase. As it stands, my insurance is $3,000 and I can expect to pay a lot more after Monday. That is one heck of a lot more money that I ever paid out for insurance in NJ and I was in Bergen County (born and raised). The SC/NJ expenses tend to balance out. Where the property taxes are high in NJ, the insurance is high in Myrtle Beach plus there are additional taxes such as vehicle taxes. Add mine up right now, and it's about $6,000 and that doesn't include all the 'hidden' expenses. (It will be more after this Monday for me.) Now for a small house in NJ it would also roughly be $6,000 - $5,000 in taxes and $1,000 for homeowner's insurance. It's being paid out no matter what; it's just a matter of who it's being paid to - tax collector, insurance company, etc. There are other mandatory expenses as well here in Myrtle Beach if you choose to live in an HOA such as HOA dues which can be very expensive and maintainance to comply with the HOA. For example, my water bill for the entire summer last year was approx. $700. It runs about $125-$150 each month in the warm months because of my irrigation system. It's a very beautiful subdivision with very well maintained homes because of the HOA. If folks don't water their lawns, they are fined by the HOA - that's just an example of one of the hidden costs. Everyone doesn't live in an HOA but it is difficult to find something nice and a decent community without an HOA. Between the high electric and water bills in the warm months, the expenses add up fast. In the warm months, my electric bill will run about the same as my water bill so there are times I'm paying about $300/month for water and electricity. It's like the reverse of winter in NJ. The expensive season here are the warm months (April through October). I usually keep the A/C on during those months also because of the high humidity so I don't have to contend with mold problems. December through March are the 'cheap' months here. The lawn is dormant so the irrigation system is off for the most part, the A/C is off and when I need heat, I turn on the gas fireplace and/or put the heat pump on. My propane bill for the entire winter is under $500 and my electric runs about $75/month then. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that it is not as inexpensive to live in Myrtle Beach as some people believe and this is not about bashing Myrtle Beach. I'm in my 11th year of living here permanently now but lived here on a part time basis before that for a number of years. I, too, was lured down there looking for a more affordable cost of living and lower property taxes. I can honestly say that my property taxes are low but ask me about vehicle taxes, insurance, etc. and it adds up quickly. Yes, property taxes are low but that's not the entire picture. There are other mandatory taxes, outrageously high homeowner's/hurricane insurance and a recent article in the local paper reads that the city will be raising property taxes next year. What becomes difficult then is the ratio of expenses to salaries here. The jobs here are very limited compared to NJ and the salaries are very low in comparison. It's a tourist based economy here and most of the folks that I have met in the years that I have been here move away after a few years of living here once the honeymoon period wears off. It is a very transient area and that in and of itself poses unique problems. It is a beautiful place with great weather and some people will move there, love it and stay forever; many will not because of the hidden costs and the lower salaries. It's not always a case of the grass is greener. There was an article in the local paper yesterday I think saying that there are something like 7,000 homes and 8,000 condos on the market right now here and it's really not that large of an area. Our permanent population is about 25,000 although we swell tremendously during tourist season. Many folks wind up moving here and working low paying tourist and retail jobs to try to pay the bills and find it very difficult if not impossible to pay the bills and/or even get ahead. Because of that it has become a very expensive area in which to live but yes, our property taxes are very low. I've entered my 11th year living here permanently (about five years before that on a part time basis) and I've seen it become very expensive to live here and the salaries and opportunities not keep up with the costs. I 'lose' many friends each year as they pack up and move back to wherever it is they moved from because they can't make a decent living here or it's not what they thought it would be after they lived here a few years. I'm trying to sour anyone on Myrtle Beach or dissuade anyone from moving here but it's important that folks do their research before any move. It's not always what it seems to be on the surface. NJ has a lot to offer even with all it's problems.

[back2jersey]

Originally Posted by back2jersey

I'm trying to sour anyone on Myrtle Beach or dissuade anyone from moving here but it's important that folks do their research before any move. .

Oops - typo. It should read: I'm NOT trying to sour anyone on Myrtle Beach. I'm NOT trying to dissuade anyone. Sorry about that.

[Nancy-NJ-NY-ME?]

Back2jersey - You've made some excellent points. Expenses and fees that are customary in one area can be surprising when you don't have them in your home state.

Yes, taxes are less in SC and NC. The per sq. ft. price of housing is less than NJ / NY. Aside from these two components, other expenses are about the same, e.g., gasoline, food, clothing, etc. Yes, you give up a northern winter - but one trades that for heat, humidity, bugs and mold. And the salaries are less.

