English, looking to the US (Buffalo, Rochester) (Greece, Lancaster: insurance, new home)

[ROB_AND_KATE]

Good day everyone

I've never used a forum before so appologies if I get any of it wrong.

My wife and I are looking to the USA as a possible destination due to the ridiculous prices of homes in the UK, escalating living costs, and mind boggling political scene here.

We have been looking at property websites and found that Rochester, Buffalo and their surrounding area's (have noted Erie Co. Monroe Co. & Niagara) are REALLY affordable. (put it this way, we live in the cheapest part of the UK and here a SMALL house in a bad neighbourhood will cost you £100,000 / $200,000) whereas I can see lots of nice 3/4bed houses for $15,000+
why is it so cheap? is it a bad area? is it low employment? or is it just that those are normal prices there?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

[garmin239]

You don't want to buy a home in those areas for 15k. That means its in a bad neighborhood. 100k will get you a decent home in those areas though.

[ROB_AND_KATE]

thanks Garmin, so thats $100,000 yes? still 1/2 what it'd be for a half-way decent one here!

[rubygreta]

Yes, Buffalo and Rochester are REALLY affordable, especially with the weak dollar. You will be shocked at what you can get for $100,000. Jump to $200,000 and you will really do well.

[Vanessa Saunders]

Hi guys, I am a fellow Brit that lives a lot further south (and warmer) than the Buffalo area. I live in Rockland just outside NY City. Moderator cut: soliciting However, I just got back from North Wales and was agast at the prices there especially when you factor in the currency exchange rates - AGHHH!!! So coming to the USA would be wonderful for you and in many ways if only it were easier to get a visa. What are your plans for gaining entry? Had you even thought about that aspect? Also have you researched any other areas? What was the motivation behind upstate NY? let me know if you'd like any further info and I'd be delighted to try and assist you.
Vanessa

[Viralmd]

Remember you also need a visa valid for working in the US. That's a couple of years' wait (at least).

[ROB_AND_KATE]

We don't mind the wait for the visa, a couple of years saving would be good. these area's aren't especially the area's we want, they just seemed cheaper! and we would guess about $100,000 to be our budget for our home! we dont need great schools etc, just a reasonable sized city, ideally with a rock scene, but most importantly a safe friendly place.
Thanks

[BuffaloTransplant]

Originally Posted by ROB_AND_KATE

We don't mind the wait for the visa, a couple of years saving would be good. these area's aren't especially the area's we want, they just seemed cheaper! and we would guess about $100,000 to be our budget for our home! we dont need great schools etc, just a reasonable sized city, ideally with a rock scene, but most importantly a safe friendly place.
Thanks

As of today, the British pould is $1.98 USD. So, whatever I put into dollars, you just need to halve it to get pounds ( sorry, I cannot get the symbol for pounds). I live outside Buffalo and you can buy a new home here in a subdivision for under $200,000 US ( or 100,000 pounds )

You can also get an older home in lots of suburbs for, on average, $115-130,000 USD or even less... one daughter got a small victorian in a suburb for $72,000 USD a few years back (about 36,000 pounds); it is 3 bedroom and 1 Bath and 2 parlors, kitchen and dining room and 2 porches, front and back. It is on a small lot, but about the size of what i expect you would get in a city there. I live on about 4 acres in the last suburb which backs up to a cornfield.... we bought it 35+ years back for less than $25,000. [Now, out here, you pay $25,000 for a single lot; this would go for about $125-140,000. I have a large vergetable garden and flower gardens. ] If you want the city itself, there actually are areas with homes that look like British rowhouses, but the prices are very high ( for here). City homes are less expensive in general. You might want a village type place: Kenmore, Williamsville, Lancaster, Orchard Park, E. Aurora. All have "villages": everything in walking distance as opposed to suburbs ( lots of driving to do).

This is one area where you will not see a big housing bubble burst since there never was a bubble -- except in a few new suburbs with very pricy areas.

There are clubs all over with music, many rock, many folk and lots more.

[skbs]

Originally Posted by ROB_AND_KATE

thanks Garmin, so thats $100,000 yes? still 1/2 what it'd be for a half-way decent one here!

I live in Rochester... If you would up your housing to even $150K it would be a better investment for you and put you into better areas. You are limited here with $100K if you are looking for a really safe area and since you can do $200K I would look at Pittsford, Perinton, Fairport, Penfield, Webster, Greece, Hilton, Victor.

Check out the Rochester forum

[Jezer]

I'm a Brit and have lived in the States.

You need to do your homework properly.

You need to look into all aspects of the cost of living.

For example you'll need to have yourself covered for healthcare- no NHS!

We found all insurance costs expensive and check out property taxes.

We had a great time but don't be fooled into thinking you'll be as well off as you think.

We were company sponsored to move there and that removed some of the hassle, but there was still much to think of.

Do you have children by the way?

We have one daughter and so schooling had to be taken into account.

I'm happy for you to contact me.

Good luck.