Pennsylvania is regains status as 5th largest state in the nation. (Philadelphia: maintenance, taxes)

[cpomp]

PAs location will continue to benefit the state as people find it a more attractive place to live over New York and New Jersey. Also, if Philadelphia and its suburbs along with the Lehigh Valley continue to expand (and elect better leaders) that will propel the growth.

The massive project in the works in King of Prussia is a perfect example of how a metro should be expanding in 2017.

Outside of Chicago Land there isn't much going on in Illinois. PA has Philadelphia area, Lehigh Valley and the Pittsburgh area. Also the proximity to other large cities (NYC) has started to become a benefit.

[rowhomecity]

Originally Posted by cpomp

PAs location will continue to benefit the state as people find it a more attractive place to live over New York and New Jersey. Also, if Philadelphia and its suburbs along with the Lehigh Valley continue to expand (and elect better leaders) that will propel the growth.

The massive project in the works in King of Prussia is a perfect example of how a metro should be expanding in 2017.

Outside of Chicago Land there isn't much going on in Illinois. PA has Philadelphia area, Lehigh Valley and the Pittsburgh area. Also the proximity to other large cities (NYC) has started to become a benefit.

Yea Central PA (Harrisburg - Lancaster - York) also has seen quite a bit of growth. That region needs more of a vision and some better leadership regionally. But I think it is rated as the 3rd highest population growth after SEPA and Lehigh.

[cpomp]

Originally Posted by rowhomecity

Yea Central PA (Harrisburg - Lancaster - York) also has seen quite a bit of growth. That region needs more of a vision and some better leadership regionally. But I think it is rated as the 3rd highest population growth after SEPA and Lehigh.

Yes, I actually forgot about Lancaster County, but is one of the fastest growing counties in the state.

Side note, I am happy our neighbor to the South posted nice growth numbers too. (Delaware)

[ki0eh]

Maryland exports its growth as far west as Franklin County, especially into York County.

[Pine to Vine]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

Yeah property taxes (and retirement income) is what makes PA attractive on taxes. But income and sales tax are some of the highest.

I don’t get too work up about sales tax. There is no tax on groceries, clothing, or drugs and medical devices (both prescription and OTC). That covers about 90% of my purchases. For big box items, I always have the option of driving to Delaware or Amazon.

[Pine to Vine]

Originally Posted by Pilot1

Great. They flee their oppressive, high tax states, only to bring their Progressive, high tax, nanny state vision with them. Look for PA to become overwhelmingly Blue in the next few years, not that it isn't already.

Democracy can be so annoying that way, can’t it?

[rowhomecity]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

Yeah property taxes (and retirement income) is what makes PA attractive on taxes. But income and sales tax are some of the highest.

Pa Sales tax are nowhere near the highest. We are ranked #32, we have a reasonable sales tax structure compared to other states nationwide. Here is the data. https://taxfoundation.org/state-and-...ax-rates-2015/

I know alot of people are migrating from NJ to PA, and a BIG driver is property taxes. PA property taxes are not the lowest, but I cannot believe what they pay in NJ property taxes, it is frightening.

[Pine to Vine]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

Yeah property taxes (and retirement income) is what makes PA attractive on taxes. But income and sales tax are some of the highest.

Explain this to me because as a realtor, you should have a pretty good handle on the region’s tax burden. I don’t see the area’s taxes as particularly high. Philly has a wage tax of 3.89%. On the other hand, PA state income tax is a measly 3.07%. This equates to a total income tax burden of 6.96%. This compares with the following wage taxes in nearby states:

-New Jersey: 5.6 - 6.4% ($75K+ income)
-Delaware: 6.6% ($60K+ income)
-New York: ~6.5%
-Massachusetts: 5.1% (not clear if Boston levies a city tax)
-Washington, D.C.: 8.5% (income between $60,001 and $350,000)
-Maryland: 5.5 - 5.75%
-Virginia: 5.75%
-Washington, D.C.: 8.5% on taxable income between $60,001 and $350,000 (8.95% at higher incomes)

The total income tax burden of living in Philly is markedly better than that of DC and not terribly out of line with our neighbors. And who knows what local taxes in these other states are added on?

Though not tax-related, let’s not forget, for someone considering the other major east coast metros, Philly offers a decidedly low COL in comparison.

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by Pine to Vine

Explain this to me because as a realtor, you should have a pretty good handle on the region’s tax burden. I don’t see the area’s taxes as particularly high. Philly has a wage tax of 3.89%. On the other hand, PA state income tax is a measly 3.07%. This equates to a total income tax burden of 6.96%. This compares with the following wage taxes in nearby states:

-New Jersey: 5.6 - 6.4% ($75K+ income)
-Delaware: 6.6% ($60K+ income)
-New York: ~6.5%
-Massachusetts: 5.1% (not clear if Boston levies a city tax)
-Washington, D.C.: 8.5% (income between $60,001 and $350,000)
-Maryland: 5.5 - 5.75%
-Virginia: 5.75%
-Washington, D.C.: 8.5% on taxable income between $60,001 and $350,000 (8.95% at higher incomes)

The total income tax burden of living in Philly is markedly better than that of DC and not terribly out of line with our neighbors. And who knows what local taxes in these other states are added on?

Though not tax-related, let’s not forget, for someone considering the other major east coast metros, Philly offers a decidedly low COL in comparison.

Yes, DC is ridiculous-they seem to revel in it "taxation without representation" LOL.


For lower income families though, Philly is very high.


Philly Among Cities with High Tax Burdens
"This is especially important in Philadelphia, which has the second-highest tax rate in the country, as well as the second-highest rate of income taxes on low-income families, according to a report by 24/7 Wall St."

^This study looked at the tax burden of families making $25,000 and $125,000. Philly had the 2nd highest tax burden for both. (Actually Philly is tied for 1st with Birmingham, AL for highest tax burden on families making $25,000.)

I'm not complaining though-I am used to it and property tax is the most important factor to me. And as you demonstrated in your previous post-many items are excluded from the sales tax.


The wage tax can be lowered further as the city and region continue to grow though.
COL overall also should be factored into this though I agree. Philly really does shine here compared to our peer East Coast cities.

[Pilot1]

Originally Posted by Pine to Vine

Democracy can be so annoying that way, can’t it?

We live in a Republic, not a Democracy.