As B2J wrote -- do your research. The area is beautiful (love Sunset Beach, NC!), but go being fully informed.

We spend a lot of time in NC (Calabash & Tyon) & SC (Spartanburg & Charleston) as our family members have all relocated there. But, as you can tell from my ID, we'll be heading further north.

[Summering]

Originally Posted by Rapture

I did move to that area and the taxes are a lot lower and the weather is a lot better. I don't live in Myrtle Beach but one town over and pay $560 a year for property tax and have over an acre lot. Most people I know in MB with a 2000 sq ft house pay around $1000. I miss NJ and would probably move back because of friends, NYC and it will always be home but I refuse to struggle just to pay taxes. Someone mentioned redneck MB but honestly most of the people that live in MB are from somewhere else. Mostly NJ, NY, CT, OH and MA. Maybe 5% off the people I have met here are from here. As far as Seaside Heights comments, there is a small section of the area that similiar to that but this county is huge and the majority is nothing like that. The first trip I took to MB when I was looking at houses, I was turned off because it was different than what I'm used to and I didn't know where I was going. The several trips after that opened my eyes to how many nice areas there are and how a lot of the towns are similiar to NJ but with nicer trees. (and a lot more bugs) I'd say that's my biggest complaint here besides the pizza thing. I love pizza but not enough to pay $10,000 a year in taxes instead of $540. I'll have pizza shipped to me if I want it that bad. : )

Rapture, try Anthonys on Glenns Bay Road( Surfside beach).......fantastic Pizza......and we are from a home of Pizza lovers. Grew up in NJ also....
I agree with you...........you don't have to live in the busy, over crowded areas. We found some wonderful homes outside of that area.
I meet people all the time down there from my old high school in Rockaway, NJ. We spend a ton of time with people from the Northern States.
I'm going to take heat, and humid over cold and ice..........anyday. The gas, and clothing costs would be the same all over. Taxes are just so low, its mindboggling.
Stuck for three days trying to get ice off of the driveway, convinced me that ...........I need to head south. Plus I am writing out my(PA) taxes as we speak, and they are
equal to NJs ( I paid less actually in NJ)
I really havn't met a redneck ( as someone stated) in my over 5 years of going there...........Just really down to earth people, who enjoy going out and having fun.
If someone wants a classy neighborhood with lakes and pool.........
I think "The Lakes" in the Surfside Beach ( Garden City) area is just awesome. Beautiful lakes, classy homes...........nice lawns and shrubs.
Everyone on the lakes have a dock.......different lake names for different sections. Very interesting, and inviting there.
There are many communities, and even golf course area housing that are up to NJ standards.........One that also comes to mind is Prestwick in Surfside Beach......a" NJ proud" person would feel at home there too!

[back2jersey]

Originally Posted by Summering

I really havn't met a redneck ( as someone stated) in my over 5 years of going there...........Just really down to earth people, who enjoy going out and having fun.!
If someone wants a classy neighborhood with lakes and pool.........
I think "The Lakes" in the Surfside Beach ( Garden City) area is just awesome. Beautiful lakes, classy homes...........nice lawns and shrubs.
Everyone on the lakes have a dock.......different lake names for different sections. Very interesting, and inviting there.
There are many communities, and even golf course area housing that are up to NJ standards.........One that also comes to mind is Prestwick in Surfside Beach......a" NJ proud" person would feel at home there too!

