Cost of Living Comparison, Hudson Valley, NY to Central Piedmont, NC (Salem: real estate, how much)

[rdolet]

My husband and I are seriously planning a move to the Central Piedmont area of NC within the next few months after selling our home. He is a retired Federal worker, and I am a retired NYS worker. I know I will have to taxes on my state pension from NY but I don't know how much. I'm thinking that the difference in real estate taxes between NY and NC will more than compensate. I just read that NC taxes food - is that all food in the grocery store? What other taxes can we expect?

Will our retirement income go any further in NC. We are downsizing our home and expect to purchase in the $100,000 to $150,000 range with no more than 1/2 acre land, preferable 1/4 acre. We both turn 62 this year. I hope to find continuing part-time self-employment after the move - I have a Masters in Expressive Arts Therapy, certified in Music for Healing & Transition (a one-on-one bedside music service), and have other certifications as well, Yoga Dance, aromatherapy, Reiki, The Listening Program, and experience working with a variety of populations and ages. I'm currently two other rmusic/ vocal therapeutic training programs. I hope to work between 10-20 hours per week. I also have done preschool and elementary school age song, movement, rhythm classes for 10 years plus. I am not licensed in NY but that wouldn't matter anyway because NC is another state.

I'd like comments about cost of living, opportunities in my field(s) that may exist. We have many reasons why we are attracted to NC but I would like some reassurance about lower cost of living. NYS's real estate taxes are one of our major reason for driving us out but we also live in a rural area that has taken a long time to become receptive to alternative therapy practices.

Thanks.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by rdolet

My husband and I are seriously planning a move to the Central Piedmont area of NC within the next few months after selling our home. He is a retired Federal worker, and I am a retired NYS worker. I know I will have to taxes on my state pension from NY but I don't know how much. I'm thinking that the difference in real estate taxes between NY and NC will more than compensate. I just read that NC taxes food - is that all food in the grocery store? What other taxes can we expect?

Will our retirement income go any further in NC. We are downsizing our home and expect to purchase in the $100,000 to $150,000 range with no more than 1/2 acre land, preferable 1/4 acre. We both turn 62 this year. I hope to find continuing part-time self-employment after the move - I have a Masters in Expressive Arts Therapy, certified in Music for Healing & Transition (a one-on-one bedside music service), and have other certifications as well, Yoga Dance, aromatherapy, Reiki, The Listening Program, and experience working with a variety of populations and ages. I'm currently two other rmusic/ vocal therapeutic training programs. I hope to work between 10-20 hours per week. I also have done preschool and elementary school age song, movement, rhythm classes for 10 years plus. I am not licensed in NY but that wouldn't matter anyway because NC is another state.

I'd like comments about cost of living, opportunities in my field(s) that may exist. We have many reasons why we are attracted to NC but I would like some reassurance about lower cost of living. NYS's real estate taxes are one of our major reason for driving us out but we also live in a rural area that has taken a long time to become receptive to alternative therapy practices.

Thanks.

Trust me, you will see a significant savings in property taxes down here, as in, thousands of dollars, compared to NY. I'm thinking a good place for you to check out is the Winston Salem area - I think it's right up your alley and you can find a home in your price range in the surrounding area. It would also be just big enough for someone with your skills to find a job I believe.

Where exactly are you coming from? My sister is in Campbell Hall - I'm SHOCKED by what she pays a month for fuel oil up there, not to mention all the higher taxes. She is coming south again as soon as its possible


http://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/

[al_roethlisberger]

There are numerous cost of living calculators available online. Just "Google" for "cost of living calculator" and pick a few that you prefer and compare the results.

A quick search I just performed returned some like the following, although I can't vouch or offer any preference personally:

Salary.com's Cost of Living Wizard Tool

PayScale - Cost of Living Calculator

Cost of living: Compare prices in two cities - CNNMoney.com


As you've already noticed, trying to perform an apples-apples comparison on total costs is sometimes difficult due to so many differences in taxes alone, much less other considerations such as housing, fuel, and food costs to name a few. Combined they can sometimes present an unexpected result.

You can also find cost of living indexes as your local library, which is just a matter of a simple multiplier on your current and/or future income. These calculators and indexes are 100% perfect, but they can be just one more tool in planning what to expect.

Good luck!
Al