Sherman, New York

[trader1068]

Thanks so much for your insight. I do appreciate the balanced information. My father grew up in rural Maine..not so rural in that arean anymore. My parents were actually talking about moving up that way to be near the Grandkids if we do end up making the move. My wife and I have always been very close with our daughters and we believe we have a very strong set of core family values. As someone else pointed out, kids are going to do, and get into, certain things no matter where you live. It may be a little easier, though, in less rural areas to keep track of them as they get older. With the situation being as it is, the economy may force my wife and I to make some big decisions. The situation with the family business will allow me to have a very healthy salary for two days of work if I can do it in Hagerstown. It won't be as healthy as it is now, though. We have maintained a very healthy style of living and done lots of wonderful things and made unforgettable memories with the kids. In order to be able to afford to continue that, we feel we would need to lower our cost of living. We have additional family in Buffalo. The Sherman area provides very affordable housing, a low crime area, a local ski resort, <All 4 of us ski> and the ability <However rough it may be in Winter> to still work in Hagerstown. Sure, we could stay put and I could try to find another job to supplement my income to maintain the status quo so to speak. In today's job market, though, this might prove difficult. Even if I could do it, would it be worth Daddy working all the time, as opposed to all the time I spend witht the kids now and all the time I could spend with them if I had 5 out of 7 days off and lived in Sherman? These are some of the issues we are restling with. Thanks a lot for the input and if you, or anyone else, has any other input I'd really appreciate it.

[CrissCT]

You may also want to look into Bemus Point/Ellery. It is supposed to be the best school in the county, and I think taxes are a little lower because there are a lot of summer people who don't live there year round. Still not too far from skiing and close to 86. Again, good luck to you.

[trader1068]

Criss,
If we make the move we will end up building on a 6 1/2 acre piece of property we bought a while back. It is partially wooded and partially field and already has a clearing within the woods perfect for building on. We had originally bought it to someday put a getaway cabin on, but may make it a permanant home now. You bring up a good point about the taxes, which fortunately for us, someone brought up to us before we bought the property. The property is ACTUALLY in Mina, but is the last property on the Min/Sherman line. The Sherman sign is actually at the edge of the property...so the property is in the Mina tax area. Someone had told us to stay away from the Sherman taxes and that Mina, since it actually encompasses Findley Lake, has lower taxes than Sherman.

[CrissCT]

Sounds beautiful! You could always start off with a smaller home and add on if your arrangement works out.

Have you visited Crossroads farm market? I love it and can't wait to visit this summer.

[trader1068]

No, I actually haven't, but I have heard about it and we have talked about visiting there. We have come up 4 times already this year to ski at the Peek. It is not a giant mountain, but we love the family atmosphere and it is NEVER crowded.

[trader1068]

One more question. Is internet service available in these rural areas like Sherman? Do you have to use sattellite? DSL? Cable? Thanks!!

[CrissCT]

Most of my family has Dish network, but there are other options available. They have their internet through dish also. They don't live specifically in Sherman, but I think Dish network is available throughout the county.

Another thing to think about is medical care. You may be able to find an ok doctor for regular checkups but for anything serious, you will probably want to go to Erie or Buffalo. The hospitals in Jamestown & Dunkirk aren't great. Also, you aren't far from Cleveland and the renowned Cleveland Clinic.

[trader1068]

Thanks..I never really thought about Cleveland, just Buffalo and Erie. I was a police officer for 8 years and was injured in the line of duty and retired. I have since recovered, but also have a lifetime tax free pension as well as very good health insurance. As long as there are decent medical facilities and reliable local doctors health coverage should be taken care of. I gotta give you credit...you think of everything!!