I enjoy reading your numerous posts, Summering, but with all due respect, you don't live in Myrtle Beach or the surrounding area and you don't own a permanent residence here. Coming here on a part time basis is not the same. It's sort of like dating before marriage. Being here permanently on a long term basis and being very involved in the community, community organizations, politics, etc. and the day to day living aspects of life as I have done here paints a very different picture and a far more realistic one IMO. It's about a lot more then pretty communities and surface appeal. It is beautiful here however one has to really live in one of these communities with an HOA for a quite a while before they can accurately determine if they are up to NJ standards or not. Believe me, I felt the same way you did when I would come down part time to my condo years back so much so that I bought several condos as rental properties and had a house custom built. Total expenditure is not that low compared to NJ. I pay vehicle taxes in addition to my property taxes so the total tax amount adds up quicky. The notion of low property taxes makes people get lulled into a false sense of security. I live in one of those exclusive communities similar to those you mentioned above and the HOA costs and mandatory maintenance costs are very expensive. Add that all in to the property taxes along with the vehicle taxes and now you're up to several thousand dollars. I pay higher taxes on my rental properties which is understandable since they are not my primary residence but I also have to pay what is called a Furniture, Fixtures and Appliances tax on each property that is not my primary residence. That adds up quickly too. There are certain of the exclusive communities that require people to pay an upfront fee in addition to the monthly HOA's. I'm not sure on the exact amount but several of my friends live up in Barefoot and had to pay out about $20,000 to join when they purchased their house. There are other costs associated with living in this area similar to FL that we don't have in NJ. For example, things like paying out fees for the termite bonds, monthly and/or quarterly pest control (if you don't have your home treated, it will be overrun by bugs), lawn chemicals and/or re-sodding (we have various fungi here that will destroy a lawn completely as well as certain bugs such as mole crickets that just eat up centipede and/or bermuda grass), regular pressure washing because mold and mildew accumulate on houses, patios, driveways, fences, and more, far more frequent exterior painting since the salt air and hot sun seems to fade/deteriorate the paint quickly, installatation, upkeep and maintenance of hurricane shutters (I just had the ones on my back patio French Doors re-aligned by a repairman), regular re-painting/re-sealing of driveways and walkways (yes, we have the decorative driveways in this sub--division), etc. It is very, very expensive to live in one of these exclusive communities that you have mentioned because they are governed by an HOA and owners are required to abide by the covenents of that HOA. That translates into a lot of expense that goes toward maintaining the outward appearances of these homes. That's what makes these sub-divisions look so pretty and 'NJ proud' but it's surface appeal - eye candy - who doesn't like looking at pretty neighborhoods with beautiful, well manicured lawns, elegant looking homes and with gorgeous landscaping. This is not about whether or not HOA's are good, bad or indifferent; it's about the very high cost that is associated with living in these sub-divisions. Again, the expense is not just related to property taxes here. I think I may have posted previously that my water bill alone for last summer was $700 to keep my lawn green which is a requirement of most HOA's and why you see such pretty areas when you drive through them. That's not including any of the chemical treatments, maintainance costs, etc. - that's just for water. The average person making $7 or $8/hr. around here cannot do that. Look at what teacher or police salaries are in this area. I don't even think beginning salaries are over $30 yet or if they are, they are barely over $30. There are more and more retired folks who moved down here with the lure of low property taxes that find themselves now working retail jobs in tourist stores or places like Home Depot or Walmart because they can't make ends meet. Clothing and food is more expensive than NJ in that it is taxed. When I go back home to NJ for a visit, my trips to the grocery store are always cheaper in NJ. Gas stations up in northwest NJ are always cheaper than here. The prices in the supermarkets here in city limits always seem to go up higher during tourist season. Granted, eating out in restaurants is cheaper here in SC but we never go out to eat during tourist season - the lines are too long.
The lack of interstate access also plays into the expense situation. Once you get out of Myrtle Beach proper, there is nothing but farmland. Yes, we stretch out for about 50 miles but that is it. It is very limited here. Over the years, I have had several friends (and even relatives) who needed serious medical conditions treated and had to go to MUSC in Charleston for it becaues they don't have the facilities here for here - a two hour drive. Four hours round trip in one day is a lot. I know people who have to go there for their treatment or surgeries because it's the only place around where they can get their treatments/surgeries. Some of them cannot afford the trip any longer due to the high gas prices. I may have mentioned this in another post; I'm not sure. A very good friend of mine needed a hip replacement last summer. The only place that would do it was Duke - four hours north. He made numerous trips back and forth to the doctor up there for pre-op stuff, then had to have someone drive him up for the surgery and back several days later then all his follow up visits were up there. The expense in gas and motels took it's toll on him. Another frieind's mother is going through something similar now with two surgeries. It has become very expensive to travel up to Duke or down to MUSC with the price of gas and some people just can't afford it yet those are their only options for their health care because it's not available here in Myrtle Beach. There are many, many other expenses involved here yet people seem to only hone in on the fact that there are low property taxes here. Yes, they are low but at what cost? You pay out so much more in order to get those low taxes that you wind up paying in total just as much as, if not more, than NJ. The total yearly expenses come out to the same or more than NJ depending on where in NJ we're talking about. The wages are much less and there is very little industry here other than tourism. There is much less opportunity for professional, career growth and development here than there is in NJ. There are a lot of folks working in trades here, opening their own small businesses, working in the servivce industry and retail, real estate and related fields, etc. but it is not the norm to see the average MBA walk out the door in the morning with his/her briefcase on his/her way to the office to climb the corporate ladder as one would see in NJ. It's very, very different here from NJ but it is not the afforadble utopia that people seem to think it is. The salaries here rarely substantiate the total expenditures here which are basically the same as NJ. High property taxes + lower insurance costs in NJ = High insurance costs + lower property taxes + vehicle taxes + taxes on food & groceries in Myrtle Beach. And last but not least, to address the redneck question, I find that most of the people I have met in community involvement and local politics are from NC, GA, TN and the upstate and midlands of SC. This is a huge relocation place for folks from NC. Over the years, I have met tons of folks who have reloacted to this area from small, mostly agriculturally based towns in both NC and SC. Lots of folks from Tabor City and Whiteville move down here. I forget which is which but one has a Yam Festival and another has the yearly Fire Ant Festival. I have not met as many people with educational backgrounds similar to mine nor have I met many professionals who have relocated here from the northeast (by professional I mean graduate or professional degrees). I do have one friend who is a doctor who dislikes it intensely here because she finds it very difficult to make female friends who are on the same professional level (she is married) that she can relate to and they can relate to her. She's very outgoing, gregarious, friendly, community oriented so it's not her personality that is the issue. Anyway, this is in no way intended to bash Myrtle Beach or anyone's decision to live there. It's simply to state that the 'promise' of a lower cost of living is IMO really a falsehood based on lower property taxes since it does not account for all the other taxes that are in place here. It really is about the same total expense in taxes and insurance to live here as it is in NJ but more expensive in the end because the professional job opportunities and salaries are far lower than in NJ. As for communities (sub-divisions) being up to NJ standards, one would have to actually live in one of these HOA community here for a period of time and experience that first hand in order to accurately asses that. HOA's can and do fine owners for what may seem like a trite infraction (grass is not green, bare spot in the lawn, grass was 1/2 inch too long, etc.) and foreclose on those people's houses for fines in some instances as little as $500. It's very different here than in NJ but one has to really live here and experience it first hand (like marriage- through sickness and health, through better or worse) before they can get an accurate picture of what it's like. Research is the key. Some people will love it. Some will love it for the first several years then grow to dislike it as become more and more assimilated with it. Many, many people move here and I think they say that the average stay is about 2-3 years before they move away. Some people will stay forever because they love it. Living around beautiful palm trees with gorgeous flowers and never having to shovel snow is a great dream but it doesn't go very far in paying the bills, getting ahead or having a certain quality of life but that's ok with some folks. I'm walking out the door now to the beach to enjoy my piece of paradise but I will be dreaming about NJ while I'm walking along the ocean.

