Why we moved FROM NY state (New York, Buffalo: environment, credit, real estate)

[ClarkStreetKid]

There's more to the US than New York and NC. If I didn't like things here in VA I'd be looking elsewhere. But as much as I loved growing up and living on LI there is no going back.

giffman, excellent point about chasing opportunity.

[Annieproductions]

I agree with all of the posts. I grew up in the city, inner city, Bronx, then Yonkers, and finally as an adult moved to the suburbs of Westchester county. It by far does not compare with upstate NY but I have to say the small towns have it. That being said, I have never left NY but it looks like we (husband and I) will have to. The taxes have gotten out of control in the small town areas of Westchester county (realtors pls don't email me and tell me about Rockland), I too am a real estate agent. The price of housing might be coming down (approx. 5 % in Westchester county, more so in Putnam and even more in Dutchess) but the taxes are going up. I love NY and plan to return (unless I get spoiled by the size of a house I can get outside the tristate) I will eventually be back. Home is where the heart is and NY is that place for me, so you never know. Upstate won't work for me now, but it might in the future. Thanks for the great posts about NY. Have a good day

[mjn1126]

The previous posts certainly echo the same feelings and visions I have for Buffalo. I have been back up there and yearn to bring my family back there for good. Ahhhh! Good writing in the posts, one stated. That's because New Yorkers are well educated. Which is why I want to shuffle back to Buffalo.
MJ

[HockeyMom72]

There is no place like New York, be it NYC, LI, Hudson Valley, Upstate. I have lived and been through all parts. My husband has been living in Florida for the past 3 years (job). I am moving there in a month. I have also lived there in the past and moved back. I am going again not by choice.

We were in Cortland this past weekend for daughter's graduation. Yes, it was cold and rainy, but it as still BEAUTIFUL. We stayed at a hotel, ate dinner, put on the heat, and crawled under the blankets in the room. It is a comfort and SENSUAL experience that you will NOT get living in a hot climate.

New York has it all from NYC to the suburbs to the country upstate.

If I had a choice, I would not go.

[Royal Ranger]

Hi Hockeymom...I'm a hockey dad and I've lived in Ithaca NY, just 20 minutes from Cortland, all my life...over 50 years. Yes NYS is beautiful. I love the Finger Lakes, the Adirondacks, the Catskills, the St Lawrence River, BUT I am more than tired of the weather. It is and always has been very grey here...day after day. Ithaca and Binghamton get an average of 220 cloudy days a year. We get about 1 good day in 7. And summers are toooo short. Life is getting short and I'm looking at moving to Kentucky. I still love the 4 seasons but here we only get two: winter and 2 weeks of summer. I don't even have to mention cost of living and taxes...this is well known. Will I like KY?....don't know. Will I miss NY?....probably. But it's time to venture out and see what else is out there.

Ron

[mcmartian]

I live in NY state. there's still beautiful land. but the job prospects are not great. And the property taxes make housing unaffordable for a lot of people.

I'd love to move to virginia, where there's a longer growing season, summer actually exists and property taxes are lower.

[crazydebbie]

I too had the great honor of taking a tour through New England and Upstate New York a few years ago - amazing is all I can say. I currently live in Memphis, TN and have actually visited the Lake George area more often than any other area (I know it's touristy there but I love it!) - Only 4 hrs from NYC is a little piece of heaven. Just my 2 cents!

[Mallou]

Originally Posted by kbrkr

I wholeheartedly agree that upstate NY is one of the great splendors of the world. The Catskills, Finger Lakes, Adirondacks are breathtaking. But, let's get a dose of reality for a second.

I live downstate in Orange county New York. I work in Manhattan for a Wall Street Firm. I commute 2 hours each way to work every day. I've been assaulted once and been in several fist fights on the commuter train. I just purchased a dream home with 4000 sq ft on 2 acres for $750k . I've seen my Real Estate and School taxes rise from $8k to $19k per year. I've had to bring school supplies to my son's class as the teachers don't have the supplies they need. Gas is $3.10 per gallon for regular. I pay $315 per month for Heating oil and $250 per month for electric and will start paying up to $500 month for electric in the summer due to air conditioning. My children will not be able to afford to buy a house here. I just paid $4.50 one way to use the ferry from downtown Manhattan to Hoboken. I pay $267 per month for my rail ticket and another $300 per year for parking.

I'm too busy working two jobs to pay for all this to have any friends, go on vacation or even afford a vacation. I'm in debt up to my wazoo, I get up at 4:30 am and get home from work 6:30-7:00pm everyday. I haven't played golf in 8 months, everything I plant in my yard get's eaten by Deer.

I want to love New York, I really want to take in all it's splendor, but I'm just oo damn busy and broke to enjoy it. Wouldn't my bloom look better in a more affordable pot?

I'm surprised no one replied to this pity party. Maybe they're afraid to attack your ego. That's a big house. Two acres is NICE. What kind of cars do you own?
Downsize and you'll bloom like the beautiful mountainsides of NY state. I plan to move to downstate Orange. I've seen lots of listings with 2, 3, 4+ acres for a lot less money. A lot less taxes. Since you no longer have friends to hang out with you have no one to impress but the wife and kids.
If you can afford that much house you can afford a lot more life. You're full on the outside and empty inside. Do it. Do it. do it do it do it.
Good luck.

[Lolita723]

I moved from NYC to PR and then from PR to Upstate NY---I love it here.

[mom2gurls]

Originally Posted by Mallou

I'm surprised no one replied to this pity party. Maybe they're afraid to attack your ego. That's a big house. Two acres is NICE. What kind of cars do you own?
Downsize and you'll bloom like the beautiful mountainsides of NY state. I plan to move to downstate Orange. I've seen lots of listings with 2, 3, 4+ acres for a lot less money. A lot less taxes. Since you no longer have friends to hang out with you have no one to impress but the wife and kids.
If you can afford that much house you can afford a lot more life. You're full on the outside and empty inside. Do it. Do it. do it do it do it.
Good luck.

Wow I missed this one completely.....LOL..I agree..I have no idea how this person got suckered into paying that much moolah for a home..when you can live in the best district(from what I read at least) monroe/woodbury...for much less....550-600 will get you something on a beautiful piece of land..heck I have even seen newer mcmansions in rockland county (a closer commute) for 750k.

This is a total pity party. Dont people research the places where they are moving and factor in these things (schools, commute, gas, comparable home prices, affordability, lifestyle)--BEFORE THEY GO INTO CONTRACT?

I am contstantly baffled by the "I hate it here in NC, FL, GA)..because its too hot, or its too sticky, or there are bugs, or its too religious, or the schools are not up to par, or my personal favorite--I dont like the food (no pizza and bagels)...

I mean please, did you not visit there before you moved?