[JERSEY MAN]

Back2Jersey, Excellent post. I wish everyone running out of this state reads it.

[back2jersey]

Originally Posted by Nancy-NJ-NY-ME?

Back2jersey - You've made some excellent points. <snip>Yes, taxes are less in SC and NC. .

Lower property taxes in SC + vehicle taxes in SC + extremely high insurance costs in Myrtle Beach = High property taxes in NJ + average homeowner's insurance costs in NJ

The salaries in SC are much lower than in NJ. The ratio of the same amount for expenses to the salaries causes problems for folks in the end yet they are lured here with a false sense of security believing that taxes are lower. No. Property taxes are lower but there is are additional taxes - taxes on all vehicles plus outrageously high insurance in Myrtle Beach.

Originally Posted by Nancy-NJ-NY-ME?

The per sq. ft. price of housing is less than NJ / NY. Aside from these two components, other expenses are about the same, e.g., gasoline, food, clothing, etc. .

You get much more house for the money here but the cost of having that house (taxes plus insurance) is equal to the cost of having a house in certain parts of NJ. The salaries do not keep up and there are very limited professional opportunities for career growth. Food and clothing is taxed here in SC. It's not taxed in NJ so it's always cheaper for me to go to the grocery store in NJ and buy clothes in NJ. It wasn't always like that though but it is definately more expensive now. I found that gas in northwest NJ was cheaper than what I was paying in Myrtle Beach. Also, we're very far from places that we may want to go - i.e. two hours to Charleston or Wilmington, 3 hours to Columbia, 5 hours to Savannah, 4 hours to Raleigh, etc. The gasoline expense to go to those places for trips or necessities (i.e. medical care, etc.) has become cost prohibitive for many. The distance too necessitates that folks take off time from work for travel there and that's not always possible for people. But yes, the property taxes are low. At what cost though.

Originally Posted by Nancy-NJ-NY-ME?

Yes, you give up a northern winter - but one trades that for heat, humidity, bugs and mold. And the salaries are less.

I can live in NW NJ, pay out the same amount in expenditures (tax + insurance) and most likely, live cheaper up there than in Myrtle Beach because the salaries will be higher, professional opportunities greater, and I will be geographically closer to wherevere I need/want to go which will save a bundle in gasoline expense. An hour to the city vs. four hours to Raleigh or two down to Charleston for say, medical treatment, is one example.

The heat and humidity can be oppressive at times here. We had a very unusual spell last August where it was about 110 degrees for a couple days in a row. That is very unusual but late July/early August will usually see temps in the very upper 90's/low 100's. I generally run my A/C six months out of the year and it's not even so much for the heat as it is for the humidity. Mold and mildew is a real problem here. So are bugs. I'm constantly cleaning my counters to get rid of any crumbs. I never leave anything out on the counter - like a box of cereal or bread. Everything goes in the fridge if it's been opened to keep the bugs away. I always had a bread box on the counter in NJ; I don't do that here. Termites are a very serious issue here that has to be proactively addressed. I have a termite bond on my house which is another necessary expense. They'll eat right through the paper on the drywall so it needs to be addressed before they become a problem. Mosquitos are a pain in the neck and we have them all year long. We really don't get a killing freeze here on the coast. We may see a few nights in the winter where the temps dip into the 20's or 30's but it's not that often and it's not for an extended period of time so the bugs don't really get killed off. Pets are kept on yearly heartworm and flea preventatives unlike NJ. And the heat pumps that are on these houses really do not work well at all when the temps get cold and you'll spend a lot of money in electricity trying to heat your house with one so it almost becomes a necessity to have a fireplace. These houses aren't insulated the same way as back home in NJ either and when we do get the rare dips into the 20's at night in the winter, plumbers are usually doing very well because they are out fixing a lot of burst pipes. I have learned to drip my water in the winter now. Mold is very invasive and can cause a lot of problems including health problems. It's expensive to have a mold inspection done but is probably a good investment when buying a home. Mold remediation is big here too because of the mold problem. Mold can affect people's health too.

I find that summer and winter are reversed in NJ/SC. I stay inside a lot during the summer months. It's too hot to enjoy eitiher the beach or pool when it's that hot out. Plus, I have work to do. It's literally jump in the car from the house then the car to whatever building you're going to in order to get back into the A/C as quickly as possible. In NJ, you spend the winter months inside; here the summer months are inside. Here we also live with the threats of hurricanes for 6 months out of the year. We have been very fortunate in that one hasn't really hit since Hugo and that also lulls people into a false sense of security but they are a very real threat. I have evacuated several times and it is a very sobering experience.

Most of us who live here permanently and on long term basis don't walk around all the tourist places either. There's just so many times you can go to Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot, etc. before it gets old. It's just another shopping center and they keep building more. It's fun now and again to do that but not all the time and not in tourist season - it's too crowded. Same thing with eating out. Locals eat out off-season as a rule. Even the nightclubs get packed with tourists during the season and singles find they meet a lot of either tourists or golfers who are temporariliy in town depending on the time of year they're out 'clubbing'. The Myrtle Beach area is very transient and it's very easy to make quick acquaintances but difficult to make solid, lasting, worthwhile frieindships. Most people come here looking for something and each is different in what they're looking for - be it excitement, an escape, affordability, a party atmosphere, an afforable place to raise kids, nice weather, place to meet someone special, the beach, etc. They all have certain expectations when they move here based on what they believe and what has been fed to them. The billboard is a good example. Living and/or moving here is not the magic answer to the high taxes in NJ. It's not for everyone just like NJ is not for everyone. That not to say don't move here or that it will be a bad move; it may work out well and it may not. It depends on the individual and what they like/dislike, want/don't want, etc. It's a beautiful place but it is getting very expensive and it is not the cure-all for NJ's high tax problems. JMHO.

The main thing is to do your research. In the years that I have been living here, I have never seen so many people move in and move out of an area as I have here. To me, that's very telling. It's a very individual decision though and what's right for one may not be right for another - that doesn't make it bad or good. Be informed, do your homework and try to rent for a year or two before committing to purchase.

[Summering]

I have probably spent on average 4 to 5 months a year living in Myrtle Beach.
So half a year, for many years, plus after a pause.........some years before that.
I know some places for sure to avoid, because of high HOAs and other costs.
Especially I would avoid the land lease places where the costs can go up at the land owners whim...Oceanside Village, Windjammers, Jensens, are an example IMHO........
I've looked into many, many, places because I would like to own a home there.
The one I was looking into is just $70 per month extra, and that was for use of the pools, indoor and out, cable, and garbage.......plus common ground. I think that is very, very, reasonable. Plus, golfing there for owners is just $25.00 with cart, year round........fantastic!! Taxes under 1000 per year. ( closer to 600!)
Right now I pay upwards of almost Six thousand for taxes in Pa.
This community is out of the busy areas of Myrtle Beach and away from the tourist crowds.

Barefoot of course is for the very wealthy, and I wouldn't even plan on living in a place such as that........But, for golfing it is a real treat for a group to go out on that course ( get the senior discount from the senior center if you are a long term renter or owner).........The senior center has a great golfing discount booklet.
The Grande Dunes is another place that the average person would not be living at.
Ok..........if you want to just be prepared for all those costs the poster above mentioned. However, again........sometimes they have a great deal for golfers and it is a fabulous place to get in 18 holes of wonderful golf.
I do think The Lakes is within a NJ homeowners price range ......and no, I don't know what they charge in extra costs there.......It sure is a very beautiful place.

Bugs........lordy me.........We have bugs here in PA that I didn't know of in NJ.
Chiggers........a yard MUST be treated a number of times. Gosh awful, little , small creatures..Grubs...........I never had grubs in NJ, in Pa we have to treat for it........I learned that the hard way.
Stink bugs.....Me Oh My Oh.....they can live all winter and nest in your walls......We had to treat to be rid of that.
So my point is, bugs, in one form or another will be in your state. It is something we all have to deal with. Bees, bugs, chiggers, moles, mice........all kinds of creatures one must take care of in whatever state.

In Myrtle Beach, we are 5 homes from the ocean.........we have a canal behind the house. It doesn't get mold.......nothing get moldy........so I am wondering if it is not a general area type of thing. Maybe some areas are more prone then some.

I have to admit, I don't like HOA's........I lived with that for 8 years in a town in PA and couldn't wait to be rid of it. I certainly agree that they can just drive ya' crazy with rules, and reguations.........Some are for the good of all, like no junk, and no hanging clothes out on your front porch But, I am not a big fan of an HOA at all.

I have to say that the Primary Medical Group saved my life this winter when I had pneumonia.......The doctor there was just a fantastic guy, who stayed with me throughout the two month ordeal.......Quite a smiling, friendly guy who put me at ease.......with my two lungs full of this awful plague! Thank you Dr M/Teen

Rapture........OH I FORGOT..........Try in Garden City Nico's for Pizza. It is across from the Texas Roadhouse a little white house with red shutters. Wonderful little place and equally as good as pizza as Anthonys, both have their own good qualities, we can't make up our minds on what should be called the best. Good Italian food at Nicos too........very charming inside.

Temps.........I am one who likes high temps. We just had 100 in DE last week and none of us complained. I'll take it to trying to rid my driveway of ice and having the SUV go down it with no wheels turning.........Yikes. It took three days to get out of the house and a lot of heavy duty chopping.

What brings us to Myrtle Beach is the weather for sure, not so much of a winter at all. Also the golfing........100 courses! A golfers heaven.
I don't mind mingling with all people of different backgrounds......I find the relaxed,
down to earth people more interesting then some " holier then thou" types......LOL
I love the little quaint place with the Ice Tea sitting on the tables in pitchers just for ones enjoyment.
The shopping is equally as grand as here...........and I am sure most posters towns.
Believe me if you don't have burst pipes in MB, then you have frozen oil lines in NJ or Pa........so it all equals out.
We are required to have all of the pet treatments here also......
I don't lie when I say I met my High School teacher( NJ) and his wife at one of the home comunities..........
I met a school friend ( from NJ)at the community we stay at......
Our friends are from Vermont, NH, and PA........while in Myrtle Beach.
People who lived just a few miles from us here.......became our friend in Surfside Beach.......In fact two couples. One living north and one south of us here.

As far as jobs, that is a big question..........I know there is not a ton of good jobs there. If someone comes for that reason, they better be prepared ahead of time.

Homework is right..........lots of research and homework.
I'm thinking a NJ person with 10,000 in taxes would love to have those $1000 taxes even with car fees.......( the bugs, the lawn, the upkeep,dog treatments etc......is a given anywhere)
Sincerely.........